Shipping a vehicle across the country — or even a few states over — can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500+, depending on factors most people don't think about until they're already locked in. Getting a fair deal means understanding exactly what drives those prices and knowing how to stack services against each other. Here's what you need to know before you hand over your keys.
What Determines the Cost of Vehicle Transport
No two shipments are priced the same, and that's not a coincidence. Carriers calculate rates based on a combination of variables that can swing your final quote significantly.
The biggest cost drivers include:
- Distance and route popularity – A coast-to-coast move (roughly 2,500 miles) typically runs $1,000–$1,500. Shorter hauls of 500 miles or less often land between $500–$750. Routes between major metros (LA to NYC, for example) are cheaper per mile because carriers run them constantly.
- Open vs. enclosed transport – Open carriers are the standard and the cheaper option, averaging $0.40–$0.60 per mile. Enclosed transport, used for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or exotics, runs $0.75–$1.10 per mile.
- Vehicle size and condition – Larger vehicles (trucks, SUVs, vans) cost more to ship than sedans. Non-operational vehicles that require a winch add a flat fee, usually $100–$200.
- Pickup and delivery type – Terminal-to-terminal service is cheaper but requires you to drop off and pick up at a depot. Door-to-door service is more convenient but costs roughly 10–20% more.
- Time of year – Summer and early fall are peak season for auto transport, especially on snowbird routes (think Midwest to Florida). Expect 15–25% higher rates during these windows.
Open vs. Enclosed: Which Should You Choose
For most everyday vehicles — daily drivers, used cars being relocated for a job move — open transport is the practical choice. Your car will be exposed to the elements, but carriers move millions of vehicles this way every year without incident.
Enclosed transport is worth the premium if your vehicle is worth more than $50,000, is a collector or classic car, or has low ground clearance. The additional cost buys you a covered, padded environment and typically more careful handling by specialized carriers.
How to Compare Vehicle Transport Services Without Getting Burned
Getting multiple quotes is non-negotiable, but raw price comparison isn't enough. A lowball offer from an unlicensed broker can leave your car sitting in a lot for weeks — or worse.
When comparing services, check these specifics:
- FMCSA registration – Any legitimate carrier or broker must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Verify their MC number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before you commit.
- Insurance coverage – Carriers are required to carry cargo insurance, but policies vary. Ask specifically what's covered and what your deductible would be if damage occurs.
- Pickup window vs. guaranteed pickup – Most carriers quote a 1–5 day pickup window, not a specific date. Some offer guaranteed pickup for an extra fee (~$150–$300). If your timeline is tight, this matters.
- Broker vs. carrier – Brokers connect you to carriers and can offer more flexibility, but they add a layer between you and the actual driver. Direct carriers can be harder to find but eliminate that middleman.
- Reviews and complaint history – Check Google, Trustpilot, and the FMCSA complaint database. A carrier with a lower quote and a pattern of delivery delays or damage claims isn't worth the savings.
Mercoly makes this process easier by letting you compare and find trusted vehicle transport and shipping providers all in one place, so you're not bouncing between a dozen separate quote forms.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every low price is a bargain. Watch out for:
- Unusually low quotes (20–30% below market) that get revised after pickup
- Deposits required upfront via wire transfer or cash app (reputable companies take card)
- No physical address or working phone number for the company
- Pressure to book immediately before you've reviewed the contract
What to Do Before Your Vehicle Gets Picked Up
Once you've selected a carrier, document your car thoroughly. Take timestamped photos of every panel, the windshield, wheels, and interior before the driver arrives. Walk through the Bill of Lading with the driver and note any pre-existing damage in writing. Don't sign a blank or incomplete BOL.
Keep your gas tank at about a quarter full — carriers don't want the extra weight, and you'll need enough fuel to drive it off the transport.
Start your search with real quotes from verified providers and stop guessing what fair pricing looks like.