How much does car shipping cost?
Car shipping costs in 2024, specifically for open car shipping, are estimated around $1.85/mile for short distances (1-500 miles) or $555 for a 300-mile trip. Medium distances average about $.91/mile (500-1500 miles) or $910 for 1000 miles. Long distances (1500+ miles) are about $.59/mile or $1,180 for a 2000-mile trip. It’s important to note that car shipping costs may vary and the rates for enclosed car shipping will be higher.
When it comes to shipping your vehicle, there are several factors that come into play when determining the cost. Everything from the type of vehicle you’re shipping to the type of shipping method you choose will affect the price.
To get a clear idea of what your final cost will be, we recommend using our free instant quote calculator for an estimate. You can also speak with a JRS Freight representative via live chat or at (888) 666-8929 to discuss your shipment and request a quote. This will give
you the most accurate estimate possible, taking into account factors such as the distance of the shipment, seasonal demand, any additional services required and current market
rates.
| Average car shipping cost per mile | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport | |
| 1-500 miles | $1.85/mile | $2.53/mile | |
| 501-1,500 miles | $.91/mile | $1.25/mile | |
| 1,500+ miles | $.59/mile | $.84/mile | |
What is car transport?
Car transport or car shipping, is a service that moves cars from one destination to another. The best car transport involves licensed professionals with the right experience and equipment to safely move your vehicle. The type of transport you choose will affect your car shipping cost. You can ship via open transport (more cost effective) or enclosed transport (more protection). Typically, enclosed auto transport will cost 10-40% more than open transport. Open transport is the most common type of transport, used by most customers, including car dealerships. Enclosed transport is the preferred method for anyone shipping luxury, exotic or collector vehicles that want added protection.
How to get a car transport quote
Car transport quotes can be calculated a few different ways. You can get an accurate estimate of your car shipping by using our instant quote calculator or speaking with a JRS Freight representative via live chat. When discussing your shipment be sure to mention any special requirements you may have, as these could affect the price. Some examples of special requirements include expedited pickup, vehicle modifications or inoperable vehicles.
In order to get the most accurate and up-to-date car shipping quote, it’s important to know and have the following information available:
- Vehicle pickup and delivery destinations (zip codes are preferred for increased quoting accuracy)
- Car transport preference (open or enclosed trailer)
- Vehicle year, make and model (ensures availability of required transport trailer size)
- Operational status (can be driven forward and in reverse, with basic steering for truck loading and unloading)
- Earliest available pickup date
Auto transport industry overview
There are three types of companies you might work with to ship your vehicle: lead providers, carriers and brokers.
In exchange for providing your contact information, lead providers supply vehicle owners with a list of “leads” or potential carriers, based on the owner’s search criteria. The owner is responsible from there to further research or contact the carriers on the list to determine the best option for their needs and budget. Lead providers will typically share your contact information with their network, so you will likely receive phone calls and emails from the various transport companies.
Carriers employ the truckers who do the actual transportation of your car, picking it up and dropping it off at the designated locations. You can work directly with a carrier company—from requesting a quote for shipment, to working out details, to the actual transport—but without some industry knowledge it can be hard to identify the best carrier for your unique vehicle shipment. This is why you might choose to work with an auto transport broker. Brokers work as the middle man between vehicle owners and a network of carriers, finding the best-suited solution for the highest value.
Calculating car shipping costs
Auto transport quotes and car shipment rates are calculated using unique considerations for each customer. Your car shipping estimate will be based on several different transport factors. This includes, but isn’t limited to: trip distance, car size (sedan, pickup truck, SUV, etc.), vehicle condition (operable or inoperable), transport type (open or enclosed), location (i.e. rural or urban) and the time of year you ship. JRS Freight instant quote calculator lets you enter all the details about your vehicle, allowing us to generate the most accurate and cost-optimized price—without hidden fees.
How to use the JRS Freight car shipping cost calculator
Our free instant quote calculator provides accurate car shipping costs for your vehicle shipment in just a few clicks. Complete the steps below and instantly receive your quote, no credit card or upfront payment is required. Provide as much detail about your vehicle and shipping needs for the most accurate estimate.
The car transport process
Step 1: Quote & book order
Step 2: Vehicle pickup
Step 3: Vehicle delivery
What factors are used to calculate the cost of car shipping?
Distance
Total distance is the main component used in calculating a quote for car shipping. Longer distances generally lead to a higher overall car shipping price, but also include a discounted cost per mile. With our car shipping calculator, you can get the best auto transport quote for any car shipment. It’s important to note that international car shipping prices might differ from ground vehicle transport.
Route
Different from distance, route refers to what highways and other roads will be traveled to transport the vehicle. Routes in highly populated areas may have increased traffic congestion, which could impact transport time and shipping costs. Additional route considerations that can be factored into shipping costs include: physical road conditions, adverse weather and road construction.
Shipping date
When you book a car transport service, the shipment date often plays a role in the cost. It’s best to book your car shipment as far in advance as possible. As soon as you know you’ll need to ship your vehicle, begin researching an auto transport company to request a car shipping quote. Additionally, increased flexibility around car pickup dates will often result in car transport quote savings.
Vehicle make and model
When planning your auto transport, we ask for the exact vehicle specifications, because the truck driver must know how much space is required to safely secure your automobile and ensure proper trailer height and side clearance. Longer and taller cars require additional vehicle transport adjustments, which may slightly increase car shipping costs. Vehicle modifications like larger tires and roof racks can also increase the cost.
Auto transport type
Most people shipping a car select open car transport, as it is the industry standard and cheapest way for car shippers to move your vehicle. For extra car shipment protection, we recommend using enclosed car transportation services that shield vehicles from weather and debris. Enclosed auto transport can increase the cost of car shipping, but is worth the peace of mind for delicate, exotic or luxury car transportation.
Vehicle condition
If your car is running, you will get a better auto shipping price from car shippers for the allotted distance. If your car is inoperable, but maintains the ability to roll, steer and brake, it will require a winch and other accommodations to be loaded onto the carrier trailer, which will increase the cost of shipment. To request a quote or to arrange shipment for an inoperable vehicle, please contact a JRS Freight representative at (888) 666-8929.
Vehicle details
Taller, longer and heavier vehicles may require a specific trailer or trailer type to support the length and/or added weight. They may also need certain accommodations, like being transported in a specific place within the trailer. Both of these situations could require the driver to take fewer or smaller vehicles to accommodate special requests and manage total allowable weight limits.
Ground clearance
Ground clearance, also called ride height, is the distance between the bottom of the vehicle’s body and the road or driving surface. Low vehicle ground clearance requires special attention and accommodation, such as a specialized ramp. If ground clearance is four inches or less, the vehicle must be shipped in an enclosed trailer equipped with a lift gate, which open trailers do not have.
Location
Metropolitan areas usually have plenty of trucks available to carry out car shipping orders for auto shippers, which lowers the car transport price. When transporting cars, we strive to find the best deal for residents of small towns.
Seasonality
Car shipping costs vary greatly based on the time of year. For example, auto transport services to warmer states are very popular during the winter travel season, so the cost for transporting a car to those destinations may be higher. Use JRS Freight car shipping calculator to get the price for shipping a car. Depending on your scheduling flexibility, we recommend trying different shipping dates to see rate impact for choosing the best price.
Why choose JRS Freight?
JRS Freight Auto Transport delivers a balance of quality and affordability. Our transparent approach to car shipping costs ensures you receive an accurate quote from the beginning. By leveraging our extensive network and industry expertise, we secure the best price for your vehicle’s journey so you can plan your move confidently.
No upfront payments
At JRS Freight, no payment is required until a carrier has been assigned to your order, so you can arrange transport now and handle payment later.
Personalized approach
JRS Freight works with you to arrange the best transportation method for your vehicle. Experience hassle-free shipping when you choose JRS Freight for your car shipping needs.
Insurance coverage
When you ship your vehicle with JRS Freight, it will be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance. We also have our own contingent cargo insurance protecting your vehicle for up to $250,000.
30,000+ professional carriers
Our nationwide network of over 30,000 carriers are all fully licensed and insured. We have drivers with the equipment and expertise to handle transport for vehicles in all 50 states.
Dedicated advisors and extended hours
Our expert auto transport advisors are available 365 days a year to arrange transport, monitor your shipment and answer any questions you may have.
Top-rated in the nation
With over one million customers served and nearly 100,000 online customer reviews, we’ve earned our reputation as one of the nation’s top-rated auto transport companies. See what our customers are saying about their experience with JRS Freight.
Auto transport insurance
Auto transport companies are held to stringent insurance requirements. Carrier companies are legally required to carry liability insurance and a minimal level of cargo insurance. Auto transport brokers can inform you of your carrier’s amount of coverage. When determining insurance coverage, ask your JRS Freight representative these questions:
- What type of damage is covered?
- Does insurance cover the entire vehicle or only specific parts? – Is there a deductible?
- Is there a deductible?
- What is the limit of coverage?
- Are specialty items or accessories covered?
- Is there an option to purchase additional coverage?
