How Much Does It Really Cost to Ship a Car to Another State? A Complete Breakdown

Introduction

If you’re planning a move, purchasing a vehicle online, or sending a car to a friend or family member in another state, you’re likely asking the big question: What’s the cost to ship a car to another state?

It’s a common concern and one that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. The final price can vary significantly depending on several key factors, including the distance of the move, the type and size of the vehicle, the time of year, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.

Understanding these cost variables is essential for budgeting effectively and avoiding unexpected fees. Whether you’re trying to figure out the cost to move a car to another state or simply exploring your options, having accurate information upfront makes all the difference.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: How prices are calculated, what influences them, average rates by distance and vehicle type, and more.

Plus, you’ll learn how Move Cars makes the car shipping process faster, easier, and more transparent by connecting you with a wide network of reliable car shipping companies across the country.

Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs

When trying to calculate the cost to ship a car to another state, it’s important to understand the variables that affect pricing. While there’s no fixed rate for vehicle transport, certain factors play a significant role in determining what you’ll pay.

Whether you’re shipping across a few hundred miles or cross-country, knowing these elements can help you better plan your budget and avoid surprise charges. Here’s a breakdown of the most common cost influencers:

Distance

The distance between pickup and delivery locations is one of the most straightforward pricing factors. The longer the distance, the higher the cost, but also the lower the cost per mile in many cases.

Long-haul shipments benefit from economies of scale, but fuel costs, tolls, and the driver’s labor time all contribute to the total. For instance, shipping a car 500 miles will cost significantly less than a 2,000-mile cross-country trip, but the cost per mile tends to decrease with longer routes.

Vehicle Type & Size

Not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans take up more space on a trailer and add more weight, which can increase fuel consumption and reduce the number of vehicles a transporter can haul.

Similarly, specialty or luxury vehicles may require soft tie-downs, added insurance, or custom loading processes. If you’re transporting a lifted truck or a low-clearance sports car, expect the price to reflect those needs.

Shipping Method: Open vs. Enclosed

Your choice of shipping method can make a big difference in both protection and cost.

• Open Transport is the most affordable and widely used method. Your vehicle is exposed to the elements but safely secured on a multi-car trailer. This option is ideal for standard cars and budget-conscious shipping.
• Enclosed Transport costs more but offers maximum protection from weather, dust, and road debris. It’s the preferred choice for classic, vintage, exotic, or luxury vehicles. Some enclosed transports also offer white-glove service, which includes extra care during loading and unloading.

Seasonal Demand

Timing your shipment can influence your final price. Car shipping costs typically rise during peak seasons:

• Winter: Snowbird traffic increases demand as people move south.
• Summer: More families relocate while school is out, creating another seasonal spike.
• Holidays: Limited availability and increased demand can push rates higher.

Booking in advance or choosing off-peak windows (like early spring or fall) may help you save money.

Market Demand & Route Popularity

The popularity of your route and overall market demand can also affect pricing. Transport lanes with high demand—such as major city-to-city routes—often have more available transports, which can lead to competitive pricing.

On the other hand, rural pickups or drop-offs may require a car transport to deviate from their main route, increasing your total cost. Market dynamics such as fuel price surges or driver shortages, can also play a role.

Special Requirements

Some customers require services beyond standard transport, which can add to the total cost. These may include:

• Expedited Shipping: Faster delivery, but at a premium price.
• Top-Load Preference: Keeps your vehicle on the upper level of a trailer to reduce exposure to road debris or leaks from other vehicles.
• Additional Insurance: For high-value vehicles, you may want coverage beyond the standard transporter liability policy.
• Door-to-Door Service: This is convenient but may cost more than terminal-to-terminal shipping, especially in remote areas.

Average Costs by Distance

Generally, the farther your car needs to travel, the more you’ll pay overall—but you may pay less per mile on longer trips. The type of transport you choose (open or enclosed) also plays a big role. Below is a breakdown of estimated average costs by distance range, giving you a rough idea of what to expect when budgeting for your move.

Keep in mind: These prices are estimates. Your final quote may vary depending on your car’s size, condition, pickup/drop-off location, time of year, and any special shipping requirements.

Average Costs by Vehicle Type

The type of vehicle you’re shipping has a major impact on the total transport cost. Larger, heavier, or high-value vehicles typically cost more to move—not just because of their size but due to the special handling and equipment they may require.

Here’s a breakdown of average shipping costs by vehicle type to help you understand how your car’s make and model could affect pricing:

Sedans

$600–$1,200 (open), $1,000–$1,800 (enclosed)

Sedans are among the most affordable vehicles to ship due to their compact size and lighter weight. Open transport is typically sufficient, but owners of luxury sedans may opt for enclosed trailers for extra protection.

SUVs

$800–$1,400 (open), $1,300–$2,000 (enclosed)

SUVs are bulkier and heavier than sedans, which increases the shipping cost. Depending on the model and value, you may want to consider enclosed shipping—especially for newer or high-end SUVs.

Trucks

$900–$1,500 (open), $1,400–$2,200 (enclosed)

Shipping a truck usually involves more logistics due to its size and weight. Larger models or those with modifications (like lift kits) may incur higher rates or require special equipment to load and transport.

Luxury Cars

$1,000–$1,600+ (enclosed recommended)

Luxury vehicles deserve premium protection. Enclosed shipping is highly recommended to shield these high-value cars from weather, road debris, and potential wear during transit. Costs vary depending on the vehicle’s value and transport distance.

Specialty Vehicles (Classic, Exotic, or Vintage Cars)

$1,200–$2,500+ (enclosed only)

These vehicles often require white-glove service, climate-controlled trailers, and extra insurance coverage. Enclosed shipping is the industry standard for protecting irreplaceable classics and exotic models during long-distance transport.

Seasonal Cost Variations

When it comes to the cost of shipping a car to another state, timing matters more than many people realize. Like most logistics-driven industries, car shipping is heavily influenced by seasonal demand, weather conditions, and transport availability.

Understanding how the time of year affects pricing can help you plan smarter and potentially save hundreds of dollars on transport.

Summer

Peak season = higher prices

Summer is the busiest time of year for car transport. Between cross-country moves, college relocations, and vacation travel, demand for auto shipping skyrockets. As a result, prices are often higher—especially for long-distance or expedited deliveries. While availability is broader, you may pay a premium for quick turnarounds.

Winter

Unpredictable weather = delays and surcharges

Winter months introduce challenges like snowstorms, icy roads, and limited daylight hours. These conditions slow down routes and reduce transport availability. Add in the annual snowbird migration—when retirees ship vehicles between the North and South—and prices can surge, particularly along popular seasonal routes.

Spring & Fall

Best time for budget-conscious shippers

These shoulder seasons are generally considered the most cost-effective times to ship a car. Demand is lower, road conditions are better, and transport have more flexibility in scheduling. If your timeline is flexible, spring and fall offer a great balance between affordability and availability.

Holiday Periods

Expect limited availability and potential delays

Major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s can disrupt shipping schedules. Many drivers take time off, and fewer transports are on the road, which reduces capacity. Booking during these times may result in longer wait times or higher rates due to increased demand and tighter schedules.

Step-by-Step Cost Estimation Guide

If you’re wondering how much it will actually cost to transport a car to another state, you’re not alone. Car shipping quotes can vary widely depending on a range of factors—but with the right approach, you can get an accurate estimate in minutes.

This simple step-by-step guide walks you through the process of calculating your shipping cost and finding the right auto transporter for your needs.

Know Your Details

Before you can get an accurate quote, you’ll need to gather key information about your shipment. Be prepared to provide:

• Pickup and delivery locations
• Vehicle make, model, and condition (running vs. inoperable)
• Shipping timeline (flexible dates may help lower the cost)
• Preferred delivery type (door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal)

These details allow transport companies to calculate distance, route difficulty, and required equipment—crucial elements for pricing.

Choose a Shipping Method

Decide between open transport (most affordable and commonly used) or enclosed transport (ideal for classic, exotic, or luxury vehicles). Your choice will have a major impact on the final quote.

• Open transport: Budget-friendly, but your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris.

• Enclosed transport: Higher cost, but offers full protection and peace of mind for valuable or delicate vehicles.

Tip: If your car is standard or newer and you’re not concerned about exposure, open transport is usually sufficient.

Use a Calculator

Visit the Move Cars quote tool to get a personalized estimate based on your shipping details. It only takes a few seconds to receive competitive quotes from multiple auto transporters—all in one place.

The calculator factors in real-time market demand, your chosen route, vehicle details, and transport method to give you a transparent price range.

Compare Auto Transporters

Not all transporters are the same. Move Cars lets you browse vetted auto transporters and compare them based on:

• Customer reviews and ratings

• Pricing transparency

• Pickup and delivery availability

• Insurance coverage and service options

This makes it easy to select a company that aligns with your budget and timeline—without sacrificing quality.

Just click on Move my car and start this simple process!

How Move Cars Makes Shipping Hassle-Free

When figuring out the cost to ship a car to another state, the number on the quote isn’t the only thing that matters. What really counts is peace of mind—knowing your vehicle is in good hands from pickup to drop-off.

That’s where Move Cars comes in. We simplify the entire car shipping process by connecting you with trusted, vetted transporters and offering tools that make your experience smooth, secure, and stress-free.

Transparent Pricing – No Hidden Fees, No Surprises

With Move Cars, what you see is what you get. Our quote tool pulls real-time rates from transporters so you can compare prices upfront without worrying about surprise charges later.

We believe in full transparency, so you can plan your budget with confidence.

Wide Network of Auto Transporters

We don’t just connect you with a single transporter, we give you access to a broad network of top-rated auto transporters. Whether you need a basic open trailer or specialized enclosed shipping, you’ll find companies with the right experience, equipment, and availability for your needs.

Real-Time Tracking – Monitor Every Mile

Once your vehicle is on the move, you can track its journey in real-time. Move Cars partners with transporters that offer GPS tracking and status updates so you’re never left in the dark about your car’s location or estimated arrival.

Dedicated Customer Support

Have a question? Need help adjusting your delivery window? Our friendly support team is here to assist you from the moment you request a quote until your vehicle reaches its destination. We’re here to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Insurance Coverage for Added Protection

Every shipment booked through Move Cars includes standard insurance coverage, giving you extra protection and peace of mind during transit. For high-value or specialty vehicles, additional coverage options are also available.

Conclusion

When you’re planning to ship a car to another state, understanding the cost isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. From the distance and your vehicle’s size to the season and transport method, knowing what factors affect pricing can help you budget wisely, compare options confidently, and avoid overpaying.

Whether you’re relocating across the country, buying a car from out of state, or sending a vehicle to a loved one, the right shipping partner makes all the difference. Move Cars simplifies the entire process, connecting you with vetted, top-rated auto transporters who deliver quality service at competitive rates.

Ready to ship your car without the stress?

Get your free quote now and find the best auto transport company for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions