How Much Does It Cost to Ship A Car in 2025

Moving? Buying a car from far away?

Getting your car there is a big worry. How much will it cost? It’s hard to find clear answers.

You search online, but prices change. It feels like a guessing game.

Don’t stress!

We’ll break down car shipping costs for 2025. You’ll learn the average prices.

You’ll also see why those prices change, and we’ll make it easy to understand.

Ready to find out how much it will really cost?

TL;DR:

Car shipping costs vary. Expect 40 cents to $1.96 per mile, or $760-$1,972 for short to long distances. Open transport is cheaper ($1,472 avg. for 1,504 miles), enclosed is pricier ($1,800 avg.). Factors like distance, car size, and time of year affect rates. Get multiple quotes and plan ahead to save money.

What Makes Car Shipping Costs Change?

Figuring out the average car shipping cost isn’t always simple. Lots of things can change the price.

Let’s look at the main ones:

How Far You’re Going:

• The longer the trip, the more it usually costs. Makes sense, right? More miles, more gas, more time.
• But, sometimes, the price per mile goes down for really long trips.

What Kind of Car You Have:

• Big, heavy cars cost more to ship. Think trucks and SUVs.
• Small cars? They’re usually cheaper.

Open or Enclosed Shipping:

• Open shipping is the most common and cheapest method. It’s like those big trucks you see with cars on them.
• Enclosed transport is like shipping your car in a closed trailer. It keeps the vehicle safe from weather and road debris. Although it costs more, it’s great for fancy or classic cars.

When You Ship:

• Shipping in busy times, like summer, costs more.
• Winter can also cause prices to go up because of bad weather.

Fuel Prices:

• When gas prices go up, so do auto transport costs. Those trucks need fuel!

Where You’re Shipping From and To:

• Shipping to or from big cities is usually easier and cheaper.
• If you’re in a small town or a far-off place, it might cost more.

Type of Service:

• Car transport costs change depending on if you want your car picked up at your door or if you will take it to a terminal.
• Expedited shipping will cost more, but it will get your car to its destination quicker.

So, when you consider car shipping prices, keep these things in mind. They all affect the final cost.

Alright, let’s break down the actual costs you can expect.

Average Car Shipping Costs

Okay, so you know what changes the price. But what are the real numbers?

Let’s dive into some average car shipping rates.

First, remember that the car shipping industry is always changing.

Prices can fluctuate, but we can give you a good idea of what to expect.

• Average Cost Per Mile:
  • On average, you’ll pay about 40 cents to $1.96 per mile, but this varies widely based on what we discussed earlier.
• Short Trips (Under 500 Miles):
  • Expect to pay around $500 to $1,800.
  • Even though it’s a short trip, the cost per mile can be higher.
• Medium Trips (500 to 1,500 Miles):
  • This could be anywhere from $760 to $1,472.
  • This is a very common distance for people moving from state to state.
• Long Trips (Over 1,500 Miles):
  • A cross-country trip? That can cost $1,100 to $3,100.
  • The price per mile goes down, but the total cost is higher.

• Open Transport:
  • For a 1,504-mile trip, expect to spend about $1,110 to $1,885.
  • The average is around $1,472, or $0.98 per mile.
• Enclosed Transport:
  • This will cost more. Expect $1,414 to $2,085, or about $1,800 total.
  • That’s about $1.20 per mile.

Remember, these are average car shipping rates. Your actual cost might be different.

You can easily rely on ShipYourCarNow to ship your cars safely.

That is why it is so important to get quotes from a few different companies.

Got it. Let’s make getting accurate quotes clear and simple.

Getting Quotes and What to Do After

So, you’re ready to find out what it’ll really cost to ship your car. How do you do that?

And what happens when your car gets there?

• Getting Quotes:
  • First, use a car shipping calculator. Many websites have these. Just put in where your car is going and what kind of car it is. This will give you a rough idea.
  • Next, get quotes from several auto transport services. Don’t just pick the first one you see. Talk to them and ask questions.
  • Remember those prices we talked about? For open transport, a 1,504-mile trip costs around $1,110 to $1,885. Enclosed are transport costs of about $1,414 to $2,085 for the same trip. Keep these in mind when comparing quotes.
• Special Cars:
  • If you have luxury or classic cars, you’ll want enclosed transport. It costs more, on average, around $1.20 per mile, but it keeps your vehicle safe.

• What to Check:
  • Make sure the company is licensed and insured. This is super important.
  • Read reviews. See what other people say about their experience.
  • Auto shipping can be stressful, so make sure to ask all your questions.
• After Your Car Arrives:
  • Do a full check of your car. Look for any scratches or dents.
  • Compare the car to any photos you took before you shipped it.
  • Complete a post car shipping checklist. This will help you remember everything.
  • If you see any damage, tell the shipping company right away.
  • Keep all of your paperwork.

Getting your car shipped doesn’t have to be hard.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Shipping

Shipping a car can be pricey, but there are ways to cut down on the cost.

Here are some tips to help you save:

• Plan Ahead:
  • Don’t wait until the last minute. Book your vehicle shipment early. Often, companies give better prices if you book in advance.
• Be Flexible:
  • If possible, be flexible with your dates. Shipping in the middle of the week or during off-peak seasons can save you money.
• Consider Terminal-to-Terminal:
  • Door-to-door shipping is convenient, but it costs more. If you can, drop off and pick up your car at a terminal. It’s usually cheaper.
• Use a Car Shipping Cost Calculator:
  • Use a car shipping cost calculator to get an estimate. This will help you budget and compare quotes.
• Compare Multiple Quotes:
  • Don’t just take the first quote you get. Get quotes from several companies and compare prices and services.
• Remove Extra Items:
  • The heavier your car, the more expensive shipping will be. Remove any unnecessary items.

• Open Transport (If Possible):
  • Enclosed transport services are great for protecting your car, but they cost more if your vehicle isn’t a classic or luxury model. Open transport can save you a lot.
• Avoid Peak Seasons:
  • Shipping during the summer or holidays is more expensive. If you can, ship during the off-season.
• Debunking Car Shipping Myths:
  • Be aware of car shipping myths. For example, the cheapest price is not always the best. A reputable company with good reviews is worth a slightly higher price.

By following these tips, you can save money on your car shipping and make the process less stressful.

In the End…

Shipping a car can seem tricky. But it doesn’t have to be. 😊

Now you know the basics. You understand what makes prices change. You know how to get quotes.

And you know how to save money.

Remember, prices change with distance and car size.

Open shipping is cheaper. Enclosed shipping keeps cars extra safe.

Get quotes from a few companies. Check their reviews. Plan to save money.

Shipping your car can be easy. Just do your homework.

You’ll get your car where it needs to go. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?

Cross-country car shipping costs between $1,100 and $3,100. The price depends on factors such as distance, vehicle size, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.

Is open or enclosed car shipping cheaper?

Open car shipping is generally cheaper. It averages $1,472 for a 1,504-mile trip. Enclosed shipping, which offers more protection, costs more, averaging around $1,800 for the same distance.

What factors affect car shipping prices?

Distance, vehicle size, shipping method (open or enclosed), time of year, fuel prices, and pickup/delivery locations all affect car shipping costs.

How can I get an accurate car shipping quote?

Use a car shipping calculator to get quotes from multiple auto transport services. Before making a decision, check company reviews and ensure they are licensed and insured.

What should I do after my car is delivered?

Inspect your car for damage, compare it to pre-shipping photos, complete a post-shipping checklist, and report any issues to the shipping company immediately. Keep all paperwork.