When you’re looking to transport a car, most pricing models are based on the mileage that vehicle needs to go. Sure, there are other factors, but once you know the average car transport cost per mile, you can start to figure out how much everything will cost altogether.
That said, the cost to ship a car varies based on the distance, the size of the vehicle, and much more. To help you get a better idea of how much shipping a car will cost you we cover the average cost per mile, factors that influence the cost, and how you can plan.
What’s the Average Car Transport Cost Per Mile?
The average car transport cost per mile is between 50 cents and around two dollars. There’s a wide range because several factors influence how much it costs per mile. For most cars and crossovers, expect around 50 cents to a dollar, and for heavy trucks and SUVs, expect to pay between one and two dollars per mile on average.
Factors that Influence Car Transport Cost Per Mile
Lots of factors influence how much it costs to ship a car, especially if it has to travel great distances. In fact, something as simple as the shipping company you use can influence the cost.
We take you through some of the biggest factors that contribute to car transport costs per mile below.
Distance
The distance you’re transporting a car is the biggest factor. For example, shipping your car over short distances tends to cost more. You’ll find a more in-depth breakdown of these costs below:
500 miles: $1.50 per mile
1,200 miles: $.90 per mile
2,000 miles: $.75 per mile
2,000+: $.50 per mile
These are only rough estimates, but a good rule of thumb is that the further the vehicle goes the cheaper it is per mile.
The Type of Shipping Carrier
The type of carrier is one of the biggest factors that influences car transport costs per mile. Typically, you have a choice of open or enclosed transport with enclosed transport being the more expensive of the two. This is because exposed shipping leaves your vehicle exposed to the elements and that can make your car dirty or even result in damage.
Enclosed shipping, on the other hand, keeps your vehicle safe from the elements and tends to be safer. That said, both options are viable depending on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Shipping Time
It can take a long time to ship a vehicle; it’s not like ordering a package on Amazon. If you don’t want to pay extra for shipping, you’ll have to wait longer, whereas paying for expedited shipping can drive the cost up.
We recommend comparing rates from different companies to see if you can get fast shipping for a great price.
Type of Vehicle
The type of vehicle you want to ship will influence the cost per mile. For example, most of the rates you find online are based on sedans or other average-sized cars (around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds). If you want to ship a bigger vehicle, like an SUV, you’ll have to pay extra. What’s more, you may even have to pay a fee if your vehicle has unique dimensions and won’t fit on standard exposed car transportation.
Fuel Prices
The price of fuel also influences the cost of car transportation per mile. If gas is on the higher side, you’ll find that it costs more to ship your car. On the other hand, if gas prices are low, you might find a better deal. This isn’t usually something you have control over but it’s important to note.
The Time of Year
Shipping your car also depends on the time of the year. This may sound strange, but if you’re shipping a car up north in the winter, you’ll be faced with higher prices. There are also busier months of the year, so you may notice higher costs from September to around February (after the holidays). If you’re planning a big move and have to transport your vehicle, it’s a good idea to wait until the spring or summer to save some money.
Ship Your Car the Right Way
When you want to ship your car the right way, make sure you estimate the car transport cost per mile with an online moving cost calculator tool. These calculators will help you estimate the cost based on vehicle type, distance, and many of the additional factors we covered in this article.
Once you have a rough estimate, you can shop around with different companies to see what rates work best for you.