Car Shipping Cost Calculator: Get Accurate Quotes (2025)

Car shipping costs range from **$500-$3,000** depending on distance, vehicle type, and timing. Use our calculator guide to get accurate estimates and save money.

Quick Cost Calculator

By Distance:

| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |

|----------|----------------|-------------------|

| **0-500 miles** | $500-$800 | $800-$1,200 |

| **500-1,000 miles** | $600-$1,000 | $1,000-$1,500 |

| **1,000-1,500 miles** | $800-$1,300 | $1,300-$2,000 |

| **1,500-2,000 miles** | $1,000-$1,600 | $1,600-$2,400 |

| **2,000+ miles** | $1,200-$2,000 | $2,000-$3,000 |

By Vehicle Type:

| Vehicle Type | Additional Cost | Reason |

|--------------|-----------------|---------|

| **Standard cars** | $0 (base price) | Normal size/weight |

| **SUVs/Trucks** | +$100-$200 | Larger, heavier |

| **Luxury cars** | +$200-$500 | Requires enclosed transport |

| **Classic cars** | +$300-$800 | Special handling required |

| **Inoperable** | +$150-$300 | Requires special equipment |

| **Oversized** | +$200-$600 | Exceeds standard dimensions |

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Detailed Cost Factors

1. Distance (Biggest Factor)

**Formula:** $0.50-$1.00 per mile

Examples:

**Tip:** Popular routes (CA→TX, FL→NY) are cheaper due to competition

2. Vehicle Size & Weight

Standard cars (sedans, coupes):

Large vehicles (SUVs, trucks):

Oversized vehicles:

3. Transport Type

Open Transport (90% of shipments):

Enclosed Transport:

4. Season & Timing

Peak seasons (expensive):

Off-peak seasons (cheap):

5. Route Popularity

High-traffic routes (cheaper):

Low-traffic routes (expensive):

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Real Cost Examples

Example 1: Standard Car (Honda Accord)

**Route:** Los Angeles → Dallas (1,400 miles)

**Vehicle:** 2020 Honda Accord

**Timing:** March (off-peak)

Cost breakdown:

Example 2: Large SUV (Ford Explorer)

**Route:** Miami → Seattle (3,100 miles)

**Vehicle:** 2021 Ford Explorer

**Timing:** July (peak season)

Cost breakdown:

Example 3: Luxury Car (BMW M5)

**Route:** New York → Los Angeles (2,800 miles)

**Vehicle:** 2023 BMW M5

**Timing:** May (moderate season)

**Transport:** Enclosed (required for luxury)

Cost breakdown:

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How to Get the Best Price

1. Compare Multiple Quotes

**FreightFloo advantage:** Get 10-20 competing bids automatically

**Traditional method:** Call 5+ brokers manually

**FreightFloo method:** Post once, get all bids

2. Book at the Right Time

**Best booking window:** 2-4 weeks in advance

**Too early (6+ weeks):** Carriers can't commit to exact dates

**Too late (1 week):** Limited availability, 30-50% more expensive

**Just right (2-4 weeks):** Best prices and availability

3. Be Flexible on Dates

**Flexible pickup:** Save $100-$300

**Flexible delivery:** Save $50-$200

**Very flexible:** Save $200-$500

**Example:** "Pickup between March 15-20" vs "Pickup on March 15"

4. Choose Popular Routes

High-traffic routes have more carriers = lower prices

Popular routes:

Less popular routes:

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Hidden Costs to Avoid

1. Broker Fees (15-25%)

**Traditional brokers:** Charge 15-25% commission

**FreightFloo:** Only 10% platform fee

**Example:** $1,500 shipment

2. Fuel Surcharges

**Hidden fee:** $50-$150 (not in initial quote)

**FreightFloo:** All-inclusive pricing (no surprise fees)

3. Residential Fees

**Hidden fee:** $50-$100 (pickup/delivery to home)

**Solution:** Meet at nearby gas station or business

4. Expedited Shipping

**Rush fee:** $200-$500 (unless truly urgent)

**Solution:** Book 2-4 weeks in advance

5. Storage Fees

**Daily fee:** $50-$100 (if you're not ready for pickup/delivery)

**Solution:** Be available on scheduled dates

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Cost Comparison: FreightFloo vs Competitors

Example: Los Angeles → New York (2,800 miles)

Traditional Broker (Montway):

FreightFloo:

Example: Miami → Seattle (3,100 miles)

uShip:

FreightFloo:

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How to Use Our Cost Calculator

Step 1: Enter Basic Info

Step 2: Get Instant Estimate

Step 3: Post for Real Quotes

Step 4: Book with Confidence

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Money-Saving Tips

1. Ship During Off-Peak Times

**Winter months:** Save $200-$400

**Weekday pickup:** Save $50-$100

**Mid-month:** Save $50-$150

2. Remove Personal Items

**Weight savings:** Reduce shipping cost

**Avoid fees:** Personal items not covered by insurance

**Clean car:** Easier inspection

3. Choose Terminal-to-Terminal

**Save:** $150-$300 vs door-to-door

**Trade-off:** Less convenient (drive to terminal)

4. Ship Multiple Vehicles

**Discount:** 10-20% off second vehicle

**Example:** 2 cars for $2,700 instead of $3,000

5. Use FreightFloo's Reverse Auction

**How it works:** Carriers compete for your business

**Result:** Prices drop 20-40%

**Average savings:** $300-$600

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Common Cost Questions

Q: Why do quotes vary so much?

**A:** Different carriers, routes, timing, and broker fees create price variations of $300-$800.

Q: Is the cheapest quote always best?

**A:** Not necessarily. Consider carrier ratings, insurance, and reviews. FreightFloo pre-verifies all carriers.

Q: Can I negotiate the price?

**A:** With FreightFloo's reverse auction, carriers negotiate for you by lowering their bids.

Q: What's included in the price?

**A:** Pickup, transport, delivery, basic insurance, and FreightFloo platform fee. No hidden costs.

Q: How can I reduce costs?

**A:** Be flexible on dates, choose popular routes, ship during off-peak times, and use FreightFloo's competitive bidding.

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Get Your Accurate Quote Today

FreightFloo's cost calculator gives you:

Average customer saves $400-$800 per shipment

[Calculate Your Shipping Cost →](/signup?type=shipper)

**Get the best price. Ship with confidence.** 💰