How much does it cost to ship a car? (2026 pricing guide)
Real price ranges by distance, vehicle type and season — plus the seven factors that move your quote up or down, and how to get the lowest rate without sacrificing a good carrier.
The short answer: most people pay $500–$1,800 to ship a car in the U.S. The long answer depends on seven variables, and understanding them is the difference between a fair price and overpaying by hundreds of dollars.
Average car shipping cost by distance (open carrier, running sedan)
| Distance | Average cost | Cost per mile | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $450 – $700 | $1.20 – $2.00 | Los Angeles → Las Vegas |
| 500 – 1,000 miles | $650 – $950 | $0.85 – $1.20 | San Francisco → Denver |
| 1,000 – 1,500 miles | $850 – $1,200 | $0.70 – $0.90 | Los Angeles → Dallas |
| 1,500 – 2,500 miles | $1,000 – $1,500 | $0.55 – $0.70 | San Diego → Chicago |
| 2,500+ miles (coast to coast) | $1,200 – $1,800 | $0.45 – $0.60 | Los Angeles → New York |
Notice the per-mile rate drops as distance grows. Long hauls are the most cost-efficient per mile, which is why coast-to-coast shipping is usually cheaper than most people expect.
Cost by vehicle type (cross-country, open)
| Vehicle | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Compact / sedan | $1,100 – $1,500 |
| Mid-size SUV / crossover | $1,250 – $1,650 |
| Full-size truck / large SUV | $1,400 – $1,900 |
| Lifted / oversized / dually | $1,700 – $2,400 |
| Motorcycle | $600 – $1,000 |
| Non-running (add) | +$100 – $200 |
| Enclosed (add) | +40% – 60% |
The 7 factors that determine your price
- Distance and route. Major-metro lanes (LA–Dallas, SF–Seattle) have more trucks and lower prices than rural or out-of-the-way routes.
- Vehicle size and weight. Bigger vehicles take more trailer space and fuel.
- Open vs. enclosed. Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars and cost more to operate.
- Season. Summer and snowbird months (Oct–Dec southbound, Mar–May northbound) are peak. January–February and September are typically cheapest.
- Operability. Non-running cars need winch or liftgate equipment.
- Timing flexibility. A 2–3 day pickup window beats a hard date. Expedited pickup adds $150–$400.
- Fuel prices and carrier supply. Rates shift weekly with diesel prices and truck availability, which is why Horizon prices in real time.
How to get the lowest price (without the bait-and-switch)
- Book 1–2 weeks ahead
- Offer a flexible pickup window
- Choose open transport unless your car truly needs enclosed
- Ship in off-peak months when you can
- Pick up/deliver near major metros or interstates if possible
- Ship multiple vehicles together for a multi-car discount
Is shipping cheaper than driving?
For a 2,800-mile cross-country trip, driving costs roughly $350–$450 in fuel, $300–$500 in hotels, $150+ in food, plus 3,000 miles of depreciation and wear (the IRS values that at ~$2,000) and four to five days of your time. Shipping for $1,200–$1,600 and flying for $200–$400 is usually the better deal, and far less risk.
Get your exact price in 30 seconds
Guides give ranges. The quote tool gives your real, all-in number for your exact lane, vehicle and dates.
Get Instant Quote (408) 688-5807Car shipping cost FAQ
Are there hidden fees in car shipping?
Not with Horizon. Our quote includes pickup, delivery, carrier insurance and all fuel. The only additions are things you choose (expedited, enclosed) or disclose (non-running).
Is the deposit refundable?
Nothing is charged until a carrier is assigned. You can cancel before that at no cost.
Why did my quote change from another company?
Many sites show estimates designed to get you to call. Horizon's engine prices against live carrier rates, so the number you see is what moves your car.
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