The guide
Car shipping, explained
Knowing a few basics helps you compare quotes with confidence. Here's what actually drives your price and how delivery works, in plain terms.
Open vs. enclosed transport
Open carriers are the most common and affordable option: your vehicle ships on a multi-car trailer. Enclosed transport costs more but fully shields the car from weather and road debris, making it the choice for luxury, classic and high-value vehicles.
What affects your cost
Distance, vehicle size, transport type and timing all move the price. Longer routes cost more per trip but less per mile, larger vehicles take more trailer space, and flexible pickup dates usually unlock better rates than rush shipping.
Door-to-door delivery
With door-to-door service the carrier picks up and drops off as close to your addresses as the truck can safely reach. It's the most convenient option and standard on most quotes, with no terminal drop-offs or extra trips required.