No matter how you’re planning to ship your car, it’s crucial to have a thorough understanding of the overall cost. Nationally, shipping a car costs about $1,150, or $550 to $2,450 depending on vehicle type, total distance between origin and destination and the type of car shipping that is chosen.
In San Francisco, this average is closer to $2,232, or $1,068 to $4,755, varying based on the above factors. Solidify your budget before asking for quotes, so that you’ll have a clearer picture of which companies aren’t a good fit.
Source: Cost per mile calculated using national averages and city-specific cost of living data from multiple databases.
All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
Your final car shipping bill will depend on a few factors, including:
Distance
It’s probably no surprise that the number of miles you’ll need your vehicle carrier to transport your vehicle plays a big role in determining your final cost. Shipping your car from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, for instance, will likely cost a lot less than shipping it from Connecticut to Oregon.
Location
The location where your car starts and ends its journey will also play major roles in figuring out your final car shipping cost. Popular cities tend to have more options when it comes to car shipping companies, typically resulting in lower rates than in small towns. If your location is difficult to access—like Bainbridge (outside of Seattle), which requires a ferry trip—you may pay a higher price.
Car Size and Specs
The weight and general size of your car will also have a big effect on the final cost to ship your vehicle, as those that are lighter are generally easy to move. However, if you’re transporting a rare, classic or otherwise expensive car, this guideline doesn’t apply. The special care these cars require will drive up the cost.
Car Shipping Option
You’ll choose between open transport, enclosed shipping, expedited car shipping services and lesser-used methods, like shipping your car by boat, train or air. Open shipping is typically the least expensive, but if you need to transport your car overseas, or get it to its destination quickly, expect your price to go up.
Seasonality
A car shipping company will typically take road conditions into account when planning and calculating costs. This means using a car transport service in drier and warmer months will typically cost less than during the colder months. When the risk on the road gets higher (like during winter’s peak when they may expect a snowstorm), expect prices to go up accordingly.
Gas Prices
Gas prices go up and down, which can affect your car shipping costs. If you’re making the journey during a particularly expensive time at the gas pump, you’ll typically see your price go up.
