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Car Shipping: What It Costs and What to Check

See what it costs to ship a car, what drives the price, and how to check the company.

Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated September 26, 2026

Advertiser disclosure: AssistQuote may be paid when you visit or do business with a partner through our links. The provider sets your price. How we make money

The short answer

Shipping a car about 1,500 to 2,000 miles often costs $900 to $1,800. Distance, vehicle size and open or enclosed trailers matter most.

Enter your ZIP code to see car shippers. You don't need to give us your name or phone number.

  • No phone number neededSee costs and options before you share any contact details.
  • Real price ranges, with sourcesWe name where every number comes from and when it was published.
  • You choose who to contactWe show options. You decide if, when and who to reach out to.

We never ask for a Social Security number, date of birth or documents.

What affects your car shipping price

Price range

Shipping a car 1,500 to 2,000 miles costs about $900 to $1,800. Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the shipper. Source: HomeGuide (data updated 2024).

What moves the number

  • Distance.
  • Open or enclosed trailer. Open is cheaper and most common. Enclosed protects classic or pricey cars.
  • Vehicle size. Trucks and SUVs cost more.
  • Time of year. Summer and "snowbird" season cost more.
  • Door-to-door or terminal. Dropping off at a terminal can cost less.

What to ask before you choose

  • "Are you the carrier or a broker?" Brokers find a carrier for you. Ask who will actually haul your car.
  • "What's your USDOT or MC number?" Look it up on FMCSA's website.
  • "What does your cargo insurance cover?"
  • "When do I pay, and how much is due up front?"
  • "What's the pickup window?" Pickup dates are often a range, not an exact day.

The catch: at pickup, you and the driver fill out an inspection report. Walk around the car together. Take clear photos of every side, and note every scratch. If there's new damage at delivery, that report and your photos are your proof.

Why AssistQuote is different

Most quote sites ask who you are first. Here you can look at auto transport costs and options first.

On some websites

They ask who you are first

Some forms want your name and phone number before they show you anything useful. You may not know which companies will get it, or how many will call.

Here, you choose

Answer a few questions without giving your name, email or phone number. See prices, what to ask, and providers to explore. You choose who to contact and what to share with them.

  1. 1

    Check local costs

    See typical price ranges for your area and what moves the price up or down.

  2. 2

    Tell us what you need

    Answer a few questions about the work, not about who you are.

  3. 3

    You decide what's next

    Save or email your options, or visit a provider when you're ready.

Cost information is not a live rate, quote or offer. A provider shown here is not an endorsement. Each provider sets its own prices, privacy and contact rules.

Questions people ask

Shipping a car 1,500 to 2,000 miles often costs $900 to $1,800.

Open is cheaper and fine for most cars. Enclosed costs more but protects classic, luxury or low-riding cars.

No. You can see car shippers with just your ZIP code. You only share your details if you choose to contact a company.

No. We help you learn what to expect and compare. Then you choose which company to contact, and they set your price.

Ready to see auto transport options in your area?

Start with your ZIP code. You will see typical local costs and options to explore. No phone number, email or name needed to look.

You choose if, when and who to contact.