Question 1

How much does car shipping cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost to ship a car in 2026 typically ranges from $400 to $1,500 depending on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. Short regional moves under 500 miles generally cost $400-$700, mid-range routes of 1,000 miles run $700-$1,000, and cross-country shipments of 2,500 miles or more run $1,000-$1,500. These are baseline figures for standard sedans on open carriers — larger vehicles and enclosed transport will cost more.  At American Auto Shipping, the numbers above are estimate ranges, and the price you pay is the one the licensed company you choose puts in writing. We put your shipment in front of carriers already routed through your area, which drives pricing down because carriers avoid expensive deadhead miles, and because several companies compete for the same job, a low offer that quietly climbs later does not survive the comparison.  The best way to get an accurate cost is to request a quote with your specific vehicle details, pickup and delivery locations, and preferred dates. Our online estimate form takes about 60 seconds, and there is no obligation. If you have flexibility on timing, you can often save 10-20% by shipping during lower-demand periods like January or mid-week pickups.

Question 2

What factors affect auto transport pricing?

Accepted Answer

Auto transport pricing is driven by five primary factors: distance, vehicle size and weight, transport type (open vs. enclosed), seasonal demand, and route popularity. Distance is the largest single factor — a 500-mile shipment costs roughly half what a 2,500-mile coast-to-coast move does. Vehicle size matters because larger SUVs, trucks, and vans take up more space on the carrier and add weight, typically costing 10-20% more than a standard sedan.  Seasonal demand creates significant price swings throughout the year. Summer (June through August) is peak season when families relocate and prices climb 15-25% above winter rates. Snowbird corridors — routes between the Northeast and Florida or Arizona — see major demand spikes in October/November heading south and March/April heading north. January is historically the cheapest month to ship. Route popularity also matters: high-traffic corridors like Los Angeles to New York have more available carriers, which keeps prices competitive, while rural or low-demand areas may carry a premium because fewer trucks service those regions.  Fuel prices, tolls, and current carrier availability also factor into every quote. The companies weigh all of these variables in real time, so the quote you receive reflects actual current market conditions rather than a static price sheet that may be months out of date.

Question 3

What is the difference between binding and non-binding quotes?

Accepted Answer

A binding quote is a guaranteed price — the amount you are quoted is exactly what you will pay, with no surprises at pickup or delivery. A non-binding quote is an estimate that can change before or even during transport. The difference matters enormously in the auto transport industry because non-binding quotes are the primary tool used in bait-and-switch schemes, where a company quotes an unrealistically low price to secure your booking, then demands more money once they have your vehicle.  At American Auto Shipping, the numbers we show are free estimate ranges from a published formula, not quotes. The price comes from the licensed auto transport company you choose, so get a binding price in writing from the company you book with before you commit. Because several companies compete for your shipment with their best offers, a low number that quietly climbs later is easy to spot next to the others.  When comparing quotes from different companies, always ask whether the quote is binding or non-binding. If a quote seems significantly cheaper than competitors, it is often a non-binding estimate designed to undercut the market. A reputable company will give you a binding quote and put it in writing before you commit.

Question 4

What payment methods do you accept and when is payment due?

Accepted Answer

You never pay American Auto Shipping a cent. Payment goes to the auto transport company you choose, on the terms in its offer. Most companies take a deposit by credit or debit card at booking — typically $150 to $300, applied toward the total, not added on top — with the balance due at delivery in cash, money order, certified check, or increasingly Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App. Confirm the payment options with the company before delivery day.  Before you book, get the full price in writing from the company you choose and confirm it covers everything: fuel, insurance, and any special handling for a non-running or oversized vehicle. A written price from a licensed company should not change after the fact. If a company tries to add a surcharge later that was not in its written offer, take it up with that company in writing, with its written offer in hand; the price and any dispute over it are between you and the company you booked.

Question 5

Why does enclosed transport cost more than open transport?

Accepted Answer

Enclosed transport typically costs 40-60% more than open transport because enclosed carriers haul fewer vehicles per trip and operate with higher overhead costs. A standard open carrier holds 7-9 vehicles, while an enclosed trailer typically carries only 2-6 vehicles. Fewer vehicles per load means each shipper bears a larger share of the fuel, driver wages, insurance, and equipment costs. Enclosed trailers also cost significantly more to purchase and maintain than open carriers.  The premium is justified for vehicles that need maximum protection. Enclosed transport shields your vehicle from weather, road debris, dust, and the general exposure that comes with open highway travel. This makes it the preferred choice for exotic cars, classic cars, show vehicles, luxury vehicles valued over $75,000, and any vehicle where cosmetic condition is critical. Enclosed carriers also tend to use soft-tie straps and wheel nets that are gentler on low-clearance vehicles.  If you are shipping a daily driver, a family sedan, or a standard SUV, open transport is the practical and cost-effective choice. The vast majority of vehicles — about 90% — ship open with no issues. Open transport is fully insured and the risk of meaningful damage is very low. Save the enclosed premium for vehicles where the value or condition warrants the extra protection.

Question 6

How does the time of year affect car shipping prices?

Accepted Answer

Auto transport pricing follows predictable seasonal patterns tied to supply and demand. Summer (June through August) is peak season — families relocate, college students move, and overall shipping volume surges, pushing prices 15-25% above winter baselines. The snowbird season creates its own micro-peaks: October and November see price spikes on routes heading south (Northeast to Florida, Midwest to Arizona), and March and April see the reverse as snowbirds head back north.  January and early February are consistently the cheapest months to ship a car. Demand drops significantly after the holidays, carriers have more availability, and pricing becomes more competitive. Mid-week pickups (Tuesday through Thursday) also tend to be slightly cheaper than Monday or Friday pickups because most customers request weekend-adjacent dates. If you have any flexibility at all on timing, shipping in the off-season or mid-week can save you 10-20% on the same route.  Holiday periods — Thanksgiving week, Christmas through New Year, and the Fourth of July — also create temporary price increases because many drivers take time off, reducing carrier availability. If your move coincides with a major holiday, book well in advance (2-3 weeks minimum) to lock in better pricing and ensure pickup availability. Our published estimate formula applies a season-and-direction factor for every month, and the companies price these patterns into their offers.

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Costs & Pricing

6 Articles

How much does car shipping cost?

What factors affect auto transport pricing?

What is the difference between binding and non-binding quotes?

What payment methods do you accept and when is payment due?

Why does enclosed transport cost more than open transport?

How does the time of year affect car shipping prices?

Other Topics

Before You Ship

During Transport

Insurance & Protection

Delivery & After

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