Demystifying Car Shipping Costs: Your Comprehensive Guide
- Keisha Thompson
- Nov 15, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 9, 2024
Key Takeaways
It is recommended to use the online car shipping calculators from several auto transport companies before choosing your desired service provider.
Actual shipping prices may vary due to demand and added fees.
After thorough research, we recommend getting quotes from the below 3 best car shipping companies - scroll to the bottom of the page to see our recommendations.
The calculators used on this website are for educational purposes only. Data is not collected or stored. Results are estimates based on provided information.
What Is a Car Shipping Calculator?
A Car Shipping Calculator is your instant pass to estimating the expenses involved in transporting your vehicle. While most calculators are online and free, they differ in functionality.
Calculate Car Shipping Cost
Most leading car shipping companies provide a cost calculator tool for free quotes. Depending on the calculator, you might get an instant quote or input details for a follow-up. The process is almost always hassle-free.
Information typically required for a quote includes:
Your name, email, and phone number
Pickup and drop-off locations
Transport type
Vehicle make, model, age, and operability
Preferred shipping dates
Car Shipping Estimates
To gauge potential costs, it's useful to look at average rates. Based on our experts' research, the average cost to ship a car is around $1,200. Here are some estimates for a 2018 Honda Civic from our secret shopper analysis:
Distance (miles) | Transport Type | Auto Shipping Estimate Range ($) |
|---|---|---|
550 | Open | |
1,600 | Open | 940 - 1,330 |
1,600 | Enclosed | 1,650 - 2,200 |
3,000 | Open | 1,100 - 1,640 |
*Quotes based on vehicle selection of a 2018 Honda Civic.
Best Online Car Shipping Calculator
Ready to find reliable car shipping services? Check our recommendations for the top 3 providers at the bottom of this page.
How Does a Car Shipping Calculator Work?
Car shipping companies use an equation to generate estimates instantly. Online tools ask for preferred pickup and delivery locations. While convenient, these estimates may not match the actual rate.
For instance, if you have a lifted truck, modifications might not be factored in. The carrier may charge more, or you might need enclosed transport, a pricier option.
How Is Car Shipping Calculated?
Most companies calculate the cost on a per-mile basis. Multiply the estimated cost per mile by the shipment distance.
Several factors affect the rate:
Distance: Longer distances often have a lower rate per mile but a higher overall cost.
Pickup and drop-off: Door-to-door is pricier than terminal-to-terminal.
Time of year: Summer and January typically see higher demand, leading to increased prices.
Transport type: Enclosed transport is costlier but provides more protection.
Vehicle type: Larger vehicles cost more to ship.
Vehicle condition: Inoperable vehicles are pricier to transport.
Fuel costs: Higher fuel prices lead to increased shipping costs.
Discounts: Some companies offer military, senior, first responder, and multiple-vehicle discounts.
Car Shipping Estimate Calculator: The Bottom Line
Online calculators are useful for estimating costs, but they don't consider all factors. The rate you pay may exceed the estimate.
Car Shipping Calculator: FAQ
How much does vehicle shipping cost?
Our research shows an average cost of around $1,200. Prices vary based on the provider, distance, time of year, and transport type.
How much does it cost to ship a car 1,000 miles?
The average cost we found was 78 cents per mile for 1,000 miles or more. It's around $2.92 per mile for under 200 miles. It is recommended you get a quote from at least 3 providers (find our top 3 below) before you choose which one to ship your car with
What is the cheapest way to ship a car across the country?
Train transport is usually the cheapest but less flexible. Shipping by truck is more expensive but offers flexibility, with potential discounts.
How much does it cost to ship a car cross-country?
It depends on many factors, most of which are written above, however when assessing AmeriFreight estimates we find a cost of around $1,110 from Philadelphia to San Francisco. Reno, Nev., to Kansas City, Mo., is about $944.
