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Instant Car Shipping Cost Calculator
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- 1Route & Date
- 2Vehicle
- 3Shipper
"The driver was professional and courteous. Very pleased with my entire experience with RoadRunner Auto Transport."
Atlanta, GA
"I called RoadRunner and was able to have my car picked up that same day and delivered over 500 miles away the next day!"
Boston, MA
"From the time of quote to the pick up of my vehicle and the delivery there was very good communication throughout."
Oakland, CA
"I was able to get a quote and book within a few minutes. Simple and convenient experience—thank you RoadRunner!"
Houston, TX
Get your car shipping estimate in 30 seconds
- 1
Enter your route and date
Pickup and delivery ZIP codes, plus your first available date. Flexible dates unlock lower rates.
- 2
Describe your vehicle
Enter the year, make, and model. Size, weight, and operability are priced in automatically.
- 3
See your price instantly
Your car shipping quote appears on screen the moment you submit: a real price for your route and vehicle, ready when you are.
An estimate you can actually book
Plenty of sites show a teaser range that changes as soon as a salesperson gets involved. Your RoadRunner car shipping estimate works differently: it is a real quote, priced for your specific shipment from live carrier availability and three decades of route history, which is why it can appear on screen the moment you submit the form. And when you are ready, booking takes minutes: there is no upfront deposit, and you pay nothing until your vehicle is scheduled for pickup.
- Over 30 years of shipment history on every major U.S. route
- Live carrier availability between your pickup and delivery points
- Seasonality, fuel costs, and vehicle class factored in automatically
Shipping Your Car Has Never Been Easier
RoadRunner Auto Transport is the #1 choice for quick, easy and safe car transport
- Over 1 million vehicles safely delivered
- Licensed & insured carriers in all 50 states
- No upfront deposit (pay at delivery)
How much does it cost to ship a car?
As of 2026, the nationwide average cost to ship a car is $1,215. This is based on thousands of successful RoadRunner shipments, where the median distance was 987 miles and the median shipping cost per mile was $1.23.
The average cost to ship a car in 2026 is $700–$1,100 for standard door-to-door open transport. Auto transport costs vary based on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and season.
Shipping Cost by Distance
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $300–$500 | $500–$750 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $500–$800 | $750–$1,100 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $700–$1,000 | $1,000–$1,400 |
| 1,500–2,000 miles | $900–$1,200 | $1,300–$1,700 |
| 2,000+ miles | $1,100–$1,600 | $1,500–$2,200 |
Real Route Examples
The average cost to ship a car from New York to Florida was $1,315 in February and $1,215 in October. The difference reflects the highly seasonal nature of "snowbird season," where many dual residents migrate south to Florida after the holidays.
The average car shipping cost from California to Virginia is around $2,225. The enclosed carrier option also tends to be popular with coast-to-coast shipments.
The average Michigan to Texas car shipping cost was about $1,495 in January. Shipments between urban areas such as Detroit to Houston tended to be slightly cheaper due to higher carrier availability.
Your final price will depend primarily on distance and pickup and delivery locations, but several other factors can affect that number. For the most accurate estimate on your specific route, use our instant car shipping calculator. It runs on mathematical models drawing from a large base of historical shipment data and returns a highly accurate quote in minutes.
Get Your Instant QuoteTop 10 inbound and outbound states for 2026
Where are people moving? RoadRunner shipment data shows the dominant migration patterns driving shipping demand.
Where are people moving?
Florida — 28,980 arrivals
Texas — 21,440 arrivals
Arizona — 14,200 arrivals
North Carolina — 12,100 arrivals
South Carolina — 9,800 arrivals
California — 45,964 departures
New York — 38,200 departures
Illinois — 19,400 departures
New Jersey — 14,600 departures
Massachusetts — 11,200 departures
Car shipping cost by distance, vehicle & carrier type
Cost by distance
The longer the haul, the less you pay per mile: cross-country moves average $0.33 per mile vs $0.80 under 500 miles.
| Distance | Avg $/mile | Sample distance | Sample price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–500 miles | $0.80 | 250 miles | $200 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.73 | 700 miles | $511 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $0.70 | 1,000 miles | $700 |
| 1,500–2,000 miles | $0.48 | 1,750 miles | $840 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.37 | 2,400 miles | $888 |
| 2,500–3,000 miles | $0.35 | 2,700 miles | $945 |
| 3,000–3,500 miles | $0.33 | 3,200 miles | $1,122 |
Cost by vehicle type
A pickup truck averages $279 more than a sedan; motorcycles ship cheapest of all.
| Vehicle type | Avg cost | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Coupe | $1,193 | $850–$1,500 |
| SUV / Crossover | $1,271 | $900–$1,650 |
| Pickup Truck | $1,472 | $1,050–$1,900 |
| Motorcycle | $680 | $500–$950 |
| Luxury / Exotic | $1,850 | $1,400–$3,200 |
| Inoperable vehicle | +$200 | Added to base rate |
Open vs enclosed cost
Open car shipping is how the large majority of vehicles move, on the same open trailers that deliver new cars to dealerships, carrying up to 10 vehicles at a time. It accounts for 93% of shipments, and at a $1,205 average in 2026 it is also the most affordable option. Enclosed car shipping averaged $1,804 (a premium of about $599, or 50%). Enclosed trailers carry only 2 to 6 vehicles, but they fully protect them from weather and road debris, which makes the premium worth paying for luxury, classic, and other high-value vehicles.
One more number worth knowing: roughly 95% of "carriers" are actually brokers. Most companies don’t own trucks: they post your shipment to a load board and wait for a carrier to accept it. RoadRunner works with a vetted network of licensed carriers with verified insurance, so your quote is your price.
How pickup timing affects your price
| Pickup window | Cost impact | Best for | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same-day / next-day | +25–40% | Urgent moves, emergencies | Limited (carrier dependent) |
| 1–2 day window | +10–20% | Coordinated moves | Good in most metros |
| 3–5 day flexibleBest value | Base rate | Most shipments | Excellent nationwide |
| 7+ day flexible | −5–10% | Non-urgent, budget-conscious | Best carrier selection |
Choosing a flexible 3 to 5 day pickup window instead of an exact date typically saves 10 to 20% with no other changes to your shipment. Carriers can match open spots more easily, and you benefit from their scheduling efficiency.
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote from RoadRunner Auto Transport
RoadRunner Auto Transport has been providing top-rated auto transport services across the country for over 30 years. Our instant online quote calculator gives you a fast, accurate car transport quote for shipping your vehicle anywhere in the country, priced from live carrier data and shown on screen the moment you submit.
Whether you need open or enclosed auto transport, door-to-door delivery, or expedited shipping services, our team will put together a transport plan that fits your vehicle and your schedule. Learn more about what sets RoadRunner apart.
State to State Car Shipping Prices
Select your origin and destination to estimate route distance, pricing, and transit time.
Example quotes for popular transport routes
Compare sample route distances, open transport pricing, enclosed pricing, and estimated transit times.
| Route | Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed | Transit Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New YorkFloridaMost Popular | ~1,280 mi | $1,215–$1,315 | $1,595–$1,895 | 3–5 days | |
| CaliforniaVirginia | ~2,800 mi | ~$2,225 | $2,795–$3,195 | 6–9 days | |
| MichiganTexas | ~1,200 mi | ~$1,495 | $1,895–$2,195 | 3–5 days | |
| New YorkCalifornia | ~2,800 mi | $1,150–$1,450 | $1,595–$1,995 | 6–9 days | |
| IllinoisFlorida | ~1,380 mi | $780–$1,000 | $1,195–$1,495 | 3–5 days | |
| TexasNew York | ~1,550 mi | $840–$1,080 | $1,295–$1,595 | 4–6 days | |
| WashingtonArizona | ~1,420 mi | $790–$1,020 | $1,195–$1,495 | 3–5 days | |
| CaliforniaColorado | ~1,020 mi | $680–$880 | $1,050–$1,295 | 2–4 days | |
| FloridaNew York | ~1,280 mi | $795–$995 | $1,195–$1,495 | 3–5 days | |
| CaliforniaTexas | ~1,500 mi | $850–$1,100 | $1,295–$1,650 | 3–5 days |
A coast-to-coast network of 30,000+ carriers
More than 30,000 vetted carriers move vehicles for RoadRunner nationwide, with open and enclosed trailers running every major route.
Over 30,000 certified carriers in our advanced nationwide network, covering both open carrier car shipping and enclosed transport. Every carrier is vetted, licensed, and bonded before joining.
A network this size means more trucks on your route on any given day, with the most flexible options for pickup and delivery. More available carriers means faster dispatch and more competitive pricing.
What moves your price
How is car shipping cost calculated?
Car shipping costs are calculated based on several key factors: distance, vehicle type and size, transport type, pick-up and delivery locations, time of year, current fuel prices, and speed of delivery. Understanding them helps you book smarter and save money.
| Cost factor | Typical impact | How to reduce it |
|---|---|---|
| Distance & route | Primary driver | Use a terminal near a hub city (saves $80–150) |
| Location accessibility | ±$80–150 | Meet carrier at accessible staging lot |
| Time of year | ±15–25% | Ship Jan–March for lowest rates |
| Vehicle size & weight | +$100–300 for oversized | Inherent to vehicle |
| Transport type | +$599 avg for enclosed | Use open unless vehicle requires enclosed |
| Fuel costs | 8–12% of total | Book in advance to lock pre-surge rates |
| Vehicle condition | +$150–250 if inoperable | Ensure vehicle runs and rolls |
| Carrier demand on route | ±10–20% | Flexible dates + backhaul routes |
Delivery Distance and Speed
Distance is the biggest factor in your shipping cost. The further the distance, the higher the total cost, as it requires more fuel, time, and labor. A shipment of 300 miles will be considerably cheaper than one covering 2,000 miles. That said, the further you ship, the cheaper it gets per mile. Most shipments fall between $0.50 and $2.00 per mile traveled.
A 300-mile shipment typically runs $1.50 to $2.00 per mile. A 2,000-mile shipment generally falls between $0.50 and $1.00 per mile. If you need your vehicle transported on short notice, expedited shipping is available at a higher cost.
The Accessibility of Your Pick-up and Delivery Locations
Urban areas tend to have more carriers available, which keeps costs lower. If your pickup or delivery location is in a rural or hard-to-reach area, costs may be higher due to the additional time and fuel required to reach it.
Carriers running densely populated areas can often serve multiple customers in the same area, which helps keep individual shipment costs down.
The Time of Year When Your Car Shipment is Scheduled
Demand for auto transport shifts throughout the year. During peak seasons like summer, higher demand means higher prices. Busy season for vehicle shipping typically runs from May through September.
If you have flexibility in your schedule and want to keep costs down, shipping during slower months like January through March is a good way to do it.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
Open transport is the most affordable and widely used method, accounting for the large majority of all shipments. Cars are loaded onto an open trailer, similar to how new vehicles are delivered to dealerships. It is the practical choice for standard vehicles.
Enclosed transport offers superior protection from weather, road debris, and dirt. It is the preferred option for high-value, luxury, antique, or exotic vehicles where extra care matters. Other upgraded options, such as top-load service, are also available at an additional cost.
The Cost of Fuel at the Time of Your Shipment
Fuel costs for the carrier are factored into your shipment price. Because your vehicle ships alongside others on the same carrier, that fuel cost is divided across multiple customers. Fuel prices fluctuate over time, and higher prices at the pump can push shipping costs up modestly.
The Condition of Your Vehicle
A running vehicle costs less to ship than one that does not run. If your car can be driven onto the carrier under its own power, standard rates apply. If your vehicle has mechanical issues that require special handling, additional fees will apply. Carriers will need winches, dollies, or other equipment to load and unload it, which takes more time and effort from the driver.
The Make, Model, and Size of Your Vehicle
Larger and heavier vehicles may require more space on the carrier or additional equipment, which increases costs. A heavier vehicle also puts more demand on the carrier's engine, burning more fuel over the course of the trip.
That additional fuel cost gets reflected in your quote.
Your Vehicle Shipment Route
Popular routes between major cities tend to cost less because carriers run them regularly and can fill their trucks without detours. Routes like California to Texas or Florida to New York see steady, consistent demand that keeps pricing competitive.
Shipping to or from a rural area or small town costs more. Carriers have to make special trips to reach remote locations and often cannot find return loads nearby. That extra driving time and fuel gets factored into your quote. Mountain routes in winter and areas prone to severe weather can also add costs due to the additional risk and planning involved.
When is the cheapest time to ship a car?
The cost to ship a car can vary significantly depending on the season. Demand, weather, and carrier availability all influence your quote.
Monthly shipping demand
Summer is one of the busiest periods for car shipping. Favorable weather and a surge in relocations and online vehicle purchases drive demand up across the country. Higher demand means fewer available carriers, which pushes prices higher. The trade-off is that summer shipping tends to see fewer weather-related delays, making it a dependable choice when timing matters more than cost.
As the summer moving rush winds down and families settle into the school year, demand for auto transport drops. That decrease in demand brings more competitive pricing and greater scheduling flexibility for customers. Weather is generally cooperative across most of the country in fall, though early snowfall on northern routes can start to affect schedules and pricing as the season progresses.
Demand for car shipping drops in winter, and carriers looking to fill their trucks often offer more attractive rates during this period. Snow, ice, and storms can affect schedules on certain routes, so building some flexibility into your delivery window is a good idea if you ship during colder months. For customers who are not on a tight timeline, winter is one of the better times to ship from a cost standpoint.
Spring sits between winter lows and summer highs. Demand starts picking up as families begin planning summer relocations and online vehicle purchases increase. Prices are rising but have not yet reached summer peaks, making spring a solid middle-ground option for both cost and carrier availability.
How to prepare your car for safe transport
A little preparation before your carrier arrives goes a long way toward a smooth pickup and a clean delivery. Follow these steps before your ship date.
Clean your vehicle thoroughly
Wash inside and out. A clean vehicle makes it much easier to document pre-existing conditions and spot anything new upon delivery.
Check tire pressure & fluids
Check tire pressure, fluid levels, and battery charge to confirm the car is in good running condition for loading and unloading.
Keep the tank about a quarter full
A quarter tank provides enough fuel for the driver to load and unload the vehicle without adding unnecessary weight to the shipment.
Secure or remove protruding parts
Remove or secure custom spoilers, antennas, roof racks, and any other protruding elements that could be damaged during transport.
Remove all personal items
Clear out personal items and loose accessories before pickup. If anything is left inside the vehicle, it will not be protected against loss or damage during transit.
Document the car's condition
Take photos from multiple angles and note any existing damage before your carrier arrives. Having a clear record before pickup protects you at delivery.
How RoadRunner car shipping works
Get Your Instant Estimate
Enter your origin, destination, and vehicle type. Your price appears on screen right away, with no waiting on a callback to see your numbers.
Book Your Shipment
Book in minutes from your quote. No upfront deposit; payment is due at delivery only.
Vehicle Picked Up & Delivered
A licensed carrier is assigned and dispatched to your location. Track your vehicle in real time and meet the driver at delivery to inspect before signing.
I was able to get a quote and book within a few minutes. Simple and convenient experience—thank you RoadRunner!
- Your quote is your price ($0 average variance)
- No upfront deposit (pay at delivery)
- Cancel anytime before pickup
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation process.
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