Key takeaways
- Five factors set car shipping prices: distance, vehicle size, transport type, service tier, demand.
- Per-mile rates fall as distance rises ($0.80–$1.40 short → $0.40–$0.60 long).
- SUVs and trucks add $100–$300 over sedans.
- Enclosed = 30–50% premium. Expedited = highest tier.
Car shipping prices are calculated from five primary factors: distance, vehicle size, transport type, service tier, and current market demand. Understanding how these interact helps you get the best price and avoid surprises.
The five pricing factors
1. Distance (primary)
Per-mile cost decreases as distance increases: $0.80–$1.40/mile for short routes, dropping to $0.40–$0.60/mile cross-country.
2. Vehicle size
Larger vehicles cost more — they occupy more trailer space and weight. SUVs and trucks add $100–$300 over sedan pricing.
3. Transport type
Enclosed costs 30–50% more than open. The premium reflects specialized equipment, lower capacity, and higher insurance.
4. Service tier
Faster pickup commands a premium. Standard (5–7 day window) is most affordable. Expedited (24–48 hours) is the most expensive.
5. Market demand
Seasonal patterns, route popularity, and carrier availability shift prices in real time. January and June–July peak; September is the cheapest.
Get your actual price — our calculator factors all five at once.
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