The car shipping industry in the United States generates over $10.3 billion in revenue annually. Whether you’re relocating internationally or getting car shipping across country, the cost of car shipping can vary significantly based on numerous factors. So, if you’re searching for how much it costs to ship my car across country, then read on:
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Locally?
The cost of shipping your car across the country can vary significantly based on the distance.
The typical cost range for local car shipping is $1 to $1.4 per mile, depending on the type of carrier you choose.
Route | Open Carrier Cost | Enclosed Carrier Cost |
Los Angeles to San Diego (130 miles) | $130 | $170 |
New York to Pennsylvania (200 miles) | $200 | $280 |
Massachusetts to Sacramento (268 miles) | $270 | $380 |
Cross-Country Cost to Ship My Car to Another State:
Cross-country car shipping cost typically ranges from $0.80 per mile for an open carrier to $1.20 per mile for an enclosed carrier.
Route | Distance (Miles) | Cost (Open Carrier) | Cost (Enclosed Carrier) |
Chicago to Houston | 925 | $740 | $1,110 |
Atlanta to Boston | 1,080 | $864 | $1,296 |
What’s The Cost for Internationally Shipping My Car?
Generally, the costs range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, with factors like vehicle size, shipping method (RoRo or container), and import duties affecting the final price.
Destination Country | Estimated Shipping Cost |
Canada | $1,200 |
Europe | $2,000 – $4,000 |
Australia | $3,000 – $5,000 |
Japan | $2,500 – $4,500 |
Cost of Different Methods Used By Shipping Companies That Ship Cars
What’s The Cost to Ship My Car by Train?
If you’re wondering whether I can get my car shipped by train, it’s possible, but only via Amtrak AutoTrain service between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida.
Vehicle Type | AutoTrain Cost |
Standard Vehicles | $285 per vehicle |
Extended Vehicles | $325 per vehicle |
Motorcycles | $155 per vehicle |
What’s The Cost to Ship My Car by Truck?
Truck shipping rates vary significantly based on the distance. The cost can range from $1.5 per mile for short trips to $0.4 for longer distances.
Distance | Cost Per Mile | Total Cost |
200 miles | $1.5 | $300 |
500 miles | $1 | $500 |
1,000 miles | $0.8 | $800 |
2,000 miles | $0.4 | $800 |
What’s The Cost to Ship My Car by Ocean Freight?
RoRo shipping typically costs between $1,000 to $2,500 for a standard-sized vehicle, while container shipping can range from $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the destination and vehicle size.
Destination | RoRo Cost | Container Cost |
United Kingdom | $1,200 | $2,500 |
South Africa | $1,800 | $3,000 |
Brazil | $2,000 | $4,000 |
How to Ship My Car Cheaply? – 5 Useful Insights
Insight | Details |
Drop-off/Pickup Outside Cities | Choose terminal locations near highways and past suburbs to save 5-10% on car shipping due to reduced traffic costs compared to inner cities. |
Opt for Open Carriers | Open carriers can save 30-40% vs. enclosed trailers. Ensure the vehicle is properly secured and use breathable, rated covers for protection. |
Schedule Mid-Week Deliveries | Ship across country mid-week (Tues-Thurs) for savings, as weekend deliveries are costlier. Avoid peak times for cheaper rates. |
Contact Auto Transport Brokers | Brokers offer bulk pricing and savings of 5-10% over standard rates by negotiating larger loads for cheap rates. |
Inquire About Military/Student Discounts | Military and student packages can save up to 10% with minimal paperwork. Inquire about pre-negotiated discounts for car shipping. |
How to Hire The Best Company to Ship My Car? 4 Considerations
Requirement | Details |
Delivery Windows & Guarantees | Tell them I need to ship my car but need specific origin/destination windows and contingency plans for delays. |
Credentials | Tell them that I want to ship my car, but first, I need to see your DOT/MC number and certificate of insurance to validate companies. Check that liability coverage meets state requirements for damage, typically $100k or higher. |
Customer References | Supply five references from similar car moves within six months. Verify the vehicle type (e.g., sedan or SUV). Confirm references’ satisfaction with service. |
Vehicle Securing for Transport | Vehicles are secured using four-point tie-down locations, heavy-duty straps, and chains. Pre-trip confirmation ensures vehicle safety before train or truck transport. |
Always Prefer Reliable Car Shipping Companies Over Cheap Ones:
When you Google ‘ship my car near me’, you’ll find many local car shipping companies. Only hire those that offer the perfect blend of value and cost.
Whether its state to state car shipping across country via truck or an international move via freight, do your complete due diligence on the reliability, make a list of most credible companies and then hire the cheapest one among them.
