Are you searching for, “How much does it cost to ship a car 2025?” You’re not alone—and shipping a car across the country doesn’t have to be a pricing mystery. If you’re planning to transport a vehicle in 2025, knowing the real costs helps you budget properly and avoid unexpected expenses.

Whether you’re moving to a new state, buying a car from across the country, or heading to your winter home, car shipping costs vary widely based on distance, vehicle type, route popularity, and season. This breakdown covers actual 2025 shipping rates, explores what affects your final price, and shares practical ways to keep your costs reasonable while ensuring your vehicle arrives safely.

National Average Cost of Car Shipping in 2025

As of January 2025, the nationwide average cost to ship a car is $1,245. This figure is based on thousands of successful vehicle shipments throughout the country, with a median shipping distance of 971 miles and a median cost per mile of $1.28.

When reviewing the national average, remember that most car shipping companies structure their pricing on a per-mile basis, with the rate decreasing as the distance increases. The following price-per-mile averages reflect current market conditions as of January 2025:

• Short distances (0-500 miles): Average of $0.80 per mile
• 500-1,000 miles: Average of $0.73 per mile
• 1,000-1,500 miles: Average of $0.70 per mile
• 1,500-2,000 miles: Average of $0.48 per mile
• 2,000-2,500 miles: Average of $0.37 per mile
• 2,500-3,000 miles: Average of $0.35 per mile
• 3,000-3,500 miles: Average of $0.33 per mile

These averages provide a starting point for estimating your potential shipping costs, though your specific rate will depend on your exact circumstances and requirements.

Key Factors That Determine Car Shipping Costs

The price you’ll pay for car shipping services isn’t arbitrary. Auto transport companies consider several specific elements when calculating your quote. Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions and potentially find ways to reduce your costs:

• Distance: The miles between pickup and delivery locations directly affect your total price, with longer distances costing more overall but less per mile.
• Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles take up more space on the carrier and weigh more, increasing fuel consumption and, ultimately, shipping costs.
• Transport Type: Open carriers (standard, less expensive option with multiple cars exposed to elements) versus enclosed carriers (premium, costlier option providing full protection from weather and road debris).
• Vehicle Value: Exotic, luxury, or classic cars typically require enclosed transport and special handling, commanding higher rates for additional protection.
• Pickup/Delivery Locations: Urban areas with high carrier traffic offer better rates than rural locations that require detours or special arrangements.
• Seasonal Car Shipping: Summer months (May-September) represent the peak season with higher rates, while winter brings cheaper rates on most routes except “snowbird” paths heading south.
• Vehicle Condition: Non-running vehicles require special equipment (winches, forklifts) to load, which adds to the total cost.
• Fuel Prices: Current gas prices directly impact shipping rates as fuel represents a major expense for carriers.
• Expedited Service: Need your vehicle picked up quickly or delivered by a specific date? Expect to pay a premium for priority handling.
• Route Popularity: High-volume routes between major cities often have more competitive pricing than less-traveled paths.

The auto transport industry bases pricing on these real operational factors rather than arbitrary markups. By planning ahead and being flexible where possible, you can often secure more favorable rates while still ensuring your vehicle’s safe delivery.

Want to understand exactly how to ship a car before you book? Visit our detailed guide that walks you through every step from quote to delivery, ensuring you’re fully informed and confident in your vehicle transport decision.

Cost Comparison: Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Choosing the right type of transport is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make when shipping your vehicle. The option you select not only affects price but also the level of protection your car receives during transit. Most customers face this decision early in the quote process, as it substantially impacts the final cost:

Open Transport Pricing

Open car transport involves shipping your vehicle on an uncovered trailer where it’s exposed to the elements—similar to the car carriers you see delivering new vehicles to dealerships. This method is the industry standard and most economical option:

• Cost-Effective Option: Open transport is the more economical choice for most standard vehicles.
• Industry Standard: The majority of vehicles are shipped on open carriers, which can transport 7-10 vehicles simultaneously.
• Greater Availability: More open carriers on the road means faster pickup times and better route coverage.
• Suitable for Most Vehicles: This option is ideal for daily drivers and standard vehicles.

Enclosed Car Shipping Costs and Benefits

Enclosed transport ships your vehicle in a fully covered trailer, completely protecting it from weather conditions, road debris, and prying eyes. This premium service caters to high-value vehicles:

• Enhanced Protection: Enclosed carriers shield vehicles from weather, road debris, and other environmental elements.
• Limited Capacity: Enclosed carriers typically transport fewer vehicles per trip, resulting in higher per-vehicle costs.
• Specialty Service: This premium option often includes additional insurance coverage and specialized handling.
• Ideal for Valuable Vehicles: Best suited for luxury, exotic, classic, or high-value cars.

When Is the Additional Cost Worth It?

Enclosed transport services makes financial sense for:

• High-Value Vehicles: Luxury, exotic, or classic cars where even minor damage would be costly.
• Collector Cars: Vehicles with special paint, modifications, or irreplaceable components.
• Show Cars: Automobiles that need to arrive in pristine condition.
• Low Ground Clearance: Vehicles with less than 4 inches of clearance that require special loading equipment.

Most everyday vehicles won’t necessitate the additional expense of enclosed transport. When deciding between the two options, consider not just the monetary value of your vehicle but also its sentimental or collector value. Remember that while open transport exposes your car to the elements, the vast majority of vehicles shipped this way arrive without incident, making it a practical choice for most standard automobiles.

Regional and Seasonal Price Variations

The cost to ship your vehicle isn’t static across the country or throughout the year. Both geography and timing play essential roles in determining your final price. Car transport companies adjust their rates based on route popularity, carrier availability, and seasonal demand:

Popular Routes and Regional Differences

Some shipping corridors see heavy traffic volume, creating competitive pricing environments:

• New York to Florida: $1,145 in October 2024, rising to $1,235 in January 2025 during “snowbird” season
• California to Virginia: Approximately $2,225 for this cross-country journey
• Michigan to Texas: Around $1,495, with urban center-to-center transport (like Detroit to Houston) typically offering better rates
• Metropolitan Advantage: Major cities generally feature lower rates than rural areas due to higher carrier availability and more frequent shipments

The urban-rural divide significantly impacts pricing, even for similar distances. A vehicle moving between two major cities might cost hundreds less than one traveling the same distance between remote locations.

Seasonal Impact on Shipping Costs

The calendar plays a surprisingly large role in auto transport pricing:

• Summer Peak (May-September): The busiest shipping season brings higher demand and prices, though weather conditions are typically ideal for transport
• Winter Variables: Winter offers generally lower rates except on “snowbird” routes heading south, where prices increase
• Holiday Considerations: Expect brief price spikes and reduced carrier availability around major holidays
• Strategic Timing: Early fall and spring represent transitional “sweet spots” with reasonable pricing and favorable weather conditions

The seasonal effect on specific routes can be dramatic. The New York to Florida corridor provides a perfect example—a nearly $100 price difference between October and January as northerners migrate to warmer climates for the winter.

For the most economical shipping experience, consider combining route and seasonal advantages when possible. Shipping along popular corridors during shoulder seasons (fall and spring) often yields the best combination of availability, reasonable pricing, and reliable delivery timelines.

Additional Fees and Services

Beyond the base cost of shipping your vehicle, several optional services and potential additional fees might apply to your transport. Being aware of these extras helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises when finalizing your shipping arrangements:

• Expedited Shipping: Faster pickup and priority transport are available for those who need their vehicle moved quickly, though this convenience comes with a higher price tag.
• Inoperable Vehicle Transport: Non-running vehicles require special equipment to load them onto carriers, incurring an additional fee due to the extra work involved with securing the vehicle.
• Oversized Vehicle Handling: Modified trucks, vehicles with lifted suspensions, or other non-standard dimensions may often require special accommodation and incur additional fees.
• Low Clearance Solutions: Vehicles with less than 4 inches of ground clearance typically need to be shipped on an enclosed carrier with a lift gate, which affects the final price.
• Door-to-Door Service: While standard for many shippers, this convenient option sometimes carries a premium compared to terminal-to-terminal alternatives, especially in hard-to-access areas.

Always discuss any special requirements or circumstances with your transport provider when requesting a quote to ensure all potential additional costs are included in your estimate.

How to Get the Most Accurate Quote

Getting reliable car transport quotes is critical for properly budgeting your vehicle shipment. The best auto transport companies provide transparent pricing that accounts for all the variables affecting your shipment.

RoadRunner Auto Transport offers an instant car shipping costs calculator that provides accurate estimates tailored to your specific needs. Unlike many competitors, their online calculator takes only minutes to complete and requires just three simple steps:

1. Enter your origin and destination locations (simply type your zip code or city name)
2. Provide vehicle details (year, make, and model)
3. Select your desired ship date (the first day your vehicle will be available for pickup)

With these details, you’ll receive an immediate quote that reflects current market conditions and carrier availability for your specific route.

For the most accurate estimate possible, be prepared with these key pieces of information:

• Exact pickup and delivery addresses or at least the cities and zip codes
• Complete vehicle information including any modifications or special considerations
• Flexible date ranges if your schedule allows it
• Vehicle condition (be sure to mention if your car is inoperable)
• Any special requirements you may have for your shipment

RoadRunner doesn’t require upfront deposits, so you won’t pay anything until the day your shipment is scheduled for pickup. Their transparent approach eliminates surprises and hidden fees that often plague the car shipping industry.

If you’re comparing quotes from multiple companies, watch for red flags like unusually low prices (which often hide fees), large upfront deposits, or vague terms. A reputable company will always provide clear documentation and answer any questions about potential additional costs. Please note that the most comprehensive quote isn’t always the lowest—it’s the one that accurately accounts for all aspects of your specific shipping scenario and clearly outlines what you’re paying for.

Experience The Industry’s Most Trusted Vehicle Shipping

For over 30 years, we at RoadRunner Auto Transport have been the company thousands of customers trust with their vehicle shipping needs. Our nationwide service combines reliability, transparency, and exceptional customer care to make your car shipping experience as seamless as possible.

Our advantage:

• No Upfront Deposits Required: Unlike many competitors, you don’t pay a penny until the day your shipment is scheduled for pickup.
• Comprehensive Coverage Options: We offer the most complete protection for your vehicle throughout its journey.
• Nationwide Door-to-Door Service: We provide direct service to and from any residential or business location in the United States.
• Extended Office Hours: Our team is available beyond normal business hours in every time zone across the country.
• 24/7 Online Shipment Tracking: Track your vehicle’s status anytime through our convenient online portal.
• Proven Track Record: With over 450,000 vehicles safely delivered and 15,500+ five-star customer ratings, our reputation speaks for itself.

Our network of 14,500+ certified transporters allows us to handle everything from standard sedans to luxury vehicles, classic cars, motorcycles, and oversized shipments.

Get your free, instant quote today with our online shipping calculator. In just three simple steps, you can see exactly what it costs to ship your vehicle anywhere in the country—no obligation and no personal information required to view your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is car shipping cost calculated?

Car shipping costs are calculated based on the distance between locations, the type and size of your vehicle, and your shipment date. Distance is the biggest factor in determining your rate, with per-mile costs decreasing as total mileage increases. Current fuel prices and seasonal demand also influence the final price you’ll pay.

How far in advance should I book my car shipment?

We recommend booking your car shipment 2-3 weeks in advance for optimal carrier availability and competitive pricing. This timeline allows enough flexibility to secure the right transporter for your needs while avoiding rush charges associated with last-minute bookings. During summer months or snowbird season (December-January), consider booking even earlier.

Can I ship personal items in my car?

Yes, you can transport personal belongings in your car during shipment, as long as their total weight doesn’t exceed 100 pounds and they’re stored below the window line. However, personal items are not covered by carrier insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing. Always keep valuable or irreplaceable items with you rather than in your shipped vehicle.

How do payment methods work for car shipping?

Most car shipping companies accept major credit cards, electronic transfers, or certified checks for payment. Some transporters require deposits at booking while others, like RoadRunner, don’t require payment until the day of scheduled pickup. Upon delivery, any remaining balance is typically paid directly to the driver in cash or with a certified check.