Last updated 2026-07-10 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
How much it costs to ship a car depends on distance, vehicle size, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Open carriers are cheaper while enclosed protects high-value vehicles.
Step: Decide between open and enclosed auto transport
Step: Get quotes from several licensed and insured carriers
Step: Compare door-to-door pricing against terminal-to-terminal
Step: Ask how distance, vehicle size, and season affect the price
Step: Confirm the carrier insurance and your own coverage
Step: Schedule a pickup window and a delivery estimate
Step: Document the car condition with photos before pickup
Step: Inspect the car carefully at delivery before signing off
Budgeting auto transport.
When: Book auto transport 2 to 4 weeks before you need it shipped.
Watch out: Do not pay a large deposit upfront to a broker you have not vetted; verify the carrier insurance and DOT registration first.