How It Works

Calculate your estimate

Understand car transport pricing and get a quick estimate.

How Much Is Car Shipping?

Find your car shipping cost in seconds with The Car Carriage’s shipping cost calculator.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SHIP A CAR?

Car shipping costs shift like sand dunes, molding to the shape of your journey.

• Shorter hops (1–500 miles): Up to $1.97 per mile (e.g., $493 for 225 miles)

• Mid-range (500–1500 miles): ~$0.94 per mile (e.g., $846 for 900 miles)

• Cross-country (1500+ miles): ~$0.59 per mile (e.g., $1180 for 2000 miles)

Detours and other factors can affect your final fare, so grab a quote from a carrier or broker for the most precise estimate.

WHAT IS AUTO TRANSPORT?

Auto transport is the professional relocation of vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles, or powersports from one location to another.

• Open transport: Exposes vehicles to the elements but is the most affordable

• Enclosed transport: Offers added protection, ideal for luxury and classic cars

OVERVIEW OF THE AUTO TRANSPORT INDUSTRY

• Lead Providers: Connect you to carriers but leave the decision-making to you

• Carriers: Physically transport the car, but you must manage quotes and scheduling

• Brokers: Do the heavy lifting — they find the best deal and manage all logistics

Choose The Car Carriage — your trusted broker with 17,000+ vetted carriers nationwide.

HOW DO I GET A CAR TRANSPORT QUOTE?

1. ONLINE
Use quote forms to get instant estimates. Be ready with:

• Pickup and delivery ZIPs

• Vehicle info (year, make, model)

• Operational status

• Transport type

• Earliest pickup date

2. PHONE
Prefer a conversation? Call us and we’ll walk you through everything.

WHAT AFFECTS THE COST OF SHIPPING MY CAR?

DISTANCE
Longer distances = higher cost, but cheaper per mile. Like buying in bulk — more efficient.

ROUTE
City congestion, road conditions, detours, or weather delays can increase cost and delivery time.

SHIPPING DATE
Book early to save! Flexible pickup windows unlock better deals, just like booking a flight.

VEHICLE MAKE & MODEL
Larger or modified vehicles require more trailer space or special handling, which affects pricing.

AUTO TRANSPORT TYPE

• Open transport: Budget-friendly

• Enclosed transport: More protection at a premium

VEHICLE CONDITION

• Operable: Easier and cheaper to load

• Inoperable: Requires special equipment, raising the cost

VEHICLE DETAILS

• Size, weight, height, and ground clearance all impact how your car fits on the trailer

• Low clearance cars (under 4”) require lift gate and enclosed trailer service

LOCATION
City pickups are often cheaper than remote locations. Meeting the driver in a central spot may save you money.

SEASONALITY
Prices go up in busy seasons (like winter moves to Florida). Flexible shipping dates help lower costs.

AUTO TRANSPORT INSURANCE

Basic liability insurance is required, but cargo insurance is your best protection.

Ask:

• What’s covered?

• What’s the coverage limit?

• Is there a deductible?

• Are accessories covered?

The Car Carriage helps you navigate every insurance detail so your vehicle is protected, no surprises.

OUR AUTO TRANSPORT SERVICES

DOOR-TO-DOOR CAR SHIPPING
From your driveway to the destination — we handle it all.

OPEN CAR SHIPPING
Best for standard vehicles. Affordable and widely available.

ENCLOSED CAR SHIPPING
Ideal for luxury, classic, or low-clearance cars. Maximum protection.

EXPEDITED CAR SHIPPING
Fast-track pickup within 2 to 48 hours. Premium rates apply.

Straight-Forward Shipping Times

Planning your shipment? Here’s what to expect: