AUTO TRANSPORT PRICING
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Car shipping costs depend on your route, vehicle, timing and transport method. East Coast Auto Broker & Transportation provides vehicle-specific quotes based on the actual details of your shipment, whether you are moving a car to another state, shipping across the country or transporting multiple vehicles.
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✓ Nationwide Shipping
✓ Open & Enclosed Options
✓ Dealer & Multi-Vehicle Transport
Get Your Car Shipping Price
Tell us where the vehicle is going, what you are shipping and your preferred transport dates to request a personalized auto transport quote.
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UNDERSTANDING CAR SHIPPING COST
What Determines the Cost to Ship a Car?
There is no single flat rate for every vehicle shipment. Auto transport pricing is based on several factors that affect the space, equipment, time and route required to move your vehicle.
Distance & Route
The distance between pickup and delivery is one of the biggest pricing factors. Major transport routes may also have different pricing than rural or less frequently traveled locations.
Vehicle Size & Weight
Larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs use more carrier space and may weigh more than compact vehicles, which can affect the transportation rate.
Open vs. Enclosed
Open transport is commonly used for everyday vehicles. Enclosed transport provides additional protection and usually costs more because fewer vehicles can be carried at once.
Vehicle Condition
Vehicles that do not run or roll normally may require a winch or other equipment for loading and unloading, which can increase the transport cost.
Pickup Timing
Flexible pickup dates may provide more scheduling options. Expedited service or a very narrow pickup window can affect the rate needed to secure transportation.
Season & Availability
Demand, weather, fuel conditions and the number of available carriers on a particular route may influence vehicle shipping prices throughout the year.
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport Pricing
The type of carrier you choose can make a meaningful difference in your car shipping cost.
MOST COMMON OPTION
Open Auto Transport
Open car shipping is typically the more economical transport option and is commonly used for everyday cars, trucks and SUVs. Vehicles are transported on an open multi-car carrier similar to those used to deliver vehicles to dealerships.
- Commonly more affordable
- Widely available nationwide
- Suitable for most standard vehicles
- Good choice for regular interstate shipping
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed transport protects the vehicle from direct exposure to weather and road debris. Because enclosed carriers typically move fewer vehicles and use specialized equipment, enclosed shipping generally costs more than open transport.
- Added protection from road exposure
- Popular for classics and collectibles
- Common for exotic or luxury vehicles
- Specialized equipment and capacity
How Distance Affects Car Shipping Cost
Distance is an important part of auto transport pricing, but the total mileage alone does not determine the final rate. The route itself matters too. A vehicle traveling between major cities along a frequently used transport corridor may have different carrier availability than a vehicle being picked up or delivered in a remote area.
Short-Distance Transport
Regional shipments involve fewer total miles but still require carrier time, loading, unloading and scheduling. Because of those fixed transportation costs, a shorter shipment does not always have the lowest cost per mile.
State-to-State Shipping
Moving a car from one state to another is one of the most common types of auto transport. Rates depend on the specific origin, destination, vehicle and current transportation demand along that route.
Cross-Country Shipping
Cross-country vehicle transport has a higher total cost because of the distance involved, although longer routes may sometimes have a lower effective cost per mile than short-distance shipments.
Why Car Shipping Prices Can Change
Auto transport operates in a changing transportation market. Carrier availability and demand can vary from one route and week to another. That means a vehicle shipping price you receive today may not always be identical to a quote requested for the same route at a different time of year.
Seasonal Demand
Snowbird routes, holiday periods, moving seasons and major auction activity can affect transportation demand.
Fuel & Operating Costs
Changes in fuel and other carrier operating expenses may influence current transportation rates.
Carrier Capacity
Pricing can change when fewer carriers are available for a particular route or pickup window.
Does an Inoperable Vehicle Cost More to Ship?
An inoperable vehicle can usually still be transported, but it may cost more than shipping a vehicle that runs and drives normally. The carrier may need a winch or other equipment to safely load and unload the vehicle.
When requesting a quote, tell us whether the vehicle starts, steers, rolls and brakes. Accurate information helps determine the equipment needed and prevents avoidable delays at pickup.
COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT PRICING
Dealer, Auction & Multi-Vehicle Shipping Costs
Dealerships, auctions and businesses may need to move several vehicles at once or transport inventory on a recurring basis. Multi-vehicle transport pricing depends on the number and type of vehicles, pickup locations, delivery destination, timing and the carrier equipment required.
- Dealer-to-dealer transport
- Auction pickup and delivery
- Multiple vehicle shipments
- Fleet relocation
- Dealer inventory transportation
For multiple vehicles, provide as much information as possible so the shipment can be evaluated as a whole rather than pricing each vehicle without considering the overall load.
Need Multiple Vehicles Shipped?
Send us the vehicle list, pickup location and destination so we can review the transportation requirements.
How to Get the Best Auto Transport Price
The lowest advertised number is not always the same as a realistic transportation price. A good quote should be based on the actual vehicle, route and service you need.
Be Flexible When Possible
A wider pickup window may give your transport coordinator more carrier options than requiring pickup on one exact day.
Provide Accurate Details
Correct vehicle dimensions, operating condition and pickup details help avoid changes when the carrier arrives.
Choose the Right Service
If your vehicle does not require enclosed transportation, open transport may offer a more economical shipping option.
PRICING FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping Costs
How much does it cost to ship a car?
The cost to ship a car depends on the distance, route, vehicle size, operating condition, transport method, timing and carrier availability. Because every shipment is different, requesting a quote using your actual vehicle and route information is the best way to estimate the cost.
Is open car transport cheaper than enclosed transport?
Open transport is generally less expensive because open carriers can transport more vehicles and are more widely available. Enclosed transport uses specialized equipment and provides additional protection, so it usually carries a higher price.
Does it cost more to ship an SUV or truck?
Larger vehicles often cost more to transport because they use more carrier space and may weigh more than smaller passenger vehicles.
Does an inoperable vehicle cost more to transport?
It can. A vehicle that does not run may require a winch or specialized loading equipment. Providing the vehicle’s actual condition when requesting your quote helps determine the appropriate transport arrangement.
Does car shipping cost more during certain times of year?
Transportation demand can change throughout the year. Seasonal relocations, weather conditions, holidays and carrier availability can influence vehicle shipping rates on certain routes.
How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
The price depends on the specific states, pickup and delivery locations, mileage, vehicle type and current carrier availability. A shipment between major cities may price differently from a similar-distance route involving remote locations.
How much does cross-country car shipping cost?
Cross-country transport generally has a higher total price because of the distance involved. However, the rate per mile may differ from shorter shipments. The actual cost depends on your route, vehicle and transport method.
How do I get an accurate auto transport quote?
Provide the correct pickup and delivery locations, vehicle year, make and model, operating condition, preferred dates and whether you want open or enclosed transport. Accurate shipment information produces a more useful transportation quote.
Find Out What Your Vehicle Shipment Will Cost
Get a personalized auto transport quote based on your actual vehicle, route and transportation needs. East Coast Auto Broker & Transportation can help you review your shipping options and plan your vehicle’s move.