Classic and collector car shipping in 2026 runs $700–$1,400 for short regional hauls under 500 miles, $1,100–$2,500 for mid-range 500–1,500 mile routes, and $1,500–$4,500 for coast-to-coast 2,000–3,000 mile moves. Enclosed trailer transport is the standard for any vehicle worth over $50,000 and carries a 40–65% premium over the open-carrier rates that cover standard daily drivers. For ordinary sedans and SUVs that do not need enclosed handling, the car shipping cost calculator covers the open-transport market.
The single biggest cost variable for collector cars is declared value, because agreed-value cargo insurance riders scale with the vehicle price tier: $150k–$250k coverage is standard on most specialty carriers, $500k–$1M riders are routine on restored show cars, and $2M+ coverage is required for concours-level and auction-bound vehicles. A 1967 Shelby GT500 at $300k declared value ships for roughly $2,000–$3,200 coast-to-coast; a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa at $20M declared value ships in a dedicated two-car trailer for $10,000–$25,000+ with GPS, climate control, and white-glove service.
Pricing in this guide is aggregated from Passport Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, Intercity Lines, A-1 Auto Transport, Roadrunner, and Navi Auto Transport. Use the calculator above to scope your shipment, then read on for the agreed-value insurance checklist, the lift-gate handling details that protect original suspension and paint, and the event-week booking deadlines that trip up first-time auction shippers. For documentation of current collector market value before declaring an insurance limit, the car value calculator handles that research step.
