How Car Transport Companies Price Your Move

Relocating a vehicle, whether across the state or across the country, involves more than simply handing over your keys to a transporter. The pricing structure behind auto shipping can seem opaque to many consumers, but understanding how car transport companies determine the cost of a move can help you make more informed decisions and potentially save money.

In this post, we’ll break down the core components that influence pricing in the auto transport industry, outline the most common service types, and provide practical tips for getting the best value when shipping your vehicle.

1. Understanding the Auto Transport Pricing Model

Car transport companies use dynamic pricing models that consider multiple factors. Unlike flat-rate shipping services, auto transport pricing adjusts based on:

• Supply and demand in specific regions

• Fuel prices

• Type of vehicle being shipped

• Time of year

• Urgency of the move

• Distance

These variables interact in real-time. For instance, transporting a car from Los Angeles to New York in July will have a different cost than the same route in December due to seasonal fluctuations in demand.

2. Major Factors That Influence Auto Transport Pricing

Let’s look at the core elements that affect how car transport companies price your move:

Distance and Route

Unsurprisingly, distance is one of the biggest cost drivers. Generally, the further the distance, the higher the cost—but the rate per mile usually decreases for longer routes. For example:

• A 200-mile move might cost $1.50 per mile

• A 2,000-mile move might cost closer to $0.60 per mile

Additionally, popular or well-traveled routes (e.g., from Miami to New York or Los Angeles to Phoenix) often cost less due to higher carrier availability, while remote or low-demand locations can increase the price due to limited routing options.

Vehicle Size and Type

Car transport companies must consider the dimensions and weight of your vehicle, as transport trailers have weight limits and space constraints.

• Compact cars are cheaper to transport because they occupy less space and weigh less.

• SUVs, trucks, and vans cost more because they are larger and heavier.

• Modified or non-operational vehicles may require special handling equipment, increasing costs.

In some cases, oversized or luxury vehicles require enclosed transport (more on that below), which also affects pricing.

Type of Transport: Open vs. Enclosed

Most car transport companies offer two options:

• Open transport: Your vehicle is shipped on an open-air trailer. It’s the most common and affordable method. However, it exposes your car to weather and road debris.

• Enclosed transport: Your vehicle is shipped in a fully enclosed trailer, offering maximum protection. This is ideal for exotic, luxury, or classic cars but can cost 30–50% more than open transport.

Time of Year

Seasonality plays a major role in pricing. Demand spikes during:

• Summer (May–August): Families relocate and students return home from college.

• Winter holidays: Snowbirds migrate south, particularly from northern states to Florida, Arizona, and California.

These peak periods increase rates due to demand. On the flip side, shipping during shoulder seasons (spring or fall) may yield lower prices.

Pickup and Delivery Method

There are two main service models:

• Door-to-door: More convenient but slightly pricier. The carrier picks up and delivers the car as close to your address as safely possible.

• Terminal-to-terminal: You drop off and pick up the car at regional transport hubs. This option is cheaper but less convenient and can result in longer wait times.

3. Optional Services and Special Considerations

Car transport companies often provide additional services that can impact pricing:

• Expedited shipping: For urgent deliveries, expedited service guarantees a faster pickup/delivery window at a premium cost.

• Insurance upgrades: Basic insurance is included, but high-value vehicles may require supplemental coverage.

• Top-load placement: On open trailers, you can pay extra for top-row placement to avoid fluid drips from other vehicles.

• Non-operable vehicle transport: Shipping a non-running car may require winching and specialized loading/unloading, which increases the cost.

4. How Carriers and Brokers Set Prices

The auto transport industry operates through a combination of carriers (the companies that own and operate transport trucks) and brokers (middlemen who connect customers with carriers).

Here’s how they work together:

• Brokers list your vehicle on national load boards.

• Carriers scan these boards and bid on loads that match their route and schedule.

The final cost depends on how competitive your shipment is. If it’s listed with a fair or above-market price, a carrier will likely accept it quickly. If it’s priced too low, it may sit unclaimed for days or weeks.

Brokers typically charge a fee for coordinating the move, which is included in the quote you receive.

5. Avoiding Lowball Offers and Hidden Fees

When comparing quotes from different car transport companies, be cautious of unusually low estimates. These often come with trade-offs:

• Delays in pickup due to low carrier interest

• Hidden fees for fuel surcharges, insurance, or loading

• Poor communication and lack of shipment tracking

Look for transparency in quotes. Reputable companies will offer a clear breakdown of what’s included, along with pickup and delivery timelines.

6. Tips for Getting the Best Rate

To make the most of your auto shipping budget, consider the following:

Book Early

Booking at least 2–3 weeks in advance gives brokers time to secure a carrier without resorting to premium pricing.

Be Flexible with Dates

If you can provide a wider pickup window, you increase the odds of matching with a carrier already headed your way, reducing your cost.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Don’t settle for the first price. Get quotes from at least three car transport companies, and ask what’s included.

Use Terminal Shipping if Practical

If you live near a major metro, choosing terminal-to-terminal service can shave off 10–20% of the total cost.

Avoid Summer and Holiday Rush

If possible, schedule your move for spring or early fall to benefit from lower seasonal demand.

7. What a Typical Shipment Might Cost

While rates vary, here are some average costs for a standard sedan using open transport:

• 500 miles: $500–$700

• 1,000 miles: $800–$1,000

• 2,000+ miles: $1,200–$1,500

Remember, factors like location, fuel surcharges, and vehicle size can swing these figures up or down.

8. How to Choose the Right Car Transport Company

Cost is important, but reputation, service quality, and insurance coverage matter just as much. When evaluating car transport companies, consider:

• Online reviews (Google, BBB, Transport Reviews)

• FMCSA licensing and USDOT number verification

• Availability of live tracking or support

• Contract terms and cancellation policy

A slightly higher upfront cost can be worth the peace of mind that your vehicle will be shipped professionally and on time.

Conclusion

Car transport companies rely on a variety of factors to determine the price of your move, from vehicle specs and transport type to market conditions and delivery preferences. While pricing may fluctuate, being educated about the process gives you the power to make better choices, avoid hidden fees, and ensure your car is shipped efficiently and safely.

Whether you're moving cross-country or simply transporting a vehicle to a vacation home, understanding how the auto transport pricing ecosystem works will help you plan smarter and potentially save hundreds of dollars.