Seven things decide what you pay to ship a car, and all of them are visible in a Rivalane quote.
Distance and route
Longer routes cost more in total but usually less per mile. Routes between major metro areas on busy corridors cost less than routes that take a truck away from its normal circuit, because more carriers compete for them.
Open or enclosed
Open transport is the standard option and the lower cost one, since the trailer carries more vehicles per trip. Enclosed transport protects the car from weather and road debris, carries fewer vehicles, and costs more.
Vehicle size and condition
Larger and heavier vehicles take more trailer space and weight allowance. Vehicles that do not run, are lowered, oversized or modified need special equipment and can carry extra fees, or be refused by some carriers.
Access at both ends
A multi-car carrier cannot enter every street. Rural addresses far from highways, and dense city blocks with parking restrictions, can add cost or require meeting the driver at a nearby lot.
Season and demand
Snowbird season (southbound in October and November, northbound in April and May), summer moves and holiday weeks tighten carrier capacity on popular corridors.
Date flexibility
A wider pickup window lets a carrier fit you into a load already heading your way. Tight dates cost more.
We do not publish price tables here because rates change with fuel, season and carrier availability. Run your exact route through the car shipping calculator for a quote based on current carrier availability.
Related questions
- Is open or enclosed car transport cheaper?
- What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
- Why do car shipping quotes differ so much between companies?
Go deeper: What Affects Car Shipping Cost.
