Is it cheaper to drive my car myself?

When moving cross-country, shipping is often cheaper. When you factor in gas, multi-night hotel stays, meals on the road, and the severe depreciation of adding 2,000+ miles to your vehicle, open-carrier transport is frequently the smarter financial choice.

Can I ship an oversized, modified, or inoperable vehicle?

Yes, but our online quote tool assumes an operable, standard-sized vehicle. If you're shipping a lifted truck, dually, heavily modified sports car, or a vehicle that doesn't run, call us at (800) 951-3352 or email support@runbuggy.com for a custom quote.

Transparent pricing, no hidden fees

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?

Car Shipping Costs

The cost to ship a car depends on a number of factors including distance and route the vehicle needs to travel, size and condition of the vehicle, type of car transporter, pick-up and drop-off location, seasonality and when you book your order.

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What Affects the Price

6 Key Factors That Drive the Cost to Ship a Car

Car shipping isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. Your exact quote is calculated using these specific variables:

Distance and Route

The total mileage is the biggest factor, but the type of route matters just as much. Shipping a car between major metropolitan hubs (like Los Angeles to Dallas) is highly competitive and often cheaper. Shipping to remote, rural areas requires carriers to detour from their main routes, which increases the cost.

Vehicle Size, Weight, and Modifications

Larger, taller, and heavier vehicles (like a Ford F-250) take up more space and weight on a transport trailer, meaning they cost more to ship than a Honda Civic. Modifications like lifted suspensions, oversized tires, or roof racks also impact the space needed on the truck and will adjust the price.

Vehicle Condition (Operable vs. Inoperable)

If your car is inoperable (e.g., dead battery, won't start, or cannot steer), it requires special equipment like a winch or forklift to load safely. This will incur an additional “inoperable vehicle” fee.

Type of Transporter

Open Carrier: The most cost-effective option. Your car shares a trailer with other vehicles. Enclosed Carrier: Helps protect your vehicle from weather and road debris. Because these trailers hold fewer cars, it typically costs 30% to 50% more.

Seasonality & Weather

Car shipping operates on supply and demand. In the late fall, thousands of “Snowbirds” ship their cars from the Northeast down to Florida and Arizona, causing prices on routes heading South to rise. Extreme weather, such as winter blizzards in the Midwest or hurricane season in the Southeast, can also cause route diversions and price spikes.

Timing and Scheduling

If you require expedited shipping for a last-minute move, you will pay a premium to jump the line. Booking your transport 2 to 4 weeks in advance gives us the time to secure the best possible standard rate on your behalf.

Shipping an Oversized, Modified, or Inoperable Vehicle?

It is important to note that our online instant quote tool assumes you are shipping an operable, standard-sized vehicle.

If you are shipping a specialized vehicle, such as a lifted truck, a dually, a heavily modified sports car, or a vehicle that does not run, the automated quote is subject to change to account for the specialized equipment or trailer space required.

Don’t worry! If you are moving a non-standard vehicle, simply call our support team at (800) 951-3352 or send us an email at support@runbuggy.com. Our shipping experts will gather your exact specifications and provide you with a thorough, detailed, and accurate custom quote.

Price Guarantee

The price you see is the price you pay

Once we factor in all the variables above and provide you with your final quote, that number is locked in. In the auto transport industry, many brokers use “bait-and-switch” tactics. They lure you in with an impossibly low initial quote, only to hit you with hidden fuel surcharges, paperwork fees, or “carrier demands” right before your car is loaded.

With RunBuggyOne, you get an upfront, all-inclusive price. The price you are quoted is the exact price you pay. No hidden fees and no last-minute surprises — you secure your booking with a small deposit, and the balance is charged after your car is delivered.

See My Locked-In Price

Small Deposit to BookSecure your booking with a small deposit. The remaining balance is charged after your car is delivered.

All-Inclusive PriceThe price you are quoted is the exact price you pay. No hidden fees, no last-minute surprises.

No Bait-and-SwitchWe don't lure you in with a low quote only to hit you with hidden surcharges or fees right before your car is loaded.

Beware of the “Too Good to Be True” Quote

When shopping around, a rock-bottom price can be tempting. But remember: you are trusting a company with one of your most valuable assets. If a quote is drastically lower than the market average, it is usually a red flag. Here is why you shouldn’t skimp on quality:

Hidden Fees:A $500 quote can quickly become $900 when “tolls and insurance” are suddenly added.

“Hostage” Vehicles: Low-ball brokers quote a price no real carrier will accept. Your car sits for weeks until you are forced to pay hundreds more to finally get a driver to take the job.

Unreliable Carriers: Rock-bottom prices often mean corners are cut on insurance verification and driver vetting. When you book with RunBuggyOne, you are paying for quality, verified carriers, and peace of mind.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Pricing

If you don’t see the answer to your car shipping question here, then please feel free to contact our team. We’re here to help make your car shipping experience stress-free.

Shorter routes take carriers the same amount of time to load and unload as longer routes, but yield fewer miles. Long-haul routes across major interstates are more fuel-efficient for carriers, dropping the overall cost per mile.

Yes. A small deposit is collected when you book to secure your spot, and the remaining balance is charged after your vehicle is delivered. Your quote is all-inclusive, so there are no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.

Yes. Your RunBuggyOne quote is all-inclusive. It covers the carrier's primary cargo insurance as well as RunBuggyOne's extra layer of contingent cargo insurance.

When moving cross-country, shipping is often cheaper. When you factor in the cost of gas, multi-night hotel stays, food on the road, and the severe depreciation of adding 2,000+ miles to your vehicle, open-carrier transport is the smarter financial choice.

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