When I first looked into shipping a car, I was surprised by how many factors affect the final price.

The cost to ship a car isn’t the same for everyone – it changes based on distance, the type of trailer, the size of the vehicle, and even the time of year.

For example, sending a small sedan across a few states will cost a lot less than moving a large SUV across the country.

The good news is that online calculators make it easy to get quick estimates.

In this post, I’ll break down average car shipping costs, explain how to ship a car using calculators, and share tips to help you plan and save money.

What Determines the Cost to Ship a Car?

When I started researching car shipping, I quickly realized that the price depends on more than just distance.

• Distance: Longer trips cost more overall, but often less per mile.
• Transport type: Open carriers are cheaper, while enclosed carriers offer more protection at a higher price.
• Vehicle size and weight: Bigger or heavier cars cost more to move.
• Condition: Non-running vehicles need special equipment, which adds fees.
• Time of year: Prices can rise during busy seasons like summer or holidays.

By knowing these factors, you can better plan your budget and avoid surprises when getting quotes.

Average Car Shipping Costs (Domestic and International)

When I first looked at car shipping prices, I noticed they can change a lot depending on where the car is going.

Domestic moves are usually priced per mile, while international shipping depends on method and distance.

For domestic shipping, the average is about $2 to $3 per mile for short trips under 500 miles. That means moving a car 200 miles could cost around $400 to $600.

For longer trips, the per-mile rate often drops, so cross-country shipping can range from $1,000 to $1,800 depending on the vehicle and route.

For international shipping, the cost is higher. Using roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ships, prices often start around $800 to $2,000 for nearby routes, while overseas moves can reach $2,500 to $5,000 or more.

Knowing these averages helps you spot fair quotes and plan your move with confidence.

Online Cost Calculators to Use When Shipping a Car

When I wanted to figure out the real cost to ship a car, I found that online calculators were the fastest way to get answers.

Instead of calling multiple companies or waiting for emails, I could enter a few details and instantly see a price range. These tools aren’t always exact, but they give you a solid idea of what to expect before you book.

1. FirstHaulers Car Shipping Calculator

The FirstHaulers calculator is simple but very effective. You enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model, along with pickup and delivery ZIP codes.

Then, you choose transport type – open carrier or enclosed trailer. It even adjusts prices for seasonal demand and whether the car is running or not.

This makes it great for comparing “what if” scenarios, like enclosed vs. open transport.

2. Flix Auto Transport Calculator

Flix Auto’s calculator is built for speed. In just a couple of clicks, it shows you an estimated range based on distance, car size, and trailer choice.

The tool is especially useful for people shipping regular sedans or SUVs who want to see how much more it might cost to upgrade to enclosed shipping.

Clear, upfront pricing makes it easier to plan a budget.

3. ShipMyCar Quote Tool

ShipMyCar specializes in international moves, and its quote tool reflects that.

It asks for origin and destination ports, then factors in shipping methods such as roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) or containerized shipping. It also highlights port charges and customs fees, which many calculators skip.

If you’re relocating overseas, this tool helps you avoid surprise costs.

4. Nexus Auto Transport Estimate Tool

The Nexus Auto Transport calculator lets you compare quotes from multiple carriers in one place. Instead of re-entering your details with every company, you fill out a single form and instantly see several price options.

This tool is especially useful if you’re flexible with shipping dates or carriers and want to shop around for the best deal.

While online calculators like this won’t always match the final bill to the dollar, they give you a clear idea of expected costs, help you compare your options, and ensure you don’t end up overpaying.

How to Ship a Car Using Cost Calculators

When I first looked into how to ship a car, I found cost calculators to be the easiest starting point. They give you quick price estimates and help you compare options without endless phone calls.

• Enter vehicle details: Input your car’s make, model, year, and condition (running or non-running). These details affect the carrier type and equipment needed.
• Add pickup and delivery locations: ZIP codes or cities are enough for most calculators. Door-to-door routes usually cost more than terminal-to-terminal.
• Choose transport type: Select an open carrier for budget-friendly shipping or an enclosed carrier for extra protection.
• Review the estimate: Most tools give a price range. Remember, the final cost can change based on season, demand, or special requests.
• Compare results: Use at least two or three calculators to spot fair pricing and avoid being overcharged.

Knowing how to ship a car with calculators makes the process less stressful, saves time, and helps you plan your budget with confidence.

Getting Accurate Car Shipping Cost Estimates

When I tried looking up the cost to ship a car, I noticed that estimates can vary a lot from one company to another. That’s why getting accurate numbers is about more than just plugging details into a calculator.

• Provide exact details: Always enter the correct year, make, and model of your car, along with the pickup and drop-off addresses. Small mistakes here can raise costs later.
• Check multiple sources: Use more than one calculator or request quotes from a few carriers to see the range of prices.
• Ask about hidden fees: Some estimates don’t include extras like insurance upgrades, port fees, or remote delivery charges.
• Consider timing: Prices change with demand. Summer and holiday seasons often cost more, while flexible dates may lower the rate.

By double-checking these details and comparing carefully, you can get a car shipping cost estimate that’s realistic and much easier to budget for.

Tips to Lower the Cost of Shipping Your Car

When I first started looking into car shipping, I realized there were a few simple ways to bring the price down.

• Be flexible with dates: If you allow a wider pickup window, carriers can fit your car into existing routes, often at a lower cost.
• Choose open transport: Open carriers are cheaper than enclosed trailers, and they work well for standard vehicles.
• Ship in the off-season: Summer and holidays are peak times. Booking in the spring or fall can save money.
• Book early: Last-minute orders usually cost more. Planning ahead gives you better rates.
• Compare multiple quotes: Use calculators and direct carrier quotes to make sure you’re paying a fair price.

By using these tips, you can reduce the cost to ship a car without sacrificing quality or peace of mind.

Conclusion

Shipping a car may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the factors that affect price, planning gets much easier.

The cost to ship a car depends on distance, transport type, and vehicle size, but online calculators make it simple to get quick estimates. By comparing multiple tools and checking for hidden fees, you can budget with confidence and avoid surprises.

Flexibility with pickup dates, booking early, and choosing the right transport option can also lower expenses.

Whether moving across the country or shipping overseas, knowing how to ship a car with accurate estimates helps you save money and protect your vehicle.

For more step-by-step guides and cost-saving strategies, read my other shipping blogs today.