The average cost to ship a car ranges for open and enclosed transport, depending on distance and vehicle type. Cross-country car shipping cost over 1,500 miles generally becomes more expensive.
Use our calculator for exact price, or call our team!
Request an accurate price online now. A rate based on your car shipping route, vehicle, and timing – no hidden fees ever. Car shipping is not a flat-rate service. Prices fluctuate based on several key factors, and understanding them helps you avoid overpaying or falling for unrealistic quotes.
At Corsia, we don’t just quote – we guide our customers.
Here’s how you can save money:
✔ Be Flexible with Dates
Flexibility allows carriers to optimize routes, lowering everyone’s cost.
✔ Reserve 5-7 Days in Advance
Last-minute reservations often cost more due to limited availability.
✔ Choose Open Transport
Unless truly necessary, open transport is the most cost-efficient option.
✔ Avoid Peak Season If Possible
Shipping during snowbird season or summer increases prices as demand is high.
✔ Get Real Market Pricing – Not Lowball Quotes
The cheapest quote is often the most expensive mistake. Waiting and more follows.
When shipping a car, the first element customers think about is the cost. Especially, when you have never shipped a car before. It is completely normal the cost to ship a car in mind as the major factor when trying to choose a company and book. However, usually the price you agree on will determine the quality of the service you will receive.
For easy planning, our open auto transport example rates on this page range from $579–$789 for trips under 500 miles to $1,159–$1,559+ for trips over 1,500 miles. Your route, vehicle type, trailer type, and available dates determine your individual quote.
When you are planning a move or buying a car online, knowing what to budget helps everything else fall into place. You deserve more than a number on a screen. You need to understand what that number includes, what could change it, and how the shipment will be arranged, step by step.
At Corsia Logistics, we have approached those conversations as a family-operated business since 2013. We arrange transport through professional carriers and help you work through the choices that affect your price. Your Corsia agent takes time to understand your plans and explain the options before you commit.
| Distance or service | Planning example |
|---|---|
| Open transport under 500 miles | $579–$789 |
| Open transport from 500–1,500 miles | $789–$1,189 |
| Open transport over 1,500 miles | $1,159–$1,559+ |
| Enclosed transport | Generally higher than open; request a comparison for your route |
Planning note: Actual quotes may fall outside these examples due to supply and demand, gas prices and more. Tell us about the vehicle, its condition, your locations, and your dates so we can discuss a price according to your shipment details.
Every car shipment has its own circumstances, and the distance alone does not tell the whole story. Your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle, available dates, trailer type, and carrier availability all help determine the price. Two trips of similar length can cost different amounts because the arrangements behind them are different. As a family-operated business, we take the time to understand your plans and challenges and explain a realistic price for your move. Your agent can also help you explore whether flexible dates or a different transport option would better suit your budget.
The right trailer depends on your vehicle, your priorities, and your budget. We can talk through both options without assuming that every car needs the most expensive service.
Open auto transport is a practical, economical choice for many everyday vehicles. Your car travels on an open trailer and remains exposed to weather and road elements. It is often a suitable starting point for a daily driver, an online purchase, or a simply an older vehicle going with you to a new home.
Enclosed transport offers added protection from weather and road debris. It is a good fit for a classic, luxury, exotic, or other high-end vehicle that needs extra care. Tell us about low ground clearance, modifications, or special loading requirements so we can discuss appropriate equipment.
These service examples comparisons do not compare identical routes and vehicles. They should not be used to calculate a fixed percentage premium. Ask for open and enclosed quotes for the same shipment if you want a useful comparison.
The total distance matters, along with exact location to collect and deliver the car. Routes with regular carrier traffic may offer more scheduling options. Remote locations, difficult access, and detours can add time and cost. Even on a busy route, demand can differ by direction.
A larger or heavier vehicle uses more trailer space. Tell us the make, model, and year, along with any oversized tires, lift kits, or other modifications. Accurate details help avoid discovering a loading problem after arrangements have been made and carrier is on the way.
Enclosed service generally costs more than open transport. The price difference depends on equipment availability, the route, and the vehicle's requirements. We can help you consider whether the added protection fits your shipment.
A wider pickup window will give us more carriers to consider. A firm deadline or urgent pickup can narrow those options and increase the cost. Tell us what is flexible and what is fixed, including flights, seller appointments, or building access hours.
Relocations, seasonal travel, holidays, and weather affect demand throughout the year. There is no single month that is cheapest for every shipment.
Fuel has become a big element in the past few years as the prices have been climbing fast. Then we have operating costs, and available trailer space that influence what carriers can accept. Your quote reflects the conditions for your route the time of the request.
If your car does not run, or cannot roll, steer, or brake normally, it may need special equipment or loading arrangements. Low clearance and unusual dimensions also matter. Discuss any requested trailer placement or extra handling before booking so availability and cost can be reviewed.
Over the past 5 years the patterns have changed dramatially when it comes to people relocating and shiping cars, or simply buying cars our of state. If you have room to choose your dates, it is worth discussing more than one window. We can help you understand the conditions affecting your route rather than relying on a blanket promise about winter discounts or summer premiums.
| Season | How demand and pricing can change |
|---|---|
| Winter | Some routes see lighter demand, while shipping toward warmer states and weather disruptions can tighten availability elsewhere. Winter does not guarantee the lowest price. |
| Spring | Seasonal return travel and relocation plans can change demand by route. Pricing depends on the lane and available equipment. |
| Summer | Household moves and other travel can increase demand on some routes. Allow planning time and ask about flexible pickup windows. |
| Fall | Some relocation demand may ease, while seasonal moves toward warmer destinations can keep particular routes busy. |
Let us know the earliest date your car can be ready and how much flexibility you have after that. More flexibility will help us find a carrier whose route fits your shipment best and it could help lower the price.
Contact us when your plans begin to take shape. You don't need every detail settled to start a conversation. Unusual vehicles, enclosed equipment, remote locations, and ocean routes may need more planning than a regular mainland move.
Open transport may be a sensible way to manage the budget for an everyday car. For a vehicle with special protection or loading needs, discuss those requirements first. Saving money is useful when the service still fits the shipment.
An altered route, a different vehicle, new dates, or previously undisclosed loading needs can affect the arrangements. Sharing complete information early helps your agent quote for the shipment you actually need.
Before sharing your details or comparing prices, understand who will arrange the shipment and who will transport the vehicle. Different websites play different roles, and the service behind the quote matters as much as the amount.
| Type of provider | What they do and what to check |
|---|---|
| Auto transport broker or carrier | A broker arranges transport with a carrier and manages the shipment completely; a carrier physically moves the vehicle. Ask which role the company performs, who coordinates the shipment, and what its price and terms include. |
| Lead-generation website | Collects inquiries and may share or sell them to other businesses. Check its privacy disclosures and identify which company will issue the quote and arrange the transport. |
| Auction or transport marketplace | Connects customers with providers through listings, bids, or booking tools. Review the selected provider, platform fees, responsibilities, payment process, and dispute terms. |
At Corsia, we think of a workable market rate as the golden mean: a price that reflects the market, makes sense for the customer's plans and the carrier's work. It is not necessarily the middle number among three quotes. It needs to reflect the actual route, timing, equipment, and market conditions.
For a family-operated business, that conversation is part of taking care of the customer. We would rather explain why a route costs what it does than leave you planning around a number without context. You should feel comfortable asking us where there may be flexibility and what a change in service would mean.
Independent drivers and small fleets also have a business to sustain. Fuel, maintenance, insurance, equipment, and time on the road all contribute to the cost of moving a vehicle. Realistic pricing and clear instructions help make the work practical for the people doing the hauling. Supporting those relationships helps preserve the network of independent businesses behind each shipment. This is a network that still hold the fort and prevents full consolidation and corporate control of the market.
Our role is to help bring those needs together. Technology helps organize the details and carrier arrangements; your coordinator helps you make sense of the choices. That is how we want family ownership to show up in our service: through full disclosure, realistic expectations, and personal responsibility for the work we arrange - every order, every day.
You can request a quote and make a booking without making a payment. When you are ready to proceed, we explain the reservation fee and the payment schedule for your order. All payments under the arrangements described below are made to Corsia, rather than paid in cash to the driver at delivery.
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Request a quote plus optional book online | No payment is required. |
| Reserve your shipment when ready | A $129 reservation fee applies when you proceed with a reservation. This is when you know your dates. |
| After a carrier is assigned | Pay according to your plan - at pick up, or before delivery. |
Pay in full: Pay the remaining balance to Corsia after a carrier is assigned, according to your order's payment schedule.
Deposit and balance: Where agreed for your order, pay a deposit after carrier assignment and the remainder before delivery. Your coordinator confirms the amounts and due dates.
Split into three payments: Where available and agreed in advance, divide payment across a deposit, a payment at pickup, and a final payment before delivery.
Before you reserve, ask us to confirm the total price, whether the reservation fee is included in that total, each payment deadline, and the cancellation and refund terms. Submit cancellations in writing. Refund eligibility depends on the written terms that apply to your order.
Quotes are generally valid for about one week. Check the validity period on your individual quote, especially if your dates or shipment details change.
The open-transport planning examples on this page are $579–$789 for trips under 500 miles, $789–$1,189 for 500–1,500 miles, and $1,159–$1,559+ for trips over 1,500 miles. They are illustrative ranges, not verified nationwide averages or a quote for your shipment. Your route, vehicle, available dates, equipment, and carrier demand determine your individual price.
There is no single cheapest season for every route. Demand changes with relocations, seasonal travel, holidays, weather, and direction of travel. If your dates are flexible, ask us to compare possible windows for your route. A winter move is not automatically cheaper than a summer move.
Start planning early, provide accurate vehicle details, and allow flexibility in your pickup dates where possible. Compare open and enclosed service if either could suit your vehicle. Ask about accessible pickup locations and compare what each quote includes. Flexibility may improve the options available, but savings depend on your particular shipment.
No payment is required to request a quote. A $129 reservation fee applies when you proceed with a reservation. After carrier assignment, pay the remaining amount to Corsia under the schedule agreed for your order. Ask your coordinator to confirm the total, how the reservation fee is applied, payment deadlines, and cancellation terms before paying.
Quotes are generally valid for about one week. Check the period stated on your individual quote. Rates depend on the shipment details and carrier market conditions, so contact us if your dates, locations, or vehicle information change.
Yes. You can start with the pickup and destination cities and states, along with the vehicle details and available dates. ZIP codes help us narrow down the route. Before finalizing arrangements, we will need the location and access information required for pickup and delivery. A change in location or access requirements may affect the quote.
Tell us what you are shipping, where it needs to go, and when it can be ready. We will help you understand the options and the cost, with time for the questions that matter to you.
Additional cost to ship a car factors
If the answer is yes, keep in mind that expedited auto transport service costs more. If you need your vehicle picked-up or delivered on an exact date, or by an exact date, expect to pay a premium.
Top load means loading a vehicle on the top deck of the vehicle transport trailer. This ensures against possible leaks from other vehicles, from flying road debris, and it is generally safer.
A correctly quoted rate is a market price that will ship a car now.
All car shipping prices are not created equal, neither are all car transport companies. When you search online you will come across three major entities involved in the auto transport business – broker/carrier companies, lead generation websites, auction websites also called marketplaces.
The companies with authority to contract customers in order to transport their vehicles are auto transport brokers and carrier companies. These companies work together on daily basis in order to make vehicle shipping fast and affordable.
The engine of the car shipping industry is all small and mid-size broker and carrier companies. They work together on daily basis to deliver efficient and affordable car shipping service.
Costs to ship a car often vary between all three entities. Some companies will quote high prices, while others will quote unrealistically low rate. The quotes by lead generator websites and auction websites are usually low-ball prices. Broker and carrier companies can quote a market price to ship a car now.
The most realistic rate comes from a reputable auto transport broker or a carrier company. This is the engine of the industry – professionals who work daily with national dispatch boards and see how prices change. This is what keeps the prices competitive and the industry in balance. Small and medium size broker companies do not allow monopolization of the market by large corporations.
Majority of the orders in the auto transport industry are booked with brokers. The chances of you finding a car carrier who is in the same area as your car, has a spot open, and it is going in your desired direction are usually pretty slim. This is why the broker company is a key element in the industry. Most of the car carriers are small owner operated companies you can not find online. But you can find brokers who work to find customers to fill the trailers.
This entity is not an auto transport company of any type. This is an online business created to collect private information for other businesses. These lead generator websites are often found online and customers frequently confuse them with auto transport companies. But de facto, they are neither a carrier nor a broker. After receiving the customer’s request they sell the information to several auto transport companies. Then you receive several calls from companies competing for your business. It is often unpleasant to receive 5 to 10 calls in a matter of hours. Moreover, these companies know they are competing against each other and thus quote unrealistically low rates.
The third entity is auction websites or marketplaces. We advise our customers to avoid such platforms because this is where underbidding wars happen. They start too high and go down to an unrealistically low rate. Most companies are not able to give a realistic rate because they need to compete live with large companies who simply can afford to quote low. On the other hand, often due to fees imposed from the auction website, auto transport companies are forced to quote higher prices so they can make at least some profit. It is not only the companies’ fault, or the platform itself. The demand for low prices has always been a factor.
Broker companies vet all carriers – their license, insurance and safety ratings. A trustworthy broker company will work for you, the customer, to find the right carrier that travels your route and matches your requirements for a type of trailer, insurance liability and delivery time. They will provide a fair, current market price that will ship your vehicle in a timely and professional manner.
Generally, carriers do not manage customers. A carrier is responsible to load, deliver and unload your vehicle. About 90 percent of the car carriers in the US are small to mid-size owner operated companies. This is why the prices you receive online are from auto transport broker companies. A broker is a registered, licensed and bonded entity that specializes in vehicle shipping management. Small broker companies can leverage the industry, and keep it in balance.
Together, small and mid-size broker and carrier companies, create an efficient logistics ecosystem that works to provide timely and professional auto transport services to both private and business customers.
Zero upfront fees
We do not require any payment upfront from you to reserve a spot on a car carrier. You can book your order now and pay later. Call our agents now for details and a quote.
Dedicated agent
One of our team members will always be your only point of contact, alongside the driver. You will not be transferred from sales agent to customer service, and carrier to dispatch. You will know the name of your agent.
Market price
We quote market prices to ship your car now. W In this industry a current market price is crucial. Our prices are valid for one week only because market rates fluctuate. It is the nature of the logistics industry.
attention to details
We have over a decade of auto transport experience. Our knowledge, dedication and integrity guarantees exceptional customer service. Our business model is transparent and validated by our growing customer base and 5-star reviews.
5-star rated
Read our customer reviews online. We are family-owned and operated and we take care of our customers. And our 5-star reviews speak volumes. This is why we are considered one of the best car shipping companies in the U.S.
Peace of mind
We educate our customers and make sure they understand how shipping a car works. On our website you will find information about the cost to ship a car, how to prepare a car for shipping, how long it takes to ship a car and more.
When you call to get your cost to ship a car quote, our logistics experts will discuss your options, budget and preferences and give you a current market price to ship a car now.
