How to Calculate Auto Transport Cost - Guide

2/12/2025

The cost of shipping a car depends on several factors:

Distance: Longer distances typically cost more.
Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles cost more to transport.
Transport Type: Open is cheaper than Enclosed.
Season: Prices can vary based on demand; summer is usually more expensive.
Pick-up / Delivery: Remote areas can cost more than cities.
Diesel Fuel Cost: National average diesel fuel rates.

To get a quote, provide our online quote form with your car details and shipping locations.

How to calculate the cost of auto transport services.

Calculating Auto Transport Cost

Cost of Car Shipping: Factors and Examples

When determining the cost of shipping a car, several factors come into play. Here's a detailed breakdown of each factor along with examples using current estimated rates:

Distance from Pickup to Delivery

The total cost of transport increases with distance, but the cost per mile typically decreases over longer routes. This is because longer routes allow carriers to operate more efficiently, spreading fixed costs like fuel, labor, and tolls over a greater distance. Shorter routes, however, often come at a higher per-mile cost due to operational inefficiencies like frequent stops and lower demand.

500-mile shipment: ~$1 per mile, totaling $500
2000-mile shipment: ~$0.60 per mile, totaling $1200

Urban-to-urban routes are generally cheaper than rural-to-rural routes, even at the same distance, due to higher carrier availability in metropolitan areas.

Vehicle Weight and Size

Larger and heavier vehicles take up more space on the carrier and may require specialized equipment, increasing the transport cost. Auto transport trailers have weight limits, and a heavier vehicle reduces the number of cars a carrier can transport in one trip.

Sedan (1000 miles): ~$700
SUV (1000 miles): ~$900
Pickup truck (1000 miles): ~$1000

Some oversized vehicles, such as lifted trucks or vans, require special carriers, further increasing the price.

Transport Carrier Type

Open transport is the most common and cost-effective method, carrying multiple vehicles at once. Enclosed transport provides additional protection from weather, road debris, and potential damage but is more expensive due to lower capacity and increased handling.

Open transport (1000 miles): ~$700
Enclosed transport (1000 miles): ~$1100

Enclosed transport is ideal for luxury, exotic, classic, or high-value vehicles, whereas open transport is the standard choice for everyday cars.

Open Transport

Enclosed Transport

Seasonal Change and Traffic Volume

The cost of auto transport varies depending on the time of year due to seasonal demand fluctuations. Summer and snowbird seasons (spring and fall) tend to have higher demand, leading to increased prices. Winter transport, especially in snowy regions, may also be more expensive due to weather-related delays and limited carrier availability.

Open transport (1000 miles in summer): ~$600
Open transport (1000 miles in winter): ~$900
Enclosed transport (1000 miles in summer): ~$900
Enclosed transport (1000 miles in winter): ~$1200

Booking early during peak seasons can help secure better rates.

Seasonal Auto Transport

Pick-up and Delivery Locations

Transporting a vehicle to or from remote locations costs more due to limited carrier availability and added mileage to reach the pick-up/drop-off points. Urban areas have more frequent transport routes, making them cheaper compared to rural or less accessible regions.

Chicago, IL → New York, NY (800 miles): ~$700 (open transport)
Rural Wyoming → Chicago, IL (800 miles): ~$900 (open transport)

Customers in remote areas may opt for terminal-to-terminal shipping, where they meet the carrier at a central hub, to lower costs.

Diesel Fuel Prices

Fuel costs are a major factor in transport pricing, as auto carriers rely on diesel fuel. When diesel prices increase, carriers adjust their rates to cover the added expenses.

If diesel fuel is $4.00 per gallon, and the carrier consumes 1 gallon per 10 miles, the fuel cost for a 1000-mile trip would be $400.
If diesel prices rise to $5.00 per gallon, the same trip would cost $500 in fuel, increasing overall transport rates.

Customers may see temporary price spikes during fuel shortages or global supply chain disruptions.

Nat' Avg Diesel Fuel

To get an accurate quote, fill out our online quote form with your car details and shipping locations. This will help us at Viceroy Auto Transport provide you with the most precise estimate based on the latest rates and factors affecting your shipment.

Auto Transport Guide