How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
Car shipping costs can vary based on a number of factors, but as a general estimate in 2025, open car transport averages around $1.85 per mile for short distances (up to 500 miles), which might cost approximately $555 for a 300-mile shipment. For mid-range trips (500–1,500 miles), the average is about $0.91 per mile, and for long-distance transport (over 1,500 miles), the cost often drops to around $0.59 per mile. Enclosed transport, which offers more protection, typically costs more than open transport.
When determining the total cost to ship a vehicle, several elements come into play. These include the type and size of the vehicle, whether it’s operable, the distance of the shipment, the type of transport selected (open vs. enclosed), and the time of year the vehicle is shipped.
For the most accurate pricing, it’s recommended to speak directly with a representative from Cargoz Logistics who can assess your specific transport needs and provide a tailored quote. This ensures that seasonal changes, current market demand, and any special requirements are factored into your final estimate.
Understanding Car Transport Services with Cargoz Logistics
At Cargoz Logistics, we make auto transport effortless with trusted carriers, transparent pricing, and nationwide delivery options tailored to your vehicle’s needs.
What factors are used to calculate the cost of car shipping?
Distance
Total distance is the main component used in calculating a quote for car shipping. Longer distances generally lead to a higher overall car shipping price, but also include a discounted cost per mile. With our car shipping calculator, you can get the best auto transport quote for any car shipment. It’s important to note that international car shipping prices might differ from ground vehicle transport.
Route
Different from distance, route refers to what highways and other roads will be traveled to transport the vehicle. Routes in highly populated areas may have increased traffic congestion, which could impact transport time and shipping costs. Additional route considerations that can be factored into shipping costs include: physical road conditions, adverse weather and road construction.
Shipping date
When you book a car transport service, the shipment date often plays a role in the cost. It’s best to book your car shipment as far in advance as possible. As soon as you know you’ll need to ship your vehicle, begin researching an auto transport company to request a car shipping quote. Additionally, increased flexibility around car pickup dates will often result in car transport quote savings.
Vehicle make and model
When planning your auto transport, we ask for the exact vehicle specifications, because the truck driver must know how much space is required to safely secure your automobile and ensure proper trailer height and side clearance. Longer and taller cars require additional vehicle transport adjustments, which may slightly increase car shipping costs. Vehicle modifications like larger tires and roof racks can also increase the cost.
Auto transport type
Most people shipping a car select open car transport, as it is the industry standard and cheapest way for car shippers to move your vehicle. For extra car shipment protection, we recommend using enclosed car transportation services that shield vehicles from weather and debris. Enclosed auto transport can increase the cost of car shipping, but is worth the peace of mind for delicate, exotic or luxury car transportation.
Vehicle condition
If your car is running, you will get a better auto shipping price from car shippers for the allotted distance. If your car is inoperable, but maintains the ability to roll, steer and brake, it will require a winch and other accommodations to be loaded onto the carrier trailer, which will increase the cost of shipment.
Vehicle details
Taller, longer and heavier vehicles may require a specific trailer or trailer type to support the length and/or added weight. They may also need certain accommodations, like being transported in a specific place within the trailer. Both of these situations could require the driver to take fewer or smaller vehicles to accommodate special requests and manage total allowable weight limits.
Ground clearance
Ground clearance, also called ride height, is the distance between the bottom of the vehicle’s body and the road or driving surface. Low vehicle ground clearance requires special attention and accommodation, such as a specialized ramp. If ground clearance is four inches or less, the vehicle must be shipped in an enclosed trailer equipped with a lift gate, which open trailers do not have.
Location
Metropolitan areas usually have plenty of trucks available to carry out car shipping orders for auto shippers, which lowers the car transport price. When transporting cars, we strive to find the best deal for residents of small towns.
Seasonality
Car shipping costs vary greatly based on the time of year. For example, auto transport services to warmer states are very popular during the winter travel season, so the cost for transporting a car to those destinations may be higher. Use Cargoz Logistic’s car shipping calculator to get the price for shipping a car. Depending on your scheduling flexibility, we recommend trying different shipping dates to see rate impact for choosing the best price.
Why Choose Cargoz Logistics?
Cargoz Logistics delivers the perfect balance of quality and affordability. Our transparent approach to car shipping ensures that you receive an accurate quote right from the start. By leveraging our extensive network and logistics expertise, we secure competitive pricing for your vehicle’s journey—so you can plan your move with complete confidence.
Auto Transport Insurance
At Cargoz Logistics, we ensure that every vehicle shipment meets stringent insurance requirements for your peace of mind. Carrier companies in our network are legally required to maintain both liability insurance and a minimum level of cargo insurance. As an experienced auto transport broker, Cargoz Logistics will inform you about the specific coverage provided by your assigned carrier.
When discussing insurance coverage with your Cargoz Logistics representative, consider asking the following questions:
- What type of damage is covered?
- Does insurance cover the entire vehicle or only specific parts?
- Is there a deductible?
- What is the limit of coverage?
- Are specialty items or accessories included in the coverage?
- Can I purchase additional coverage if needed?
Your vehicle’s protection is our priority—feel confident knowing that you’re covered every mile of the journey.