How to Use the Car Shipping Cost Calculator
Whether you're relocating, buying a car out of state, or sending a vehicle to a family member, car shipping companies charge based on distance, vehicle size, and how the car is transported. This calculator adds a base fee to a per-mile rate that scales with your vehicle's size and transport type to give you a quick cost estimate.
Most shipments use open transport, where your car rides on a multi-car trailer exposed to the elements — it's the standard, cheaper option most carriers use. Enclosed transport protects the vehicle in a covered trailer, which is popular for classic or luxury cars, but typically costs 40-60% more.
Keep in mind that real quotes vary by carrier availability, season, and fuel prices, and longer routes often get a lower per-mile rate than this calculator's flat rate assumes. Use this estimate to budget, then compare quotes from a few carriers before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most carriers charge a base fee plus a per-mile rate that increases with vehicle size. Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks cost more per mile to ship than a standard sedan.
Open transport, where your car rides exposed on a multi-car trailer, is significantly cheaper and is what most car shipping companies use by default. Enclosed transport protects the vehicle from weather and road debris but typically costs 40-60% more.
Often, yes — real-world quotes tend to have a lower per-mile rate on long-haul routes than short ones. This calculator uses a flat rate for simplicity, so actual quotes for very long distances may come in lower than the estimate.