Car Shipping Cost Calculator — Estimate Auto Transport Rates

Shipping a sedan 2,500 miles coast-to-coast costs roughly $750–$1,125 with open transport and $1,050–$1,800 for enclosed. Prices vary by season, vehicle size, and pickup flexibility. January and summer months add a 20–25% seasonal premium.

• Coast-to-coast open transport (2,500 mi sedan): $750–$1,125
• Coast-to-coast enclosed transport: $1,050–$1,800
• SUVs and trucks add $100–$200 to the base rate
• Peak season (Jun–Aug, Jan): 20–25% premium over off-season
• Flexible pickup window saves $50–$100 on average

Open transport works well for 90% of vehicles. It costs 40–60% less than enclosed and is perfectly safe for everyday cars. Enclosed transport protects against weather, road debris, and UV exposure, making it worth the premium only for exotic, classic, or high-value vehicles over $50,000.

• Open transport: $0.30–$0.70 per mile, most common method
• Enclosed transport: $0.42–$1.12 per mile, 40–60% more expensive
• Open carriers hold 7–10 vehicles, more frequent runs, faster pickup
• Enclosed carriers hold 2–6 vehicles, longer wait times
• Damage rates for open transport are under 1% industry-wide

Transit time averages about 500 miles per day. A 1,000-mile shipment typically takes 2–4 days, while coast-to-coast runs take 7–10 days. Pickup scheduling adds 1–7 days depending on your location and flexibility.

• Average speed: approximately 500 miles per day over the road
• Short haul (under 500 mi): 1–3 days transit
• Medium haul (500–1,500 mi): 2–5 days transit
• Long haul (1,500–3,000 mi): 4–8 days transit
• Pickup scheduling adds 1–7 additional days before transit begins

Yes, non-running vehicles cost $150–$300 extra because the carrier needs a winch or forklift to load and unload the vehicle. The car must roll, steer, and brake to qualify as running. Even if the engine starts but the transmission is stuck, it counts as non-running.

• Non-running surcharge: $150–$300 on top of the standard rate
• Vehicle must roll, steer, and brake to qualify as “running”
• Winch or forklift loading increases labor and time
• Some carriers refuse non-running vehicles entirely
• Disclose the condition upfront to avoid surprise fees at pickup

September through November and February through April are the cheapest months. Summer (June–August) and January are peak season due to snowbird migration and relocation demand. Shipping off-peak and with flexible dates can save 20–30% total.

• Cheapest months: Sep–Nov and Feb–Apr (off-peak)
• Most expensive months: Jun–Aug and January (peak season)
• Peak season premium: 20–25% higher rates
• Flexible pickup window saves an additional $50–$100
• Booking 2–4 weeks early saves 10–15% versus last-minute