Car shipping prices can look mysterious, but the price comes down to a few honest factors. Understanding them helps you tell a real quote from a hook.
Distance
The single biggest factor. Distance matters, but not in a straight line — short moves cost more for the distance than long ones, because loading and unloading take the same time either way.
Vehicle size and type
Bigger, heavier vehicles take more space and fuel, so a pickup or van costs more to ship than a sedan. Non-running or oversized vehicles can carry a surcharge.
Open vs. enclosed
Open transport is the most affordable and moves most cars. Enclosed transport — for classics, exotics, and high-value cars — costs more because the trailers carry fewer vehicles and shield the car from weather and road debris.
Timing and route
Popular lanes move quickly and predictably. Remote pickups, tight timelines, or seasonal demand (like snowbird season) can affect availability and price.
How to spot a lowball quote
If a quote is dramatically cheaper than the rest, be cautious. The oldest trick in auto transport is quoting low to win the booking, then raising the price when no carrier will take the load. A ShiftHaul price is built from what carriers are actually paid on your route — and once you sign, Price Lock keeps it from creeping.
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