Car shipping
Best Car Shipping Companies
By Research TeamFact-checked by Editorial StaffLast updated: 7 min read
Compare licensed auto transport carriers by route, transit time, and cost. Every carrier in our directory holds active interstate operating authority verified through FMCSA records.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
The national average for open auto transport is $600–$1,100. Enclosed transport adds 40–60% to that range. Distance is the largest cost factor.
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Under 200 miles | $150–$450 | $300–$650 |
| 200–500 miles | $300–$700 | $500–$1,000 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $600–$1,000 | $900–$1,400 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $800–$1,200 | $1,100–$1,700 |
| 1,500+ miles | $1,000–$1,800 | $1,400–$2,500+ |
Open vs. enclosed transport
Open transport
Multi-vehicle carriers with exposed upper and lower decks. The most common method — used by dealerships and manufacturers. Vehicles are exposed to weather and road debris but arrive undamaged in the vast majority of shipments.
Best for: Standard vehicles, budget-conscious shippers
Enclosed transport
Fully covered trailers that protect your vehicle from weather, road debris, and visibility. Fewer vehicles per load means more careful handling. Costs 40–60% more than open transport.
Best for: Luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles
Popular car shipping routes
Estimated open transport costs for the most common interstate auto transport corridors.
Car shipping FAQ
- The average cost to ship a car is $600–$1,100 for standard open transport. Enclosed transport adds 40–60% to that cost. Distance is the biggest driver: short hauls (under 200 miles) run $150–$450 while cross-country routes (1,500+ miles) run $1,000–$1,800+ for open transport.
- Open transport uses standard multi-car carriers exposed to the elements — the same type used by dealerships. It is the most common and affordable option. Enclosed transport uses covered trailers that fully protect your vehicle from weather, road debris, and theft. It is preferred for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles and costs 40–60% more.
- Transit times vary by route distance and carrier availability. Short routes (under 500 miles) typically take 1–3 days. Medium routes (500–1,500 miles) take 3–5 days. Cross-country routes (1,500+ miles) take 5–10 days. Remote pickup or delivery locations can add 1–3 days.
- Remove all personal items from the interior — carriers are not liable for items left in the car. Leave about a quarter tank of fuel. Disable toll transponders. Document any existing damage with photos before pickup. Disable car alarms if possible.
- Licensed carriers are required to carry cargo insurance that covers your vehicle during transport. Ask for proof of insurance and the policy limits before booking. Your personal auto insurance may provide additional coverage — check with your insurer.
- Most carriers prohibit personal items inside the vehicle. Even those that allow it limit weight (usually 100 lbs max) and accept no liability for anything left inside. Carrier insurance covers the vehicle itself, not contents.
- Verify the carrier holds an active MC number with the FMCSA. Check their safety rating and insurance status. Read third-party reviews on Google and Trustpilot. Get at least three written quotes and be wary of unusually low bids — they often signal a broker who will re-sell your shipment to a lower-quality carrier.
- No. Vehicle transport is a completely separate service. Even if your full-service mover offers car shipping, you should get dedicated auto transport quotes to compare — moving companies typically do not own auto transport equipment and subcontract through carriers.