What Influences the Cost of Shipping a Car?

The cost of shipping a car comes down to the route, how easy the pickup and delivery addresses are to reach, the size and condition of the vehicle, open or enclosed transport, and the timing. Each one changes how hard it is to put your car on a truck that's already going your way. That's why a real person needs to look at the move before giving a price.

1. Distance and route

A longer trip costs more in total, but the cost doesn't rise in a straight line with the miles. Busy routes between big cities have lots of trucks, so they're easier to fill. A route that's off the main interstates, or one few trucks travel, can cost more because the carrier has to go out of its way.

2. Where the car is picked up and delivered

A pickup in or near a city, close to a main highway, is easy for a carrier to work into a load. A rural address far from the interstate takes extra time and fuel. If you're far out, meeting the truck in a nearby town can help. Big trucks also need room to stop, so on a narrow street the driver may meet you at a nearby open lot.

3. Vehicle size and weight

Trailers have limits on weight, height and length. A pickup truck, a large SUV or a van takes the space of more than one compact car, and heavy vehicles, including many electric ones, use up weight the carrier could use for another car. Lift kits, oversized tires and roof racks matter too, so mention them when you ask for a quote.

4. Whether the car runs

A car that drives on and off the truck is simple to load. A car that doesn't run can still be moved, but it needs a winch or other equipment, and not every truck has it. Say whether the car runs, rolls, steers and brakes.

5. Open or enclosed transport

Open transport is the standard and costs less, because each truck carries more cars. Enclosed transport protects the car from weather and road debris and costs more, because enclosed trailers carry fewer cars and there are fewer of them. Our open vs. enclosed guide helps you choose.

6. Season and timing

Demand rises in the summer moving season and when snowbirds head south in the fall and back north in spring. Busy routes cost more then. A tight deadline costs more too, because the carrier has to fit your car in on your dates rather than its own. A flexible pickup window gives you more trucks to choose from. See our guides on seasonal car shipping and why flexibility matters.

7. Fuel

Diesel is a large part of a carrier's cost, so when fuel prices move, transport prices tend to move with them.

How FCT quotes

A real person quotes every move. There are no price tables and no instant quote, because the factors above are different for every car. Once you approve, FCT vets the carrier and confirms the driver, the truck and the pickup window before the truck rolls. See how to get a quote you can trust for what to send.

Frequently asked questions

What affects the cost of shipping a car the most?

The route, the pickup and delivery locations, the size and condition of the vehicle, open or enclosed transport, and the timing.

Does it cost more to ship a car to a rural area?

Often, yes. A carrier has to go out of its way to reach an address far from the main highways. Meeting the truck in a nearby town can help.

Does it cost more to ship an SUV or pickup truck?

Usually. Larger and heavier vehicles take up more of the trailer's space and weight limit.

Does shipping a car that doesn't run cost more?

Usually. A non-running car needs a winch or other equipment to load, and not every truck has it.

Why can't I get an instant price from FCT?

Because the price depends on the car, the route and the dates. A real person quotes every move instead of using a price table.

Want a real number?

Send the car, the addresses and your dates, and a real person quotes it. Request a quote or call (980) 552-1101.