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Car Shipping Cost
CAR SHIPPING COST
Car shipping costs vary based on distance, vehicle type, and transport method. This guide gives you real 2026 pricing so you know exactly what to expect — with no surprises. Average cost: $500–$1,500 · Price match guaranteed at Tiger Auto Transport. GET MY FREE QUOTE
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What Affects the Cost
to Ship a Car?
No two shipments cost the same. Understanding what drives your price helps you plan smarter and get the best deal. Here are the four main factors that determine your car shipping quote.
Distance & Route
Distance is the biggest cost driver. But the cost per mile actually drops on longer hauls — a 500-mile shipment might cost $0.90/mile while a 2,500-mile coast-to-coast route could be $0.45/mile. Popular corridors (NY→FL, CA→TX) also have more carrier competition, keeping prices lower.
Vehicle Size & Weight
Larger vehicles take up more space on the carrier and add fuel cost. A compact sedan is always cheaper to ship than a full-size truck or SUV. Non-running vehicles also cost more — special loading equipment like a winch or liftgate is required.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
Open transport is the standard — affordable and used for 90% of shipments. Enclosed costs 30–50% more but fully protects your vehicle from weather and road debris. For luxury, classic, or exotic cars, enclosed is the right choice. For everyday vehicles, open is perfectly safe.
Season & Timing
Peak season (May–September and January) drives prices up due to high demand. The most affordable months to ship are October–November and February–March. Booking 1–2 weeks ahead and keeping a flexible pickup window can save you $100–$200 on the same route.
Estimated Cost by Vehicle Type
Vehicle size and weight directly affect your shipping price. These are average estimates for open transport on a 1,000-mile route.
$2,000+
How to Save on
Car Shipping
Smart planning can cut $100–$300 off your quote without compromising on service or safety.
-
1
Book 1–2 weeks ahead
Last-minute bookings (under 72 hours) always carry a premium. Earlier = better rates and more carrier options.
-
2
Stay flexible on pickup dates
A 2–3 day window instead of an exact date can save $50–$150 on the same route.
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3
Ship in the off-season
October–November and February–March are the cheapest months. Avoid summer and January if possible.
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4
Choose open transport
Unless you have a luxury or classic vehicle, open transport is perfectly safe and 30–50% cheaper than enclosed.
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5
Ask for a price match
Tiger matches any legitimate competitor quote. Get quotes from 2–3 companies and let us beat them.
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6
Ship multiple vehicles together
Moving more than one car? Multi-vehicle discounts are available — ask your coordinator.
What Customers Say
Google Review
"Everything from setting it up to be picked up and delivered was awesome. The driver was very respectful very helpful and awesome when it came to packing and unpacking the cars."
"Tiger auto transport is a great company if you're looking to have your vehicle transported long distance. They picked and delivered my vehicle as promised! And very courteous professional drivers! I was very pleased with my experience."
Christine De La Torre"Car was delivered ahead of schedule and in the same condition it was when it was picked up 1400 miles away. Customer service was fantastic, extremely timely responses, and flexible pickup and dropoff."
gravelmakearoadFAQs
How much does it cost to ship a car?
The average cost to ship a car is $500–$1,500 for open transport, depending on distance, vehicle size, and timing. Cross-country routes (NY to CA) average $950–$1,450. Short routes under 500 miles typically cost $300–$600.
Does the price include insurance?
Yes. All Tiger Auto Transport shipments include carrier insurance. Open transport typically carries $100,000 cargo coverage; enclosed transport carriers often provide up to $250,000–$500,000.
Why are some quotes much cheaper than others?
Very low quotes often use bait-and-switch pricing — the price increases after your vehicle is picked up. Tiger Auto Transport provides transparent, locked-in pricing with a price match guarantee.
Are there any hidden fees?
Tiger Auto Transport has no hidden fees. The price you receive in your quote is the final price — no fuel surcharges, no delivery fees, no surprises at delivery.
Does it cost more to ship to a rural area?
Yes, remote or hard-to-reach areas can cost $50–$200 more due to fewer carriers and longer detours. We can arrange terminal-to-terminal shipping to reduce this cost.
Can I get a guaranteed price?
Yes. Tiger Auto Transport offers guaranteed pricing — the quote you receive is the price you pay. No fuel surcharges, no hidden fees, no surprises at delivery.
When do I pay for car shipping?
A deposit is collected at booking, with the remaining balance paid at pickup or delivery depending on your arrangement. We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, and cash.
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