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How is my car transport cost calculated?
This is what we consider when calculating your shipping rate:
Transport Distance
The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate.
Vehicle Type
The type of vehicle being shipped will determine how much space is required on the transporter.
Shipment Date
The date of your desired relocation will determine the amount of available truck space at that time.
Instant Car Shipping Calculator
Complete the quick quote form below to calculate your instant car shipping cost
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We respect your privacy and do not distribute any personal information."Save time looking and just call Roadrunner Auto Transport - they truly helped make my move easier!"
Trish A.
Miami, FL
"I was able to get a quote and book within a few minutes. Simple and convenient experience - thank you RoadRunner!"
John T.
Houston, TX
"Out of all the car shipping companies we spoke with, RoadRunner was the most professional and knowledgable."
Corey L.
Boston, MA
"My car arrived in mint condition. The service was great and the personnel very courteous. Great job guys!"
Victor B.
Fresno, CA
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote from RoadRunner Auto Transport
Are you looking for a reliable and affordable car shipping service? Look no further than RoadRunner Auto Transport. With our instant online quote calculator, you can get a fast and accurate estimate for shipping your vehicle anywhere in the country. Whether you need open or enclosed transport, door-to-door delivery, or expedited shipping, we have you covered. Read on to learn more about our top-rated car shipping service.
Table of Contents
RoadRunner Auto Transport: Your Top-Rated Car Shipping Service
When it comes to shipping your precious car, you want a service that is not only reliable and affordable but also experienced and trustworthy - that's where RoadRunner Auto Transport comes in. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, RoadRunner has established itself as a top-rated car shipping service, offering a wide range of options to cater to all your car transport needs.
One of the key factors that sets RoadRunner apart from its competitors is our commitment to providing exceptional customer service. From start to finish, the team at RoadRunner works tirelessly to ensure that customers are kept informed, satisfied, and stress-free throughout the entire process of transporting their cars. With a dedicated team of customer service representatives available 24/7, you can be sure that any concerns or questions you may have will be addressed promptly and professionally.
Another advantage of RoadRunner Auto Transport is flexibility and versatility. Whether you need to transport a small car or a larger, heavier vehicle, RoadRunner has a variety of options to suit your needs. From open and enclosed transport to door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping, RoadRunner offers a wide range of services to cater to all your specific requirements. Additionally, RoadRunner also provides expedited shipping services for those who need their cars transported quickly and efficiently, without any delays or setbacks.
Of course, one of the most important factors in car shipping is safety and security. With RoadRunner Auto Transport, you can rest easy knowing that your car is in safe hands. All carriers used by RoadRunner are fully insured and licensed, and they adhere to strict safety standards to ensure that your vehicle is transported securely and with the utmost care.
Moreover, RoadRunner uses state-of-the-art tracking technology to keep customers updated on the progress of their shipments, giving them peace of mind and reassurance throughout the entire transport process.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that RoadRunner Auto Transport is committed to providing affordable and competitive pricing. With a price match guarantee and straightforward, transparent pricing policies, customers can be sure they are getting a fair and reasonable deal when they choose RoadRunner as their car shipping service provider.
Car Transport Cost Factors
If you're planning to transport your car, with RoadRunner you may be wondering how much it will cost. Our car transport services are available to help you move your vehicle from one place to another, but many factors can influence the cost.
Distance: Distance is one of the most significant factors affecting car transport costs. The farther your car needs to be transported, the more expensive it will be. For example, transporting a car from Los Angeles to New York will be more expensive than moving it from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
Type of transport: The type of transport method you choose for your car will affect the cost. Shipping your car in an enclosed trailer is more expensive than using an open trailer. The extra cost is due to the additional security and protection from environmental factors like dust, rain, and debris that an enclosed trailer offers. However, if security isn’t a concern, open trailers are a more affordable option.
Vehicle size and weight: The size and weight of your car will also affect the cost of transport. Larger and heavier vehicles require more space, fuel, and equipment and will, therefore, cost more to transport.
Timing: The timing of your car transport also affects the cost. If you need to transport your car during peak season, which is usually summer or holidays, you can expect to pay more. The same applies to shipping your car on short notice or during bad weather conditions. However, if you're not in a rush, you can save some money by booking in advance or during the off-season.
Insurance: Before transporting your car, you should ensure that it’s insured. Your car shipping company might offer insurance, but it’s essential to check the details and terms of coverage. Insurance is an additional cost, but it can protect you from financial losses if your car is damaged during transportation.
Location: The location of your pickup and delivery also affects the car transport cost. Shipping your car from or to a remote location or a non-major city can cause extra costs. Transporters prefer high-traffic areas, making it easier and more cost-effective to pick up and deliver your vehicle.
Additional services: Additional services such as express shipping, door-to-door transportation, or expedited shipping can increase the cost. For example, door-to-door transport picks up and drops off your car at your chosen location instead of a terminal, which can offer convenience but at an extra cost.
RoadRunner Auto Transport Benefits
If you are looking to transport your vehicle from one place to another, hiring a professional auto transport company can make the process much easier and stress-free. Here are some of the key benefits of choosing RoadRunner Auto Transport.
Convenient Auto Transport Options
At RoadRunner Auto Transport, we understand that every customer is unique and has different needs when it comes to vehicle transportation. For this reason, we offer a wide range of convenient auto transport options that cater to your specific needs. Whether you need open or enclosed transport, standard or expedited delivery, or a combination of different services, we have you covered. Our experienced team will work with you to create a customized plan that suits your requirements and budget.
Competitive Pricing
We understand that vehicle transportation can be expensive, which is why we offer competitive pricing to our customers. Our pricing is transparent and straightforward, with no hidden fees or surprises. We provide you with a free, no-obligation quote upfront, so you can view price and carrier availability for your specific route. Our pricing is backed by our proprietary car shipping rate algorithm, which guarantees that we'll provide the most accurate quote for your vehicle shipment.
Excellent Customer Service
At RoadRunner Auto Transport, we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service to our clients. Our team of experienced transport specialists is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have and provide you with updates on the status of your shipment. We also provide real-time tracking, so you can keep an eye on your vehicle throughout the entire transport process. Our goal is to ensure you have a stress-free and positive experience with us.
Fully Insured and Bonded
We understand that your vehicle is a valuable asset, so we take every precaution to ensure that it is transported safely and securely. We are fully insured and bonded, so your vehicle is protected throughout the transport process. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you can rest assured that we offer the most comprehensive coverage options for complete peace of mind.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car?
As of March 2023, the nationwide average cost to ship a car is $1,210. This is based on thousands of successful shipments, where the median distance was 968 miles and the median shipping cost per mile was $1.25.
Here are some example car shipping costs for popular transport routes:
- The average cost to ship a car from New York to Florida was $1,150 in October 2022 and $1,250 in January 2023. The difference reflects the highly seasonal nature or "snowbird season" where many dual residents migrate south to Florida after the holidays.
- Shipping from California to Virginia averages about $2,220. The enclosed carrier option also tends to be popular with coast-to-coast shipments.
- The average Michigan to Texas car shipping cost was about $1,510 in March 2023. Shipments to and from urban areas such as Detroit to Houston tended to be slightly cheaper due to higher carrier availability.
The overall cost of your transport will primarily depend on the overall distance and pick up and delivery locations. However, there are several other factors that can lead to a higher or lower price. Our instant car shipping calculator, based on mathematical models that ingest large amounts of historical data , can help you to plan your move by getting a highly accurate quote today.
How is My Car Shipping Cost Calculated?
Car shipping costs are calculated based on several factors: distance, vehicle type and size, transport type, pick-up and delivery locations, time of year, current fuel prices, and speed of delivery.
Longer distances, larger vehicles, and enclosed transport typically result in higher costs. Rural or hard-to-reach locations can also increase prices.
Costs may fluctuate depending on the time of year and fuel prices. Expedited shipping services are available for faster delivery but come at a higher cost.
Our car shipping specialists are always available to discuss which factors matter most to you for your particular car transport with the goal of getting you the best value through the process.
Delivery Distance and Speed
The distance between the pick-up and delivery locations is one of the primary factors in determining the cost of your car shipment. The further the distance, the higher the cost, as it requires more fuel, time, and labor. Overall, a shipment of 300 miles will be considerably cheaper than a car shipment of 2,000 miles. However, the further you ship a car, the cheaper it will be per mile. Almost all car shipments will cost between $0.50 and $2.00 for each mile traveled.
If your shipment is only 300 miles, expect your shipment to cost between $1.50 and $2.00 per mile. However, if your shipment is 2,000 miles, expect the cost per mile to fall between $0.50 and $1.00.
If you need your vehicle transported with minimum notice, expedited shipping services are available but typically come at a higher cost.
The Accessibility of your Pick-up and Delivery Locations
Urban areas tend to have more car transport carriers available, which can lower costs. However, if your pick-up or delivery location is in a rural or hard-to-reach area, the cost may be higher due to the additional time and effort required to reach the location.
Car shipping companies can also offer lower prices for pick-ups/deliveries that are in more populated areas, such as cities because they will likely be making most of if not all of their other pick-ups/deliveries in that same small area.
The Time of Year When Your Car Shipment is Scheduled
Demand for car shipping services can vary depending on the time of year. During peak seasons, such as over the summer, there may be higher demand, leading to increased prices.
"Busy season" for a car shipping company will usually run from May through September, the duration of the summer. If you want to keep the cost of your car shipment low and have the flexibility to ship during another time of the year, like in February, you should do so.
The Make, Model, and Size of Your Vehicle
The type, size, and weight of your vehicle can also impact the cost. Larger, heavier vehicles may require specialized equipment or more space on a transport carrier, resulting in higher shipping costs.
When a vehicle weighs more, the engine of the car carrier it is on needs to work harder to be able to move it. When the engine works harder, fuel gets burned more quickly. Thus, there is a higher fuel cost for carriers transporting heavier vehicles. This cost gets reflected in a slightly higher price for the customer.
The Type of Transport Service
Different types of car transport services are available, such as open transport and enclosed transport. Open transport is typically more affordable, as it allows more vehicles to be transported simultaneously. Enclosed transport offers additional protection for your vehicle but comes at a higher cost of a few hundred extra dollars. Other upgraded options, such as choosing to top-load your vehicle, will also come at an additional cost.
The Cost of Fuel at the Time of Your Shipment
The cost of gas for your auto carrier throughout its trip gets factored into the price of your auto shipment. Fortunately, your car will ship with several other cars, so this cost is split between each car in the shipment. Fuel prices can fluctuate over time, and higher fuel prices can lead to increased car shipping costs.
Over 30 Years of Reliable Open Carrier Car Shipping
A few reasons why open car transport is our most popular service:
Network of open car transport professionals
Over 10,500 certified open carrier car shipping experts in our advanced network of nationwide transporters.
Complete nationwide coverage
Direct service to and from anywhere in the country - our transporters will pick up and deliver at your home or business.
Frequent carrier availability
Open carrier transporters are the most common carrier on the road and provide the most flexible options for pickup and delivery.
Average Price Estimations Based On Mileage
This table shows average price estimations for car transport based on distance. The prices per mile decrease as the distance increases, which is a common pricing structure in the car shipping industry.
Distance
Average Price Per Mile
Sample Distance
Sample Price
0-500 miles
$0.80
250 miles
$200
500-1000 miles
$0.73
700 miles
$511
1000-1500 miles
$0.70
1000 miles
$700
1500-2000 miles
$0.48
1750 miles
$840
2000-2500 miles
$0.37
2400 miles
$888
2500-3000 miles
$0.35
2700 miles
$945
3000-3500 miles
$0.33
3200 miles
$1122
The following price per mile averages listed above reflect current market conditions as of January 2023
These rates are estimated and are subject to change due to seasonality, cost of fuel, exact locations, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle shipping process.
What is the cost of moving a car to another state?
To determine how much it will cost to move a car to another state, you can either use our instant car shipping calculator above to get a free online quote or call us at (888) 777-2123 to receive a quote from a car shipping cost estimator.
How is my car transport cost calculated?
When determining your vehicle transport cost, there are a few things we consider to provide you with an accurate rate quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date of desired transportation. These factors are the biggest contributors to determining accurate vehicle shipping costs.
Where will my car be picked up and delivered?
The driver will get the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pickup and deliver directly at your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet the truck at a large parking lot nearby, such as a grocery store.
How do I pay for my auto shipping?
All major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, bank/certified check will be accepted for deposit or full pre-payment. If there is a balance due upon delivery, the vehicle shipping and car transport carrier will accept cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.
What is the Bill of Lading and what exactly does it have to do with my shipment?
The Bill of Lading is a very important document used by car shipping companies that documents any pre-existing damage on the vehicle during the time of pickup. It also serves as a record of your contact info and the official agreement for transport. If you want to file any insurance claim regarding your shipment you will need the Bill of Lading.
Can I ship a car from an auto auction?
Yes, many of our business clients require service from salvage auctions and other types of auto auctions. Each auction will have different requirements to release a vehicle and we'll get all the necessary details from you at the time of booking. Please make sure the vehicle is fully paid and ready for release from the auction. Also be aware that if a vehicle is booked as operable but it turns out the vehicle is inoperable there will be additional cost and the original transporter may not be able to accommodate an inoperable vehicle.
What is Door-to-Door transport?
Door-to-door car transport is the full service delivery of your vehicle directly from the door at the pickup location to the door at the delivery location. Our drivers do their best to get as close as physically and legally possible to the pickup and delivery locations, but in certain instances there may be restrictions preventing them from being able to safely reach your door. Our transporters need ample space to maneuver and load/unload your vehicle. If your street is too narrow, or if there are hazards such as low lining trees or power lines, drivers may ask that you meet them at a location nearby where they can safely load or unload your vehicle, such as a large parking lot or shopping center nearby.
View all frequently asked questions
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