If you’re planning to move your vehicle with a professional auto transport company, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “How much will car shipping cost?” The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price. Car shipping costs in the USA depend on several key factors, from the distance of the trip to the size of your vehicle and even the time of year.

Understanding these factors helps you get an accurate quote and avoid unexpected surprises. At Xpress Auto Transportation, we believe in being transparent with our customers, so here are the 7 main factors that determine car shipping costs.

Factor 1 – Distance & Route

The biggest factor in car shipping pricing is distance. The longer the route, the higher the overall cost. However, the price per mile actually decreases with longer distances.

For example:

• A short trip of 300 miles might cost $1.50 per mile.
• A cross-country trip of 2,000 miles could average $0.60 per mile.

Another important consideration is the route itself. Popular routes between major cities (like Los Angeles to New York) are often cheaper because carriers frequently travel them. On the other hand, remote or hard-to-reach areas can increase costs since drivers have to take detours or cover additional miles.

Factor 2 – Vehicle Size & Weight

The type of vehicle you’re shipping also plays a major role in cost. Larger, heavier vehicles take up more space on a trailer and add more weight, which affects fuel consumption and overall capacity.

• Compact cars are generally the cheapest to ship.
• SUVs and trucks cost more because they require more space.
• Oversized vehicles (vans, lifted trucks, RVs) may require special handling or equipment, which increases the price.

If you’re shipping a standard sedan, you’ll likely pay less than someone transporting a large pickup or SUV on the same route.

Factor 3 – Transport Type (Open vs. Enclosed)

One of the biggest choices you’ll make when booking auto transport is whether to use an open carrier or an enclosed carrier.

• Open auto transport is the most common and affordable option. Vehicles are loaded onto an open trailer with 7–10 other cars. While safe and reliable, your car is exposed to weather and road debris.
• Enclosed auto transport provides full protection inside a covered trailer. It’s the best choice for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. However, enclosed shipping usually costs 30–50% more than open transport.

Your decision here directly impacts your final car shipping cost.

Factor 4 – Pickup & Delivery Location (Urban vs. Rural)

Where your car is picked up and dropped off also influences pricing.

• Urban areas & major highways: Cheaper, since carriers frequently operate on these routes.
• Rural or remote areas: More expensive, as carriers may have to travel out of their way.

For example, shipping from New York City to Los Angeles will usually cost less than shipping from a small rural town to Los Angeles, even if the distance is similar.

If you’re flexible, choosing pickup and drop-off points in major cities can help you save money on auto transport.

Factor 5 – Season & Demand

Car shipping rates fluctuate throughout the year based on supply and demand.

• Summer months: Demand rises due to people relocating and students moving for school. Prices often increase.
• Winter months: Routes to warmer states (snowbird routes, e.g., New York to Florida) become more expensive.
• Off-season shipping: Can be cheaper if you’re flexible with timing.

Planning ahead and booking early can help lock in better rates, especially during busy seasons.

Factor 6 – Vehicle Condition & Operability

Whether your car is running or not also affects the price.

• Operable vehicles: Cars that can be driven onto and off the carrier cost less.
• Inoperable vehicles: If your car doesn’t start or move, carriers need special equipment (like a winch), which increases the cost.

The more difficult it is to load and unload your vehicle, the higher the shipping fee will be.

Factor 7 – Delivery Speed & Service Level

Finally, your choice of delivery speed impacts cost.

• Standard shipping: The most common option, where your vehicle is picked up and delivered within a general timeframe.
• Expedited shipping: If you need your car moved quickly, you’ll pay more for priority service.
• Guaranteed pickup/delivery: Premium option for customers with strict schedules.

If you’re flexible, standard shipping usually offers the best balance between cost and timing.