Distance and locations
The distance between pickup and delivery is important, but so are the specific locations. Rural areas, difficult-access addresses, and routes with fewer carrier options can affect a quote.
Car shipping cost guide
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Every vehicle shipment is different. An accurate auto transport quote depends on your route, vehicle, timing, and preferred transport method.
What affects car shipping cost?
Car shipping cost is based on the details of your particular move rather than a fixed, one-size-fits-all price. When you request a quote, the pickup and delivery locations, vehicle information, timing, and transport option all help shape the estimate.
Sharing complete, accurate details gives Auto Movers Choice the information needed to discuss the transport options that fit your shipment.
What Recent Auto Movers Choice Shipments Cost
Data reviewed September 2026
This first-party review uses anonymized records from 14 completed, single-vehicle, interstate Auto Movers Choice shipments booked from July 13 through August 24, 2026. These are historical completed-shipment examples, not quotes, advertised prices, or guarantees.
- Total customer cost range
- $450 to $1,200
- Median total customer cost
- $625
- Middle 50% of total customer costs
- $550 to $950
- Average total customer cost
- $727
Actual prices vary based on route, vehicle, timing, transport type, access, availability, and market conditions. This sample excludes multi-vehicle shipments and same-state shipments; it does not represent all Auto Movers Choice shipments or the entire market.
Recent completed shipment examples
| Route | Vehicle | Combined total customer cost |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire to New York | 1994 Mercedes 500SL | $650 total |
| Texas to North Carolina | 2017 Toyota Camry | $700 total |
| Florida to California | 2012 Toyota Camry | $1,200 total |
| Virginia to Pennsylvania | 2007 Ford Escape | $450 total |
| New York to Georgia | 2025 Volvo XC | $950 total |
| South Carolina to Texas | 2014 Nissan Maxima | $775 total |
Past shipment costs do not guarantee a future quote.
Main auto transport pricing factors
Route demand
Some routes have more carrier activity than others. Demand on a route can change with location, season, and current transport needs.
Vehicle size and weight
Larger or heavier vehicles can take more carrier space and capacity, which can be a pricing consideration.
Vehicle condition
Operability and condition may affect transport planning and pricing. Share accurate condition details so your shipment can be discussed correctly.
Open or enclosed transport
Open and enclosed carriers offer different levels of protection and can have different availability and pricing considerations.
Season and fuel costs
Seasonal demand and fuel costs can influence the conditions affecting a vehicle transport quote.
Carrier availability and timing
Carrier availability and how flexible you can be with the pickup date may affect the options available for your route.
Open vs. enclosed transport cost
Open transport
Open transport is commonly used for standard vehicles. It uses an open carrier, and it may have different availability and pricing considerations than enclosed transport.
Enclosed transport
Enclosed transport keeps a vehicle inside a covered trailer and may be preferred for classic, collector, luxury, or high-value vehicles. Added protection and the carrier type can affect availability and pricing.
The right choice depends on your vehicle, route, and preferences. Ask Auto Movers Choice to help you compare the options for your shipment.
How distance and route shape your quote
Short and long routes can involve different carrier planning. The total distance matters, but it is only one part of a vehicle shipping quote.
Pickup or delivery locations that are rural, restricted, or difficult for a large carrier to access may require additional coordination or a nearby accessible meeting point. These details can affect the transport plan and quote.
Why vehicle size matters
Vehicle dimensions and weight can affect how a carrier allocates available space and capacity. Provide the year, make, model, and any relevant modifications when you request a quote so the shipment can be considered accurately.
Season, timing, and flexibility
Demand can vary throughout the year, and carrier availability can change with routes, weather, and scheduling conditions. Flexible pickup timing may provide more options, while expedited timing may affect the price or availability. Auto Movers Choice can discuss what is available for your shipment without promising a specific date.
Ways to get the best available quote
- Provide accurate year, make, model, and vehicle condition details.
- Be flexible with pickup timing when that works for your schedule.
- Choose the transport method that fits your vehicle and protection preferences.
- Request transport with reasonable lead time when possible.
- Disclose access limitations, modifications, or condition details that may affect planning.
Why can a quote change?
A quote reflects the shipment information and market conditions known when it is prepared. If the route, vehicle details, condition, timing, transport method, or carrier availability changes, the available transport options may change as well.
Before moving forward, ask Auto Movers Choice to review the current details of your shipment and explain any updates clearly.
Car shipping cost FAQ
How are car shipping quotes calculated?
Quotes are based on shipment details such as the route, pickup and delivery locations, vehicle size and condition, timing, transport method, route demand, and carrier availability. Request a quote with complete information for a shipment-specific estimate.
Does open transport usually cost less than enclosed transport?
Open and enclosed transport can have different pricing considerations. Open transport is commonly used for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport offers covered carriage that may be preferred for vehicles needing added protection. Confirm the options for your route and vehicle with Auto Movers Choice.
Is distance the only factor in car shipping cost?
No. Distance is important, but locations, route demand, vehicle size and condition, transport method, timing, season, fuel costs, and carrier availability can also affect a quote.
Can expedited timing affect the price?
Expedited timing may affect price or availability because it can change the carrier options needed for the shipment. Ask Auto Movers Choice about the current options for your requested timing.
Are personal belongings included in a car shipping quote?
Policies and limitations can vary. Confirm current guidance with Auto Movers Choice before pickup rather than assuming personal belongings can travel in the vehicle.
Is a car shipping quote guaranteed?
A quote is based on the shipment information and conditions available when it is prepared. Confirm the current details, terms, and any changes with Auto Movers Choice before moving forward.
How do I request an accurate car shipping quote?
Share your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle year, make and model, vehicle condition, preferred transport method, and timing. You can request a quote online or call Auto Movers Choice to discuss your shipment.
Get a shipment-specific vehicle shipping quote
Share your route, vehicle, timing, and transport preference to discuss the options available for your move.
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