The Per-Mile Rate Curve
Car shipping doesn't scale linearly with distance. Short routes (under 500 miles) cost $0.75–$1.00 per mile because carriers need minimum revenue to justify the trip. Medium routes (500–1,500 miles) drop to $0.50–$0.70 per mile. Long routes (1,500+ miles) can be as low as $0.40–$0.55 per mile.
Why Short Routes Cost More Per Mile
Carriers have fixed costs: loading, unloading, inspection, and paperwork take the same time whether the route is 200 or 2,000 miles. On a short route, those fixed costs represent a larger percentage of the total trip economics.
Real Price Examples by Distance
200 miles: $400–$550. 500 miles: $550–$750. 1,000 miles: $750–$1,000. 1,500 miles: $900–$1,200. 2,500 miles (coast-to-coast): $1,100–$1,600. These are open transport rates for a standard sedan. Add 10–30% for larger vehicles.
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How much per mile to ship a car?+
The average per-mile rate is $0.50–$0.80, but it varies: short routes cost more per mile ($0.75–$1.00) while long routes cost less ($0.40–$0.55).
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