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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car? What Affects the Price
What really drives car shipping quotes, why the cheapest quote can change after booking, and how to compare prices fairly.
What affects the price
- Distance and route: popular routes between major cities are usually easier to fill than remote pickups.
- Vehicle size and condition: larger or non-running vehicles take more space or need a winch.
- Open vs enclosed: enclosed transport usually costs more.
- Season and timing: demand changes through the year, and tight or fixed dates can cost more.
- Fuel and market conditions: carriers price loads based on current demand.
Why a low quote can go up
Many companies are brokers that post your car for carriers to accept. If the offered price is below what carriers will take, the car can sit unassigned, and you may be asked to pay more. Ask whether your quote is a guaranteed total in writing or an estimate.
How to compare quotes
- Request quotes for the same dates, vehicle and transport type.
- Ask what is due now (deposit), what is due at delivery, and how it must be paid.
- Ask whether the deposit is refundable if no carrier is found.
- Read the company's recent 1-star reviews for price changes after booking.
Compare companies side by side. See public Google, Trustpilot, BBB and Yelp ratings, recent 1-star reviews and written terms on our comparison page.
More guides
- How to Avoid Car Shipping Scams and Bait-and-Switch Quotes
- Auto Transport Broker vs Carrier: What's the Difference?
Last updated October 2026. General consumer information, not legal or financial advice.