Car Shipping Cost Guide (2026)
Most car shipments cost between $500 and $1,900 on an open carrier and $800–$2,900 enclosed. Here's how pricing works — and how to get the best rate.
- Best Price Guarantee
- $0 Deposit Required
- 100% Satisfaction or Money Back
- 24/7 In-Transit Updates
- Same-Day Pickup Available
- Guaranteed Delivery Date
Cost by distance
| Distance | Open | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 mi | $500–$900 | $800–$1,300 | 1–3 days |
| 500–1,000 mi | $700–$1,100 | $1,000–$1,600 | 2–4 days |
| 1,000–1,500 mi | $850–$1,300 | $1,250–$1,900 | 3–5 days |
| 1,500–2,200 mi | $1,050–$1,550 | $1,500–$2,300 | 4–7 days |
| 2,200+ mi | $1,300–$1,900 | $2,000–$2,900 | 7–10 days |
What affects the price
- Distance and how busy the route is
- Vehicle size, weight and modifications
- Open vs. enclosed transport
- Running vs. inoperable
- Season (snowbird, summer, holidays)
- How soon you need pickup
Cost per mile
Long routes cost less per mile: roughly $1.00–$2.00 per mile under 500 miles, but only $0.50–$0.70 per mile coast to coast.
Every Shipment Comes With 8 Written Guarantees
Most car shipping companies list features. We put promises in writing — before your car ever leaves the driveway.
Best Price Guarantee
Show us a lower written quote for the same shipment and we will match or beat it. How it works →
$0 Deposit
Book for free. Nothing is charged until a licensed carrier is assigned to your vehicle.
100% Satisfaction or Money Back
If we don't deliver the service promised in your confirmation, you get your money back.
24/7 Updates
Pickup, in-transit and delivery updates around the clock by text and email.
Same-Day Pickup
Available in most metro areas when you book early in the day — plus same-day local delivery.
Guaranteed Delivery Date
Pick the day you need your vehicle and get it in writing.
Supercars & Exotics
Enclosed trailers, liftgates and soft tie-downs for high-value vehicles.
100,000+ Insured Carriers
Licensed, insured carriers with coverage up to $2 million available.
CTS vs. a Typical Car Shipping Company
| What you get | CTS Auto Transport | Typical shipper |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | $0 | Often $100–$250 |
| Price protection | ✓ Best Price Guarantee | Price may change |
| Pickup | ✓ Same-day available | 1–5 day window |
| Delivery date | ✓ Guaranteed date option | Estimate only |
| Updates | ✓ 24/7 text & email | Business hours |
| Satisfaction | ✓ 100% or money back | Rarely offered |
| Exotic handling | ✓ Enclosed, liftgate, up to $2M coverage | Limited |
How Car Shipping Works
- Get your free quote. Enter your route and vehicle — your price is protected by our Best Price Guarantee.
- Book with $0 down. Pick same-day pickup or a future date, plus an optional guaranteed delivery date.
- Door-to-door pickup. A licensed, insured driver inspects and photographs your vehicle, then loads it.
- Track 24/7. Get updates by text and email the whole way.
- Inspect and receive. Compare the condition report, sign the bill of lading and drive away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost to ship a car?
About $1,000–$1,300 for a typical 1,000–1,500 mile open-carrier shipment of a standard sedan.
Is shipping a car cheaper than driving?
For trips over about 1,000 miles, shipping often costs about the same as fuel, hotels, meals and wear — without the time off work.
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