How Auto Transport Pricing Actually Works (And Why Quotes Vary So Much)

You get three quotes for the same shipment and they're $400 apart. What's going on?

Auto transport pricing is built from six factors:

1. Distance ($/mile) — The base rate. Long-haul costs less per mile than short-haul because the fixed costs (loading, dispatch) get spread out.

2. Lane density — A Chicago–Atlanta load is cheap because carriers run that lane daily. A Bismarck–Burlington load is expensive because almost nobody's going that direction.

3. Vehicle type — A sedan, SUV, dually pickup, and motorcycle all take different trailer slots. A dually takes the space of two regular cars.

4. Operability — Non-running vehicles need a winch and an operator who knows how to load deadweight. Add $150–$300.

5. Transport type — Open is the baseline. Enclosed adds 40–60%.

6. Timing — Firm pickup dates add $50–$150. Expedited service (3 days cross-country instead of 8) can double the price.

The honest answer to "why do quotes vary so much": Some brokers quote low to win the booking, then call you back two days later saying "no carrier picked it up, we need another $300." Our quote is what you pay. Period.