How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car State-To-State? Here's What to Expect
State-To-State Car Shipping: Cost
The cost of shipping a car from one state to another depends on several factors. Distance is one of the most important: it will cost more to move a ride from California to New York than it will to haul a ride from Texas to Colorado.
The type of service you require has an effect, as does the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
- Distance - The range for dispatching a vehicle is relatively large. It might be anywhere from 100 miles to over 2,500 miles. Generally, the price per mile increases to more than $1 for shorter deliveries and approaches $.50 for longer ones. The prices listed here are for the delivery of a typical motor via commercial airline; the expenditures for specialty services and non-typical vehicles are higher (see below).
- Service—The fundamental way to shift an auto between states is to use an open-air carrier that hauls multiple vehicles and delivers them to a dispatching terminal near the destination. Other services, such as door-to-door moving, are available but come with an added cost. The same is true of enclosed transport, which is generally done on a smaller truck and covers the auto on all sides during load.
- Vehicle Type - If there is anything nonstandard about the size or dimensions of your ride, it may require special handling. This mainly applies to oversized vehicles and modified or custom cars, but it can also come into play for some sports vehicles. Along the same lines, if you have a rare, vintage, or otherwise high-value vehicle, it’s a good idea to choose the enclosed transit service mentioned above.
- State-to-state car shipping averages $0.60–$1.10 per mile; short hauls under 500 miles often exceed $1.00 per mile while cross-country routes drop closer to $0.60–$0.75.
- Total interstate shipping costs range from $500–$1,800, with peak summer and snowbird seasons pushing rates 10–25% higher than off-peak periods.
- Open carrier is the standard FMCSA-compliant method; enclosed transport costs 40–60% more and is recommended for luxury, classic, or oversized vehicles.
Shifting Price Estimates From One Area To Another
We've compiled some recent shifting rates to offer a more definitive idea of how much it costs to change a ride from state to state. Remember that these also represent standard cargo on an open carrier so that the price will be slightly higher for enclosed transport, door-to-door, or other specialty services.
Regional Car Hauling Expenses
- Portland, OR to Denver, CO - $834
- San Jose, CA to Dallas, TX - $877
- Charlotte, NC to Detroit, MI - $544
- Boston, MA to Chicago, IL - $702
- New York, NY to St. Louis, MO - $697
- Pittsburgh, PA to Omaha, NE - $685
- Minneapolis, MN to Phoenix, AZ - $910
- Las Vegas, NV to Atlanta, GA - $942
- Salt Lake City, UT to Miami, FL - $1,176
Related Information & FAQ
- State-to-state moving services
Shipping a car from one state to another involves several cost factors that can influence the final price. Understanding these elements can help you budget effectively and make informed decisions.
Distance and Route
The distance between the pickup and delivery locations is a primary determinant of shipping costs. Generally, the longer the distance, the lower the cost per mile. For instance, shipping a car 1,000 miles might cost around $0.80 per mile, totaling approximately $800. However, shorter distances, such as 100-200 miles, could cost about $1.75 per mile.
Transport Type: Open vs. Enclosed
The choice between open and enclosed transport significantly affects pricing. Open transport is more common and cost-effective, suitable for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport offers added protection for luxury or classic cars but comes at a higher price, often 40-60% more than open carriers.
Vehicle Size and Condition
Larger or heavier vehicles, such as SUVs or trucks, typically cost more to ship due to the additional space and weight they occupy on the carrier. Additionally, non-operational vehicles may incur extra fees since they require special equipment for loading and unloading.
Timing and Seasonality
Shipping costs can fluctuate based on the time of year. Peak seasons, like summer and early fall, often see higher demand, leading to increased prices. Conversely, shipping during off-peak times may offer cost savings. Flexibility with pickup and delivery dates can also influence pricing.
By considering these factors, distance, transport type, vehicle specifics, and timing, you can better estimate the cost of shipping your car state-to-state and choose the options that best fit your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
As of September 29, 2026, shipping a standard operable car state-to-state on an open carrier typically costs about $600-$1,500 in the contiguous U.S. Short neighboring-state moves can fall below that range, while long or less-traveled routes can exceed it. Distance, vehicle size, operability, trailer type, and pickup access create most quote differences. A1's car shipping rates guide provides additional distance-based pricing context for planning a shipment.
How much does it cost to ship a car 2,000 miles?
Shipping a standard operable sedan about 2,000 miles on an open carrier generally costs about $1,200-$1,500 in current market pricing. The same mileage can price differently on heavily traveled lanes and routes where carriers have fewer loads available. SUVs, pickups, non-running vehicles, and enclosed transport usually move the quote higher. For budgeting, use the total long-haul range rather than multiplying 2,000 miles by one nationwide per-mile rate.
How long does it take to ship a car to another state?
Once the vehicle is picked up, state-to-state car shipping commonly takes 1-3 days for trips under 500 miles,3-6 days around 1,000-2,000 miles, and 6-10 days coast to coast. Pickup scheduling happens before loaded transit, so total calendar time begins earlier than the driver's travel time. Weather, traffic, routing changes, and the carrier's loading sequence can extend delivery. If you have a firm deadline, leave extra time around the estimated delivery window.
Is open or enclosed transport cheaper for shipping a car to another state?
Open transport is usually cheaper for state-to-state shipping; enclosed service commonly costs about 30%-60% more for a comparable vehicle and route. Open multi-car trailers have more capacity and are widely available, which generally lowers the price for everyday vehicles. Enclosed auto transport shields the vehicle from weather and road debris and is commonly used for classic, exotic, luxury, or other high-value cars. The exact premium depends on the lane and enclosed-trailer availability.
How can I calculate the cost to ship a car from one state to another?
Start with exact pickup and delivery ZIP codes, then add the vehicle year, make, model, running condition, transport type, and preferred pickup window. A pricing tool combines those shipment details with route mileage and current carrier-market conditions to produce a planning estimate. A1's auto transport calculator lets you compare open and enclosed options. Keep the inputs identical when comparing estimates because changing the locations, dates, or vehicle condition changes the service being priced.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car to another state?
For most standard vehicles, open multi-car transport with flexible pickup timing is usually the lowest-cost carrier option for shipping to another state. You can often keep the quote lower by avoiding expedited pickup, providing a workable date window, and using a location that a large trailer can reach safely. Major transport lanes can also price more efficiently than remote detours because carriers have more opportunities to fill their trailers. Compare quotes using the same route, vehicle, transport type, and timing.
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