How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?

A plain-English breakdown of what actually drives auto transport pricing, with realistic Florida ranges.

The four factors that set your price

Distance is the obvious one, but it is not linear — a 300-mile move costs more per mile than a 2,000-mile move because the driver still burns a full day on pickup and delivery. Vehicle size and weight matter next: a three-quarter-ton pickup takes roughly two sedan slots. Then transport type, where enclosed runs 30 to 60 percent above open. Finally, route density: a Coral Springs to Atlanta run has carriers competing for it, while a rural Montana delivery does not.

Realistic ranges from South Florida

As of recent seasons, a standard sedan on an open carrier typically runs roughly $600 to $900 to the Northeast, $900 to $1,300 to the Midwest and $1,200 to $1,700 coast-to-coast. Enclosed adds meaningfully to each. Treat any quote dramatically below these as a bait number that will be re-quoted after you pay a deposit.

Season is a real line item

South Florida pricing swings hard. October through December, northbound trucks arrive empty and southbound capacity is scarce, so inbound rates spike. March through May the reverse happens. Booking two to three weeks ahead of a seasonal move is usually worth more than any negotiation.

Ways to genuinely lower the cost

Flexible pickup dates, terminal-adjacent meeting points, shipping during shoulder seasons and combining two vehicles on one load all reduce real cost. Asking a carrier to work for below-market rates does not — it just leaves your car sitting unassigned.