How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?

Get instant quotes and see what affects your auto transport price.

Car shipping cost depends on distance, vehicle type, transport method (open or enclosed), and timing.Yorka Auto Transport offers free, no-obligation quotes so you can see your exact price before booking.

There are no hidden fees—what you see in your quote is what you pay. Prices typically range from a few hundred dollars for short hauls to over a thousand for cross-country moves. The best way to know your cost is to get an instant quote online or speak with our team.

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What Affects Car Shipping Cost?

Distance

Longer routes cost more overall, but per-mile rates often drop on cross-country moves. A 500-mile trip will have a higher per-mile rate than a 2,500-mile coast-to-coast shipment.

Vehicle type

Standard cars cost less than SUVs, trucks, or non-running vehicles that need special handling. Oversized or inoperable vehicles require extra equipment and labor, which is reflected in the price.

Open vs enclosed

Open transport is the most affordable and is used for the majority of shipments. Enclosed transport adds cost but protects luxury or classic cars from weather and road debris.

When you ship

Booking in advance and flexible pickup dates usually mean better rates. Peak seasons (summer, end of month) can push prices up; flexibility often saves money.

For a full breakdown of every factor, see our car shipping cost factors page.

Map showing distance as a factor in car shipping cost

Distance and route matter

Mileage is the single biggest driver of auto transport pricing. A shipment from Los Angeles to Phoenix will cost less than Los Angeles to New York simply because of the distance. That said, cross-country routes often have better per-mile rates because carriers optimize for full loads on long hauls. Seasonal demand, fuel prices, and the specific corridor (e.g. I-95 vs. I-10) can also influence the final quote.

Vehicle and transport type

A standard sedan is the easiest and cheapest to ship. SUVs, trucks, and vans take more space on the trailer and may cost more. Non-running vehicles need a winch or other equipment to load and unload, which adds to the price. Choosing open vs. enclosed transport also has a big impact: open is the industry standard and most affordable; enclosed is premium and recommended for high-value or classic cars that need extra protection from the elements.

Vehicle type affects car shipping cost
Booking timing affects car shipping rates

Timing and flexibility

Booking early usually locks in better rates and more carrier options. If you can be flexible with your pickup and delivery dates, carriers can fit your vehicle into their route more efficiently, which often means a lower price. End-of-month and peak moving seasons (spring and summer) can see higher demand and slightly higher rates, so planning ahead pays off.

No hidden fees. Locked-in pricing.

Your quote is the price you pay. We don’t add surprise charges after you book. Get an instant estimate online or over the phone and book with confidence.

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