Car Shipping Cost Calculator
Estimate vehicle auto transport quotes for sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars across open and enclosed carriers by highway distance.
Calculated Transportation Estimates
Auto Transport Tariff Formula
Shipping Cost = [Distance (Miles) × Tier Rate ($/Mi) × Vehicle Size Factor] + Enclosed Carrier Premium (40-50%) + Operability Fees- Distance Tiers: Local/short-haul (<500 mi) averages $1.10–$1.35/mi; medium-haul (500–1,500 mi) averages $0.75–$0.95/mi; coast-to-coast (>1,500 mi) averages $0.60–$0.70/mi.
- Vehicle Size Class: Sedans (baseline 1.0x); midsize SUVs & crossovers (1.15x); full-size pickup trucks & large SUVs (1.25x); luxury exotics (1.5x).
- Open vs. Enclosed Carrier: Open carriers (9-car double-deckers) are standard; enclosed trailers provide weather protection for a 40% to 50% premium.
- Inoperable Vehicles: Non-running vehicles require a carrier equipped with a winch, adding a $150 to $200 surcharge.
- Seasonal Rush: Snowbird season (fall South, spring North) and peak summer create 15% to 30% carrier demand surges.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
- Tier Rate for 1,200 Miles = $0.78 / mile
- Base Transport Fee (1,200 mi × $0.78/mi × 1.15) = $1,076.40
- Enclosed Surcharge & Winch Fee = $0.00
- Total Car Shipping Cost = $1,076.40 (Averages $0.90 / mile · Est. 5 Transit Days)
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Select your vehicle body type (sedan, SUV, pickup, or luxury exotic).
- 2Enter the one-way driving distance in highway miles.
- 3Choose your carrier style: Open multi-car carrier or Enclosed weather-protected trailer.
- 4Check whether the vehicle is running and operable.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Door-to-door delivery on streets accessible by an 80-foot commercial car hauler.
- Vehicle has at least 4 to 5 inches of ground clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pack personal items inside my car when shipping it?
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations prohibit auto haulers from carrying personal property in vehicles because car carriers are not licensed household goods movers. Most carriers allow up to 100 lbs of items securely packed in the trunk below window level, but these items are not covered by the carrier cargo insurance.
Related Cost Calculators
Cross Country Moving Cost Calculator
Budget coast-to-coast relocation expenses including linehaul van line freight, transit lodging, personal vehicle fuel, and storage-in-transit.
Vehicle Transportation Cost Calculator
Compare driving your vehicle yourself vs hiring a professional auto carrier vs towing behind a rental truck on an auto hauler.
Moving Cost Per Mile Calculator
Calculate your effective moving cost per mile across truck rental fuel, mileage surcharges, professional van line freight rates, and vehicle shipping.