How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Car 2000 Miles?
Written by: Auto Shipping Specialist
Transporting a vehicle across 2000 miles in the United States costs around $1,000 to $1,500. The price is generally calculated based on the distance. It costs around $0.50- $1.00 per mile for 2000-mile shipments. You can make this cost more affordable by removing personal belongings from the car during shipment to reduce the extra weight. Choose the auto transport company that offers the best pricing and reliable service. Also, shipping a car over 2000 miles in an enclosed carrier will cost more compared to open transport. Door-to-door and expedited service further adds to the cost calculation. So, get a quote from a professional auto transporter to get the exact pricing.
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Service Types and Pricing Structure
Vehicle transport companies offer distinct service categories, each carrying different price points and protection levels.
| Transport Type | Cost Range (2000 miles) | Best For |
| Open Carrier | $1,000 – $1,400 | Daily drivers, standard vehicles |
| Enclosed Carrier | $1,600 – $2,400 | Classic cars, Exotic cars, luxury vehicles, custom builds |
| Expedited Open | $1,500 – $2,200 | Time-sensitive moves |
| Expedited Enclosed | $2,000 – $3,200 | High-value urgent shipments |
Enclosed transportation typically costs 40-60% more than open carrier services, reflecting the premium protection and limited trailer availability. Open carriers average around $0.50 per mile, while enclosed carriers cost approximately $1.00 per mile for long-distance shipments. If you want to calculate your cost, get the AWZ auto transport car shipping quote. A trusted and FMCSA-certified company.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Transport a Car 2000 Miles
It is better to do your homework and get a general idea of how the auto transport cost will be calculated. By learning these, your chances of falling for any scam car transport company are limited.
Distance and Route Type
Long-distance shipments cost less per mile than short trips. 2,000-mile journeys typically range $0.50-$0.75 per mile. Popular routes between major cities cost less. Remote routes with few carriers cost more.
Carriers prefer established corridors where they can pick up return loads. Less traveled routes mean empty return trips. This drives up your shipping price.
Vehicle Size and Weight
Standard sedans cost the least to ship. They take up minimal trailer space. SUVs, trucks, and large vans cost 15-30% more. These vehicles are heavier and bulkier.
Pickup trucks with extended cabs need extra space. Lifted vehicles with modifications may not fit standard trailers. This creates additional charges.
Vehicle height matters too. Most sedans average 57 inches tall. SUVs range from 63-73 inches. Taller vehicles limit what else fits on the trailer.
Vehicle Condition
Running vehicles cost less to transport so make sure to prepare your car before shipping. Drivers can easily load them onto trailers. Inoperable cars need special equipment for loading.
Your car must start, steer, and brake to qualify for standard rates. Non-running vehicles add $75-$200 to your quote. Severely damaged cars may require flatbed service.
Low tire pressure or dead batteries create loading problems. Fix these issues before pickup to avoid extra fees.
Pickup and Delivery Locations
Urban areas have more carriers and competitive prices. Major cities sit on established shipping routes. Rural locations cost more due to limited access.
Carriers charge extra for destinations over 25 miles from highways. Mountain areas and remote towns see significant surcharges. Narrow streets that can’t accommodate large trailers add costs.
Choosing terminal-to-terminal pickup saves money over door-to-door service. You drive to a shipping hub instead of home pickup.
Timing of Your Auto Transportation
Winter months (January-March) offer the lowest rates. Fewer people move during cold weather. Carriers need to fill empty trailers so the prices become affordable.
Summer brings peak demand and higher prices. College students ship cars for school. Families relocate during summer break. Prices jump 20-40% above winter rates.
Spring and fall see moderate pricing. October and November offer good carrier availability. December rates spike due to holiday moves.
Service Speed
Standard shipping takes 1-2 weeks for cross-country delivery. This flexible timeline costs the least, and carriers can plan efficient routes.
Expedited service costs significantly more, and rush delivery can double your shipping price. Guaranteed pickup dates also add premium charges. Express shipping delivers in 2-5 days. This service costs 50-100% more than standard shipping. So, it is used when absolutely necessary.
Transport Type Selection
Open carriers cost the least and handle most shipments. Your car travels exposed to weather and road debris. This method works fine for daily drivers. Enclosed carriers provide full protection from the dust and debris. Prices run 40-60% higher than open transport. Choose this for valuable or classic vehicles.
Multi-car carriers cost less per vehicle than single-car trailers. Your car ships with 2-10 other vehicles. Single-car transport costs significantly more.
Fuel Prices
Current gas prices directly impact shipping costs. High fuel prices increase carrier expenses. These costs pass through to customers.
Carriers adjust rates based on fuel market changes. Diesel price spikes affect large truck operations. Monitor fuel trends when booking transport. Long routes consume more fuel per shipment. Carriers factor fuel costs into per-mile pricing. Shorter trips see higher fuel cost percentages.
Insurance Coverage
Basic coverage comes included with most quotes. This covers major damage during transport. Additional coverage costs extra but provides better protection.
High-value vehicles need comprehensive coverage. Classic cars require specialized insurance policies. Verify coverage limits before booking.
Deductible amounts affect your out-of-pocket costs. Lower deductibles mean higher premium charges. Balance coverage needs with budget constraints.
Preparation and Documentation
Removing personal items from your vehicle eliminates insurance complications and weight-based surcharges. Most companies limit personal items to 100 pounds stored in the trunk, with excess weight triggering additional fees. Learn how to prepare your car before transportation.
How to Minimize Transport Costs?
Some of the strategies to reduce the cost of your 2000-mile auto transport include reducing the excess weight, booking your pick-up in advance, and choosing the carrier type based on your real-time needs.
Timing Strategy
Booking early helps avoid price spikes that occur during last-minute bookings. Transportation companies reward advance planning with preferential rates, particularly during peak seasons when capacity becomes constrained.
Flexibility with pickup and delivery dates allows you to take advantage of lower rates when carriers need to fill available space. This approach can reduce costs by 10-20% compared to rigid scheduling demands.
Location Optimization
If you live in a smaller town, you can reduce costs by arranging pickup at a more urban destination and driving to meet your car carrier. This strategy eliminates rural delivery surcharges while requiring minimal additional effort.
Service Selection
Selecting open transport saves significant money if your vehicle doesn’t require special protection. Unless you own a classic and exotic, or custom vehicle, open carriers provide adequate protection at substantial savings.
Avoiding peak shipping periods such as the summer months when more people relocate, can yield meaningful cost reductions while maintaining service quality.
Conclusion
The average cost for auto transporting a car 2000 miles depends on the weight of your vehicle, the type of service, and the company you choose. As a rough estimate, car shipping from one state to another at a 2000-mile distance costs around $1,000 to $1,500 for standard open carrier transport. This price varies if you choose expedited, door-to-door, or enclosed carriers. Get price quotes from multiple companies and compare them to get the best fit for your needs. Avoid falling for anything that feels too good to be true.
