Shipping a car across the country used to be a specialist niche — now it's a $12+ billion market driven by cross-state moves, snowbirds, online car buying and college students. But quotes range wildly and the industry is full of brokers who overpromise. Here's what you actually pay in 2026 and how to get a fair deal. ## Typical 2026 costs by distance For a standard mid-size sedan on an open trailer: | Distance | Typical cost | |---|---| | Under 500 miles | $550–$850 | | 500–1,000 miles | $800–$1,100 | | 1,000–2,000 miles | $1,000–$1,400 | | 2,000–3,000 miles (coast to coast) | $1,200–$1,700 | Enclosed trailer transport costs about **40%–60% more** than open transport but protects against weather and road debris. It's the standard choice for classics, exotics and luxury vehicles. ## What actually drives the price Six factors dominate: 1. **Distance** — the biggest single factor. 2. **Route popularity.** LA↔New York routes have constant capacity; obscure city pairs cost more. 3. **Vehicle size.** SUVs and pickups cost 15%–30% more than sedans. 4. **Operability.** A non-running car needs a winch and adds $100–$300. 5. **Timing.** Rush jobs (under 3 days) cost 20%–40% more than flexible bookings. 6. **Season.** Snowbird season (Oct–Nov southbound, Apr–May northbound) inflates certain lanes. ## Open vs enclosed transport - **Open transport** — the norm; your car rides on a two-level trailer with 8–9 other cars. Fully insured but exposed to weather and road grime. - **Enclosed transport** — a fully covered trailer, usually with softer strapping. The right call for exotics, classics, restorations and any vehicle worth over $50,000. ## Brokers vs carriers — and why it matters There are two very different companies in this industry: - **Carriers** own the trucks. There are roughly 12,000 licensed carriers in the US. - **Brokers** don't own trucks — they aggregate demand, list it on load boards like Central Dispatch, and match with a carrier. Most consumer bookings go through brokers, and that's fine. What matters is: 1. Broker has an active **MC number** and **DOT number** 2. They provide a **bonded MC** — this protects you if they collapse 3. They give you the **carrier's name and insurance certificate** before pickup ## Scams to watch for 1. **Lowball quotes.** A quote that's 20% below the market average is often a bait price. The real carrier later refuses the load and the broker calls you back demanding more. 2. **Deposit demands upfront.** Reputable brokers charge only on pickup or delivery. Any large upfront deposit is a red flag. 3. **Fake reviews.** Cross-check reviews on multiple platforms including DeliverInga, the BBB, and Google — a company with only 5-star reviews on one site is suspicious. 4. **Phantom carriers.** Ask for the actual carrier's name before you pay anything. ## The booking timeline 1. **2–4 weeks before move date:** get quotes from 3–5 brokers/carriers 2. **1–2 weeks before:** book and confirm carrier 3. **48 hours before pickup:** get carrier driver's name and cell number 4. **Pickup day:** complete a Bill of Lading (BOL) noting every existing scratch and dent 5. **Delivery day:** inspect again against the BOL before paying the balance ## What insurance actually covers All licensed carriers must carry cargo insurance (typically $250,000 per truck). If damage occurs during transit: 1. Note it on the BOL at delivery — if you sign a clean BOL, insurance won't pay 2. Photograph the damage 3. File a claim with the carrier's insurer, not the broker 4. Escalate through the FMCSA if the carrier stalls Your own auto insurance usually does not cover damage during transport. Read your policy carefully. ## How to prepare your car 1. Wash it thoroughly before pickup — you need to see and document every existing mark 2. Remove all personal items (carriers are not licensed to carry household goods and DOT can fine them) 3. Leave only 1/4 tank of fuel 4. Disable toll transponders and alarms 5. Photograph the car from every angle with a date/time stamp ## Special situations - **Shipping a non-running vehicle:** disclose upfront; hidden non-op status will get your car refused at pickup and cost a re-booking fee. - **Shipping to Alaska or Hawaii:** requires a separate barge/roll-on-roll-off leg. Budget an additional $1,500–$3,500. - **Cross-border to Canada or Mexico:** requires customs paperwork and additional fees. ## What to expect on the day Delivery windows are wider than parcel shipping — typically **1–7 days** depending on distance. Carriers can't hit a specific hour because they're consolidating multiple pickups and deliveries. Stay flexible and keep the driver's phone number handy. ## The bottom line Shipping a car in 2026 typically costs $800–$1,400 for a standard sedan, more for large SUVs or enclosed transport. The industry is legitimate but broker-heavy, so vet every quote, insist on carrier details before paying, and never sign a clean Bill of Lading without inspecting. Before you commit to any auto-transport company, check the latest DeliverInga reviews — the good operators separate quickly from the bad.