What $1,200 Buys You in Car Shipping in 2025: Real Quotes on 5 Routes

Who This Guide Is For & What You’ll Learn

This guide serves first-time shippers, relocating families, auction winners, car buyers, and dealership teams that need a clear, current view of pricing. You’ll get a transparent snapshot of what $1,200 realistically covers in 2025, five real-world route examples, and a fast framework for saving money without cutting corners. If you want a broader overview before you dive in, explore TCI’s full range of auto transport services to see how each option fits your situation.

Methodology: How We Priced This Analysis

Clarity comes first. The ranges and examples below reflect how the market actually behaves on busy U.S. lanes. Rates respond to supply, demand, distance, trailer type, calendar effects, and access at pickup and delivery. Terrain and weather matter. Documentation and terminal operations matter when ports are involved. The same principles apply whether you ship once in a decade or every month.

Seasonality & Market Conditions

Prices climb in peak windows (early summer relocations; late-winter snowbird returns) and settle in shoulder months. Holidays compress capacity. Severe weather—hurricanes in the Southeast, wildfires in the West, blizzards in the Rockies—can redirect trucks and add detours. Directionality also matters: when a lane has more eastbound demand than westbound supply, eastbound quotes rise even at the same mileage.

Trailer Types & Assumptions

Open carriers are the baseline in this guide: safe, efficient, and the best value for everyday vehicles. Enclosed carriers add liftgates, soft straps, privacy, and dust control—ideal for low-clearance, collector, luxury, freshly restored, or winter EV moves. Door-to-Door service is the standard assumption, with the understanding that a carrier may request a nearby wide-access meeting point where streets are tight or HOAs restrict large trucks. That keeps the schedule intact and protects your vehicle during loading.

Vehicle Profiles & Accessorials

Baseline quotes assume a running sedan or crossover. Quotes adjust for oversize trucks, vans, lifted rigs, extreme low clearance, wide tires, or long splitters/spoilers. For EVs, we factor EV battery considerations—cold-weather range, added weight, and charger access. Accessorials reflect extra work or equipment: winch use for non-runners, top-load requests on open, liftgate handling on enclosed, and terminal or port processing. A Broker or Dispatch Fee—an industry standard—is included in total quotes; it covers the human and software effort required to secure the right truck and coordinate timing, paperwork, and tracking.

What $1,200 Typically Covers in 2025

Think of $1,200 as the center of gravity for many mid-distance open-trailer moves when you ship in shoulder months and allow a flexible pickup window. In practice that often means lanes around 1,000–1,500 miles, a pickup range of two to three days, and access that lets a full-size rig load safely (or a nearby wide meeting point if your street is tight). Efficiency in access and timing often shows up directly in the quote.

There are clear exceptions. Enclosed shipments, remote rural deliveries, non-running vehicles, and harsh winter routes often sit above $1,200. So do oversized SUVs and lifted trucks with wide wheels or roof accessories. If you just finished a restoration or ceramic coating, enclosed protection is the sensible choice even if it pushes the number higher—risk avoided is value kept.

Real Quotes on 5 Popular Routes (Open vs. Enclosed)

Note: Ranges reflect average market quotes observed during Q3 2025 quote windows and will change with exact dates, season, demand, holidays, fuel costs, and lane direction. Use them as benchmarks for planning and negotiation.

Los Angeles, CA → Miami, FL

This long, weather-sensitive lane spikes around late summer and early fall when Gulf storms threaten. Booking 10–14 days ahead increases options. In dense neighborhoods, meeting at a wide retail lot near a freeway keeps the driver on schedule and helps your price land near the midpoint of the open range.

• Pushes price up: fixed date pickups, hurricane risks, very low clearance.
• Pulls price down: pickup flexibility, easy access/meet point, early booking.

New York, NY → Dallas, TX

New York access (apartments, HOAs, narrow streets) is the usual friction point. Dallas delivery is truck-friendly. Plan a meet point if access is tight. On enclosed, liftgates handle low cars; on open, standard ramps work for daily drivers. Allow 48–72 hours of pickup flexibility so dispatch can match you to a truck already optimized for the lane.

• Pushes price up: Manhattan pickups on a fixed day, last-minute orders, oversize SUVs.
• Pulls price down: meet points, early scheduling, and flexible pickup windows.

Chicago, IL → Phoenix, AZ

Winter exits out of the Midwest lift both time and cost; spring stabilizes. Summer heat in the Southwest calls for basic owner prep (tires, fluids, battery). On open, a top-load request can reduce road-debris risk but may add cost. On enclosed, dust control and soft straps are standard. Fresh paint or show-car status points to enclosed even if mileage is moderate.

• Pushes price up: winter storms, top-load requests, very low splitters.
• Pulls price down: shoulder months and flexible dates.

Seattle, WA → Denver, CO

Mountain passes and chain laws shape schedules. Capacity out of the Pacific Northwest can be tight, especially during storm threats. For daily drivers, open works most of the year; for collectors or low-mileage sports cars in winter, enclosed protection against grit and road spray at altitude is worth the premium.

• Pushes price up: chain-law periods, fixed pickup times, sudden weather events.
• Pulls price down: off-peak bookings, interstate meet points, flexible windows.

Port of Newark, NJ → Orlando, FL (Port-to-Door)

Ports add structure and paperwork. Expect port handling, customs paperwork, and terminal fees with appointment windows that can shift when vessels arrive late. Orlando delivery is straightforward; the more complete your documents and release, the smoother the pickup and the tighter the quote band.

• Pushes price up: document delays, narrow terminal appointments, missed releases.
• Pulls price down: complete paperwork and flexible delivery timing.

• Intent keywords: car shipping quotes by route; cross-country car transport cost; port to door car shipping; average enclosed transport price

What Moves Your Price Up or Down

Distance, Lane Demand, and Timing

More miles mean more cost, but pricing isn’t linear. Directional demand skews rates. Peak months and holidays increase bids. Shoulder seasons often bring quieter calendars and friendlier quotes. The practical move: plan two weeks ahead on popular lanes and expand your pickup window by two or three days.

Vehicle Condition and Specs

Running vehicles load quickly. Non-runners require a winch and extra time. Be precise about clearance, tire width, roof racks, and long lips/spoilers. Accurate details let dispatch assign a truck with the right approach angle and gear the first time—preventing re-dispatch and added cost.

Pickup and Delivery Constraints

Large rigs need space. Narrow streets, steep grades, and strict HOAs slow trucks and increase risk. Meeting at a wide lot near a major road is normal industry practice. It protects schedules and often improves the price since the carrier can serve more customers in a day.

Trailer Choice and Protection Level

Open is efficient and safe for standard commuters. Enclosed protects finish, privacy, and low-clearance geometry; it’s the smart pick for classics, exotics, fresh restorations, and winter EV moves. The premium is a trade against risk, resale value, and peace of mind.

• Modifier keywords: inoperable vehicle surcharge; rural delivery fee; expedited car shipping; top-load request; insurance coverage in auto transport

Open vs. Enclosed: When to Upgrade

The decision starts with risk and value. If you wouldn’t leave your car outside in a cross-country storm season, choose enclosed. If your vehicle is a daily driver in mild weather, open makes financial sense. To ground the choice in specifics, understand the benefits and use cases of open car transport for standard vehicles, or explore the full protection details and scenarios for enclosed auto transport when a premium ride needs premium handling.

Inoperable or Modified Vehicles: What to Expect

Cars that won’t start or steer still ship safely when the right gear arrives. A winch pulls a non-runner onto the deck. The driver manages angles and tie-downs to protect lips, splitters, and underbody parts. Share clear photos of the vehicle, and disclose lifts, drops, wide wheels, roof accessories, or long aero. That lets dispatch select ramps and equipment that fit your car.

To avoid re-dispatch and delays, review the full requirements and pricing notes for inoperable car transport before you book. You’ll know exactly what the carrier needs on arrival, how the process works, and why a few extra minutes of setup keep everything safe and predictable.

Route-by-Route Playbooks (How to Land Near $1,200)

Los Angeles → Miami: Book Early, Flex Pickup, Meet Near a Freeway

Ten to fourteen days of lead time beats three. A pickup window of two to three days opens more trucks. Meet at a wide lot near a freeway if your block is tight. For standard sedans, open transport is the norm; for low sports cars or fresh wraps/paint, enclosed is worth the premium—especially in late-season storm windows.

New York → Dallas: Respect Access on the Pickup Side

Access friction lives in New York, not Dallas. Plan a meet point if your street is narrow or your HOA is strict. If your dates are locked, schedule earlier. If you can flex 48–72 hours, dispatch can match your job to a truck already optimized for the lane—usually lowering the quote and improving timing.

Chicago → Phoenix: Watch the Calendar and the Weather

Winter exits raise risk and time; spring steadies; summer heat is mostly an owner-prep concern. Open is fine for everyday cars. If you need top-load on open, expect a small adder. Fresh paint or show status makes enclosed the safer call.

Seattle → Denver: Plan for Passes and Capacity

Chain laws, altitude, and storm timing can compress availability for a week or two. Flexible pickup windows help you avoid surge pricing. Interstate meet points improve punctuality. For high-value cars in winter, enclosed pays back in protection and predictable loading with liftgates and soft straps.

Port of Newark → Orlando: Prep Documents, Respect Terminal Rhythm

Terminals run by appointments and releases. Arrive with documents complete. If the vessel slips, stay in touch with dispatch to align the pickup. Orlando delivery is straightforward and usually fast at a wide meet point. Communicate EV state of charge if the car is fresh off a vessel and plan for minimal idle time.

Avoidable Mistakes That Raise Quotes

• Not disclosing non-running status. The right gear shows up only when dispatch knows.
• Guessing on clearance. If it looks low in photos, it’s low on ramps. Say so and share images.
• Ignoring HOA/road limits. Choose a meet point; don’t force a rig where it shouldn’t go.
• Fixating on a single pickup day. A two- or three-day window opens trucks and lowers cost.
• Waiting until the last minute. Rush jobs limit options and increase rates.

How Dispatchers Actually Think (So You Can Work With Them)

Dispatchers match vehicles to routes and schedules. They want your job to fit a driver already moving through your lane. Precise details—run/doesn’t run, true clearance, modifications, access, and pickup window—let them assign the right truck on the first try. That protects the driver’s hours, avoids re-dispatch, and keeps your quote fair. Treat your quote as a living number influenced by weather, fleet shifts, and event spikes (auctions, shows). When markets move, widening your pickup window or meeting near a freeway usually brings the price back into the sweet spot.

Insurance, Inspections, and Peace of Mind

Every move includes a pickup inspection, photos, and a signed bill of lading; delivery repeats the process. On open trailers, a top-load position can reduce exposure. On enclosed, soft straps, liftgates, and controlled environments are standard. The risk of transit damage is low; the most common friction comes from schedule and access. Solve those early and the experience feels smooth end-to-end.

EV Shipping Notes for Winter and Long Lanes

EVs ship well with a simple plan. Cold weather reduces range; added battery weight changes loading dynamics. Share state of charge at pickup and whether the car can be charged before delivery. Drivers plan by hours and distance—charging stops add time. In very cold regions, enclosed can protect both finish and performance tires while the vehicle sits static on the deck.

How to Talk to Your Carrier Like a Pro

Use exact, simple language: year, make, model, and trim; running vs. non-running; true ground clearance; any modifications; realistic pickup window; and whether your street is tight or gated. Offer a nearby meet point by default if access is questionable. Those five details make your quote accurate, your schedule predictable, and your load easy.

The $1,200 Playbook (Short Version)

1. Choose open transport for standard vehicles in friendly seasons.
2. Book 10–14 days before pickup.
3. Give a 2–3 day pickup window.
4. Meet at a wide, easy-access lot if your street is tight or gated.
5. Share true condition and ground clearance; send photos of modifications.
6. Avoid last-minute changes; keep details stable after booking.

Ready to Get Your Rate? Use Our Free Calculator

• Be flexible on pickup (±2–3 days) to unlock more carrier options.
• Choose trailer type based on value and risk tolerance.
• Offer a meet point if access is tight; it protects your schedule and price.
• Share accurate condition (running vs. non-running) with a quick note on clearance.
• Provide photos for lifts, drops, roof racks, splitters, or wide tires.
• Avoid urgent bookings when possible to reduce surge pricing.

Free offer: Want a lane-specific price that reflects your exact origin, destination, dates, trailer type, and vehicle profile? See it instantly—no pressure, no back-and-forth emails.

free car shipping calculator

Key Takeaways

• $1,200 usually covers mid-distance open moves in shoulder seasons.
• Rates rise with peak months, tight access, non-running status, oversize specs, and enclosed protection.
• You control three big levers: timing, trailer type, and pickup/delivery access.
• Accurate details and early planning reduce risk, cost, and stress.
• Use the calculator for a number tied to your route and dates, not a generic average.

FAQ: Fast Answers to Common Questions

Can I ship personal items in the car?

Some carriers allow a limited weight in the trunk; others do not. Ask in advance. Extra weight can change the quote and loose items aren’t covered. If you must ship items, keep them low, secured, and below the allowed limit.

Will my quote change after I book?

Quotes can change if details change—non-running status, added accessories, a different address, or extreme weather. Keep your information stable and your rate typically remains stable.

Is open transport safe enough for a daily driver?

Yes. Open is the industry standard and ships millions of cars annually. Choose enclosed when you need extra protection for finish, privacy, low clearance, or winter EV moves.

What if my car is very low?

Tell dispatch and share photos. The team will choose a truck with the correct approach angle and ramps to protect lips and underbody parts during loading.

What if my neighborhood doesn’t allow large trucks?

Meet the driver at a wide lot near a major road. It is standard practice, protects the schedule, and often improves the price.

How do I get closer to $1,200?

Ship in shoulder seasons, book early, allow a two-day pickup window, meet at a wide lot, and choose open when risk and vehicle value allow.

Final Booking Checklist

• Year, make, model, and trim confirmed
• Running vs. non-running status declared
• True ground clearance measured if lowered
• Photos ready for any modifications
• Pickup window set to 2–3 days
• Meet point identified if access is tight
• Trailer type selected: open vs. enclosed

If your vehicle won’t start or steer—or if it has modifications that change loading angles—read the requirements and pricing notes for inoperable car transport once before you finalize. If you’re still weighing trailer types, review the benefits and use cases of open car transport for everyday moves, or compare them to the protection details and scenarios for enclosed auto transport for collector and luxury vehicles.

When you’re ready, generate your number with the free car shipping calculator and move forward with confidence.