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SUV Transport
From compact crossovers to full-size 3-row family haulers, SUVs are the fastest-growing vehicle segment we ship. Experienced carriers, competitive rates, door-to-door delivery.
From $0.55/miopen transport
6-8 Per Carrier
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Sarah K.
We had an easy and successful experience with Scott's! Great drivers and excellent communication. Affordable and professional!
Jan 22, 2026Google
James C.
Did a great job transporting my vehicle across the country. Showed up when they said. Very professional staff and drivers.
Feb 1, 2026Google
Vehicle types
SUV Transport: Crossovers, Mid-Size & Full-Size
SUVs have become America's family vehicle of choice, and they're the fastest-growing segment in our shipping volume. From compact crossovers like the RAV4 and CR-V to full-size family haulers like the Tahoe and Expedition, SUVs ship at rates between sedan and truck pricing.
The key pricing factors for SUV transport are height, weight, and length. Compact crossovers are nearly sedan-priced because they're similar in weight and dimensions. Full-size 3-row SUVs cost more because they're taller and heavier, taking up more carrier space. Extended-length SUVs (Suburban, Expedition Max, Yukon XL) are the most expensive because of their 225+ inch length.
At Scott's Auto Carrier, we ship thousands of SUVs every year. This page covers everything: pricing by SUV class, open vs. enclosed recommendations, roof rack considerations, and how to prepare your SUV for transport.
6-8
SUVs per carrier
$0.55
Per mile from
10K+
SUVs shipped
Get Your SUV Transport Price
SUVs cost slightly more than sedans but far less than you think. Get a real, locked-in price in under 60 seconds.
Shipping by SUV class
SUV Transport Costs by Vehicle Class
SUV shipping pricing depends on size, weight, and height. Compact crossovers are near sedan rates, while extended-length SUVs approach truck pricing. Here's how each class compares for 1,000-mile open transport.
Compact Crossovers
Best ValueToyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester
Closest to sedan pricing. Similar weight and dimensions make these the most affordable SUVs to ship.
Weight
3,400-3,900 lbs
Length
180-185" L
1,000 mi
$400-$800
Mid-Size SUVs
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer
The most commonly shipped SUV class. 3-row models are longer but still fit standard carrier slots.
Weight
4,200-4,800 lbs
Length
190-200" L
1,000 mi
$500-$950
Full-Size SUVs
Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada, Jeep Wagoneer
Heavy and tall. May be limited to lower deck on 2-deck carriers. Weight adds to fuel surcharges.
Weight
5,300-5,900 lbs
Length
204-215" L
1,000 mi
$650-$1,150
Extended-Length SUVs
Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, Ford Expedition Max, Cadillac Escalade ESV
Longest non-truck vehicles on the road. Take 1.5x a standard carrier spot. Premium pricing applies.
Weight
5,600-6,200 lbs
Length
220-230" L
1,000 mi
$800-$1,400
Luxury SUVs
Range Rover, Mercedes GLE/GLS, BMW X5/X7, Audi Q7/Q8, Porsche Cayenne, Lexus RX/LX
Open is fine for daily drivers. Consider enclosed for $75K+ models, new purchases, or show-condition vehicles.
Weight
4,500-6,000 lbs
Length
190-215" L
1,000 mi
$600-$1,300
Off-Road / Lifted SUVs
Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, Land Cruiser, Jeep Gladiator
Stock height Wranglers and Broncos fit standard carriers. Lifts over 3" may need specialty loading.
Weight
4,200-5,800 lbs
Length
Varies, 72-84"+ H with lifts
1,000 mi
$550-$1,200
What affects your SUV transport price
SUV pricing falls between sedans and trucks. The wide range of SUV sizes means pricing varies more than any other vehicle category:
Vehicle height & weight
Compact crossovers (67" tall, 3,500 lbs) cost far less than full-size SUVs (76" tall, 5,800 lbs). Height limits deck placement on carriers.
Distance & route
Longer routes cost less per mile. 200-mile moves average $0.90+/mi while 1,500+ miles drops to $0.55-$0.70/mi for mid-size SUVs.
Roof racks & cargo boxes
Roof racks, cargo carriers, and kayak mounts add height. Remove when possible or expect upper-deck restrictions and $50-$100 surcharges.
Transport type
Open is standard for 90%+ of SUVs. Enclosed adds 40-60% for weather protection. Recommended for luxury SUVs over $75K.
Pickup location
Metro areas have the best rates and fastest pickup. Rural locations add $50-$200. SUV-heavy markets (TX, FL, CA) have more carrier options.
Time of year
Summer and snowbird season see 15-25% higher rates. Family SUVs are in highest demand during summer relocation season (Jun-Aug).
Vehicle condition
Non-running SUVs need winch loading, adding $100-$300. Heavier SUVs are harder to winch than sedans, increasing non-running surcharges.
AWD & drivetrain
AWD SUVs are heavier than 2WD versions (100-200 lbs more). This rarely affects pricing but can matter for borderline weight situations on carriers.
Calculate your price
Get an instant quote for your exact SUV -- make, model, year, and any accessories included in the calculation.
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Distance pricing
SUV Shipping Cost by Distance
Prices below are for a standard mid-size SUV (Highlander, Explorer) on open transport. Compact crossovers run 10-15% less. Full-size SUVs run 15-25% more. Extended-length (Suburban-class) run 30-40% more.
Under 500 mi$400-$550
Per Mile
$0.80-$1.10
Transit
1-3 days
Example
Phoenix to LA
500-1,000 mi$500-$850
Per Mile
$0.60-$0.85
Transit
3-5 days
Example
Atlanta to DC
1,000-1,500 mi$650-$1,100
Per Mile
$0.55-$0.75
Transit
5-7 days
Example
Chicago to Miami
1,500-2,000 mi$800-$1,300
Per Mile
$0.52-$0.70
Transit
6-8 days
Example
Dallas to Portland
2,000-2,500 mi$1,000-$1,500
Per Mile
$0.50-$0.65
Transit
7-9 days
Example
NY to LA
2,500+ mi$1,200-$1,700
Per Mile
$0.48-$0.60
Transit
8-10 days
Example
Miami to Seattle
Crossover vs. Full-Size Gap
A compact RAV4 costs 25-35% less to ship than a Suburban. The difference comes from weight (3,500 vs. 5,800 lbs) and carrier space -- crossovers fit in sedan-sized slots.
Peak Season for SUV Shipping
Family SUVs peak during summer relocation season (Jun-Aug) and snowbird season (Oct-Jan). Book 2-3 weeks early during these periods for best rates.
SUV-Heavy Markets
SUVs are most popular in TX, FL, CA, and the southeast. Routes between these markets have higher carrier availability and typically 10-15% better pricing.
Not Sure What Your SUV Will Cost to Ship?
Every SUV is different -- compact crossover vs. extended Suburban vs. luxury Range Rover. Our agents calculate real pricing based on your exact vehicle.
Carrier types
Open vs. Enclosed SUV Transport
Open transport works for 90%+ of SUVs. Enclosed is reserved for luxury models, new purchases over $75K, and show-condition vehicles.
Standard for 90%+ of SUVs
Open SUV Transport
Your SUV rides on a multi-vehicle open carrier alongside 6-8 other vehicles. The same method dealerships use to transport new SUVs from factories to showrooms across the country.
$0.55-$1.10/mi for SUVs
6-8 SUVs per carrier load
Fastest pickup: 1-3 business days
2-deck carriers with adjustable ramps
Ideal for all daily-driver SUVs
$750K+ cargo insurance per carrier
Best for:
Family SUVs, daily-driver crossovers, standard Tahoes/Explorers, mid-size SUVs, pre-owned purchases, relocations.
Learn more about open transport
Premium protection
Enclosed SUV Transport
Your SUV ships inside a fully enclosed trailer. Complete protection from weather, road debris, and UV. 2-4 SUVs per carrier. The gold standard for luxury and high-value vehicles.
$0.90-$1.70/mi (40-60% more than open)
2-4 SUVs per enclosed carrier
Total weather and debris protection
Ideal for new luxury SUV purchases
Higher insurance coverage available
Climate-controlled options for exotics
Best for:
Range Rover, Mercedes GLS, BMW X7, Porsche Cayenne, Cadillac Escalade, any SUV over $75K, show vehicles, custom wraps.
Learn more about enclosed transportWho we serve
Shipping Solutions for Every Situation
Whether you are relocating for a new job, buying a car online, or heading south for winter -- we have tailored shipping solutions for your specific needs.
Car Relocation
Moving for work or life
Relocating to a new city for a job, family, or fresh start? We handle the vehicle logistics so you can focus on the move. Door-to-door service, flexible scheduling, and real-time tracking included.
Learn moreOnline Car Buyers
Bought it? We ship it.
Purchased a vehicle on Carvana, AutoTrader, Cars.com, or a private seller out of state? We pick up directly from the seller and deliver to your door -- nationwide.
Learn moreSnowbird Shipping
Seasonal relocations
Heading south for winter or north for summer? Ship your car ahead so it is waiting when you land. Thousands of snowbirds trust us for their annual Florida, Arizona, and Texas routes.
Learn moreMilitary Car Shipping
PCS and base transfers
PCS orders, base transfers, and deployment vehicle storage -- we work with active duty, reserves, and military families. Familiar with every major U.S. base and overseas port.
Learn moreTravel Nurses
Relocate with ease
Short-term assignments across the country mean your car needs to keep up. We offer flexible pickup dates and expedited options so your vehicle arrives when your contract starts.
Learn moreCollege Students
Ship your car to school
Driving cross-country before freshman year or transferring campuses? We ship your car safely to any college town so you can fly instead of drive -- parents love the peace of mind.
Learn moreSUV-specific
Special Considerations for SUV Transport
SUVs have unique shipping considerations compared to sedans. Here's what you need to know before booking.
Roof Racks & Cargo Carriers
Roof racks, cargo boxes, ski carriers, and bike mounts add height that affects upper-deck clearance on carriers. Remove all detachable roof accessories before shipping. Factory roof rails that sit flush are fine to leave. Cross bars should be removed.
Extended-Length SUVs (Suburban, Yukon XL)
SUVs over 220 inches long (Suburban, Expedition Max, Yukon XL, Escalade ESV) take up more than a standard carrier slot. Expect 20-40% premium over mid-size SUV pricing. These vehicles often get lower-deck placement due to weight and length.
3rd Row Seats & Interior
Fold down the 3rd row seats before shipping. Raised 3rd rows add height inside the vehicle and can attract attention from would-be thieves if items are stored back there. An empty, flat cargo area is ideal. Remove child car seats.
Running Boards & Side Steps
Factory running boards and side steps are fine -- carriers account for them in loading clearance. Aftermarket electric running boards should be set to retracted position. Wide-body or rock slider side steps should be noted at booking.
Towing Equipment
Remove ball hitches, hitch-mounted cargo carriers, and bike racks from the rear receiver. These extend beyond the vehicle footprint and can interfere with carrier loading. Leave the receiver itself in place -- just remove attachments.
Hybrid & Electric SUVs
Electric SUVs (Tesla Model X, Rivian R1S, Cadillac Lyriq) and plug-in hybrids ship the same as gas SUVs. Leave the battery at 50-80% charge. Some electric SUVs are heavier than gas equivalents (batteries add 500-1,000 lbs), which can affect pricing slightly.
Before pickup
How to Prepare Your SUV for Transport
SUVs have extra preparation considerations around roof accessories and cargo space. Follow this 12-step checklist.
1
Wash your SUV so existing scratches and dents are visible for the condition report
2
Take timestamped photos of all sides, roof, cargo area, and any existing damage
3
Remove ALL personal belongings from the cabin, cargo area, and roof -- carrier insurance does not cover them
4
Remove roof racks, cargo boxes, bike mounts, and any removable roof accessories
5
Fold down 3rd-row seats and remove child car seats from the cabin
6
Leave fuel tank at 1/4 full (enough for loading/unloading, reduces weight)
7
Disable aftermarket alarms, remote start systems, and anti-theft devices
8
Fold in side mirrors if your SUV allows it
9
Remove hitch-mounted accessories (bike racks, cargo carriers, ball hitches)
10
Ensure tires are properly inflated and the battery is fully charged
11
Check for fluid leaks -- fix active leaks before the carrier arrives
12
Provide the carrier driver with one set of working keys at pickup
The Scott's difference
Why Ship Your SUV with Scott's
SUVs are our fastest-growing shipping segment. We know which carriers handle mid-size and full-size SUVs best, which routes have the most availability, and how to save you money without sacrificing service quality.
Get your free quoteScottPrice Lock -- price never changes after booking
Carriers experienced with full-size SUVs
Enclosed options for luxury SUVs
Real-time GPS tracking on every transport
Dedicated coordinator for your shipment
$750K+ insurance per carrier, verified
24/7 U.S.-based phone support
Free cancellation before carrier dispatch
10,000+ SUVs shipped nationwide
4.9/5 rating across 2,500+ verified reviews
10,000+
SUVs shipped
4.9
Average rating
$0
Hidden fees, ever
Good to know
5 Things to Know Before Shipping Your SUV
SUV shipping is straightforward but has a few considerations sedans don't. Here's what every SUV owner should know.
01
Your SUV falls between sedan and truck pricing
Compact crossovers (RAV4, CR-V) ship at near-sedan rates because they're similar in weight and dimensions. Full-size SUVs (Tahoe, Expedition) cost 15-30% more than sedans because they're taller, heavier, and take up more carrier space. Extended-length SUVs (Suburban, Yukon XL) approach truck pricing.
02
Roof accessories MUST be removed before shipping
This is the #1 SUV-specific issue we see. Roof-mounted cargo boxes, bike carriers, kayak mounts, and cross bars add height that can prevent upper-deck loading or cause clearance damage. Even if they 'look like they'll fit,' remove them. Factory roof rails that sit flush against the roof are fine.
03
SUVs are taller -- and that affects carrier placement
Standard 2-deck open carriers have about 80-84 inches of clearance per level. Most mid-size SUVs (67-70" tall) fit on either deck. Full-size SUVs (75-76" tall) often get placed on the lower deck only. This doesn't affect pricing much, but it limits the carrier's flexibility and can affect pickup timing.
04
Electric and hybrid SUVs ship the same way -- but weigh more
EV SUVs (Tesla Model X, Rivian R1S, Cadillac Lyriq) ship identically to gas SUVs. However, battery packs add 500-1,000 lbs. A Model X weighs 5,300+ lbs vs. 4,400 for a comparable gas SUV. This extra weight can affect pricing slightly. Leave the battery at 50-80% charge.
05
3rd row seats should be folded and cargo area emptied
Fold down the 3rd row to create a flat cargo floor. This makes the vehicle lighter (slightly) and removes the temptation to store items in the visible cargo area. Carrier insurance doesn't cover personal items. Child car seats, strollers, and anything in the cabin should be removed before pickup.
SUV transport FAQ
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about shipping SUVs and crossovers, answered by our team.
SUV shipping costs $0.55-$1.10 per mile for open transport depending on size and distance. A 1,000-mile mid-size SUV (Highlander, Explorer) runs $600-$950. Compact crossovers (RAV4, CR-V) run $500-$800. Full-size SUVs (Tahoe, Expedition) cost $750-$1,150. Enclosed adds 40-60%.
Nationwide auto transport
Ship Your SUV to or from Any U.S. State
SUVs shipped door-to-door across all 50 states. Select a state for local pricing and transit times.
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Ready to Ship Your SUV?
SUVs are our fastest-growing segment. Get a free, no-obligation quote with our ScottPrice Lock Guarantee. Reserve your spot free -- you only pay when your carrier is confirmed.