State to State Towing Cost for Your Vehicle Explained


How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Vehicle From State to State in 202?5 Get a Car Towing Quote Today
Customers and potential customers frequently enquire about our rates by asking how much it would cost to transport a vehicle across the country. One important consideration that is often overlooked in this line of questioning is that the shipping distance is the primary determinant in pricing and that there can be a several hundred-mile variation in the overall cost of shipping depending on the city you are shipping to or from. But before we get to the specifics, let's talk about what you should be on the lookout for when requesting a quote.
Tips for Managing and Reducing Towing Expenses
To ensure you're getting a fair deal on state-to-state towing, consider obtaining quotes from multiple reputable companies and comparing their services and pricing. Be wary of unusually low estimates, as they may exclude essential services or hide additional fees. Always request a detailed breakdown of costs, including base fees, per-mile charges, and any extra services. Additionally, check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers long-distance towing, which could significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Before even considering contacting a company, you should know whether or not they have experience with interstate car towing with a limited or no history of damage or loss. A more extended history of successful shipments and satisfied customers is always a plus, but that doesn't mean a car shipping company with only five years of experience is worse than one with twenty. A young company might have learned the ropes and have the tools, equipment, and experienced drivers to execute successful car shipping and towing services.
Understanding the Cost Breakdown of State-to-State Towing
When planning to tow a vehicle across states, it's essential to comprehend the various factors influencing the total cost. Typically, towing companies charge a base fee ranging from $75 to $125, coupled with a per-mile rate between $2 and $7. For long-distance tows, especially those exceeding 500 miles, the per-mile rate may decrease to as low as $0.75 to $1.25, making the total cost range from $500 to $1,500 or more. Additional expenses can include tolls, fuel surcharges, and fees for special handling of non-operational or oversized vehicles.
Factors That Can Increase Towing Costs
Several variables can escalate the cost of towing a vehicle between states. Towing during nights, weekends, or holidays often incurs surcharges of 20% to 50% over standard rates. The type and condition of the vehicle also play a role; larger cars like SUVs or trucks, or those that are inoperable, may require specialized equipment, increasing the overall expense. Moreover, routes that involve remote or rural areas can lead to higher costs due to longer travel times and limited accessibility.

Finding a car company that has worked in both the state you're shipping from and the one you're shipping to is just as important as having experience shipping over long distances. If they have an actual office in both places, or at least in the general area. It stands to reason that if you need a car towed to the state of Kentucky, you'll want to ensure that the company you hire has terminals and insurance protection, and preferably an office in the city or town where your vehicle will be shipped.

State To State Shipping: Information You’ll Need To Get The Most Accurate Estimate
- Year, make, and model of vehicle
- Current city and destination city
- Type of transport service requested
- Any special handling issues (enclosed transport, inoperable vehicle)
- Desired pick-up and delivery dates

Relevant Statistics
- On average, towing a vehicle from one state to another costs approximately $800 to $1,200.
- Around 90% of towing companies charge based on the distance traveled during interstate towing.
- The fuel cost for interstate towing is estimated to account for about 10% of the total towing expense.
- Towing insurance covers up to 75% of the cost of towing a vehicle from state to state.
- Additional fees, such as taxes, tolls, and storage charges incurred during interstate towing, account for roughly 30% of the total cost.

General Facts
- The cost of towing a vehicle from state to state can vary depending on the distance, type of vehicle, and towing company.
- The average cost ranges between $500 to $1,500 for long-distance towing.
- Factors such as fuel prices, tolls, and additional services required can also affect the overall cost.
- Some towing companies may charge extra fees for oversized or non-running vehicles.
- Getting quotes from multiple towing companies and comparing their services and pricing is always recommended before deciding.

Projected Costs for State Car Shipping
Once you’ve identified a reliable interstate auto transporter and gathered the necessary details for an estimate, it helps to understand typical pricing. Distance is the biggest factor in state car shipping, but vehicle type and transport method can also affect the final rate.
The following examples reflect average costs for standard, operable vehicles such as sedans, coupes, and small trucks. These are general estimates based on past shipments; exact pricing can vary based on route, timing, and additional services needed.

Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO - $723
Atlanta, GA to Portland, OR - $1,379
Chicago, IL to Las Vegas, NV - $995
Albany, NY to Pittsburgh, PA - $467
Dallas, TX to Columbus, OH - $675
Minneapolis, MN to Orlando, FL - $861
Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC - $503
It's essential to get an estimate with a breakdown of costs that itemizes everything they are charging you for. It would even be better to get estimates from at least three companies so you can evaluate and compare them before you make your decision.

If you need to ship your car from state to state, contact A1 Auto Transport and get value for your money. We can ship vehicles to and from anywhere in the United States, regardless of mileage. We have different shipping types and methods, such as open-air and enclosed options. Open-air suits your budget; however, if you are concerned about your vehicle being exposed to the elements and bad weather, you can choose the enclosed shipping method. Call us today for more tips and advice.

Final Thoughts on State-to-State Towing Costs
When it comes to towing a vehicle across state lines, preparation is key. Understanding how distance, vehicle type, and service options influence pricing can help you avoid surprises and make informed choices. Whether you’re relocating a sedan, SUV, or inoperable vehicle, getting a clear, detailed quote from a reputable provider ensures peace of mind throughout the process. By comparing rates, asking the right questions, and verifying insurance coverage, you’ll be better equipped to secure reliable transport at a fair price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost per mile for long distance towing?
Long distance towing averages $3.00 to $6.00 per mile for standard passenger vehicles. Shorter interstate trips trend higher per mile, while routes over 500 miles often receive volume-adjusted rates. Larger vehicles, winch loading, or specialty trucks push costs upward. Interstate-specific considerations are detailed on our interstate car towing page.
How much does state to state towing cost?
State to state towing usually costs between $2.50 and $7.00 per mile, with most total jobs ranging from $500 to $1,500. Pricing is influenced by distance, vehicle weight, tow method, and route demand. Longer interstate runs may lower the per-mile rate, but total cost rises with mileage. Emergency scheduling and remote pickup locations increase pricing.
Is state to state towing cheaper than car shipping?
No. Towing is usually more expensive than shipping because one truck is dedicated to a single vehicle. Auto transport spreads costs across multiple cars, lowering the per-vehicle rate. Towing is best for inoperable vehicles or breakdowns, while shipping suits operable cars. Cost differences are outlined in our long distance auto transport guide.
What factors affect state to state towing prices?
Key factors include distance, vehicle weight, tow truck type, operability, season, and pickup or delivery access. Rural routes and winter weather raise costs, while major highway corridors reduce them. Customers comparing options often review pricing factors on our car shipping rates resource.
How much does it cost to tow a car 500 to 1,000 miles?
A 500 to 1,000 mile tow typically costs between $900 and $1,800. Vehicle size, route congestion, fuel pricing, and urgency all affect totals. Longer distances may reduce the per-mile rate, but weather delays or same-day dispatch can increase the final price significantly.
Does insurance cover state to state towing?
Most roadside assistance plans only cover 5 to 100 miles of towing. Interstate towing beyond that is typically not covered unless tied to an accident claim. Drivers should confirm mileage caps and exclusions before relying on coverage. Transport alternatives are explained on our interstate services page.
How can I estimate the cost to tow a vehicle from state to state?
Estimating towing costs starts with mileage, vehicle type, and urgency. Online tools help compare realistic price ranges before booking. For planning and comparison, our cost distance estimate tool helps evaluate towing versus shipping options.
How much does it cost to tow an SUV, truck, or RV across states?
Larger vehicles require heavier equipment and cost more to tow. SUVs and pickup trucks average $4.00 to $7.00 per mile, while RVs and campers range from $5.00 to $10.00 per mile. Oversize dimensions, height restrictions, and weight class drive most price increases.

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