What does car shipping actually cost? Here's a transparent, no-fluff breakdown of pricing factors, average rates by route, and how to avoid overpaying.
Average Car Shipping Costs in 2025
The national average cost to ship a car in 2025 is approximately $950, but prices range widely depending on distance, carrier type, and route popularity. Short routes under 500 miles typically run $500–$850. Medium routes (500–1,500 miles) average $850–$1,300. Long-distance and cross-country routes typically cost $1,300–$2,050. These are averages for a standard sedan on open transport — actual quotes may vary.
Key Factors That Affect the Price
Distance is the biggest factor — longer routes cost more, but the cost per mile actually decreases on longer hauls. Vehicle size also matters: compact cars cost less to ship than SUVs, trucks, or vans because they take up less space on the carrier. Open vs. enclosed transport has a significant price impact (see our open vs. enclosed guide). Route popularity affects pricing too — popular routes like New York to Florida have daily carrier runs and competitive pricing, while more rural routes may cost more due to limited carrier availability.
Seasonal Pricing Variations
Car shipping prices fluctuate by season. The highest demand — and highest prices — occur in late spring (May–June) as snowbirds head north, and in early fall (September–October) as snowbirds head south. Summer months also see elevated prices due to college moves and military PCS season. The most affordable times to ship are January–February and October–November outside of snowbird peak.
How to Get the Best Price
Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance to give carriers time to find your vehicle a spot at the best rate. Be flexible with pickup dates — a 2–3 day window instead of a specific date can lower your cost. Avoid peak seasons if possible. Use a reputable broker (like EZ Auto Movers) who has access to a large network of licensed carriers to find the most competitive rate. Always get quotes that are all-inclusive — no hidden terminal fees, surprise add-ons, or unexpected charges.
What's Included in Your Quote
A legitimate car shipping quote from EZ Auto Movers includes: door-to-door pickup and delivery, carrier liability insurance (typically $100,000–$250,000), real-time tracking, and a dedicated customer service representative. It does NOT include personal items left inside the car, and it assumes the vehicle is in operational condition. Non-running vehicles require special winching equipment and cost more to transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get a Free QuoteFrom the Knowledge Center
- Route Pricing, ExplainedHow auto transport prices are built per route — distance, density, vehicle class, season, and the per-mile math that brokers actually run.
- Seasonal Cost FluctuationsWhy the same shipment can price differently week to week — load board liquidity, fuel index, carrier availability, weather, and the seasonal mechanics behind every quote.
- Metro vs Rural PricingWhy shipping between major metros is dramatically cheaper than the same distance to or from rural origins or destinations.
- Fuel Cost Adjustment, ExplainedHow fuel cost adjustments work in auto transport — diesel index tracking, the lag between fuel changes and quote changes, and why diesel is the second-biggest line item in every shipment.