How much does car transport cost in the US?

Did you buy a new car out of state and need it delivered directly to you? Or you may be relocating to another city and need a car shipment service to help bring your vehicle to your new home. Whatever the reason, researching the costs of transporting a car across the country is crucial to estimating the total cost of moving your vehicle.  

That said, here is an in-depth guide about the car transport costs in the US. 

What are the average costs to transport a car in the US?

Car transport costs are calculated per mile in the US. In 2026, a practical planning range is around $0.60 to $2.30 per mile. Longer cross-country routes are closer to the lower end, while short-distance, urgent, enclosed, door-to-door, or specialty vehicle transport sit closer to the higher end.

Below is a breakdown of average car transport costs based on this updated price range:

What factors affect the costs of car transport?

The origin point and destination are just two things to consider when determining how much it would cost to transport a car. Several other factors can impact these prices, and learning more about them can help you identify typical costs and negotiate a better deal.

Transport distance

Distance is the number one factor in calculating the cost of transporting a car from state to state. Shorter local distances often have a higher per-mile rate than longer routes because of the fixed costs of car shipping. 

These include the labor costs of loading the car carrier and the administrative and logistical work that accompanies it. In shorter local routes, the fixed costs are spread over a few miles, so the per-mile rate is higher. 

However, the total cost of car shipping can still increase for longer distances, as they require more fuel. Plus, trucks and trailers are highly likely to incur more wear and tear when tackling longer distance routes, so there’s an additional maintenance cost for car transport companies. 

Vehicle size and weight

Several sedans secured on a multi-level transport truck (Source iStock)

Aside from distance, the vehicle’s size and weight can also affect the car transport price per mile. SUVs, vans, and trucks take up more space on transport carriers, limiting the number of vehicles a car transport business can deliver on a given route. This makes deliveries less efficient than transporting smaller vehicles like motorcycles and sedans, further increasing car transport costs.

Moreover, large vehicles like these are heavier, so transport carriers must use more fuel to haul them over long distances. Not to mention, loading them into these carriers requires specialized equipment, such as reinforced ramps, chains, and hydraulic lifts, which adds to the total cost of car transport. 

Here is a table showing average car transport costs by vehicle size and weight: 

Vehicle condition

Transporting running vehicles is less expensive since they can be driven onto the truck, reducing handling costs. 

On the other hand, non-running vehicles require special equipment to ensure they are safely loaded and unloaded. The preparation and manual labor required to handle them further increase car shipping costs. 

It can be even more expensive for cars with oil and coolant leaks because they can’t be placed in a multi-car carrier, as they may damage the other vehicles. A mechanic should inspect the car first and repair the damage before transportation, which can drive up costs. 

In addition, transporting non-running or damaged vehicles requires inspections and reports, which increase administrative costs. 

Transport type

The type of transport you choose can also affect the total shipping costs. Here are the main options in the US and their average costs: 

Between the two, open-car transport is more affordable with lower per-mile rates. However, it doesn’t provide the same level of protection as enclosed car transport, so the vehicles are exposed to harsh weather and road hazards.  

This is why luxury and vintage car owners choose enclosed car transport despite higher costs. Covered trailers used in this transport type typically have limited capacity to ensure safe transport, which results in higher costs. Some even provide a private single-car transport with a dedicated trailer for a more personalized service. 

Aside from these two, you may also opt for a trade plate driver for direct car transport. This involves having a professional drive the car directly to your preferred destination using temporary trade plates issued by the government. However, the conditions for using trade plates vary by state, so check your state’s regulations before booking this service. 

Transport route

Since routes can vary for each delivery, you must factor in road and traffic conditions into the total car shipping cost. Those with straightforward routes, accessible roads, and highways tend to be less expensive. 

Meanwhile, those who need to pass through toll roads and mountainous areas have higher rates, as these areas often require permits. Plus, drivers may need to take alternate routes if the destination is rural or mountainous, resulting in longer travel time and higher costs. 

However, routes between urban areas can still get more expensive if the carrier for an auto transport company has to navigate heavy traffic or congested roads. This increases travel time and fuel consumption. 

Despite higher costs, car transport services in urban areas still cost less than in rural areas because of the high demand in major cities. Transport companies often optimize routes by ensuring enough load for the return trip, which is usually lacking in remote or rural areas.

Transport date and urgency

A truck carrying several electric cars on an open trailer (Source: iStock)

Your booked transport date can also affect car transport costs. Expect prices to be higher during peak seasons, such as summer or holiday periods. 

Conversely, many auto transport companies offer lower rates during fall and winter because these months are considered off-peak seasons. The demand is lower during these months, so they typically offer competitive prices to attract more customers. 

Aside from the peak season dates, urgent requests can also drive up car transport costs. Some companies offer expedited shipping and guaranteed pickup dates for added convenience fees. 

Additional services 

Most car transport companies offer services beyond their standard deliveries. Below are some of the popular car services offered before and after transport, along with their estimated average costs: 

The table above shows the standard per-mile cost for vehicle towing service, but costs can increase further for expedited or flatbed towing of inoperable vehicles. Do note that this doesn’t include the extra roadside assistance and support that many towing and transport companies offer.

Meanwhile, vehicle storage is a popular add-on offered by car shipping companies, helping secure vehicles and protect them from theft and vandalism. These storage facilities often maintain a controlled environment to keep cars in good condition, so this is an added premium service. 

Lastly, many provide extra vehicle cleaning and detailing before or after transport. This is beneficial if you have already bought a new car and are waiting for it to arrive, or if the vehicle is set to be used in car shows.

What are some ways to save on car transport?

Now that you know how much it costs to transport a car, the next step is to look for ways to save on delivering vehicles. Here are some money-saving tips when availing of car shipping services. 

Choose an open-carrier terminal-to-terminal transport

A fully loaded open car carrier hauls SUVs and trucks (Source: iStock)

Instead of an enclosed carrier, choose an open carrier to deliver your cars. As mentioned, this transport type is significantly cheaper, making it an economical option for standard vehicle transport. 

Low-cost car transport doesn’t offer the same level of protection as an enclosed carrier. But an open carrier provides the same safety measures, including secure fastening and stabilization, as well as multiple support points that hold the vehicles in place. 

A terminal-to-terminal transport option and an open carrier can also help save costs. This is a much more cost-effective option than door-to-door service, as it helps reduce operational costs by dropping off and picking up your car at designated terminals. 

Plan a flexible pickup and drop-off date 

Flexible pickup and drop-off dates are much better than specific delivery locations and guaranteed dates when saving on car transportation costs. They enable the carrier to find the best time and route, allowing you and the transport company to enjoy discounts on the overall delivery service.

Also, time your flexible booking dates on non-peak days, such as weekdays. The rates are much cheaper during these dates than on weekends or holidays. 

Work with a transport broker

Despite the additional cost of hiring a transport broker, their services are worth investing in as they can access a vast network of carriers. This will help you get access to the best deals, and the best part is that they can negotiate better rates on your behalf. 

Ensure the vehicle is operational

 A tow truck hauling a non-operational car, impacting car transport costs (Source:iStock)

Unlike non-operational vehicles, vehicles in good running condition are much cheaper to transport because they typically don’t require specialized loading and unloading equipment. 

So, make sure to have your vehicle checked by a car servicing professional before you ship or deliver it to another location. The extra car servicing cost is worth it compared to the likely high transport fees. 

Ship multiple vehicles together

If you own several cars, you can save huge bucks by shipping them together. Most car transport companies offer discounted vehicle shipping rates in this case, since it helps them maximize carrier efficiency and minimize trips. So, grab this opportunity if you are moving in large groups.

Have your car delivered safely with Airtasker

Knowing how much it would cost to transport a car is just one phase of delivering your car to another location. You also need to look for a reliable vehicle transport that can safely and efficiently provide the service. 

At Airtasker, finding these reliable vehicle transport service providers is easy. Upon posting a task, you’ll be connected with these professionals. Finding reliable and trustworthy experts is only at your fingertips, so book one today for a hassle-free car shipping process!