Car Shipping Costs in 2025: What to Expect and How to Save
A transparent breakdown of car shipping costs across North America. Learn what factors affect pricing and how to get the best value for your vehicle transport.
One of the first questions people ask about car shipping is “how much will it cost?” The honest answer is: it depends. But we can give you a clear picture of what drives pricing so there are no surprises.
Average Car Shipping Costs
Here are typical ranges for standard sedan transport in 2025:
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $400 - $700 | $700 - $1,100 |
| 500 - 1,000 miles | $600 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 |
| 1,000 - 2,000 miles | $800 - $1,300 | $1,300 - $2,000 |
| Cross-country (2,500+) | $1,000 - $1,800 | $1,800 - $2,500 |
These are estimates for a standard sedan. Larger vehicles, SUVs, and trucks will cost 10-25% more due to additional weight and space requirements.
Factors That Affect Your Price
1. Distance
The biggest factor. Longer distances cost more in total, but the per-mile rate actually decreases. A 500-mile shipment might cost $1.40/mile, while a 2,500-mile move could be $0.60/mile.
2. Vehicle Size and Weight
Carriers have weight limits and limited deck space. A compact car takes less room than a full-size pickup truck, so it costs less to ship.
3. Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Open carriers are the standard and most affordable option. Your car rides on a multi-vehicle trailer exposed to weather (the same way new cars are delivered to dealerships). Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more but provides protection from weather, road debris, and prying eyes.
Choose enclosed for: Classic cars, luxury vehicles, exotics, or any vehicle worth over $50,000.
4. Seasonal Demand
The snowbird season (October-March) drives up prices on routes to and from Florida, Arizona, and Texas. Summer is peak season for most other routes. Booking during shoulder seasons (April-May, September) often yields the best rates.
5. Pickup and Delivery Locations
Door-to-door service to urban areas is generally straightforward. Rural or remote locations may incur an additional fee of $50-$150 because carriers have to deviate from their standard routes.
6. Timeline
Standard shipping takes 7-14 days for cross-country moves. If you need expedited service (3-5 days), expect to pay a 30-50% premium.
How to Get the Best Price
- Book early: Last-minute shipments always cost more
- Be flexible on dates: A 3-5 day pickup window gets better rates than a specific date
- Choose terminal-to-terminal: If there’s a carrier terminal nearby, dropping off and picking up there saves $100-$200
- Get multiple quotes: But be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true — they often are
Get Your Quote
Ready to find out exactly what your shipment will cost? Use our free calculator for an instant estimate based on your specific route and vehicle.