A complete, evergreen guide from the Compass TransitWorks dispatch team — built on the real questions our customers ask every day.
Most car-shipping shoppers ask the same first question: "What's this going to cost me?" The honest answer is a range, because seven factors set the final number. This guide walks through every one of them with real per-mile rates, real route examples, and the hidden fees to watch out for — so the quote you accept matches the price you actually pay.
For most door-to-door open transport shipments in 2025, expect $600 to $1,800 all-in. Enclosed transport runs roughly 40–60% more. Short hauls (under 500 miles) and remote pickups can push prices outside this range in either direction.
The auto transport spot market is a real-time auction. Brokers post loads to national load boards with an offered price. Carriers — independent trucking companies running multi-car rigs — pick the loads that pencil out for their route. If the broker posts at fair market, the load is accepted within hours. If the broker lowballs to win the customer, the load sits unclaimed.
This is why two brokers can quote the same lane $400 apart. The low quote is often a marketing trick: post a number to win the booking, then call the customer a week later asking for a "price increase" to actually move the car. Compass TransitWorks quotes at the real market rate so the carrier accepts on the first round.
| Distance | Per-mile rate | Example total |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 mi | $1.00 – $1.75 | $400 – $750 |
| 500 – 1,500 mi | $0.55 – $0.85 | $550 – $1,250 |
| 1,500 – 2,500 mi | $0.45 – $0.65 | $900 – $1,600 |
| 2,500+ mi | $0.40 – $0.55 | $1,100 – $1,800 |
Add 40–60% to any open rate. Enclosed carriers are scarcer, slower to dispatch, and carry higher insurance limits.
Ranges depend on season, vehicle weight, and exact ZIPs.
Total dollars rise with miles, but per-mile rates fall. Cross-country shipments are the best value per mile.
Trucks, SUVs, and full-size vans take more deck space and weight allowance, raising cost 10–20% over a midsize sedan.
Open vs enclosed is the single biggest non-distance lever. Enclosed adds 40–60%.
Snowbird season (October–November southbound, April–May northbound) tightens north-south capacity. Summer is peak nationwide. Winter is cheapest for most lanes except snowbird routes.
Major metro to major metro is cheapest. Rural ZIPs add $50–$200 because carriers detour off main interstates.
A non-running vehicle requires a winch-equipped carrier. Add $100–$250.
Last-minute or expedited service runs 30–75% above standard pricing because the broker must outbid all other loads on the board.
An honest broker quotes all-in. The traps to watch for from less reputable brokers include:
Compass TransitWorks quotes are all-in. The only line items added after booking are if you change vehicle type, change route, or request expedited service.
Industry standard is a small deposit (usually 10–20% of total) charged after a carrier is dispatched, with the balance paid to the driver on delivery. Never pay 100% upfront. Never pay a deposit before the carrier is actually assigned with name and USDOT number. These are the two biggest signs of a scam booking.
Deposits are usually credit card. Driver-collected balances are typically cash, certified funds, or in some cases credit card (the driver may add a 3% processing fee). Confirm payment method at booking so you're not caught short at delivery.
Carrier cargo insurance is required by federal law. Coverage limits run $100,000–$250,000 per vehicle on open carriers and $250,000–$1,000,000 on enclosed. If your vehicle's market value exceeds these limits, ask your dispatcher about supplemental coverage. Full insurance details are in our insurance guide.
Pay the enclosed premium when: vehicle is valued over $70,000, vehicle is a classic or exotic, vehicle has low ground clearance, or vehicle has a custom paint job you can't easily replicate. Otherwise open is the right call — the same trucks deliver new cars to dealerships every day.
Pricing in our launch states:
We quote at the real market rate so your carrier accepts on the first round, with no "price increase" calls a week later. Deposits only after dispatch. Balance on delivery. Everything in writing. Real dispatchers on the phone for every question.
Cheapest quotes are usually below market and won't attract a carrier. Our quote reflects what the load board actually clears at, so the carrier accepts and the price holds.
We can review a competitor's quote in writing. If it's realistic, we'll match. If it's below market and undeliverable, we'll explain why.
No. Our quotes are all-in.
Tipping is optional and never required. If service was great, $20–$50 is typical, but it has no impact on insurance or claims.
Deposit always. Balance — depends on the carrier. Confirm at booking.
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