Auto shipping has gotten noticeably pricier in 2024, with demand and fuel costs pushing quotes higher than they were just two years ago. If you're relocating, buying a car across the country, or moving a classic vehicle, knowing what you'll actually pay—and why—can save you hundreds of dollars. Here's what the current market looks like and how to get a fair quote.
2024 Auto Shipping Cost Ranges
A standard enclosed or open car shipment across the continental U.S. typically runs $800–$1,500 for distances under 1,000 miles, and $1,200–$2,500 for long-haul moves (2,000+ miles). Enclosed transport—where your car rides inside a trailer—costs roughly 40–60% more than open transport, putting enclosed options at $1,200–$3,000+ depending on distance and vehicle size.
For shorter regional hauls (under 500 miles), expect $500–$900. Cross-country shipments from coast to coast average $2,000–$3,500 for standard vehicles in open transport.
These figures assume a standard sedan or compact SUV. Larger vehicles like trucks and full-size SUVs add 10–20% to quotes, while luxury or classic cars can push costs higher due to specialized handling.
What Drives Your Quote Up or Down
Distance is the primary cost lever. A move from Los Angeles to Phoenix costs dramatically less than Los Angeles to New York because carriers factor in fuel, labor, and time on the road. Longer routes offer better per-mile rates simply because the cost is spread across more miles.
Shipping method splits into two main options:
- Open transport – Your car rides on a multi-vehicle trailer, exposed to weather. It's the budget choice and the industry standard for most moves.
- Enclosed transport – Your vehicle travels inside a covered trailer, offering maximum protection. Ideal for luxury, vintage, or high-value cars.
Pickup and delivery locations matter significantly. Remote rural areas cost more because carriers need to deviate from major highway corridors. Urban centers with high carrier traffic get competitive rates.
Season plays a real role. Summer and early fall see peak demand; rates climb 15–25% during these months. Winter shipping (November–February) is cheaper but slower, with longer wait times between pickup and delivery.
Vehicle condition affects whether a car is operable. Non-running vehicles require special equipment (dollies, winches) and cost 15–30% more to ship. Your car must have functional brakes and steering for standard loading onto open trailers.
Market fuel costs directly impact quotes. Diesel price spikes immediately get passed to carriers, which trickles into your estimate within days.
Timeline and Booking Strategy
Standard open transport takes 5–10 business days for cross-country moves, though this varies by season and route complexity. Enclosed transport runs slightly longer, typically 7–14 days. Expedited shipping—getting your car delivered in 2–3 days—costs 50–100% more and isn't necessary for most relocations.
Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance if you have flexibility on dates. Carriers reward advance bookings with modest discounts (typically 5–10%) because they can optimize their routes. Last-minute bookings (under one week) carry a 20–30% urgency premium.
Always request multiple quotes before committing. Rates vary widely between carriers even on identical routes; comparing three to five quotes takes 15 minutes and often reveals $200–$500 differences.
Red Flags When Comparing Quotes
Unusually low bids (30–40% cheaper than average) suggest the carrier might be inexperienced, under-insured, or planning to upsell during pickup. Confirm carriers hold active DOT authority and valid insurance before signing.
Vague delivery windows ("sometime in late March") indicate the carrier oversold capacity. Ask for a specific date range of ±1–2 days.
Avoid paying the full amount upfront. Standard practice is a deposit of 10–25% to secure the booking, with the balance due on or shortly after delivery.
Getting Help Finding the Right Shipper
With dozens of carriers operating nationwide, it pays to use a comparison platform like Mercoly, where you can gather multiple quotes from trusted auto shipping providers in one place and compare rates, reviews, and insurance coverage side-by-side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is my car insured during transport? Yes—carriers are legally required to carry liability insurance covering your vehicle during shipment, typically covering up to $100,000 in damages. Ask for proof of insurance and clarify coverage limits before signing your contract.
Q: Can I pack belongings inside my car during shipping? No. Federal regulations prohibit personal items inside vehicles during transport for safety and liability reasons. Empty your car completely before pickup.
Q: What's the typical payment schedule? Deposit (10–25%) is due to book the shipment, with the remaining balance (75–90%) payable by cash, check, or card upon delivery or within 48 hours of pickup, depending on the carrier's terms.
Compare quotes today and lock in your auto shipping cost before prices shift again.