The average cost to ship a car in 2025 varies based on distance, transport type, and current market conditions. For short-distance shipments (1–500 miles), rates typically average around $1.85 per mile, which works out to roughly $555 for a 300-mile transport. Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles) see a lower cost-per-mile, averaging about $0.91 per mile, or approximately $910 for a 1,000-mile trip. For long-distance car shipping (1,500+ miles), the price usually drops even further to around $0.59 per mile, totaling about $1,180 for a 2,000-mile journey. Keep in mind that these are baseline averages—actual prices may fluctuate. Additionally, enclosed auto transport generally costs more due to the premium protection it provides for high-end, luxury, or classic vehicles.
A variety of factors influence the final price of your auto transport. The type and size of your vehicle, its operational condition, the pickup and delivery locations, and the transport method (open vs. enclosed) all play key roles in determining your rate. Seasonal demand, fuel costs, weather conditions, and any special accommodations—such as expedited delivery or guaranteed pickup dates—can also affect your total cost.
To understand exactly what you can expect to pay, it’s always best to get a personalized estimate. Use our free instant quote calculator for a quick, accurate price based on real-time market conditions. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, a NIKI representative is available via live chat or by calling (888) 666-8929. They can review your shipment details, answer your questions, and provide the most precise quote based on distance, timing, added services, and current industry rates.
Open transport cost
Car transport quotes can be calculated in several ways, depending on the details of your shipment and the tools you choose to use. One of the quickest and most reliable options is our instant quote calculator, which provides a real-time estimate based on current market rates, carrier availability, distance, and your vehicle information. For a more personalized experience, you can also connect directly with a NIKI representative via live chat, where an expert can review your needs, answer questions, and explain the pricing factors that apply to your transport.
When requesting a quote, it’s important to mention any special requirements your shipment may involve, as these can influence the final price. Examples include expedited pickup, oversized or modified vehicles, or inoperable cars that require additional time or equipment to load. Sharing these details early ensures you receive an accurate estimate and helps carriers properly prepare for your specific transport.
To get the most precise and up-to-date car shipping quote, be sure to have the following essential information ready:
Car transport, also known as car shipping, is a professional service that moves vehicles from one location to another—whether across the state or across the country. The most reliable auto transport services are handled by licensed, experienced carriers who use the proper equipment and safety procedures to ensure your vehicle arrives in the same condition it was picked up. Choosing the right type of transport is an important part of the process, as it directly impacts both the level of protection your vehicle receives and the overall shipping cost.
There are two primary transport options: open car transport and enclosed car transport. Open transport is the most common and cost-effective solution, widely used by everyday customers as well as car dealerships, rental companies, and auction buyers. Vehicles are loaded onto an open-air trailer, allowing multiple cars to be transported at once—which helps keep prices lower. For drivers who want maximum protection, enclosed auto transport offers a shielded, fully covered trailer that safeguards the vehicle from weather, road debris, and other outside elements. This premium level of protection comes at a higher price, typically costing 10–40% more than open carriers.
Enclosed transport is especially recommended for luxury vehicles, exotics, classic cars, collector models, or any high-value vehicle where added security and peace of mind are a priority. By understanding your transport options and the differences between them, you can choose the method that best fits your budget, timeline, and protection needs.
When arranging car shipping services, you’ll typically encounter three types of companies involved in the auto transport industry: lead providers, carriers, and brokers. Each plays a different role in the vehicle-shipping process, and understanding these differences can help you choose the most reliable and efficient option for your needs.
Lead providers operate by collecting your contact information and supplying you with a list of potential car shipping companies based on your search criteria. While this may seem convenient, it often results in your information being shared with multiple transport companies, leading to an influx of calls and emails. With lead providers, the responsibility falls entirely on you to research each carrier, compare prices, check credentials, and determine which company best fits your budget and timeline.
Carriers are the companies that own the trucks and employ the drivers who physically transport your vehicle. When you work directly with a carrier, you handle everything—from requesting a quote to coordinating pickup and delivery details. While going straight to a carrier may seem straightforward, it can be challenging without insider knowledge. Not all carriers operate in all regions, and availability varies daily, making it difficult to find the right one for your specific vehicle or route.
This is where auto transport brokers provide significant value. Brokers act as the bridge between vehicle owners and a network of carriers, helping you secure the best match for your shipment. Instead of being limited to a single company, you gain access to thousands of vetted carriers through one point of contact. A broker handles all the research, communication, and coordination on your behalf—saving you hours of phone calls and comparisons. They supply an accurate quote, organize your transport details, and manage the process from scheduling to delivery.
Working with a broker offers major advantages: greater flexibility, better pricing, faster scheduling, and less stress. Instead of navigating the complex auto transport market alone, your broker ensures your vehicle is matched with a reliable, professional carrier suited to your vehicle type, timeline, and budget.
If you’re ready to schedule your shipment, we’re here to help. Call (888) 777-8977 to speak with an experienced advisor who will arrange your transport through one of our 30,000+ trusted, fully vetted carriers.
Auto transport quotes and car shipping rates are calculated using a variety of factors that are unique to each customer’s situation. Because no two vehicle shipments are exactly alike, your estimate will reflect the specific details of your transport request. Several key elements influence the final cost, including the overall distance of the shipment, the size and weight of your vehicle (such as a sedan, SUV, pickup truck, van, or oversized model), and the condition of the vehicle, whether it is fully operable or requires special equipment for loading and unloading.
Your selected transport type also plays a major role. Open transport is the most cost-effective and widely used option, while enclosed auto transport offers added protection for luxury, exotic, classic, or collector vehicles—and typically comes at a higher price. In addition, your pickup and delivery locations impact pricing; rural or remote areas may have fewer carriers available, while major metropolitan regions often offer better routing options and more competitive rates. Seasonal trends, weather conditions, and market demand throughout the year can also influence pricing.
To make the process simple and transparent, NIKI’s instant quote calculator allows you to input all the important details about your vehicle and shipment. Using this information, the system delivers an accurate, real-time, and fully optimized car shipping price—with no hidden fees. This ensures you receive a clear and trustworthy estimate based on your exact transportation needs and current industry conditions.
Understanding how car shipping prices are calculated can help you plan effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. Auto transport rates depend on several important variables, each contributing to the final price of your shipment.
Distance
Total transport distance is one of the primary components of any car shipping quote. While longer routes generally cost more overall, the price per mile typically decreases as distance increases. Using NIKI’s car shipping calculator, you can quickly generate an accurate and competitive quote for your specific route. Keep in mind that international vehicle shipping often involves additional steps and fees that differ from standard ground transport.
Route
The route refers to the specific highways and roads the carrier will travel. Highly populated or congested areas may experience traffic delays, which can affect shipping times and pricing. Other route-related factors that may influence cost include road conditions, weather patterns, detours, and construction zones. Generally, well-traveled and carrier-friendly routes offer more stable pricing.
Shipping Date
Your chosen shipping or pickup date also impacts the total cost. Booking early is the best way to secure competitive pricing, as last-minute or narrow pickup windows may be subject to higher rates. Customers with flexible pickup dates often receive better pricing options.
Vehicle Make and Model
Carriers need precise vehicle details, including size, weight, and modifications, to determine safe loading positions and the appropriate trailer type. Larger or heavier vehicles, as well as those with modifications such as lift kits, roof racks, or oversized tires, typically require additional accommodations and may increase the overall shipping cost.
Transport Type
The type of transport you select plays a major role in the price:
Open transport is the most common and cost-effective option.
Enclosed transport provides maximum protection from weather and road debris, making it ideal for luxury, exotic, vintage, and collector vehicles.
Enclosed transport generally costs more due to premium equipment and added protection.
Vehicle Condition
A fully operable vehicle is simpler and less expensive to transport. If your car is inoperable but still able to roll, steer, and brake, it may require special equipment such as a winch, which can increase the price. To request a quote or arrange transport for an inoperable vehicle, you may contact a NIKI representative at (888) 777-8929.
Vehicle Specifications
Taller, longer, or heavier vehicles may require specialized trailers or specific placement within the trailer. These adjustments may limit the number of cars a carrier can load, affecting the total cost. Carriers must follow strict weight and safety regulations, making accurate vehicle specifications essential.
Ground Clearance
Ground clearance, or the ride height of your vehicle, also affects the type of trailer needed. Cars with four inches of clearance or less typically require an enclosed trailer equipped with a hydraulic lift gate for safe loading, as open trailers cannot accommodate very low-profile vehicles.
Location
Transporting a vehicle to or from a major metropolitan area is usually less expensive because carriers frequently travel these routes. Rural or remote locations may require additional driving time or route adjustments, which can increase the cost. NIKI works to find the best available pricing for both city and small-town customers.
Seasonality
Car shipping prices fluctuate throughout the year based on supply and demand. For example, routes to warmer states are often more expensive during winter due to higher seasonal transport volume. NIKI’s car shipping calculator allows you to compare different dates to determine which option offers the best rate. If your schedule allows flexibility, testing multiple shipping windows can help reduce costs
NIKI Auto Transport delivers a balance of quality and affordability. Our transparent approach to car shipping costs ensures you receive an accurate quote from the beginning. By leveraging our extensive network and industry expertise, we secure the best price for your vehicle’s journey so you can plan your move confidently.
At NIKI , no payment is required until a carrier has been assigned to your order, so you can arrange transport now and handle payment later.
NIKI works with you to arrange the best transportation method for your vehicle. Experience hassle-free shipping when you choose NIKI for your car shipping needs.
When you ship your vehicle with NIKI , it will be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance. We also have our own contingent cargo insurance protecting your vehicle for up to $250,000.
Our nationwide network of over 30,000 carriers are all fully licensed and insured. We have drivers with the equipment and expertise to handle transport for vehicles in all 50 states.
Our expert auto transport advisors are available 365 days a year to arrange transport, monitor your shipment and answer any questions you may have.
With over one million customers served and nearly 100,000 online customer reviews, we’ve earned our reputation as one of the nation’s top-rated auto transport companies. See what our customers are saying about their experience with NIKI .
You can put personal items up to 100 lbs. in a box or single piece of luggage that will be in the trunk of the car during transport.
When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.
To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator or you can call (888) 477-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. To calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.
The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time – so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. Check out our estimated transit times for a detailed view of approximate delivery times.
Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle.
The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.
Open transport is the most common car shipping method. There are two types of open-air transporters. The Majority of shipments are be made with 8-10 car carriers. Smaller carriers which hold 2-3 cars are used for shorter, local car moving. There is a broader network of carrier availability for open-air carriers since they are used more often. We suggest choosing enclosed car shipping methods when shipping classic, luxury or exotic vehicles. Enclosed vehicle transportation guarantees maximum protection from exposure to any open-air elements on the road. We suggest booking your enclosed transport in advance since carrier availability is limited. Read more about the difference between open and enclosed transport
all types of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, oversized vehicles, antiques, classic cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles, inoperable cars and boats. If you are not sure whether or not we can ship your vehicle, you can give us a call to find out what we can do for you.
Make sure your car has been completely cleaned, both inside and outside. This is particularly important because this will help the driver conduct their inspection in order to assess any pre-existing damage on your vehicle. You will also want to make there are no additional personal items in the vehicle unless you intend to ship those with the vehicle (remember those items must total less than 100 pounds combined and be kept below the window-line of the vehicle). Be sure to inform the driver of any special circumstances concerning the vehicle. Finally, make sure there is a quarter tank of gas in the car at the time it is picked up for shipment. Visit our car shipping checklist to make sure you are prepared for your vehicle shipment.
Yes, we can ship vehicles that are in non-running/inoperable condition. When inoperable cars are shipped, a special auto carrier is required that makes use of a winch which is connected to your car and slowly and safely pulls your vehicle onto the carrier. There is an additional fee for inoperable vehicles because of the special equipment and extra work involved with securing the vehicle onto the transporter. You can select the inoperable option on the online booking form or inform your shipping agent if you make your reservation by phone so that the proper arrangements can be made to accommodate a non-running vehicle.
Use the calculator below or call us at (888) 776-8929 today!
Sturgis welcomes riders, fans, and adventurers to the most exhilarating event of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned biker or a first-time attendee, this guide
Motorcycles have always had a special allure, combining adrenaline-pumping speed with a sense of freedom and adventure. In this blog, we’ll share our list of
In the realm of automobiles, luxury cars are the epitome of sophistication, combining exquisite design, cutting-edge technology and unparalleled comfort for a unique driving experience.
The allure of great barn finds lies in their stories—vehicles left to gather dust, only to be rediscovered and appreciated as pieces of automotive history.
Online car buying and selling have become increasingly popular over the last several years. With reputable and experienced sites like Hemmings, buyers have access to
The trucking industry, especially auto transport, plays a vital role in the economy and our daily lives. Millions of people rely on auto transporters every day, from dealerships with
