How much does it cost to ship a car?
6 min read
Auto transport is priced per mile, but the rate per mile falls sharply as the trip gets longer. A 300-mile move can cost more per mile than a coast-to-coast haul, which is why flat price-per-mile calculators mislead people.
Typical price ranges
Short moves under 500 miles usually land between $1.05 and $1.85 per mile. Mid-range trips of 500 to 1,500 miles settle around $0.70 to $0.90 per mile. Cross-country runs above 2,000 miles often come in near $0.55 per mile.
In dollar terms, most open-carrier sedan moves fall between $550 and $1,700 all-in. Enclosed transport adds roughly 40% to 60%.
The six factors that move your price
Distance and lane density. Popular lanes like Los Angeles to Dallas have trucks running daily and price lower than rural pickups off the interstate.
Vehicle size and weight. An SUV takes more deck space than a sedan; a dually pickup can take two slots.
Operable versus inoperable. A car that doesn't roll, brake and steer needs a winch and costs $150 to $250 more.
Trailer type. Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars and command a premium.
Season. Snowbird season (October to December southbound, March to May northbound) and the end of summer tighten capacity.
Flexibility. A three-day pickup window prices better than a fixed date.
Why the cheapest quote is usually not the real price
Many brokers publish a low teaser rate, then raise the carrier pay after you've paid a deposit because no driver will accept the load. TankWorldWide prices the carrier pay, platform fee and damage protection separately so you can see whether the driver is actually being paid enough to move your car.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive it?
Beyond roughly 600 miles, shipping usually wins once you count fuel, two to three nights of lodging, meals, tires and the depreciation from added mileage.
Do I pay upfront?
On TankWorldWide you pay a deposit to lock your pickup slot; the balance is released to the carrier after your delivery inspection passes.
Does my price change after booking?
No. The Price Lock Guarantee means the number you booked is the number you pay unless you change the vehicle, route or dates.
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