Moving costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Car shipping costs $1,000 to $2,000, with an average of $1,190, based on your distance and trailer choice.
The size and weight of your vehicle change the per-mile rate, with full-size trucks and SUVs costing more to ship than compact cars.
Extra insurance adds $150 to $300 to your bill, and boosts protection during long-distance transport.
Hiring a local moving company provides reliable help with vehicle transport and saves you the hidden costs of fuel, lodging, tolls, and wear-and-tear.
In 2026, the national average cost to ship a car is $1,190. Typical prices range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on distance, shipping method, and the type and size of your vehicle. Knowing what drives the cost can help you plan your budget and choose the right shipping option.
Several factors shape the cost of long-distance moving and vehicle transportation specifically, so understanding each one helps you budget accurately. The breakdown below shows how costs vary depending on the specific factor involved.
Distance is the single biggest factor in car shipping costs: the farther you ship, the higher the total price, though the per-mile rate actually decreases on longer routes. Costs vary by distance, as the table below shows.
My architecture firm used White Glove to assist with delivery and logistics for a couple of furniture pieces that we imported from Portugal for a Manhattan project. They were responsive and diligent with the necessary steps for insurance, coordination and delivery to an Upper East Side apartment building. Where they really shined for us was when one of the pieces arrived with damage from shipment: for a very reasonable fee, White Glove performed a full restoration right away that made it impossible to tell the incident had ever happened.
Distance is the most significant pricing factor when determining how much it will cost to transport a vehicle. In general, the farther you go, the more it will cost. However, the longer the trip, the less it will cost per mile.
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Price Range in 2026 |
|---|---|
| 500 | $1.20–$1.95 |
| 1000 | $0.80–$1.30 |
| 2000 | $0.70–$1.10 |
There are several vehicle transportation options available when moving a car, with truck trailer shipping being the most common choice. Costs vary significantly by method, as the breakdown below illustrates.
| Transport Method | Average Price Range in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Open Trailer | $600–$1,195 |
| Enclosed Trailer | $900–$2,500 |
| Train | $600–$1,005 |
| Ship | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Airplane | $5,000–$40,000 |
Vehicle size and weight play a significant role in shipping costs, with larger vehicles costing more to transport per mile than smaller ones. The table below breaks down average per-mile rates by vehicle type.
| Vehicle Size and Type | Average Per-Mile Price (1,000 miles) in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Compact | $1.05 |
| Mid-Size | $1.19 |
| MId-size Truck or SUV | $1.30 |
| Full-size Truck or SUV | $1.65 |
Luxury, high-value, and vintage vehicles typically cost more to ship because they require an enclosed trailer and additional insurance coverage, adding $300 to $1,300 over the cost of open trailer shipping. If you own a collectible or high-value car, factor this premium into your budget from the start.
A vehicle that cannot drive onto a trailer under its own power requires heavy equipment for loading, which increases the shipping cost beyond standard rates. The exact surcharge varies by moving company and the specifics of your vehicle, so get a direct quote if your car is inoperable.
Your pickup and drop-off locations directly affect the price, with door-to-door and inner-city service costing more than terminal-to-terminal shipping. Less-traveled routes can also push costs higher because carriers have fewer opportunities to share trailer space with other vehicles heading the same direction.
Auto shippers are required to carry liability insurance, but that coverage is often limited, and your personal vehicle policy may only partially fill the gap. Most shippers and brokers offer additional third-party insurance to cover those gaps, with extra policies running $50 to $300 depending on the level of protection you choose.
Sharing a trailer with other vehicles heading the same direction is substantially cheaper than booking a dedicated shipment, but expedited service that prioritizes your car's delivery comes at a premium price. If your timeline is flexible, opting for shared transport is one of the most effective ways to reduce your shipping cost.
Summer demand drives car shipping prices higher, so shipping in the fall or winter can meaningfully reduce your cost. The trade-off is that inclement weather and poor road conditions during colder months can slow delivery times.
Fuel prices are built into every shipping quote, so transporting your car during a period of elevated gas prices will increase your cost. Avoiding major price spikes is worth attempting if your schedule allows, though this variable is largely outside your control.
When shipping by truck, you choose between an open trailer and an enclosed one, with open transport exposing your car to weather and road debris while enclosed transport provides a protected environment. Enclosed shipping costs an average of $800 more than open transport on a 1,000-mile trip, and your position on an open trailer can also influence the final price. For most standard vehicles, open transport offers a practical balance of cost and acceptable risk, while enclosed shipping is best reserved for luxury, vintage, or high-value cars.
Driving your car to its destination yourself is often cheaper than professional shipping, but smaller expenses accumulate quickly on long-distance moves and can close that cost gap faster than expected. The sections below cover the most common out-of-pocket costs to plan for.
If you want to move a car as quickly as possible, you’ll likely have to take toll roads. The longer the drive, the more tolls you’ll encounter. Shipping companies usually cover this expense when moving a vehicle.
A multi-day drive requires overnight accommodations, and with average hotel prices around $150 per night, a cross-country trip can add several hundred dollars in lodging costs alone.
It’s hard to put an exact dollar on the wear and tear that a long road trip does to your car, but it’s worth considering maintenance and repairs. After driving hundreds or thousands of miles, you may need an oil change or tire rotation, and your tire tread will likely wear down.
The total distance you move affects everything from gas costs to the miles you put on your car. The latter is especially relevant if you lease the vehicle. Driving 2,000 miles to relocate the car will consume a big chunk of your lease agreement's annual allowance.
Many people have to take time off work when moving, and a long-distance move can take several days. One benefit of hiring a shipping company is that you can fly to the car’s final destination without using PTO or vacation days.
Shipping a car to or from Hawaii follows a process similar to mainland transport, but costs are higher, averaging $1,500 to $4,000 depending on your pickup location. Delivery timelines are also longer, sometimes stretching up to six weeks, so plan accordingly if you need your vehicle by a specific date.
When it comes to shipping your car, you may consider whether to do it yourself or hire a local moving professional. While DIY car shipping may seem more cost-effective at a glance, several might make you reconsider. When calculating costs, you’ll need to factor in the cost of fuel, food, hotels, and other expenses. In some cases, the cost of long-distance DIY car shipping can end up being higher than the price of professional vehicle shipping.
However, DIY car shipping may be a viable option if you're only moving your car a short distance. A local moving company can help you determine the most effective way to get your car to its destination. Ultimately, the decision between DIY car shipping and hiring a professional depends on the distance, time, and cost.
Car shipping can be costly, but there are several car-shipping tips and money-saving strategies to keep in mind:
Comparison shop: Get a few price quotes from different companies and compare them. Be sure to examine what each quote includes in service terms, insurance coverage, and any additional fees. Some companies might offer a lower upfront cost, but have hidden charges that can add up fast. Comparing these details side-by-side can help you identify the best value for your needs.
Be flexible with your scheduling: If you can be flexible with your shipping dates, you can find lower rates. Waiting for a transporter with space for additional vehicles rather than demanding a specific pick-up date can result in savings. Carriers typically prefer to move fully-loaded trailers or train cars to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.
Ask about discount options: Many car shipping companies offer discounts for various groups, such as AAA members, military personnel, seniors, students, and more. Always ask potential shippers if they provide any discounts. Even if they don't advertise these discounts, they may be available upon request—it never hurts to ask.
Opt for open-carrier shipping: While enclosed trailers offer additional protection from the elements and road debris, they come at a premium cost. Open-carrier shipping is significantly less expensive and, for most vehicles, isn’t overly hazardous for damage.
Book in advance: Planning your car shipment several months in advance can lead to cost savings, as last-minute bookings will typically incur extra costs. By arranging your car's transport ahead of time, you give shipping companies the flexibility to schedule your shipment in a way that is cost-effective for both parties involved.
Research and negotiate: Don't hesitate to negotiate with shipping companies. After gathering quotes, use this information as leverage to negotiate better rates. Companies are often willing to match or beat competitors' prices to secure your business.
Move during the off-season: The cost of shipping a car can vary throughout the year. Avoid peak moving times, like summer, when demand is at its highest and prices usually increase.
Shipping a car is a simple process that alleviates the inconvenience of relocating a vehicle yourself. Here are the main steps and a few tips to ensure your car gets from A to B stress-free.
Start by researching car shipping companies that service your area, particularly ones registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). If you know anyone who has recently moved, they might have a recommendation. Once you have a shortlist of options, compare quotes from different providers until you find one that matches your budget and needs.
You can choose between more economical open-air carriers and more protective but pricier enclosed trailers. You’ll also have to provide information about your car, the pickup and delivery locations, and any specific requests. Prepare your car beforehand by removing personal items, deactivating alarms, and ensuring the fuel tank is at least a quarter full. Document the car's condition with photographs and video recordings before the pick-up date.
On the day of pickup, the shipping company will inspect the car for pre-existing damage and note it on a bill of lading for you to sign. They’ll load the vehicle onto a trailer and transport it to the destination. When the car arrives, you and the driver will inspect the vehicle’s condition. Any issues should be recorded on the bill of lading. Finally, you’ll sign the documents and confirm receipt of your vehicle.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingCouldn't have been a worse experience. 3 of my belongings were lost and 5 belongings were damaged. My furniture was clearly dragged across the ground. The movers couldn't move the furniture I paid extra heavy weight fees for so I had to help them move my own furniture. The manager gave me...
US Interstate and RailExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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