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CAR SHIPPING COST & PRICING
What to expect and why we're committed to price transparency.
Real rates. Real agents. Zero surprises at delivery.
Average Car Shipping Rates
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Car shipping cost depends on more than just distance. The type of transport, your vehicle’s size, the time of year, and how flexible you are with pickup timing all go into an accurate auto transport quote.
Rates shift with fuel costs, seasonal demand, and how many carriers are running a given corridor at any point in time. A route that’s competitively priced in January can look very different in June. The only way to get an accurate number is to call: our agents know every major corridor and can give you a real quote in about five minutes.
Route and season matter more than distance alone: Shorter hauls cost more per mile because fixed overhead is spread across fewer miles. Coast-to-coast shipping carries a lower per-mile rate even though the total is higher. Enclosed transport typically runs 40–60% more than open carrier on the same route.
Scott's Actual Price Promise
The quote we give you is the price you pay. No fuel surcharges added after booking. No surprise fees at delivery. Your rate is locked for 30 days from the moment you call. Learn how it works →
What Affects the Cost of Car Shipping?
Every auto transport quote is built from the same variables. Understanding them helps you know where your number comes from —
and where you might save.
Distance & Route
Longer hauls cost more total but less per mile. Routes along major interstates are cheapest. Rural or off-highway pickups cost more.
Biggest cost driver
Vehicle Size & Condition
Full-size trucks and SUVs take up more trailer space. Non-running vehicles require special loading equipment and add cost.
+$50–$200 oversized/non-running
Number of Vehicles
Shipping multiple cars at once can reduce the per-vehicle rate. Mention the total when you call — we'll build the quote accordingly.
Discounts for 2+ vehicles
Speed & Flexibility
Expedited pickup within 24–48 hours costs more. A flexible 3–5 day window almost always yields a better rate and a faster confirmed driver.
Expedited adds $150–$300
Shipping Options
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
Most Popular • ~90% of all shipments
Open Transport
Most affordable car shipping option; price depends on route and timing
- Car travels on a standard multi-level open trailer
- The same method dealerships use to move new inventory
- Safe and reliable for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs
- Fastest pickup availability; more carriers on every route
- Most affordable auto transport option
- Full cargo insurance included on every shipment
Best for: Standard sedans, pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans: any vehicle where
cost is the priority and weather exposure isn’t a concern.
Premium Service • Specialty Vehicles
Enclosed Transport
Typically 40–60% more than open rates
- Fully enclosed trailer protects from weather and road debris
- Soft tie-downs protect paint, body, and undercarriage
- Fewer vehicles per load; more hands-on attention per car
- Climate-controlled options available on select routes
- White-glove handling at pickup and delivery
- Enhanced insurance coverage for high-value vehicles
Best for: Classic and collector cars, luxury vehicles, exotics, brand-new cars.
Anything where cosmetic condition matters as much as getting there.
“At Scott’s Auto Carrier, customer satisfaction is more than just a priority. It’s our driving force. Transparency builds trust, and trust builds lasting relationships with our customers. Our Actual Price Promise locks in your quote for 30 days. The price you’re quoted is the price you’ll pay. No hidden fees. No surprises.”
—Scott Newcomb, Chairman and CEO, Scott’s Auto Carrier, Inc.
Timing Your Shipment
When Should You Ship Your Car to Get the Best Rate?
Winter (Dec – Feb)
The lowest-demand period outside of snowbird car shipping routes heading south to Florida. Carrier availability is high, rates are often lower, and dispatch is faster on most corridors.
Best Rates
Spring (Mar – May)
Snowbird return routes push demand on North–South corridors in March and April. College move-out adds volume in May. Book two weeks ahead if your route runs along the East Coast.
Moderate Demand
Summer (Jun – Aug)
Peak season nationwide. Military PCS moves, corporate relocations, and family moves all converge. Book 2–3 weeks ahead for best carrier selection and pricing.
Peak Season
Fall (Sep – Nov)
Demand drops after Labor Day. Snowbird car shipping season begins in October as retirees head south again. Most other corridors offer solid availability and competitive rates.
Good Value
Auto Shipping Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we hear every day about rates, timing, and how our quotes work. Don’t see what you need? Call us anytime, day or night.
Car shipping cost varies widely depending on distance, route, season, and current carrier availability. Broad ranges run from a few hundred dollars for short regional moves to well over $1,500 for cross-country transport, but those numbers can shift significantly based on when and where you're shipping. The fastest way to get an accurate number is a five-minute call with a live agent.
Cross-country car shipping varies significantly by route, season, and current market conditions. Pricing can range broadly, and high-demand corridors—like Florida to the Northeast in spring—often run well above general estimates. Enclosed transport adds 40–60% on top of that.
Car shipping is a brokered industry. Many companies quote low to win the order, then struggle to find a carrier at that rate, leading to delays or quiet rate adjustments after you've committed. At Scott's, our quote is our price. That's the Actual Price Promise, and it's the reason customers come back year after year.
It’s often a personal decision rather than a strictly financial one. Under 500 miles, it can be less expensive to drive—but many still ship to avoid putting miles on their car, skip a full day behind the wheel, or handle a move without having to travel themselves. Over 1,000 miles, shipping tends to make clearer financial sense once you add up the full cost of driving: there’s fuel ($0.20–$0.30/mile), hotel nights, meals, and vehicle wear, easily $600–$900 out of pocket. Shipping is especially valuable if you can't take days off work.
Transit times depend on distance:
- Under 500 miles: 1–2 days
- 500–1,500 miles: 2–4 days
- 1,500–2,500 miles: 4–7 days
- Cross-country (2,500+ miles): 6–9 days
Add 1–3 days for carrier dispatch after booking, often sooner on high-traffic routes. Expedited service can guarantee pickup within 24–48 hours.
Yes. All licensed carriers are required to carry cargo insurance, typically $100,000–$150,000 per
load for standard open transport. Before handing over your keys, document any existing damage on the Bill of Lading and take dated photos. For high-value vehicles, ask about enhanced coverage or consider enclosed transport.
Prep takes under an hour:
- Wash the car so existing damage is easy to see and document
- Take photos: exterior, interior, odometer
- Leave the fuel tank at about 1/4 full
- Remove personal items (or keep under 100 lbs. in the trunk)
- Disable toll transponders and car alarms
- Confirm the battery is charged and tires are properly inflated
See the full Vehicle Prep checklist →
Yes. Scott's offers discounts for multiple vehicles, military service members and veterans, college students, and snowbird customers on seasonal routes. Check the Discounts page or mention it when you call. Our agents apply every applicable discount automatically.
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