Multiply shipping distance by a rate per mile that depends on vehicle type and transport method, then add any base or pickup fee.
Vehicle Shipping Cost Calculator
Cost to ship a car, motorcycle, boat, RV or heavy equipment by carrier, from distance and vehicle type.
Estimating Vehicle Shipping Cost by Type
Vehicle shipping (auto transport) cost varies by what you’re shipping and how — a car on an open carrier costs far less per mile than an enclosed carrier, while boats, RVs, and heavy equipment each have their own typical rate structure. This calculator estimates cost for cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and heavy equipment, covering related searches such as vehicle shipping cost calculator, car transport quote, and how much does it cost to ship a car.
How the Vehicle Shipping Cost Calculator Works
Car Formula
Estimated total = Distance × Rate per mile (by carrier type) + Base/pickup fee
Worked Example
An 800-mile open-carrier car shipment with a $150 base fee: at roughly $0.62/mile, transport cost = 800 × 0.62 = $496; Estimated total = $496 + $150 = $646.
Typical Rates by Vehicle/Transport Type
| Type | Typical Rate |
|---|---|
| Car, open carrier | $0.55 – $0.70/mi |
| Car, enclosed carrier | $0.90 – $1.20/mi |
| Motorcycle | $300 minimum, or ≈$0.50/mi |
| Boat (medium, 20–35 ft) | ≈$3/mi |
| RV | ≈$1.20/mi + base fee |
| Heavy equipment | ≈$3/mi + permit fees |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does enclosed carrier shipping cost so much more than open carrier?
Enclosed carriers protect the vehicle from road debris, weather, and dust, and typically carry fewer vehicles per trailer, which raises the per-mile cost — this is why enclosed transport is often reserved for classic, luxury, or otherwise high-value vehicles.
Does shipping distance affect the rate per mile itself?
Yes — very short hauls often have a higher effective rate per mile since there’s a practical minimum cost to dispatch a carrier, while longer cross-country routes can sometimes see a somewhat lower per-mile rate due to route efficiency.
Why is boat shipping priced so differently from car shipping?
Boats vary enormously in size, hull shape, and trailer requirements, so boat transport is commonly priced with a higher flat rate per mile that scales by size category rather than a simple carrier-type rate like cars use.
Does the season affect vehicle shipping cost?
Yes — demand for auto transport fluctuates seasonally (for example, snowbird routes between northern and southern states each spring and fall), and rates can rise during high-demand periods on popular routes.
What’s included in the base or pickup fee?
This typically covers dispatch and coordination for picking up the vehicle at its origin, which is a relatively fixed cost regardless of distance, separate from the per-mile transport rate.
Does heavy equipment transport need special permits?
Often yes — oversized or overweight equipment loads commonly require special permits and sometimes pilot vehicles for escort, which is why this calculator includes a separate field for permit or oversize fees beyond the base per-mile rate.
Is door-to-door shipping more expensive than terminal-to-terminal?
Door-to-door service (where the carrier picks up and drops off at specific addresses) is commonly priced at a premium over terminal-to-terminal shipping (where you drop off and collect at a carrier depot), since it requires more flexible routing.
