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Cost to Ship a Car Per Mile – 2025 Guide by Safemile Auto Transport
When planning to ship your car, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: What is the cost to ship a car per mile? At Safemile Auto Transport, we believe that understanding the average car shipping cost and the factors that influence it is essential for making an informed decision.
Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle from another state, or sending a car to a loved one, knowing the breakdown of the shipping cost can help you plan better and avoid surprises. Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about car shipping costs per mile in 2025.
Key Highlights
- Average cost to ship a car per mile ranges from $0.40 to $2.00 depending on distance, vehicle type, transport method, and season.
- Open transport is more affordable compared to enclosed shipping, saving you up to 40%.
- Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks cost more per mile to ship than standard sedans.
- Flexible scheduling, booking early, and avoiding peak seasons can lower your overall car shipping rate.
- Always request multiple shipping quotes and use a reliable cost calculator to get the best deal.
Average Cost to Ship a Car Per Mile
While the exact cost to ship a car can vary based on several factors, here’s a general overview:
| Miles | Cost Per Mile | Sample Pricing |
| 1-200 Miles | $2.00 | 150 miles: $300 |
| 200-500 Miles | $1.40 | 450 miles: $630 |
| 500-1000 Miles | $1.00 | 900 miles: $900 |
| 1000-1500 Miles | $0.75 | 1400 miles: $1050 |
| 1500-2000 Miles | $0.57 | 1900 miles: $1083 |
| 2000+ Miles | $0.50 | 2300 miles: $1150 |
As you can see, the cost per mile generally decreases as the distance increases. Shorter trips cost more per mile, while longer distances offer better value for your money.
Car Shipping Cost for Different Types of Vehicles
Another major factor impacting the cost to ship a car is the type of vehicle you are transporting. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Miles | Car | SUV | Truck |
| 300 Miles | $400 | $550 | $750 |
| 700 Miles | $800 | $950 | $1150 |
| 1200 Miles | $950 | $1100 | $1300 |
- Standard sedans are the cheapest to ship.
- SUVs and pickup trucks typically cost 15%-30% more due to their size and weight.
- Exotic, luxury, and classic cars often require enclosed shipping, increasing the car shipping cost substantially.
Cost Per Mile for Different Modes of Transportation
Choosing the right transport method significantly impacts your shipping quote and cost of shipping per mile:
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
| 400 Miles | $500 | $700 |
| 900 Miles | $850 | $1250 |
| 1400 Miles | $950 | $1450 |
| 1900 Miles | $1083 | $1580 |
| 2300 Miles | $1150 | $1600 |
- Open car transport: Most common and affordable. Great for everyday vehicles.
- Enclosed car transport: Costs about 40% more. Ideal for valuable, exotic, or delicate vehicles needing extra protection.
Safemile Auto Transport offers both options with competitive car shipping rates tailored to your needs.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Ship a Car Per Mile
Several key factors influence the final car shipping cost:
- Distance: Longer distances usually mean lower cost per mile but higher total shipping cost.
- Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger, heavier vehicles cost more to ship.
- Seasonality: Shipping during summer or holidays may cost more due to high demand.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations: Remote or less accessible locations increase prices.
- Type of Transport: Enclosed shipping adds around 40% to your shipping quote.
- Shipping Route: Popular routes are cheaper; rural routes can cost significantly more.
- Condition of Vehicle: Non-operational vehicles require special equipment, adding to the cost.
Using Safemile’s easy cost calculator, you can factor in all these variables to get an accurate estimate before booking.
How to Save Money on Car Shipping
Want to minimize your car shipping cost? Here are Safemile’s expert tips:
- Compare Shipping Quotes: Get multiple quotes to find the best deal.
- Be Flexible: Flexible pickup and delivery dates often lower your cost.
- Choose Open Transport: It’s the most economical option for most vehicles.
- Book Early: Last-minute bookings are often more expensive.
- Avoid Peak Seasons: Ship during spring or fall for lower cost per mile.
- Use Terminal-to-Terminal Service: Although less convenient, it can reduce your shipping cost.
- Remove Personal Items: Extra weight increases fees.
- Ask for Discounts: Safemile offers discounts for students, military members, and seniors.
Using a Cost Calculator to Estimate Shipping Costs
At Safemile Auto Transport, our online shipping quote calculator makes estimating your cost of shipping simple. Just enter:
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Type and size of vehicle
- Preferred transport method (open or enclosed)
- Desired pickup dates
Within seconds, you’ll get a transparent, no-obligation shipping quote — no hidden fees or surprises.
Our goal is to make shipping a car as simple and affordable as possible.
Why Choose Safemile Auto Transport for Your Car Shipping Needs?
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs.
- Reliable Service: 15,000+ vehicles delivered nationwide.
- 5-Star Customer Reviews: Trusted by thousands.
- Insurance Included: Peace of mind from start to finish.
- Expert Support: Our team is ready to assist you 24/7.
At Safemile, shipping your car is not just a transaction; it’s a partnership built on trust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
A: Open transport with flexible dates typically offers the lowest car shipping cost.
Q: How do I calculate the cost to ship a car?
A: Use a reputable cost calculator like Safemile’s to get a free, instant shipping quote.
Q: Does shipping during winter cost less?
A: Yes, winter and early spring are usually cheaper due to lower demand.
Q: Can I ship personal belongings in my car?
A: Most carriers discourage it as it adds weight and could increase the shipping quote.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the average cost to ship a car per mile empowers you to make smarter decisions. With Safemile Auto Transport, you get honest pricing, exceptional service, and peace of mind.
Ready to get started? Use our instant cost calculator to get your shipping quote today and experience why Safemile is the trusted choice for thousands across the nation.
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