How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in 2025?
By Robert Wilson · Nov 26, 2025
Shipping a car in the United States in 2025 usually costs between $650 and $1,500, depending on distance, vehicle type, season, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Prices can go higher for oversized or luxury vehicles, and lower if you’re flexible with your pickup dates.
Below is a clear breakdown of everything that affects your price, plus real average rates for 2025.
📌 Average Car Shipping Prices in 2025 by Distance
1–300 miles -> $350 – $600, $1.00 – $1.70 per mile
300–800 miles -> $600 – $900, $0.80 – $1.00 per mile
800–1500 miles -> $900 – $1,300, $0.65 – $0.90 per mile
1500+ miles -> $1,300 – $1,600, $0.55 – $0.80 per mile
Longer distances cost less per mile but more overall.
📌 Open vs. Enclosed Transport Prices
Open Carrier: $650 – $1,200 -> Normal cars, fastest dispatch, most common
Enclosed Carrier: $1,200 – $2,500 -> Luxury, exotic, low-clearance cars, classic vehicles
Enclosed shipping typically costs 40–60% more due to limited space and extra protection.
📌 Top Factors That Change Car Shipping Cost
1️⃣ Distance & Route Popularity
Shipping from Los Angeles → Phoenix is cheaper than Montana → Mississippi because of route demand.
2️⃣ Season
Snowbird season (Oct–Apr) = high demand, higher prices
Summer = stable
Holiday weeks = limited drivers, prices spike
3️⃣ Vehicle Size & Weight
Sedans cost less. SUVs, trucks, vans weigh more → carriers charge more.
4️⃣ Transport Type
Open = cheapest
Enclosed = premium pricing
Expedited pickup = extra $150–$300
5️⃣ Pickup Flexibility
Flexible pickup windows save money. Same-day urgency always costs more.
📌 Real 2025 Price Examples
✓ California → Texas (1,500+ mi)
Sedan: $1,050 – $1,350
SUV: $1,150 – $1,450
✓ Florida → New York (1,200+ mi)
Sedan: $900 – $1,200
SUV: $1,000 – $1,350
✓ Illinois → California (2,000+ mi)
Sedan: $1,200 – $1,500
SUV: $1,300 – $1,600
✓ Same-State Transport (100–300 mi)
Sedan: $350 – $550
SUV: $400 – $650
📌 How to Lower Your Car Shipping Cost in 2025
✔ Book 5–7 days early
✔ Avoid last-minute or holiday shipping
✔ Choose open carrier unless you need enclosed
✔ Be flexible with pickup dates
✔ Ship from or to major cities when possible
📌 Is Shipping a Car Cheaper Than Driving It Yourself?
Surprisingly, yes, in many cases.
When you account for:
Fuel
Hotels
Food
Tire wear
Mileage depreciation
Time off work
Driving often ends up costing $450–$750 more than shipping.
Most customers in 2025 will pay:
⭐ $650–$1,100 for sedans
⭐ $850–$1,400 for SUVs / trucks
⭐ $1,200–$2,500 for enclosed transport
If you want an accurate estimate for your exact route, use UWON Carriers’ quote form. The more details you include (ZIP codes, car model, date), the more accurate your price will be.
Below is a clear breakdown of everything that affects your price, plus real average rates for 2025.
📌 Average Car Shipping Prices in 2025 by Distance
1–300 miles -> $350 – $600, $1.00 – $1.70 per mile
300–800 miles -> $600 – $900, $0.80 – $1.00 per mile
800–1500 miles -> $900 – $1,300, $0.65 – $0.90 per mile
1500+ miles -> $1,300 – $1,600, $0.55 – $0.80 per mile
Longer distances cost less per mile but more overall.
📌 Open vs. Enclosed Transport Prices
Open Carrier: $650 – $1,200 -> Normal cars, fastest dispatch, most common
Enclosed Carrier: $1,200 – $2,500 -> Luxury, exotic, low-clearance cars, classic vehicles
Enclosed shipping typically costs 40–60% more due to limited space and extra protection.
📌 Top Factors That Change Car Shipping Cost
1️⃣ Distance & Route Popularity
Shipping from Los Angeles → Phoenix is cheaper than Montana → Mississippi because of route demand.
2️⃣ Season
Snowbird season (Oct–Apr) = high demand, higher prices
Summer = stable
Holiday weeks = limited drivers, prices spike
3️⃣ Vehicle Size & Weight
Sedans cost less. SUVs, trucks, vans weigh more → carriers charge more.
4️⃣ Transport Type
Open = cheapest
Enclosed = premium pricing
Expedited pickup = extra $150–$300
5️⃣ Pickup Flexibility
Flexible pickup windows save money. Same-day urgency always costs more.
📌 Real 2025 Price Examples
✓ California → Texas (1,500+ mi)
Sedan: $1,050 – $1,350
SUV: $1,150 – $1,450
✓ Florida → New York (1,200+ mi)
Sedan: $900 – $1,200
SUV: $1,000 – $1,350
✓ Illinois → California (2,000+ mi)
Sedan: $1,200 – $1,500
SUV: $1,300 – $1,600
✓ Same-State Transport (100–300 mi)
Sedan: $350 – $550
SUV: $400 – $650
📌 How to Lower Your Car Shipping Cost in 2025
✔ Book 5–7 days early
✔ Avoid last-minute or holiday shipping
✔ Choose open carrier unless you need enclosed
✔ Be flexible with pickup dates
✔ Ship from or to major cities when possible
📌 Is Shipping a Car Cheaper Than Driving It Yourself?
Surprisingly, yes, in many cases.
When you account for:
Fuel
Hotels
Food
Tire wear
Mileage depreciation
Time off work
Driving often ends up costing $450–$750 more than shipping.
Most customers in 2025 will pay:
⭐ $650–$1,100 for sedans
⭐ $850–$1,400 for SUVs / trucks
⭐ $1,200–$2,500 for enclosed transport
If you want an accurate estimate for your exact route, use UWON Carriers’ quote form. The more details you include (ZIP codes, car model, date), the more accurate your price will be.
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