DIY Auto Transport Cost Estimation
How to get an accurate price without a requesting a quote by using industry insights and common pricing formulas.
Getting an auto transport quote from a broker or carrier is the easiest way to determine your shipping cost, but if you want to estimate the price yourself, you can use industry insights and common pricing formulas.
Understanding the Factors that Determine pricing
Understanding the key factors that influence auto transport rates will help you set realistic budget expectations before requesting quotes.
Key Factors That Affect Auto Transport Pricing
Distance and Route
Auto transport pricing is largely based on mileage. Longer routes cost more overall but may have a lower per-mile rate.
General Estimate:
1-500 miles: $1.00–$1.50 per mile
500-1,500 miles: $0.75–$1.00 per mile
1,500+ miles: $0.50–$0.75 per mile
Vehicle Type and Size
Larger vehicles take up more space on a carrier and add weight, increasing costs.
General Cost Adjustments:
Sedans: Base rate
SUVs/Pickups: +$100–$300
Oversized/Modified Vehicles: Additional custom pricing
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Open transport is the standard and more affordable option, while enclosed shipping offers extra protection at a premium.
Cost Difference:
Open Transport: Base rate
Enclosed Transport: +30–60% more than open transport
Pickup and Delivery Locations
Transporting between major cities or along well-traveled routes is cheaper than rural or hard-to-reach areas.
General Cost Impact:
Urban-to-Urban Routes: Base rate
Rural Pickup/Delivery: +$50–$200
Seasonal Demand
Peak seasons, such as summer and snowbird migrations (fall and spring), drive up demand and pricing.
Pricing Variation:
Winter (excluding snowbird routes): Lower rates
Summer & Snowbird Routes: +$100–$300
Expedited Shipping
Faster service costs more due to priority placement on a carrier’s schedule.
Additional Cost:
Expedited Pickup (1-2 days): +$200–$500
DIY Auto Transport Price Calculation Formula
To estimate your transport cost:
Base Rate = (Miles × Per-Mile Rate) + Vehicle Type Adjustment + Location Factor + Transport Type + Seasonal Adjustments + Expedited Shipping (if applicable)
Example Calculation:
Route: 1,200 miles
Vehicle: Midsize SUV (+$150)
Transport Type: Open Carrier
Location: Major cities (no additional cost)
Season: Summer (+$150)
Expedited Shipping: Not needed
Using a per-mile rate of $0.80, the calculation would be:
(1,200 × $0.80) + $150 + $150 = $1,260
Final Thoughts
By understanding these factors and using an estimation formula, you can get a fairly accurate price before requesting quotes. However, actual rates can fluctuate due to market conditions and carrier availability. For the most precise pricing, comparing quotes from reputable transport providers is still recommended.