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$600–$2,000 Vehicle Shipping and Orange Movers' South Florida Pricing

October 9, 2026
$600–$2,000 Vehicle Shipping and Orange Movers' South Florida Pricing

Shipping a car across the United States typically runs between $600 and $2,000, with a rough rule of thumb of $0.56 to $1.50 per mile depending on distance and transport type. Distance and whether you choose open or enclosed transport are the two factors that move your price the most. Before you book, request at least three zip-to-zip quotes so you can compare real numbers instead of guessing.

TL;DR:

  • Average costs were $751 at 500 miles and $1,406 at 2,500 miles; quotes on a route spanning 600 miles ranged from $658 to $2,500.
  • Open transport suits standard cars; enclosed shipping averages $1,500 versus $1,080 and better protects classics, luxury models, or cars with low ground clearance.
  • A flexible pickup window can lower costs, but guaranteed pickup on a specific date costs extra; transit across the country takes seven to ten days.
  • Personal auto insurance typically excludes transit, so verify the carrier’s cargo insurance, photograph the car before pickup, and compare condition reports at delivery.
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Table of Contents

Typical vehicle shipping cost by distance and transport type

Pricing follows distance, but not in a straight line. Short hauls cost more per mile because dispatch, loading, and driver time get spread across fewer miles. According to Kelley Blue Book, a 500-mile shipment averages around $751, or about $1.50 per mile, while a 1,000-mile trip averages $1,020, closer to $1.02 per mile. Stretch that to 2,500 miles and the average drops to $1,406, or roughly $0.56 per mile.

Here is how that breaks down by route length and carrier type:

  • Short routes (under 500 miles): Expect $500 to $900 for open transport and $750 to $1,300 for enclosed, since fixed costs dominate short trips.
  • Medium routes (500 to 1,500 miles): Open transport often lands between $900 and $1,400, with enclosed running 30% to 60% higher.
  • Long routes (1,500 miles or more): Per-mile rates fall, but total price climbs. Open transport can run $1,200 to $2,000, depending on the vehicle and season.

Forbes sampled more than 100 quotes for a Brooklyn to Charlotte route of roughly 600 miles and found an average of $1,219, with a low of $658 and a high of $2,500 for the exact same distance. That spread exists because carriers price based on scheduling, backhaul availability, and how badly a truck needs to fill an open slot on your route, not just mileage.

What goes into your vehicle shipping quote

A quote is built from several moving parts, and knowing them helps you spot a fair price versus a padded one.

  • Distance and route popularity: Busy corridors like Interstate 95 between Florida and the Northeast tend to price lower per mile than remote or rural routes.
  • Vehicle size, weight, and condition: A full-size SUV or a non-running car costs more to transport than a compact sedan that drives on and off the trailer under its own power.
  • Pickup and delivery geography: Rural addresses, gated communities, and high-rise buildings in places like downtown Fort Lauderdale often require a smaller shuttle vehicle, which adds a fee.
  • Season and carrier availability: Snowbird migration season in Florida, typically October through January, tightens capacity and pushes prices up.
  • Add-on fees: Fuel surcharges, terminal storage if you cannot meet the truck on delivery day, and expedited pickup can all appear as separate line items.

Pro Tip: Ask every carrier to break out the base rate from accessorial fees in writing, so a low headline number doesn't hide extra charges later.

Open vs. enclosed transport: which one fits your car and budget

Open carriers haul the vast majority of vehicles shipped in the U.S., and for good reason: they are cheaper and more available. FreightWaves notes that open trailers commonly carry five to ten vehicles at once, which keeps per-vehicle cost down, while enclosed trailers carry far fewer cars and trade that capacity for better protection from road debris and weather.

  • Daily drivers and standard sedans: Open transport is the practical, budget-friendly choice for most vehicles.
  • Classic, luxury, or low-clearance cars: Enclosed transport limits exposure to rock chips and weather, which matters more on a car with significant value.
  • Tight timelines: Open carriers run more frequently on most routes, so they are easier to book on short notice.

Move found average enclosed rates around $1,500 compared to roughly $1,080 for open transport on comparable routes, a premium of about 40%. That gap reflects limited enclosed capacity rather than a markup for its own sake, so it is worth paying only when the vehicle's value or condition justifies the extra protection.

How to get a quote you can actually compare

Quotes vary so much partly because people give carriers different amounts of information. Use this checklist to get numbers that line up.

  1. Provide exact pickup and delivery zip codes, not just city names, since rural or restricted-access addresses can change the price.
  2. Describe the vehicle accurately, including whether it runs, its size, and any modifications like a lift kit or low ground clearance.
  3. Give a realistic pickup window rather than a single fixed date, since flexibility often lowers cost.
  4. Ask whether the quote is door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal, since terminal shipping is cheaper but adds a trip to a storage yard.
  5. Request an itemized written quote showing the base rate, any fuel surcharge, and accessorial fees separately.

Pro Tip: Get the bill of lading and a pickup condition report in writing before the truck leaves, since these documents are what protect you if you need to file a damage claim later.

How long vehicle shipping typically takes

Pickup windows usually run one to five days from your requested date, and transit time scales with distance. A regional move within Florida or along the Southeast coast often takes one to three days once the truck picks up, while a cross-country haul can take seven to ten days. Routes with heavy traffic, like Florida to the Northeast corridor, tend to move faster simply because more trucks run that lane daily. If you need guaranteed pickup on a specific date, expect to pay a premium for expedited service, since that forces a carrier to prioritize your vehicle over a more flexible load.

Pickup windows and vehicle transit time ranges

Insurance, claims, and verifying your carrier

Your personal auto insurance typically does not cover a vehicle in transit on a carrier, so the shipment relies on the carrier's cargo insurance instead. Coverage levels vary by carrier, so ask for proof of cargo insurance and confirm the amount before booking.

  • Verify the carrier's registration and insurance through FMCSA resources before paying a deposit.
  • Insist on a bill of lading, the legal document that records the vehicle's condition at pickup and delivery.
  • Photograph the car from all angles and note the odometer reading before the truck arrives.
  • Compare the delivery condition report to the pickup version immediately, since claims are far harder to win once you've signed off and the truck has left.

International shipping: duties and paperwork add up

Shipping a vehicle out of or into the United States involves costs that have nothing to do with the freight charge. U.S. Customs and Border Protection states that imported vehicles are generally dutiable at 2.5% for autos, 25% for trucks, and either 2.4% or duty-free for motorcycles, all separate from what you pay a carrier. You will also need a bill of lading, EPA Form 3520-1, and DOT Form HS-7, and CBP typically requires notice at least 72 hours before export. Vehicles that do not meet EPA or DOT standards may need work through a registered Independent Commercial Importer, which can add real cost and delay.

International shipping: duties and paperwork add up — overview diagram

How we approach vehicle shipping quotes in South Florida

When we quote vehicle shipping, we itemize the base rate, any fuel surcharge, and accessorial fees so you see the full picture before you book, not after. Crews complete a pickup condition report with photos and use professional loading equipment to reduce handling risk from driveway to carrier. For pickups in high-rises or gated communities, we plan for shuttle access in advance rather than adding a surprise fee on moving day. We also support vehicle shipping as part of broader relocations, including international moves that require the extra documentation outlined above.

When our crews recommend shipping a car instead of driving it

Customers may choose to ship their vehicles when relocating multiple vehicles, moving classic or low-clearance cars, or when they prefer not to drive. For pickup day, we tell customers to drop the fuel level to about a quarter tank, remove toll transponders, and secure or remove loose interior items.

— Orange Movers Team

Get a vehicle shipping quote from Orange Movers

Vehicle shipping is handled with licensed, insured crews and transparent pricing, providing a streamlined coordination process. For South Florida customers relocating across the country, bundling vehicle shipping with a long distance move keeps your household goods and your car on one coordinated timeline.

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To get a fast, accurate quote, have the following ready when you reach out:

  • Pickup and delivery zip codes
  • Vehicle make, model, and whether it runs
  • Preferred pickup window

Request a free quote and we'll walk you through pricing before you commit to anything.

FAQ

How much will it cost to ship a car from the USA?

Domestic vehicle shipping within the U.S. typically costs $600 to $2,000, depending on distance, vehicle size, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Shorter routes often cost more per mile because loading and dispatch costs don't shrink with distance.

What are the disadvantages of shipping a car?

Shipping adds cost compared to driving, and pickup windows are often a range of days rather than a guaranteed date, which requires some scheduling flexibility. You also give up direct control of your vehicle during transit, which is why a written bill of lading and condition report matter so much.

Is it cheaper to drive or ship your car?

Driving is usually cheaper in raw dollars for manageable distances once you only count fuel, but Kelley Blue Book notes that shipping becomes worthwhile for long-distance relocations, multiple vehicles, or when the value of your time and reduced vehicle wear outweighs the shipping fee. For a single car on a short regional move, driving often remains the more economical option.

Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?

Most carriers limit or prohibit personal items in the vehicle, and anything left inside typically is not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance. Check with your specific carrier before loading anything, since policies and weight limits vary.

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