How Distance Affects Car Shipping Costs

When it comes to shipping a car, the total distance plays a significant role in determining the cost. The longer the journey, the more you'll likely pay for transportation. Here’s a breakdown of how distance impacts car shipping prices:

1) Under 600 Miles

For distances under 600 miles, the cost of shipping a car tends to be around $0.89 per mile. This is typically the price range for shorter trips, such as moving a car within the same state or to a neighboring state. Although the distance is shorter, shipping companies still need to factor in the time and resources it takes to deliver your vehicle, including gas, labor, and other costs.

2) Between 600 and 1,600 Miles

If your car needs to be shipped a bit further—between 600 and 1,600 miles—the price drops slightly to about $0.78 per mile. This price range covers trips across multiple states, often involving longer travel times and potentially crossing state lines. While it's a longer distance, the cost per mile decreases because the logistics of the journey are more standardized.

3) Over 1,500 Miles

For distances greater than 1,500 miles, the cost of shipping a car drops even more, averaging around $0.58 per mile. These long-distance trips, such as cross-country car transport, tend to have lower per-mile costs due to economies of scale. Transport companies are able to consolidate shipments and make the most efficient use of their routes, which helps to lower the cost for the customer.

Why Distance Matters

Car shipping rates are primarily calculated based on the total mileage because the further a vehicle needs to travel, the more resources the transport company will need to allocate. Factors such as fuel, time, insurance, and driver wages all increase with distance, which is why longer trips generally offer more favorable rates per mile.