Car Shipping Costs
The complete pricing breakdown for 2025
How much does it really cost to ship a car? We break down every factor -- distance, vehicle type, transport method, season, and more -- with real pricing data from over 15,000 shipments. No estimates. No bait-and-switch. Just real numbers.
What's Inside This Guide
Everything that affects your car shipping price
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
The cost to ship a car across the United States ranges from $500 to $1,500 for most standard vehicles using open transport. The national average is approximately $1,070, based on data from over 15,000 shipments. However, your actual price depends on several key factors -- and understanding them is the difference between getting a fair deal and falling for a bait-and-switch.
Unlike most auto transport companies that give you an "estimate" that changes after booking, every Scott's quote is calculated using real-time carrier availability, fuel costs, and route demand -- then locked at booking. Your price never changes.
8 Factors That Determine Your Price
Every auto transport quote is calculated from these variables. The more you understand about what drives your price, the better position you are in to budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Distance
Largest impactThe single biggest factor. Longer routes have lower per-mile rates because carriers amortize fuel and overhead across more miles. A 300-mile haul costs $1.00-$2.00/mile, while 2,500+ miles drops to $0.38-$0.52/mile.
Vehicle Type & Size
Moderate impactLarger, heavier vehicles take more deck space and add weight. An SUV costs $50-$200 more than a sedan. Oversized vehicles (dually trucks, lifted vehicles) can add $100-$350.
Transport Method
Significant impactEnclosed transport costs 30-60% more than open. Open averages $0.50-$1.00/mile. Enclosed averages $1.00-$1.80/mile. About 90% of vehicles ship open.
Season & Demand
Moderate impactSummer (June-August) and January (snowbird season) are peak months with prices $100-$400 higher. February-April and October-November offer the best rates.
Pickup Speed
Low-Moderate impactStandard pickup windows (1-3 days) get the best pricing. Expedited (1-2 days) adds $150-$300. Guaranteed same-day or next-day adds $300-$500.
Route Popularity
Low-Moderate impactMajor corridors like NY-FL, CA-TX, and IL-AZ have heavy carrier traffic, meaning more availability and lower rates. Rural or low-traffic routes cost more due to fewer carriers.
Vehicle Condition
Low impactNon-running vehicles require special loading equipment (winch or forklift), adding $150-$250. Vehicles with low clearance or modifications may also incur surcharges.
Pickup & Delivery Location
Low impactDoor-to-door is standard and included. Terminal-to-terminal saves $75-$150. Remote or hard-to-access locations (narrow streets, gated communities) may require a nearby meeting point.
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Car Shipping Cost by Distance
Distance is the single biggest factor in auto transport pricing. Here is the counterintuitive part: the per-mile rate actually decreases on longer routes. A 200-mile haul might cost $1.50/mile, while a 2,500-mile coast-to-coast run drops to $0.40/mile. This is because carriers amortize their fixed costs (fuel, driver wages, insurance, equipment depreciation) across more revenue miles on long-haul routes.
Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles) have the highest per-mile rates because the carrier spends a disproportionate amount of time and fuel on pickup and delivery relative to the actual transport distance. For shipments under 200 miles, it is sometimes more cost-effective to hire a driveaway service or tow the vehicle yourself.
| Distance | Price Range | Per Mile | Transit Time | Example Routes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 250 miles | $300 - $550 | $1.20 - $2.20 | 1-2 days | LA to San Diego, NYC to Philly |
| 250 - 500 miles | $400 - $700 | $0.80 - $1.40 | 2-3 days | Atlanta to Nashville, SF to Vegas |
| 500 - 1,000 miles | $600 - $950 | $0.60 - $0.95 | 3-5 days | Denver to Dallas, Chicago to DC |
| 1,000 - 1,500 miles | $750 - $1,100 | $0.50 - $0.73 | 5-7 days | Houston to NYC, Phoenix to Chicago |
| 1,500 - 2,000 miles | $900 - $1,250 | $0.45 - $0.63 | 6-8 days | Miami to Chicago, Dallas to Seattle |
| 2,000 - 2,500 miles | $1,000 - $1,350 | $0.40 - $0.54 | 7-9 days | Atlanta to LA, Boston to Phoenix |
| Coast to Coast (2,500+) | $1,100 - $1,500 | $0.38 - $0.52 | 7-10 days | NYC to LA, Seattle to Miami |
* Prices reflect open transport for a standard sedan (Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, etc). SUVs, trucks, and enclosed add more.
How We Calculate Your Price vs. How They Do It
Real-Time Market Pricing
- We calculate your price using live carrier availability data for your specific route and date
- Fuel cost index, seasonal demand multiplier, and vehicle specifications are factored in
- Every quote is reviewed by a live transport coordinator before being sent to you
- Price is locked the moment you book -- if carrier costs change, we absorb it
- You see the same price the carrier sees. Zero markup surprises.
Automated Lowball Estimates
- Automated systems generate the lowest possible quote to win your booking
- No human reviews the price for accuracy or feasibility before quoting
- Quote is an "estimate" -- fine print says it can change at any time
- After you pay a deposit, they call back saying no carrier will haul at that price
- Real price is 20-50% higher than the original quote. You pay or forfeit your deposit.
Car Shipping Cost by Vehicle Type
Vehicle size and weight directly affect your shipping cost. An open carrier has a fixed number of deck positions and a maximum weight capacity. Larger vehicles take up more positions and add more weight, meaning fewer total vehicles per load for the carrier -- and that cost is passed to you. Specialty vehicles (luxury, exotic, classic) typically require enclosed transport, which carries its own premium.
| Vehicle Type | Examples | Price Modifier | Avg (1,000 mi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Civic, Camry, Accord, Corolla, Altima | Base rate | $650 - $900 | Smallest footprint on the carrier. Most affordable to ship. |
| Coupe / Sports Car | Mustang, Camaro, 370Z, BRZ | Base rate | $650 - $950 | Similar to sedan unless low clearance (add $50-$100). |
| Midsize SUV | RAV4, CR-V, Explorer, Tucson | +$50 - $100 | $750 - $1,000 | Slightly larger deck space needed. Common, easy to ship. |
| Full-Size SUV | Tahoe, Suburban, Expedition, Yukon | +$100 - $200 | $850 - $1,100 | Takes up to 1.5x the space of a sedan. Heavier. |
| Pickup Truck | F-150, RAM 1500, Silverado, Tacoma | +$75 - $200 | $800 - $1,100 | Varies by cab/bed size. Crew cab + long bed = highest. |
| Minivan | Sienna, Odyssey, Pacifica, Grand Caravan | +$50 - $100 | $750 - $1,000 | Similar to midsize SUV pricing. |
| Luxury Vehicle | BMW 7, Mercedes S, Porsche, Tesla | +$300 - $600 | $1,100 - $1,600 | Enclosed recommended. Premium handling required. |
| Exotic / Supercar | Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren | +$500 - $1,000 | $1,400 - $2,200 | Enclosed required. Low clearance surcharge common. |
| Classic / Vintage | Pre-1980 restored vehicles, muscle cars | +$300 - $500 | $1,100 - $1,500 | Enclosed transport. Extra care at loading/unloading. |
| Non-Running Vehicle | Salvage, project cars, mechanical failure | +$150 - $250 | $850 - $1,200 | Winch or forklift loading. Must disclose at booking. |
Why Does Vehicle Size Affect the Price?
A standard open carrier has 7-10 deck positions and a maximum gross weight of 80,000 lbs (federal limit). A Honda Civic weighs about 3,000 lbs, while a Chevy Suburban weighs 5,800 lbs -- nearly double. Larger vehicles also take up more vertical and horizontal deck space, meaning the carrier can fit fewer total vehicles per trip. When a Suburban takes one deck position, the carrier loses revenue from the smaller car that could have fit there. That opportunity cost is reflected in the surcharge.
Modifications matter too. Lifted trucks, oversized tires, aftermarket bumpers, or roof racks can prevent a vehicle from fitting on standard deck positions. If your vehicle has been modified, always disclose this at quote time so we can match you with the right carrier configuration.
Transport Method Pricing Comparison
The transport method you choose is the second-largest cost factor after distance. Open transport handles about 90% of all vehicle shipments in the United States. Enclosed is the premium option for vehicles that need maximum protection. Here is exactly how the pricing compares.
Open Transport
$0.50 - $1.00/mileThe standard multi-level trailers you see on every highway. Your car is secured with professional tie-downs and transported alongside 7-10 other vehicles. While exposed to weather, the damage rate is extremely low. This is the same method manufacturers use to ship brand-new cars from factories to dealerships.
Enclosed Transport
$1.00 - $1.80/mileFully sealed or soft-side trailers that shield your vehicle from weather, road debris, dust, and UV exposure. Carriers hold only 2-6 vehicles with more space per car. The choice for anything valued above $50,000, any classic or collector vehicle, and any car you would not park outside overnight.
| Metric | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (1,000-mile sedan) | $650 - $900 | $1,000 - $1,500 |
| Per-Mile Rate | $0.50 - $1.00 | $1.00 - $1.80 |
| Premium Over Open | -- | +30% to 60% |
| Carrier Capacity | 7-10 vehicles | 2-6 vehicles |
| Weather Protection | ||
| Road Debris Shield | ||
| UV / Sun Protection | ||
| Availability | High -- most carriers | Limited -- book early |
| Best For | Daily drivers, standard vehicles | Luxury, exotic, classic, show cars |
Service Add-Ons & Their Costs
Beyond the base open/enclosed choice, these service upgrades affect your final price. At Scott's, all add-on costs are included in your locked quote -- no surprises after booking.
Door-to-Door Service
Included (standard)Carrier picks up and delivers at your specified addresses. No extra charge at Scott's.
Terminal-to-Terminal
Save $75 - $150You drop off and pick up at designated terminals. Best if you live near a hub.
Expedited Pickup (1-2 days)
+$150 - $300Guaranteed pickup within 1-2 business days instead of the standard 1-3 day window.
Guaranteed Date
+$200 - $500Locked pickup on a specific date. Premium pricing for inflexible timelines.
Top-Load Position
+$75 - $150Your car is loaded on the top deck, protected from fluids that might drip from cars above.
Inoperable Vehicle
+$150 - $250Non-running vehicles need winch or forklift loading. Must be disclosed at booking.
Not Sure Which Method to Choose?
Our transport coordinators recommend the best method for your vehicle type, value, and budget. Get expert advice with your free quote.
Get a free quoteSeasonal Pricing: When to Ship for the Best Deal
Auto transport demand fluctuates dramatically throughout the year, and those fluctuations translate directly to your price. The exact same route and vehicle can cost $100 to $400 more during peak months versus off-peak. If your timeline is flexible, shipping in the right month is one of the easiest ways to save real money.
Snowbird season peaks. Southbound routes (NY-FL, IL-AZ) are at annual highs. Book 3-4 weeks ahead.
Best month to ship. Post-snowbird lull, pre-summer. Carriers are hungry for loads.
Still excellent pricing. Northbound snowbird returns start late month.
Last low-cost month before summer surge. Military PCS orders start appearing.
Moving season begins. Prices climb toward summer peaks. College graduates relocating.
Peak summer. Families relocating, college moves, dealer inventory surges.
Highest demand of the year. Carriers are booked solid. Expect longer pickup windows.
Still peak. College move-in season. Back-to-school relocations.
Post-summer dip begins. Good value as demand drops quickly.
Second-best booking window. Early snowbirds get low rates heading south.
Low demand before holiday travel. Great rates on most routes.
Holiday travel moderate. Late-month snowbird surge on southbound routes.
Peak Season (June-August, January)
- Highest demand and prices of the year
- Pickup windows average 5-7 business days
- Popular routes may have limited carrier availability
- Book 3-4 weeks ahead for best results
- Expect $100-$400 premium over off-peak rates
Off-Peak Season (Feb-April, Oct-Nov)
- Lowest prices of the year -- save 10-20%
- Pickup windows as fast as 1-3 business days
- More carriers competing for fewer loads
- Best time to ship if your schedule is flexible
- February is historically the cheapest single month
Popular Route Pricing Guide
Route popularity matters. High-traffic corridors like NY-FL, CA-TX, and IL-AZ have more carriers running those lanes, which means better availability and competitive pricing. Low-traffic or rural routes cost more because fewer carriers naturally travel those corridors.
| From | To | Miles | Open Rate | Enclosed Rate | Transit | Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Los Angeles | 2,800 | $1,100 - $1,450 | $1,600 - $2,200 | 7-10 days | high |
| New York | Miami | 1,280 | $700 - $950 | $1,050 - $1,400 | 4-6 days | high |
| Chicago | Los Angeles | 2,015 | $900 - $1,200 | $1,400 - $1,800 | 6-8 days | high |
| Houston | New York | 1,630 | $800 - $1,050 | $1,200 - $1,600 | 5-7 days | high |
| Phoenix | Seattle | 1,420 | $750 - $1,000 | $1,100 - $1,500 | 5-7 days | medium |
| Dallas | Miami | 1,310 | $700 - $950 | $1,050 - $1,400 | 4-6 days | medium |
| Atlanta | Los Angeles | 2,175 | $950 - $1,250 | $1,400 - $1,900 | 6-8 days | medium |
| Denver | Chicago | 1,000 | $600 - $850 | $900 - $1,300 | 3-5 days | medium |
| San Francisco | New York | 2,900 | $1,150 - $1,500 | $1,700 - $2,300 | 8-10 days | high |
| Miami | Chicago | 1,380 | $750 - $1,000 | $1,100 - $1,500 | 5-6 days | high |
| Seattle | Miami | 3,300 | $1,250 - $1,600 | $1,800 - $2,500 | 9-12 days | low |
| Boston | Phoenix | 2,660 | $1,050 - $1,400 | $1,500 - $2,100 | 7-9 days | medium |
* Prices for standard sedan, open transport, off-peak season. Enclosed adds 30-60%. Peak season adds 15-30%. Larger vehicles add $50-$200+.
Why Route Traffic Affects Your Price
Carriers plan their routes based on where the most loads are available. A carrier driving from New York to Florida can fill all 9 positions because thousands of people ship that route every month. But a carrier heading from Montana to Mississippi has far fewer loads available, meaning they need to charge more per vehicle to justify the trip. High-traffic corridors benefit from carrier competition -- more carriers bidding means lower prices. Low-traffic routes have fewer options and longer pickup windows.
Motorcycle, Boat, RV & Specialty Vehicle Costs
Auto transport is not just for cars. We ship motorcycles, boats, RVs, ATVs, golf carts, and specialty vehicles of all sizes. Each vehicle type has its own pricing structure based on size, weight, and the specialized equipment required.
Motorcycle Shipping
$0.50 - $1.50/mile- Open trailer (most common)
- Enclosed trailer (premium)
- Crated shipping (international)
What Drives the Cost
- Motorcycles ship on specialized motorcycle carriers or in shared trailer space
- A standard motorcycle takes about 1/3 of a car position, so rates are lower
- Distance is still the primary factor -- a 1,000-mile shipment averages $450-$600
- Enclosed adds 30-50% but is recommended for vintage, custom, or bikes valued over $15,000
- Crated shipping is required for international transport and adds $300-$500 for the crate
Pro tip: Most motorcycle carriers can accommodate cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, and trikes. Oversized touring bikes (Gold Wing, Road Glide) may cost $50-$100 more due to weight.
Boat Shipping
$1.50 - $5.00+/mile- Flatbed trailer (most boats)
- Specialized boat hauler
- Drive-on trailer (trailered boats)
What Drives the Cost
- Boat shipping costs depend heavily on the vessel dimensions (length, beam, height)
- Boats under 20 feet on a trailer are the most affordable to ship ($1,000-$2,000 for 1,000 miles)
- Boats 20-30 feet range from $2,000-$4,000 depending on whether they need a cradle
- Oversize permits are required for boats exceeding 8.5 feet wide or 13.5 feet tall
- Each permit adds $50-$300+ depending on the state, and multi-state routes need multiple permits
Pro tip: If your boat is on its own trailer, costs drop significantly because no specialized equipment is needed. The carrier hauls the trailer just like a vehicle. Always drain fuel and water tanks before shipping.
RV & Motorhome Transport
$2.00 - $5.00+/mile- Professional driveaway service
- Flatbed (towable RVs)
- Specialized oversize transport
What Drives the Cost
- RV shipping costs are driven by the class and length of the motorhome
- Class A motorhomes (30-45 ft) are the most expensive: $3,000-$6,000+ for 1,000 miles
- Class B camper vans (18-24 ft) ship more affordably: $1,500-$2,500 for 1,000 miles
- Class C motorhomes (25-35 ft) fall in between: $2,000-$4,000 for 1,000 miles
- Driveaway services (a professional driver drives your RV) are often more affordable for motorized RVs
Pro tip: Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels) that are already on their own axles can be hauled by a truck with a hitch, which is usually cheaper than flatbed transport. Always disconnect propane and retract slides.
Other Vehicle Types We Ship
| Vehicle Type | Price Range / Modifier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golf Cart / ATV / UTV | $250 - $600 | Ships on shared open trailer or inside enclosed. Small footprint. |
| Heavy Equipment / Machinery | $2,000 - $10,000+ | Flatbed or lowboy transport. Oversize permits often required. |
| Electric Vehicle (EV) | Base rate + $0-$50 | Same as gas equivalent. Battery must be charged to 50% minimum for loading. |
| Dually Truck (F-350, RAM 3500) | +$150 - $350 | Wider than standard trucks. May need oversize positioning on carrier. |
| Lifted / Modified Truck | +$100 - $400 | Height clearance issues on multi-level carriers. Must disclose lift height. |
| Van (Sprinter, Transit) | +$100 - $250 | Height is the main concern. Standard-height vans ship normally. High-top adds cost. |
12 Proven Ways to Lower Your Shipping Cost
These are the same strategies our transport coordinators share with customers every day. Follow these tips to get the absolute best price on your shipment without sacrificing quality or reliability.
Ship in Off-Peak Months
$100 - $400February, March, October, and November offer the lowest rates. The same NY-to-FL route that costs $950 in July might be $650 in February.
Book 2-3 Weeks Ahead
$50 - $150Advance booking gives carriers more route-planning flexibility. Last-minute bookings (under 1 week) cost 10-20% more due to limited options.
Be Flexible on Pickup Dates
$50 - $100Offering a 3-5 day window instead of a specific date lets more carriers bid on your route, increasing competition and lowering your price.
Choose Open Transport
30-60%Unless your vehicle requires enclosed protection, open transport saves 30-60% on the same route. Over 90% of all vehicles ship open.
Use Terminal-to-Terminal
$75 - $150If you live within 30 minutes of a carrier terminal, dropping off and picking up yourself saves meaningful money.
Skip Unnecessary Add-Ons
$150 - $500Expedited, guaranteed date, and top-load positioning all add cost. For most vehicles and timelines, standard service is all you need.
Ship Multiple Vehicles Together
10-15%Shipping 2+ vehicles on the same carrier and route often qualifies for multi-vehicle discounts since it saves the carrier time.
Avoid Peak-Season Routes
$100 - $300NY-to-FL in January is expensive. If you can wait until March or adjust your route, you will pay significantly less.
Get 3+ Quotes (But Ignore the Lowest)
Avoid ScamsCompare 3+ quotes. The real market price is where 2-3 converge. The lowest quote is almost always a bait-and-switch.
Disclose Everything Upfront
Avoid SurprisesNon-running, modified, oversized? Disclose at quote time. Surprises at pickup cause delays, re-quotes, and higher final prices.
Choose High-Traffic Routes When Possible
$50 - $200If you have flexibility on pickup/delivery location, routing through major carrier corridors (interstates, metro hubs) saves money.
Remove Aftermarket Accessories
$50 - $200Removable roof racks, bike carriers, and oversized antenna can affect clearance. Remove what you can to avoid surcharges.
How Scott's Pricing Works
We built Scott's Auto Carrier specifically to fix the pricing problems in this industry. No bait-and-switch. No hidden fees. No estimates that change after you book. Here is our exact pricing process, step by step.
You Request a Quote
Tell us your vehicle type, pickup and delivery locations, preferred dates, and transport method. Takes 30 seconds online or by phone.
We Calculate Real-Time Pricing
Our system analyzes live carrier availability, current fuel costs, seasonal demand, and route-specific data. A live transport coordinator reviews every quote before it reaches you.
Your Price is Locked
The price you see is the price you pay. Period. We call this the ScottPrice Lock Guarantee. If carrier costs increase after you book, we absorb it. Your price never changes.
You Book for $0
Reserve your spot at zero cost. No credit card required. No deposit. A small deposit is collected when your carrier is scheduled, and the remaining balance when your car is picked up.
The ScottPrice Lock Guarantee
Every quote from Scott's Auto Carrier is backed by our ScottPrice Lock Guarantee. The price we quote is the price you pay. No exceptions. No surprises. If market conditions change after you book, we absorb the difference.
"I was quoted $850 by Scott's and $650 by two other companies. The two cheaper ones called me back within a week saying the price was now $1,000+. Scott's? Exactly $850 at pickup. No changes, no calls, no pressure. That's how it should work."
-- Verified Customer, TX to WA ShipmentGet Your Locked-In Price
Real pricing. Reviewed by a real person. Locked at booking. Book for $0.
Get your free quoteCar Shipping Cost Glossary
Understanding the terminology used in auto transport helps you compare quotes accurately, read contracts with confidence, and avoid being misled by jargon. Here are the 20 most important terms you will encounter.
Per-Mile Rate
The cost of shipping per mile of distance. Calculated by dividing the total transport price by the total route miles. Typically ranges from $0.38/mile (long haul) to $2.20/mile (short haul). The per-mile rate decreases as distance increases.
Open Transport
The most common shipping method where vehicles are loaded on open-air, multi-level trailers. Exposes the vehicle to weather but costs 30-60% less than enclosed. Used for 90% of all vehicle shipments.
Enclosed Transport
Premium shipping method using fully sealed or soft-side trailers that protect the vehicle from weather, road debris, and UV exposure. Recommended for vehicles valued above $50,000 or classic/exotic cars.
Door-to-Door
Service where the carrier picks up and delivers the vehicle as close to your specified addresses as safely and legally accessible. Standard at Scott's and most reputable companies. Areas with narrow streets, low-hanging trees, or restricted access may require meeting the carrier at a nearby accessible location.
Terminal-to-Terminal
Service where you drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated carrier terminals or hubs. Saves $75-$150 versus door-to-door but requires you to drive to and from the terminal.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
The official legal document that records your vehicle's condition at pickup and delivery. Both you and the carrier driver sign it at both ends. It is your proof of condition and the basis for any damage claim.
Carrier
The company that physically owns the truck and hauls your vehicle. Carriers are the ones with the actual trailers and CDL drivers. They are the hands that touch your vehicle.
Broker
A licensed intermediary (like Scott's Auto Carrier) that connects shippers with carriers. Brokers handle quoting, logistics, customer support, and quality control across a nationwide carrier network.
Dispatch / Dispatched
The moment a specific carrier is assigned and confirmed for your shipment. Before dispatch, cancellation is free. After dispatch, the carrier has committed resources to your route.
Pickup Window
The range of days within which a carrier will arrive to load your vehicle. Standard is 1-3 business days from the first available date (rural areas may require 3-5 days). Narrower windows (expedited) cost more.
Bait-and-Switch
A deceptive practice where a company quotes an artificially low price to win a booking and deposit, then increases the price after the customer has committed. The original low price was never a real, honorable rate.
ScottPrice Lock
Scott's proprietary pricing guarantee. The price quoted at booking is locked and never changes, regardless of market fluctuations, fuel costs, or carrier availability changes after booking.
Fuel Surcharge
An additional fee some companies add to cover fuel cost fluctuations. At Scott's, fuel costs are included in your locked quote and never added separately.
Inoperable / Non-Running
A vehicle that cannot start, steer, brake, or roll under its own power. Requires special loading equipment (winch or forklift) and adds $150-$250 to the shipment cost.
Deck Space
The physical space a vehicle occupies on a carrier trailer. Larger vehicles take more deck space, reducing the total number of vehicles the carrier can haul per trip -- hence the size surcharge.
FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The federal agency that licenses, regulates, and oversees all commercial vehicle transport in the United States, including auto transport brokers and carriers.
MC Number
Motor Carrier number issued by the FMCSA. Every legal auto transport broker and carrier must have one. You can verify any company's MC number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Cargo Insurance
Insurance carried by the carrier that covers your vehicle during transport. Scott's requires a minimum of $750,000 in cargo liability from every carrier in our network.
Car Shipping Cost FAQ
15 questions we hear most about auto transport pricing -- answered with real data, not guesswork.
Still have questions?
Call us at (940) 468-0895 or get a free quote in 60 seconds.
Get your exact priceCoast-to-coast car shipping (e.g., New York to California, roughly 2,800 miles) typically costs $1,100-$1,500 for open transport of a standard sedan. Enclosed transport runs $1,600-$2,400 for the same route. Per-mile rates on these long-haul routes are the lowest at $0.38-$0.52/mile because carriers spread fixed costs over more distance. SUVs and trucks add $100-$300 to the base sedan rate.