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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 Cost Calculator
Complete the quick quote form below to calculate your instant car shipping cost
1Origin & Destination
2Vehicle Details
3Shipment Details
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"The driver was professional and courteous. Very pleased with my entire experience with RoadRunner Auto Transport."
Sally D.
Atlanta, GA
"This is our 3rd time shipping with RoadRunner and we've had nothing but good experiences - Thank you RoadRunner!"
Charles K.
San Antonio, TX
"I called RoadRunner and was able to have my car picked up that same day and delivered over 500 miles away the next day!"
Joan B.
Boston, MA
"We have used RoadRunner Auto Transport two times. Both times, the experience was nothing less than stellar."
Kate K.
San Diego, CA
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car?
As of October 2025, the nationwide average cost to ship a car is $1,215. This is based on thousands of successful shipments, where the median distance was 987 miles and the median shipping cost per mile was $1.23.
Here are some example car transport quotes for popular transport routes:
- The average cost to ship a car from New York to Florida was $1,315 in February 2025 and $1,215 in October 2025. The difference reflects the highly seasonal nature or "snowbird season" where many dual residents migrate south to Florida after the holidays.
- The average car shipping cost from California to Virginia averages about $2,225. The enclosed carrier option also tends to be popular with coast-to-coast shipments.
- The average Michigan to Texas car shipping cost was about $1,495 in January 2025. 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.
Average Price Estimations Based On Mileage
This table shows average price estimations for car shipping cost 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
500-1,000 miles
$0.73
700 miles
$511
1,000-1,500 miles
$0.70
1,000 miles
$700
1,500-2,000 miles
$0.48
1,750 miles
$840
2,000-2,500 miles
$0.37
2,400 miles
$888
2,500-3,000 miles
$0.35
2,700 miles
$945
3,000-3,500 miles
$0.33
3,200 miles
$1,122
The following price per mile averages listed above reflect current market conditions as of September 2025
These rates are estimated and are subject to change due to seasonality, cost of fuel, exact locations, etc.
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 carriers, door-to-door delivery, or expedited shipping, we have you covered. Read on to learn more about our top-rated auto transport services.
How is the Car Shipping Cost Calculated?
Car shipping costs or auto transport quotes 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 companies 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.
Auto transport 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
The demand for auto transport provider 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 vehicle shipping companies 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 car transport quote. 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 vehicle shipping companies 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.
Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed car shipping is a premium transportation method for vehicles, offering superior protection against external elements. Enclosed transport services include transporting cars inside a fully enclosed trailer, safeguarding them from weather, road debris, and dirt. It's particularly favored for high-value, luxury, antique, or exotic cars where extra care is essential. While more expensive than open car transport, the benefits justify the cost for those who value the utmost care for their vehicles.Open Car Shipping
Open car shipping is the most common and economical option for transporting vehicles over long distances. In this method, cars are loaded onto an open trailer, exposed to the elements, similar to how new cars are delivered to dealerships. This cost-effective approach is typically around less expensive than enclosed car shipping. While the vehicles are exposed to weather and road conditions, modern carriers are designed to ensure safety and minimize the risk of damage. Open car shipping is a practical choice for standard vehicles and those not requiring special protection.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.
The Condition of Your Vehicle
It costs less to ship a running car than a vehicle that doesn't run. If your car can be loaded onto the carrier without any extra help, you can expect to pay standard rates. If your vehicle doesn't run or has mechanical issues that require special handling, you can expect additional fees. Carriers will need winches, dollies, or other equipment to get your car on and off the truck. This extra work takes more time and effort from the driver, which translates to higher shipping costs.
Your Vehicle Shipment Route
Where you're shipping makes a big difference price-wise. Popular routes between major cities usually cost less because carriers run these routes regularly and can fill their trucks more easily. Think of routes like California to Texas or Florida to New York. There's steady demand, so prices stay competitive.
If you're shipping to or from a rural area or small town, expect higher costs. Carriers have to make special trips to reach remote locations, and they can't always find return loads nearby. This extra driving time and fuel consumption gets factored into your quote. Weather and terrain matter too. Mountain routes in winter or areas prone to severe weather can add risk and complications, which are accounted for in your quote.
What is The Cost to Ship a Car in Different Seasons
The cost to ship a car can vary significantly depending on the season during which you plan to move your vehicle. Various factors, including weather conditions, demand for shipping services, and the availability of carriers, can influence the car transport quote. Understanding how these seasonal variations affect transport costs can help you plan your car shipment to take advantage of the best rates and ensure a smooth process.
Ship a Car in Summer
Summer is one of the busiest periods for car shipping companies, mainly due to favorable weather conditions and the surge of people moving or purchasing vehicles online. The increased demand often results in higher prices compared to other seasons. Additionally, the summer months coincide with the vacation period, meaning there might be fewer transport carriers available, which can further push up prices. Despite higher costs, the advantage of shipping during summer includes fewer delays due to adverse weather, making it a reliable choice for timely deliveries.Ship a Car in Fall
Fall generally marks the beginning of the off-peak season for car shipping, leading to more competitive pricing. As families settle into the new school year and the summer moving rush winds down, demand for auto transport tends to decrease. This reduction in demand can translate into lower costs for consumers and more flexibility in scheduling shipments. Cooler temperatures and more predictable weather also contribute to a smoother shipping process during fall, although early snowfalls in northern routes could start to affect scheduling and pricing as winter approaches.Ship a Car in Winter
Winter is often the most challenging season to ship a car, particularly in areas that experience severe weather. Snow, ice, and storms can cause significant delays and route closures, impacting the availability of carriers and potentially elevating prices, especially in urgent shipping scenarios. Despite these challenges, the overall demand for car shipping services drops in the winter, which can result in lower prices for the customer. It's a good period to ship if you're not in a rush and can afford some flexibility in your delivery schedule, as carriers might offer attractive rates to fill their quotas.Ship a Car in Spring
Spring is a transitional period in the car shipping industry, with prices gradually increasing from the winter lows as demand starts to pick up. The weather is generally favorable across much of the country, reducing the risk of delays related to winter storms. As families and individuals begin planning for summer relocations or buying cars online, the demand for shipping services starts to climb. While prices are on the rise, they typically haven't reached the peak levels observed in summer, making spring a reasonably balanced time to ship a car both cost-wise and in terms of service reliability.RoadRunner Auto Transport Benefits: Why Ship With Us?
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 to Prepare Your Car for Safe Transport
Prepare your car for safe transport is an essential step to ensure its protection during
Firstly, clean your vehicle thoroughly, both inside and out. This not only makes it easier to inspect for any pre-existing damage but also helps identify any new scratches or dents upon arrival.
Check tire pressure, fluid levels, and battery charge to ensure the car is in good running condition, facilitating easy loading and unloading.
Ensure that the gas tank is only about a quarter full to reduce weight and minimize safety risks
Secure or remove any moving parts or protruding elements
Remove all personal items and loose accessories from the car, such as custom spoilers, antennas, or mirrors, to prevent loss or damage
Finally, document the car's condition with photos from different angles and not any existing damage. This careful preparation aids in a smooth transportation process and offers peace of mind.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation 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.
What details do you need to place an order?
We will need the address for the locations that your vehicle will be picked up from and delivered to, along with the name and phone number of the contact person at each location. We will also need the date that your vehicle will be ready and the year, make, and model of the vehicle(s) that will be transported.
How far in advance should I schedule my transport?
The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.
How do I pay for my auto shipping?
We accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, and bank/certified check for the deposit or full pre-payment of your shipment. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.
How much gas should I have in my car during transport?
You should have about a quarter of a tank of gas in your car at the time of shipment. This leaves enough for the car to be loaded and unloaded but doesn't add much additional weight.
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