If you’re asking how much is it to ship a car, you want a straight answer, not fluff. The short version: most standard sedans moving within the continental U.S. run about $900–$1,400 on open transport and $1,400–$2,000 on enclosed, with meaningful swings based on distance, route demand, vehicle size, season, and pickup/delivery access. Below, we break it down so you can predict your own rate before you get a quote.
Prefer a quick estimate? Get a fair, transparent quote from SpeedyWay: fast response, no spam, and door-to-door options.
Call (984) 343-8444 or start on our car shipping services page.
What actually moves your price up or down
When people search how much does it cost to ship a car, they usually see wide ranges. Here’s what drives the spread.
- Distance and lane demand
- Short hops under 300 miles cost more per mile but less overall.
- Long runs are cheaper per mile but higher total.
- Popular lanes (major interstates and metro corridors) are cheaper than rural, out-of-the-way routes.
- Transport type
- Open auto transport is the industry standard and best value.
- Enclosed auto transport costs more but protects classics, exotics, and show cars.
- Vehicle size and condition
- Bigger, heavier vehicles cost more.
- Inoperable vehicle shipping adds a fee for winch/loading time.
- Timing and season
- Summer and snowbird seasons (late fall and early spring) raise prices on those lanes.
- Flexible pickup windows can lower your rate.
- Pickup and delivery access
- Door-to-door is standard, but tight streets, gated communities, and remote areas may require meeting at a wider road or nearby lot, which can affect pricing and timing.
Typical price ranges (estimates)
These ballpark ranges assume a standard sedan, operable, door-to-door, and average market conditions. Final rates depend on your exact route and timing.
Open transport (most common)
- 0–300 miles: $350–$650
- 300–800 miles: $600–$900
- 800–1,500 miles: $800–$1,200
- 1,500–2,500 miles: $1,000–$1,400
- Cross-country (2,500–3,000 miles): $1,200–$1,700
Enclosed transport (premium protection)
- 0–300 miles: $600–$900
- 300–800 miles: $900–$1,300
- 800–1,500 miles: $1,100–$1,600
- 1,500–2,500 miles: $1,400–$2,000
- Cross-country: $1,700–$2,400+
Want exact numbers? Grab a custom quote on our car shipping services page or call (984) 343-8444. If you already searched car shipping near me, we serve North Carolina, Texas, Florida, California, and all 48 states plus Hawaii.
How much is it to ship a car across country?
“Across country” typically means coast-to-coast or 2,500+ miles.
- Open transport: about $1,200–$1,700
- Enclosed transport: about $1,700–$2,400+
Flexible pickup dates and metro-to-metro routes can keep you closer to the low end. Tight dates or rural endpoints push higher.
How much is it to ship a car to Florida?
Florida lanes surge during snowbird season. If you’re planning that trip, check our dedicated guide:
👉 How to ship my car to Florida: a comprehensive guide
Rule of thumb: Northeast to Florida on open transport is often $1,000–$1,300 in peak months and lower in off-season with flexible timing.
How much is it to ship a car to California?
California attracts strong carrier coverage along I-5 and I-10.
- From the Midwest to SoCal on open transport: ~$1,000–$1,300
- From the East Coast to CA on open: ~$1,300–$1,600
Expect more for enclosed, oversized vehicles, or tight pickup windows.
How much is it to ship a car to Hawaii… and from Hawaii?
Hawaii involves two parts: trucking to a West Coast port and ocean shipping.
- Mainland port to O‘ahu (Honolulu): ~$1,100–$1,600 port-to-port
- Neighbor islands: add ~$300–$400
- Trucking to port: often $200–$600 depending on distance/access
Coming back (how much is it to ship a car from Hawaii) is similar. Most customers do port-to-port and add door service on the mainland. Learn more on our Hawaii auto transport page.
For port rules and vehicle prep, see the Hawaii DOT and carrier guidelines; always verify current requirements before booking:
• Hawaii DOT Motor Vehicle info (registration, inspections) – hawaii.gov
• U.S. DOT consumer tips – transportation.gov
• Maritime updates – maritime.dot.gov
How much is it to get a car shipped if it’s a truck, SUV, or inoperable?
- Compact sedan: baseline pricing
- Midsize SUV or minivan: +$100–$250
- Large SUV, ¾-ton+ truck, lifted or modified: +$150–$400
- Inoperable (won’t start/run/steer/brake): typically +$100–$200 for winch and extra handling
For non-runners, see Inoperable vehicle shipping.
Open vs enclosed: which should I pick?
- Choose open if you want the best value and your vehicle is a daily driver or typical used car.
- Choose enclosed for classics, exotics, low-clearance performance cars, fresh restorations, or any vehicle where cosmetic protection is the priority.
We offer both, plus Motorcycle shipping and specialty options.
What about door-to-door service?
Most SpeedyWay moves are door to door car shipping. If your street can’t safely fit a large carrier, we’ll coordinate a nearby meeting point like a big parking lot. Good access can trim both your price and pickup time.
Quick DIY estimator
This won’t replace a live quote, but it gives you a sense:
- Start with a distance band from the tables above.
- Add vehicle adjustments (SUV/truck, low clearance).
- Add condition fee if inoperable.
- Add enclosed premium if you need it.
- Consider season and flexibility; firm, peak-season dates can add 5–15%.
Looking for how much to deliver a car or how much to get car shipped today? Call (984) 343-8444 for a real carrier-ready number.
How to lower your car shipping cost without risking quality
- Be flexible on pickup window when possible.
- Meet in a carrier-friendly spot if your street is tight.
- Choose open transport for everyday vehicles.
- Avoid last-minute bookings around major holidays or snowbird rush.
- Keep the vehicle stock (extreme lifts, racks, or very low splitters can limit availability).
- Ask for multi-vehicle pricing if shipping two cars.
How Much Is It to Ship a Car? (Real-World Averages vs. SpeedyWay)
When people ask how much is it to ship a car, the most honest answer is: it depends on distance, trailer type, route demand, vehicle size/condition, and season. Still, national data points to consistent ranges you can use as a baseline.
National Averages (2025 snapshots)
Open trailer — typical market midpoints per mile
- Short (0–500 mi): ~$1.25/mi
- Medium (500–1,500 mi): ~$0.88/mi
- Long (1,500+ mi): ~$0.63/mi
Enclosed trailer — typical market midpoints per mile
- Short: ~$2.00/mi
- Medium: ~$1.25/mi
- Long: ~$1.00/mi
These midpoints fall inside widely cited market ranges ($0.60–$1.50/mi open and $0.90–$2.50/mi enclosed depending on distance/season/route).
SpeedyWay Pricing (your current live bands)
Open trailer (est. per-mile)
- Short: $0.90–$1.40 (midpoint $1.15)
- Medium: $0.65–$0.90 (midpoint $0.775)
- Long: $0.40–$0.65 (midpoint $0.525)
Enclosed trailer (est. per-mile)
- Short: $1.40–$2.40 (midpoint $1.90)
- Medium: $0.90–$1.40 (midpoint $1.15)
- Long: $0.65–$1.15 (midpoint $0.90)
What that means for your wallet
Compared with national midpoints, SpeedyWay is consistently cheaper:
- Open trailer: ~8% lower (short), 11% lower (medium), 16% lower (long).
- Enclosed trailer: ~5% lower (short), 8% lower (medium), 10% lower (long).
So if you’re comparing how much is it to ship a car with different providers, our per-mile math usually beats “market average” by a noticeable margin—without cutting corners on timing, coverage or carrier quality.
Example Trip Totals (midpoint math)
| Route & Trailer | Market Avg | SpeedyWay | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 mi, Open | ~$375 | ~$345 | ~$30 |
| 800 mi, Open | ~$700 | ~$620 | ~$80 |
| 1,500 mi, Open | ~$938 | ~$788 | ~$150 |
| 2,500 mi, Open | ~$1,563 | ~$1,313 | ~$250 |
| 300 mi, Enclosed | ~$600 | ~$570 | ~$30 |
| 800 mi, Enclosed | ~$1,000 | ~$920 | ~$80 |
| 1,500 mi, Enclosed | ~$1,500 | ~$1,350 | ~$150 |
| 2,500 mi, Enclosed | ~$2,500 | ~$2,250 | ~$250 |
Totals use the midpoints shown above. Your instant quote reflects the exact route, season, vehicle type (sedan vs. SUV vs. truck), condition (running vs. inoperable), and carrier availability on your dates.
What keeps your price lower here?
- Dense carrier network → more options, faster dispatch, better lanes.
- Smart routing → we optimize for the best lane timings (especially on long-haul).
- Transparent per-mile bands → no surprise fees for standard door-to-door service.
If you’re ready to see how much it is to ship a car for your exact route, grab an instant quote on our home page or compare Open Auto Transport vs Enclosed Auto Transport. Planning a seasonal move? Check Snowbird Auto Transport. Sending a vehicle to campus? See Student Auto Transport. And if Florida is on your mind, here’s our full guide: How to Ship My Car to Florida.
Why SpeedyWay pricing stays fair
- We confirm real carrier availability before quoting.
- No surprise fees for normal door-to-door.
- Live shipment tracking and responsive dispatch.
- Licensed, insured carriers only.
- Clear prep checklist so drivers can load quickly and safely.
Explore services:
• Open auto transport
• Enclosed auto transport
• Auctions auto transport
• Student auto transport
• Snowbird auto transport
FAQs (straight to the point)
How much is it to ship a car?
For most sedans in the lower 48, $900–$1,400 open or $1,400–$2,000 enclosed, depending on route, timing, and access.
How much is it to ship a car across country?
Open: $1,200–$1,700. Enclosed: $1,700–$2,400+. Flexible dates and metro endpoints help.
How much is it to get a car shipped if I need it fast?
Rush or guaranteed pickup windows cost more because they reduce carrier flexibility. Expect +5–20% depending on lane and season.
How much is it to ship a car to Florida?
Often $1,000–$1,300 from the Northeast on open transport during peak. See our guide: Ship a car to Florida.
How much is it to ship a car to California?
Typical East Coast to CA, open transport: ~$1,300–$1,600; Midwest to SoCal: ~$1,000–$1,300.
How much is it to ship a car to Hawaii and from Hawaii?
Plan on $1,100–$1,600 for ocean port-to-port to O‘ahu plus $200–$600 if you need trucking to the port. Neighbor islands add extra.
How much would it cost to ship my car if it’s inoperable?
Usually add $100–$200. Tell us your vehicle condition so we dispatch the right equipment.
Can you ship a car with personal items?
Light items are sometimes allowed below the window line at your own risk and may affect pricing. Ask dispatch for current policy before loading.
Is insurance included?
Carrier cargo insurance is standard. Photograph the vehicle at pickup and delivery for clean documentation.
Final word: how much is it to ship a car… really?
It’s mostly about your route, your dates, and your vehicle. If you want exact, carrier-ready pricing without games, we’ll give you a real number and options in plain English. That’s why customers searching how much to ship a car or how much to get car shipped end up choosing SpeedyWay.
- Start here: car shipping services
- Or call now: (984) 343-8444