Shipping a car in 2026 typically costs between $600 and $1,800 for most standard vehicle transports, depending on the distance, vehicle type, route demand, transport method, and current carrier availability.
At Bigfella Auto Express, we help customers compare available carrier options and find reliable auto transport solutions nationwide. Get an instant estimate using our car shipping calculator and see what your vehicle shipment may cost based on your route and vehicle details.
The average cost to ship a car depends mostly on the mileage and type of transport service selected. Typical 2026 auto transport pricing:
| Shipment Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Short distance (under 500 miles) | $500–$1,000 |
| Regional transport (500–1,000 miles) | $700–$1,300 |
| Long-distance transport (1,000–2,000 miles) | $900–$1,600 |
| Cross-country transport (2,000+ miles) | $1,200–$2,000+ |
| Enclosed auto transport | $1,400–$3,000+ |
These are estimated ranges. Actual pricing changes based on current carrier availability, fuel costs, seasonality, vehicle size, and pickup/delivery locations.
Several factors determine your final auto transport price.
Distance is one of the biggest factors in determining your shipping cost. Longer routes generally have a higher total price, but the average cost per mile usually decreases as distance increases.
Examples: Houston to Los Angeles, California to Texas, Florida to New York, Texas to Arizona. High-volume routes with many available carriers typically have more competitive pricing.
Larger and heavier vehicles require more trailer space and may increase transportation costs.
Examples that may cost more: SUVs, Trucks, Large luxury vehicles, Vans, Oversized vehicles. A compact sedan will usually cost less to ship than a full-size pickup truck.
Open Auto Transport — Open transport is the most common and affordable shipping option.
Most everyday vehicles are shipped using open carriers.
Enclosed Auto Transport — Enclosed transport provides additional protection from weather and road conditions.
Best for: Classic cars, Exotic vehicles, Luxury vehicles, Collector vehicles, High-value automobiles. Because enclosed carriers transport fewer vehicles, the cost is typically higher.
Location plays a major role in pricing. Major cities and transportation hubs usually have more carrier availability, which can help reduce costs. Rural pickups or deliveries may cost more because carriers have fewer opportunities to combine loads efficiently.
Auto transport pricing changes throughout the year. Higher-demand periods may include: Snowbird season, Summer relocation season, College move periods, Holidays. Planning ahead can provide more options and better pricing.
A running vehicle is easier and less expensive to transport. Vehicles that do not run, require special equipment, or cannot roll, brake, or steer may require additional fees.
Auto transport pricing is usually based on:
Carriers set transportation prices based on available loads, operating costs, and demand. At Bigfella Auto Express, we analyze these factors to help customers find competitive transport options.
Houston, TX to Los Angeles, CA
Typical range: $1,000–$1,700
Texas to Florida
Typical range: $800–$1,400
California to Texas
Typical range: $1,000–$1,800
Cross-Country Transport
Typical range: $1,200–$2,000+
Final pricing depends on your exact pickup location, delivery location, vehicle, and requested service level.
Online averages can help you estimate costs, but every shipment is different. To get an accurate estimate, you need:
Use our instant car shipping calculator to receive a personalized estimate for your vehicle shipment.
Bigfella Auto Express helps customers simplify the vehicle shipping process by connecting them with vetted transportation providers.
Our process:
We help individuals, dealerships, military members, and businesses ship vehicles nationwide.
Ready to find out what it costs to ship your vehicle? Enter your pickup and delivery information to receive an instant auto transport estimate from Bigfella Auto Express.
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