Nearly 8.2 million Americans moved to a different state in 2022 alone, and many of them might have used vehicle transport for moving. This shows how much Car shipping during relocation is needed throughout the U.S. So, if you’re considering getting the service for convenience and time-saving, you should also know how much it may cost you. Let’s find out!
Cost of Car Shipping During Relocation:
The cost of vehicle transport for moving locally ranges from $1.00 to $1.50, while shipping to another state ranges from $0.50 to $0.80 to move your vehicle. For international moves, prices start from $1,200 for RoRo transport only and can go above $3,000 depending on the origin and destination ports, customs fees, and port agent charges, etc.
Cost of Vehicle Transport for Moving Locally:
For short hauls under 500 miles, expect to pay $500-$750 on average. Key factors that change the price:
- Mileage: Regional trips cost $1.00-$1.50 per mile. A 200-mile move ranges from $200-$300.
- Delivery style: Door-to-door is convenient but pricier. Terminal pickup saves 5-10%.
- Pickup spot: Rural locations often add $100-$200 due to detours for drivers.
Cost to Move Car to New State When Relocating:
Cross-country car shipping during relocation (1,500-2,000+ miles) averages $900-$1,800 total. Rates drop with distance:
- 1,000 miles: $0.70-$0.80/mile → $700-$800
- 1,500 miles: $0.60-$0.70/mile → $900-$950
- 2,000+ miles: $0.50-$0.60/mile → $1,000-$1,200
Vehicle type also influences the cost by a few hundred dollars. Here’s how it may look in comparison:
| Vehicle Type | 2,000+ Mile Cost |
|---|---|
| Sedan | $1,000-$1,200 |
| SUV | $1,150-$1,400 |
| Truck | $1,300-$1,600 |
Enclosed trailers cost 40-50% more than open carriers. A $1,200 open transport jumps to ~$1,680-$1,800 with enclosed shipping. Most people stick with open transport—it’s budget-friendly and works for everyday cars.
Car Shipping During Relocation to Another Country:
International relocation auto transport services start at $1,200 but can exceed $3,000. Key details:
- Options: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) is the cheapest. Container shipping adds $1,000-$2,000. Air freight is rare and costs 3-4x more.
- Hidden fees: Customs duties (varies by country), $500-$800 agent fees, and marine insurance (1%-3% of car value).
Shipping takes 3-12 weeks. For example, the U.S. to Europe takes 4-8 weeks. Container shipping trims 1-2 weeks off RoRo timelines but costs extra.
Whether you ship a car when relocating nearby or move car to new state, prices hinge on distance, vehicle size, and shipping style. Get quotes early to lock in rates and avoid last-minute chaos.
7 Ways to Save Money When You Ship a Car When Relocating?
Shipping your car doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Here are seven no-BS tips to cut costs for vehicle transport for moving, whether you’re crossing town or the country.
1. Plan Your Shipment During Off-Peak Seasons
Timing matters. Rates spike between April and mid-September when everyone’s moving. October, February, and March usually have the lowest prices. Avoid January—post-holiday demand jacks up costs. Book at least 2 months early. Last-minute bookings cost 10-20% more as carriers fill up.
| Booking Timeline | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| 2+ months early | Lowest rates |
| 1 month before | Moderate rates |
| Last week | Highest rates |
2. Cash Payments Save Up to 3% on Total Cost
Paying with cash saves up to 3% as it avoids credit card processing fees. A $1,500 shipment drops by ~$45. Not all companies offer this, so ask upfront.
3. Choose Open Carrier Transport Over Enclosed
Open carriers cost 30-50% less. Daily drivers (like Honda Accords or Toyota Camrys) don’t need enclosed protection. Save $600+ with open carrier on a $2,000 enclosed shipment. Weather risk is minimal for most cars.
4. Be Flexible with Pickup and Delivery Windows
Give carriers 2-3 days of flexibility. They’ll slot your car into existing routes, cutting your bill by 5-10%. Standby shipping (no fixed date) saves even more but works best for non-urgent moves.
5. Opt for Terminal-to-Terminal Service
Terminal pickup/drop-off costs $100-$200 less than door-to-door. Terminals are usually in cities like Dallas, Atlanta, or Chicago. Factor in gas or rideshare costs to get there.
6. Ship Multiple Vehicles Simultaneously
Two cars? Get a 5-10% discount. Carriers charge less per vehicle when hauling multiple cars. Families relocating with 2+ cars save a few hundred dollars on cross-country trips.
7. Keep Your Vehicle in Running Condition
Non-running cars cost $200-$300 extra. Carriers need winches or forklifts to load them. Test-drive your car before shipping to avoid “inoperable” fees.
Can a Moving Company Transport a Car?
Most moving companies don’t handle cars directly. Instead, they partner with auto transport pros. Here’s how it works:
- Limited services: Few movers ship cars themselves. U-Haul and Penske are exceptions—they rent tow dollies or auto trailers.
- Towing options: Rent a U-Haul trailer ($50-$150/day) to tow your car. Front-wheel dollies cost less but protect tires less.
Coordinated moves save hassle. Some companies sync car and furniture delivery dates. You get one contact instead of juggling multiple providers.
Can I Ship My Car and Furniture Together?
Mixing furniture with your car rarely works. Auto carriers ban it for safety and legal reasons:
- Damage risks: A shifting sofa could dent doors or crack windshields. Insurance won’t cover it.
- Theft concerns: Visible items in your car attract break-ins during transport stops.
- Weight limits: Extra weight strains carriers. Drivers may refuse overloaded vehicles.
Some carriers allow <100 lbs of stuff locked in the trunk. Fees usually start at $50. No coverage for lost or damaged items. Use separate services for vehicle transport for moving and household goods.