The short answer
Shipping a car to another state typically costs $600 to $1,800. Short interstate hops of 300–800 miles usually run $600–$900, 800–1,500 miles run $850–$1,200, and coast-to-coast moves of 2,000+ miles run $1,200–$1,800 on an open carrier. Enclosed transport, a non-running vehicle, an oversized vehicle or expedited pickup each add roughly 15–35% on top.
- Cost per mile falls as distance rises — long hauls are cheaper per mile than short ones.
- January and the summer moving peak are the two most expensive windows of the year.
- Major metro-to-metro lanes price below rural routes of the same distance.
- $99 buys optional $200,000 shipper's-interest coverage per vehicle.
Typical price by distance
- Under 500 miles: roughly $500–$750, with a minimum on very short hauls
- 500–1,000 miles: roughly $700–$1,000
- 1,000–1,500 miles: roughly $850–$1,200
- 1,500–2,000 miles: roughly $1,000–$1,400
- 2,000+ miles (coast to coast): roughly $1,200–$1,800
The six factors that actually move your price
- Distance and lane density: a truck running I-10 daily prices better than one detouring into rural Montana.
- Vehicle size and weight: a dually or three-row SUV occupies more than one slot on the trailer.
- Running condition: a vehicle that cannot roll, steer and brake needs winch loading.
- Trailer type: enclosed protects against weather and road debris and costs roughly 35% more.
- Season: snowbird season into Florida and Arizona, and the summer relocation peak, both tighten truck supply.
- Flexibility: a wider pickup window gives dispatch more routes to fit you into, at a lower rate.
How to lower the number without picking a bad carrier
- Widen your first-available window by a few days rather than paying for expedited.
- Ship open unless the vehicle is collectible, exotic or freshly restored.
- Book two or more vehicles together — multi-vehicle discounts run 5% to 20%.
- Avoid booking into the last week of the month, when relocation demand peaks.
- Be reachable. The single biggest cause of a missed pickup is an unanswered phone.
What our price includes
Door-to-door pickup and delivery, a carrier vetted for active authority and current insurance, live tracking, and the carrier's cargo coverage. Optional $200,000 shipper's-interest coverage is $99 per vehicle. You pay $0 today and the card on file is charged in full when the vehicle is physically picked up — there are no deposits and nothing is owed at delivery.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
- Most state-to-state moves fall between $600 and $1,800. A 700-mile move typically runs $700–$950; a coast-to-coast move typically runs $1,200–$1,800 on an open carrier.
- Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive it?
- Under roughly 500 miles, driving usually wins. Past about 1,000 miles, fuel, hotels, meals, wear and your own time generally make shipping the cheaper and far easier option.
- What is the cheapest month to ship a car?
- Typically the shoulder months — late spring and early fall. January snowbird traffic and the mid-summer moving peak are the most expensive.