Car Shipping Cost Guide (2025)

Find your car shipping cost in seconds with Montway‘s car shipping cost calculator.

How much does car shipping cost?

The average cost to ship a car in 2025 is estimated around $1.85/mile for

short distances (1-500 miles) or $555 for a 300-mile trip. Medium distances
average about $.91/mile (500-1500 miles) or $910 for 1000 miles. Long distances
(1500+ miles) are about $.59/mile or $1,180 for a 2000-mile trip. It’s important to note that
car shipping costs may vary and the rates for enclosed car shipping will be higher.

When it comes to shipping your vehicle, there are several factors that come into play
when determining the cost. Everything from the type of vehicle you’re shipping to the
type of shipping method you choose will affect the price.

To get a clear idea of what your final cost will be, we recommend using our free instant
 quote calculator for an estimate. You can also speak with a Montway representative via
live chat or at (888) 666-8929 to discuss your shipment and request a quote. This will give
you the most accurate estimate possible, taking into account factors such as the distance
of the shipment, seasonal demand, any additional services required and current market
rates.

Average car shipping cost per mile (2025)
Distance

Open transport cost

Enclosed transport cost
1-500 miles
$1.85/mile
$2.53/mile
501-1,500 miles
$.91/mile
$1.25/mile
1,500+ miles
$.59/mile
$.84/mile

What is car transport?

How to get a car transport quote

Car transport quotes can be calculated a few different ways. You can get an accurate estimate of your car shipping by using our instant quote calculator or speaking with a Montway representative via live chat. When discussing your shipment be sure to mention any special requirements you may have, as these could affect the price. Some examples of special requirements include expedited pickup, vehicle modifications or inoperable vehicles.

In order to get the most accurate and up-to-date car shipping quote, it’s important to know and have the following information available:

Auto transport industry overview

Calculating car shipping costs

What factors are used to calculate the cost of car shipping?

Distance

Total distance is the main component used in calculating a quote for car shipping. Longer distances generally lead to a higher overall car shipping price, but also include a discounted cost per mile. With our car shipping calculator, you can get the best auto transport quote for any car shipment. It’s important to note that international car shipping prices might differ from ground vehicle transport.

Route

Different from distance, route refers to what highways and other roads will be traveled to transport the vehicle. Routes in highly populated areas may have increased traffic congestion, which could impact transport time and shipping costs. Additional route considerations that can be factored into shipping costs include: physical road conditions, adverse weather and road construction.

Shipping date

When you book a car transport service, the shipment date often plays a role in the cost. It’s best to book your car shipment as far in advance as possible. As soon as you know you’ll need to ship your vehicle, begin researching an auto transport company to request a car shipping quote. Additionally, increased flexibility around car pickup dates will often result in car transport quote savings.

Vehicle make and model

When planning your auto transport, we ask for the exact vehicle specifications, because the truck driver must know how much space is required to safely secure your automobile and ensure proper trailer height and side clearance. Longer and taller cars require additional vehicle transport adjustments, which may slightly increase car shipping costs. Vehicle modifications like larger tires and roof racks can also increase the cost.

Auto transport type

Most people shipping a car select open car transport, as it is the industry standard and cheapest way for car shippers to move your vehicle. For extra car shipment protection, we recommend using enclosed car transportation services that shield vehicles from weather and debris. Enclosed auto transport can increase the cost of car shipping, but is worth the peace of mind for delicate, exotic or luxury car transportation.

Vehicle condition

Vehicle details

Taller, longer and heavier vehicles may require a specific trailer or trailer type to support the length and/or added weight. They may also need certain accommodations, like being transported in a specific place within the trailer. Both of these situations could require the driver to take fewer or smaller vehicles to accommodate special requests and manage total allowable weight limits.

Ground clearance

Ground clearance, also called ride height, is the distance between the bottom of the vehicle’s body and the road or driving surface. Low vehicle ground clearance requires special attention and accommodation, such as a specialized ramp. If ground clearance is four inches or less, the vehicle must be shipped in an enclosed trailer equipped with a lift gate, which open trailers do not have.

Location

Metropolitan areas usually have plenty of trucks available to carry out car shipping orders for auto shippers, which lowers the car transport price. When transporting cars, we strive to find the best deal for residents of small towns.

Seasonality

Car shipping costs vary greatly based on the time of year. For example, auto transport services to warmer states are very popular during the winter travel season, so the cost for transporting a car to those destinations may be higher. Use Montway’s car shipping calculator to get the price for shipping a car. Depending on your scheduling flexibility, we recommend trying different shipping dates to see rate impact for choosing the best price.

How to use the Montway car shipping cost calculator

Our free instant quote calculator provides accurate car shipping costs for your vehicle shipment in just a few clicks. Complete the steps below and instantly receive your quote, no credit card or upfront payment is required. Provide as much detail about your vehicle and shipping needs for the most accurate estimate.

The car transport process

Step 1

Quote and book your order

Step 2

We pick up your vehicle

Step 3

Receive your vehicle

Why choose Montway?

Montway 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.
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No upfront payments

At Montway, no payment is required until a carrier has been assigned to your order, so you can arrange transport now and handle payment later.

Personalized approach

Montway works with you to arrange the best transportation method for your vehicle. Experience hassle-free shipping when you choose Montway for your car shipping needs.

Insurance coverage

When you ship your vehicle with Montway, 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.

30,000+ professional carriers

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.

Dedicated advisors and extended hours

Our expert auto transport advisors are available 365 days a year to arrange transport, monitor your shipment and answer any questions you may have.

Top-rated in the nation

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 Montway.

How to get a car transport quote

Car transport quotes can be calculated a few different ways. You can get an accurate estimate of your car shipping by using our instant quote calculator or speaking with a Montway representative via live chat. When discussing your shipment be sure to mention any special requirements you may have, as these could affect the price. Some examples of special requirements include expedited pickup, vehicle modifications or inoperable vehicles.

In order to get the most accurate and up-to-date car shipping quote, it’s important to know and have the following information available:

Read what other customers say about shipping a car with Montway

Google
(22749 reviews)
4.7
BBB
(4440 reviews)
4.5
Transport Reviews
(11838 reviews)
4.8
My Moving Reviews
(960 reviews)
4.8

Frequently asked questions about car shipping costs and quotes:

How much does it cost to ship a car?
There are several factors that affect the cost of your car shipment. The distance of your shipment will be the main consideration, as well as the vehicle type and condition, transportation type and the time of year.
Yes, time of year can affect the cost of car shipping. Auto transport has fluctuations in seasonal demand and you can save money by shipping during low-volume seasons. Check with a Montway representative to learn more about seasonality and the best time to book a car shipment to save money.
No, the instant quote calculator is free to use. There is no payment or credit card information required to get a quote.
To use Montway’s instant quote calculator, simply enter your pickup and delivery locations (city or zip code), make a model of your car and your preferred transport type (open or enclosed). Try to provide as many details about your shipment as possible in order to receive the most accurate quote.
The best way to ship a vehicle will depend on your specific needs. Some vehicles may require special accommodations like a lift gate or enclosed transport, while other shipments are better suited to open transport. Speak with a Montway representative to discuss your shipment needs and find the best option for you.

Get an instant quote

or call now (888) 666-8929