Distance of Your Car Transport and Overall Cost

Already we touched a little on distance. The overall cost is typically greater as the distance increases, but the per-mile cost is generally lower for both open transport and enclosed. This is pretty standard in the car shipping industry. However, not all auto transport routes are created equal. Demand for car transport services as well as seasonal transport can alter costs.

Expected Pick Up Date for your Vehicle Shipping

How fast you need pick up and time of year has an influence on auto shipping costs. In general, car shipping between states that have a steady flow of car transport throughout the year will have a consistent shipping cost.

Size and Weight of The Vehicle

The larger and heavier, the more space a car will take. Vehicle transport companies use the make and model to know the size and weight. The bigger a vehicle is, the less the auto shipper can take on their truck. The heaver it is will result in higher fuel costs incurred for car shipping companies. Most vehicles we see are SUVs and sedans. 

Make and Model of  The Car 

The make and model along with weight go hand in hand as they will both affect the cost to ship your car. With the make and model will also help assure there is enough insurance coverage to have the vehicle shipped. The carrier's insurance has to be sufficient for your vehicle's value. We not change the shipping cost because of your vehicles make or model.

Modified Vehicles

If your vehicle is modified, this may affect how an auto transport company will price you out. With National Express, we will find the cheapest way possible for you. Where other auto transport companies may try to overcharge for modified vehicles such as lifted trucks, lowered sports cars, or oversized vehicles, we do not. Also, certain enclosed auto transport carriers may not ultra large trucks or custom modified vehicles.

Season (Time of Year)

The cost of transporting a car from one state to another varies greatly depending on the season. The best car shipping companies will account holidays which due to scarcity carriers, for example. A great example of seasonal shippers are snowbirds. They come down in early fall and leave late spring. They will spike the demand and the cost of transport. Times like these will usually be expensive to transport a vehicle to a new state. Ask you advisor about being able to take advantage of cheap car transport by choosing to ship your car when seasonality is low.

Condition of the Vehicle Being Shipped

Vehicle transport companies take into account the condition when they ship your car. If your automobile is running and operating, you'll get a better shipping rate to move it from one state to another. Inoperable vehicles need a winch and other equipment, adding to the overall auto shipping costs. The average is $150-200 more.

If you need salvage vehicle shipping which are usually inoperable vehicles does not roll or steer, be sure to talk to one of our advisors do determine exactly what options are available to you in your area for those situations.

Special Auto Transport Discounts 

Car shipping costs can be reduced for certain clients who want to transport a car from one state to another. Members of the military (both active and inactive/ retired), snowbirds, and students are among those that get discounts on car shipping in the United States.

Check with our shipping consultants to see whether you qualify. Have multiple vehicles? Ask about vehicle shipping for more than one car to and from the same delivery locations. We have discounts other auto transport companies do not.

Type of Auto Transport Carrier / Transport Method

As mentioned, there are two common types of methods that are consider the best ways to ship a car. Open transport carriers as the most common as well as the cheap car shipping method, followed by enclosed transport (also known as covered transport) that is safer but costs more. Your selection will vary depending on your needs.

Open Transport from One State to Another

If you are looking to find the cheapest way to ship a car, open transport is the best choice. Since there are so many of these, you have the best chance to get as close to your preferred pick up date as possible. You can do so almost anywhere quickly and affordably, due to their abundant availability all over the country. They are not only the cheapest method but reliable and safe car transport as well.

Open transport that travels from one state to another will usually be the two story multi car carriers, as as state to state shipping usually consists of several cars on the same route. 

Price Range Per Mile to Ship Cars State to State Open Transport

The cost for a car shipment going state to state can average of $0.70 or less per mile, depending on the distance.  In general, the cost to ship a car is a $1 a mile for up the the first 500 miles, $0.75 a mile if taking a vehicle at least 1000 miles and as low as $0.45 per mile if using cross country auto transport options. These are calculated on an open transport type of truck. Enclosed transport is more than open transport, regardless of distance.

Enclosed Transport to Another State

The next method is enclosed or covered transport.  For those that want to keep their car safe,  this is the way to go as it offers the most protection with the highest insurance policy.  Your vehicle will be better protected using enclosed carriers from hazards such as road debris than any other kind of state to state towing. It will make more sense to ship a classic car, exotic car, or high end luxury vehicle on enclosed.

We have the absolute best enclosed auto transport carriers in our vast network.   Have peace of mind knowing your vehicle t will ride safely inside a container truck that keeps it from the outside world.

With an enclosed carrier, you get the ultimate in protection. If you need the safest way to ship a car from an auto transport service that specializes in quality and safety, National Express is here to help. And just like our open car carriers, are service is always door to door. 

Getting Quotes for Shipping a Car to Another State

The state to state car shipping quote you will receive will vary based on different variables such as vehicle size and other factors when going with a carrier or an auto transport broker.

• Shipping that involves inoperable vehicles can cost up to $200 more.
• Selecting an expedited service for those that need express vehicle transport may cost from 30-35% more than the standard rates. 
• Choosing enclosed car transportion state to state may cost up to 40-60% more.

Finding Cheap Car Shipping State to State

By no means is trying to find cheap car shipping bad. However, when looking to save money, be sure to do research check licensing and check reviews. Don't get distracted with gimmicks like a free car wash or free rental car. 

For the most up-do-date information, please use our car shipping calculator.