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How Much to Ship a Truck
How Much to Ship a Truck – 2025 Guide by Safemile Auto Transport
Pickup trucks are incredibly versatile and loved across the U.S. Whether you’re using yours for work, off-roading, or just everyday utility, there may come a time when you need to move it across the country—without driving it yourself. This is where professional auto transport comes in, and specifically, truck shipping services.
But how much does it cost to ship a truck? While pricing can vary, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about truck transport costs, what factors affect pricing, and how you can save money with Safemile Auto Transport.
Average Cost to Ship a Truck
The cost to ship a truck largely depends on distance, truck size, delivery preferences, time of year, and type of carrier used. Here’s a breakdown of average truck shipping costs based on distance:
| Distance (Miles) | Service Type | Avg. Price Per Mile | Sample Miles | Estimated Price |
| 0-500 | Open | $1.99 | 250 | $499 |
| 500-1000 | Open | $1.13 | 700 | $795 |
| 1000-1500 | Open | $0.89 | 1000 | $895 |
| 1500-2000 | Open | $0.68 | 1750 | $1190 |
| 2000-2500 | Open | $0.62 | 2400 | $1488 |
| 2500-3000 | Open | $0.60 | 2700 | $1620 |
| 3000+ | Open | $0.59 | 3200 | $1888 |
Please note: Enclosed transport usually costs 30–40% more than open transport.
To get a real-time, personalized quote, call Safemile Auto Transport at 888-277-8212 or use our instant quote calculator online.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Truck Shipping
- Distance & Location
The further the distance, the higher the overall cost—but the lower the cost per mile. Remote pickup or drop-off locations may result in higher fees compared to urban areas.
- Truck Size & Weight
Pickup trucks come in all shapes and sizes, and heavier or oversized vehicles take up more space and weight on a carrier, leading to a higher cost. Full-size trucks, dualies, or lifted trucks may incur additional fees.
- Condition of the Truck
If your truck isn’t running and requires a winch or forklift to load/unload, this will increase the cost. Operational vehicles are simpler and more cost-efficient to transport.
- Delivery Method
- Door-to-Door Transport: Most convenient and preferred by customers. Safemile arranges pickup and delivery as close to your address as possible.
- Terminal-to-Terminal Transport: Typically cheaper but less convenient. You drop off and pick up your vehicle from designated terminals.
- Shipping Type: Open vs. Enclosed
- Open Transport: Most common, affordable, and widely available. Suitable for most trucks.
- Enclosed Transport: Offers protection from weather, dust, and road debris. Ideal for rare, antique, or custom trucks.
- Time of Year
Shipping during peak seasons—summer, holidays, or snowbird months—can drive up demand and prices. Off-peak seasons like spring and fall tend to offer better rates.
- Fuel Prices
Fuel prices impact shipping rates directly. In times of high fuel costs, carriers adjust their pricing to offset their operating expenses.
- Speed of Delivery
- Standard Shipping: Pickup within 5–7 days, delivery up to 10 days after.
- Express Shipping: Pickup in 1–2 days.
- Guaranteed Pickup: Pickup within a 24-hour window. Costs more but ideal for urgent moves.
Express Truck Shipping Costs
Need your truck shipped fast? Here’s what you should know:
- Higher cost: Express and guaranteed pickup services cost more due to prioritization.
- Limited carrier availability: Fewer carriers are available on short notice.
- Ideal for: Job relocations, urgent repairs, time-sensitive sales, or business-critical logistics.
Tips to Save on Truck Shipping
✅ Book early – You’ll have access to better pricing and more flexible delivery windows.
✅ Be flexible with dates – Transport mid-month and on weekdays to avoid premium pricing.
✅ Choose open transport – Unless your truck needs extra protection, open transport offers the best value.
✅ Ship during off-peak times – Avoid summer and holidays if you can.
Why Choose Safemile Auto Transport for Truck Shipping?
🚛 Nationwide Coverage – From California to New York, we handle coast-to-coast shipments with ease.
💸 Affordable Pricing – Transparent quotes with no hidden fees.
🛡️ Fully Insured Carriers – Your truck is protected every mile of the way.
📍 Door-to-Door Delivery – Convenient pickup and drop-off locations, wherever you are.
⭐ Rated A+ on BBB – Trusted by thousands of customers nationwide.
🕑 Flexible Scheduling – We work around your timeframe.
Ready to ship your truck? Get your free instant quote online or call us now at 888-277-8212.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is shipping a truck more expensive than a car? Yes, due to its larger size and weight, shipping a truck generally costs more than shipping a sedan or compact car.
Q: Can I ship a lifted truck or dually? Yes, but be sure to mention this when booking. Special accommodations may be needed.
Q: Can I put items in the truck during shipping? Up to 100 lbs of personal items can usually be placed in the cab, but restrictions vary by carrier.
Q: How long will it take to ship my truck? Typically 5–10 days depending on distance, unless you opt for expedited or guaranteed services.
Q: Do I need to be present at pickup or delivery? Yes, either you or an authorized representative will need to sign off at both ends of the shipment.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a pickup truck doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether it’s a short move or a long cross-country relocation, understanding the variables that affect shipping costs can help you make smarter choices.
With Safemile Auto Transport, you’ll get reliable, secure, and affordable truck shipping—backed by years of experience and trusted service.
📞 Call us at 888-277-8212 or request a free quote online today.