Shipping guides
What actually sets the price of shipping a car
Distance matters, but it’s only one part of the quote. Here’s what drivers weigh when they price your car, and how to get better offers.
Maya Chen
· 2 min read
Two people shipping the same car the same distance can get very different quotes. That’s not random. Drivers price each job around the cost and effort of fitting it into a trip, and a handful of details move that number more than anything else.
Distance and route
Longer trips cost more in total, but usually less per mile. A cross-country run spreads fuel, tolls, and time over many miles, while a short trip still carries the fixed effort of loading, unloading, and paperwork.
The route matters too. Pickups near major highways and busy corridors are easier to fit into a driver’s schedule. Rural or out-of-the-way addresses can add time, so they often cost a little more.
Vehicle size and condition
Car carriers are limited by both space and weight. A full-size pickup or SUV takes up more of the trailer than a compact sedan, so it usually costs more to move.
Condition matters as well. A car that runs and drives can be driven onto the trailer. A non-running car needs a winch or a different loading setup, which takes extra equipment and time. Always say up front if the car doesn’t run.
Open or enclosed trailer
Open carriers move most cars and are the most affordable option. Enclosed trailers protect the car from weather and road debris, but they carry fewer vehicles per trip, so they cost more. Enclosed transport is worth it for classic, luxury, or freshly restored cars.
Timing and flexibility
A tight pickup window limits which drivers can take the job. Giving a few days of flexibility lets more drivers fit your car into a trip they’re already making, which usually means more offers and lower prices.
Seasons play a part too. Demand on some routes rises at certain times of year, such as when people move south for the winter, and prices on those routes can follow.
The short version
- Longer trips cost more in total but less per mile.
- Bigger and non-running vehicles cost more to move.
- Enclosed trailers cost more than open ones.
- Flexible dates bring in more offers.
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