How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in 2026?
Here's what most car shipping companies won't tell you upfront: the "average" cost of $1,200 you see everywhere is complete nonsense. We've shipped over 50,000 vehicles since 2015, and real talk - your actual cost depends on about 15 different factors that change weekly.
Get Your Free Quote
Fast, free, no obligation
What Are the Real Car Shipping Costs in 2026?
Car shipping in 2026 costs between $600-$2,800 for most routes, with the sweet spot around $900-$1,400 for typical cross-country moves. But here's the thing - that's like saying a house costs "somewhere between $100K and $2 million."
The actual price you'll pay depends on your specific route, vehicle type, and timing. A Toyota Camry from Los Angeles to Chicago in March? Expect $950-$1,200 for open transport. That same car during peak summer season? You're looking at $1,300-$1,600.
We track pricing data from over 2,000 routes monthly, and 2026 has brought some interesting changes. Fuel costs stabilized compared to 2024's volatility, but driver shortages pushed labor costs up about 8%. The result? Prices are more predictable but slightly higher overall.
How Much Does Distance Really Matter for Shipping Costs?
Distance isn't just about miles - it's about logistics corridors and carrier efficiency. Shipping in Los Angeles to New York (2,800 miles) typically costs $1,200-$1,500, while LA to Denver (1,000 miles) runs $850-$1,100.
Here's what's wild: sometimes shorter routes cost more per mile. A 300-mile trip from Bozeman, Montana to Salt Lake City might run $750 because carriers have to deadhead back empty. Compare that to the heavily trafficked I-10 corridor where trucks stay loaded.
Our pricing breaks down roughly like this: $0.40-$0.60 per mile for routes over 1,000 miles, $0.60-$0.80 per mile for 500-1,000 miles, and $0.80-$1.50 per mile for shorter hauls. The efficiency sweet spot? 1,200-2,500 miles where carriers can optimize their loads.
Why Do Vehicle Types Change Shipping Prices So Much?
Your vehicle's size, weight, and value directly impact what carriers can fit on their trucks and how much insurance they need. A Honda Civic takes up one standard spot and weighs 2,800 pounds. A Ford F-250 Super Duty? That's 6,800 pounds and takes up 1.5 spots.
Luxury and exotic cars require enclosed transport, which costs 40-60% more than open carriers. We shipped a 2023 Porsche 911 from Miami to Seattle last month - $2,400 enclosed versus $1,300 for open transport of a regular sedan on the same route.
Inoperable vehicles add $150-$300 to any quote because carriers need special equipment to load them. Classic cars often need enclosed transport plus extra prep time, pushing costs up significantly. And here's something most people don't know: cars with modifications (lowered suspension, wide body kits) often get treated as "oversized" even if they're technically stock dimensions.
When Is Car Shipping Most Expensive (And When Can You Save)?
Summer is brutal for car shipping costs - we're talking 20-35% price increases from June through August. Everyone's moving, college students need cars shipped, and snowbird car shipping peaks as people head to summer homes.
Winter brings its own challenges but better prices. December through February sees 15-25% lower rates, except for the week before Christmas when prices spike temporarily. The catch? Weather delays are more common, and some northern routes become problematic.
Here's your money-saving window: late February through early April, and late September through mid-November. We call these "shoulder seasons" - decent weather, lower demand, and carriers hungry for loads. Book during these times and you'll save $200-$400 on typical long-distance moves.
What Hidden Fees Should You Watch Out For?
Most brokers quote you a base price then hit you with extras at pickup. We've seen customers get surprised with $200-$500 in "additional fees" they never knew about. The most common? Rural pickup/delivery fees ($75-$150), expedited service charges ($200-$400), and "fuel surcharges" that should be built into the base price.
Car shipping scams often start with unrealistically low quotes. A broker quotes $800 for a route that actually costs $1,200, then adds fees to reach the real price. We've been doing this since 2015 - legitimate quotes include all standard fees upfront.
Watch out for inspection fees (should be free), storage fees for delays you didn't cause, and "insurance upgrades" that don't actually add coverage. At Liberty, our quotes include everything except optional services you specifically request. No surprises, no gotcha fees.
How Do Open vs Enclosed Transport Costs Compare?
Open transport handles 85% of all vehicle shipments and costs significantly less than enclosed options. For a typical 1,200-mile route, open transport runs $900-$1,300 while enclosed transport costs $1,400-$2,000.
Enclosed transport isn't just about weather protection - it's about security, lower insurance deductibles, and white-glove handling. We use enclosed carriers for vehicles worth over $75,000, classic cars, and anything with custom paint or modifications the owner wants to protect.
The reality check? Your 2019 Honda Accord doesn't need enclosed transport. Open carriers ship millions of vehicles safely every year, and weather damage is extremely rare. Save the extra $500-$700 for cars that actually need that level of protection.
What Should You Expect from Door-to-Door vs Terminal Shipping?
Door-to-door service costs $100-$200 more than terminal options but saves you significant time and hassle. Most customers choose door-to-door, and carriers pick up within 2 blocks of your location about 90% of the time.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping works well if you're near major transport hubs and have flexible scheduling. You'll drive to a designated lot for pickup and delivery, but you'll save money and often get faster service on busy routes.
Here's the insider tip: "door-to-door" doesn't always mean your exact driveway. Large carriers can't handle narrow residential streets or low-clearance areas. We always check accessibility during booking to set proper expectations and avoid last-minute complications.
How Can You Get Accurate Quotes and Avoid Lowball Pricing?
Legitimate car shipping quotes require specific information: exact pickup and delivery locations, vehicle year/make/model, preferred dates, and transport type. Any company giving you a price without these details is setting you up for disappointment.
Get quotes from 3-4 licensed brokers and compare the ranges, not just the lowest number. If one quote is 30% below others, that's a red flag. Real pricing for popular routes is fairly consistent among legitimate companies - we all work with the same carrier network.
Book with USDOT and FMCSA licensed companies only. We're fully licensed and insured up to $250,000 per vehicle. Ask for the broker's MC number and verify it on the FMCSA website. Get a free quote from us and we'll explain exactly what's included and what factors might change your final price.
2026 Car Shipping Cost Breakdown by Distance and Service
| Route Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-500 miles | $400-$750 | $650-$1,100 | 1-3 days |
| 500-1,000 miles | $650-$1,100 | $1,000-$1,600 | 2-5 days |
| 1,000-1,500 miles | $850-$1,400 | $1,300-$2,000 | 4-7 days |
| 1,500-2,000 miles | $1,100-$1,700 | $1,600-$2,400 | 5-8 days |
| 2,000+ miles | $1,300-$2,200 | $1,900-$3,200 | 7-12 days |
If a broker quotes you significantly below our ranges, they're planning to hit you with fees later or assign your car to the cheapest (often least reliable) carrier available. Real shipping costs are fairly consistent across legitimate companies.
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.