Blogs

By Roin Papiashvili

July 21, 2025

What’s the Cost to Ship a Truck?

Shipping a truck doesn’t have to be as difficult as it might seem. “How much does it really cost to ship a truck?” is one of your first questions, and we’re here to help you find the answers to all of your questions.

In actuality, there isn’t a single solution that works for everyone. The ultimate price tag is influenced by a number of important elements, which we will discuss in this blog so you can make an informed choice. We’ll go over several shipping options, cost-cutting techniques, and advice on obtaining reliable quotations.

Costs of truck transport explained

The cost of truck shipping is affected by a number of important factors, including the vehicle’s make and model, distance, and mode of transportation. Typically, domestic truck shipment costs between $500 and $1,500. However, the cost of international truck shipments may be higher.

There are numerous strategies to reduce truck freight costs. Later in this article, we’ll look at doable tactics and advice to assist you cut expenses without sacrificing the prompt and safe transportation of your car.

Which factors influence the cost of truck shipping?

Below is a summary of the main factors influencing truck freight costs:

Year, make, and model: Your truck’s age, brand, and particular model all affect shipping expenses. Trucks that are unusual, vintage, commercial, or classic may cost more since they need particular management and insurance. In a similar vein, transporting larger or heavier trucks will usually cost more than transporting lighter or smaller ones.

For instance, you might have to use enclosed transport, which is more costly than open transport, if your modified truck has limited ground clearance. Due to their large batteries, fully electric automobiles may be more expensive to ship than conventional vehicles. Additionally, if you’ve purchased a car online, choosing the right shipping method is crucial to ensure it arrives safely and in top condition.

Transport route and mileage: The cost is directly impacted by the distance your truck must go, as you might anticipate. The cost per mile is typically cheaper over longer distances, but the total cost is higher. The route’s complexity is also important. Generally speaking, routes with difficult terrain, restricted access, or numerous stops will cost more than simple routes.

Modifications: Special handling and transportation equipment are frequently needed for trucks with aftermarket modifications like winch kits, brush guards, lift kits, or bigger tires. These changes may increase the truck’s weight and size, which may affect the kind of trailer required and raise the cost of shipment.

Type of transport trailer (open or enclosed): Open transport exposes your truck to the weather, yet it’s the most popular and cost-effective option. Although enclosed transportation is more expensive, it offers better protection from bad weather and road debris.

There is a trade-off between cost and additional protection when deciding between open and enclosed transportation. Typically, vehicles are transported on open transport trailers due to their size and durability.

Seasonality: Higher demand results in higher prices during peak seasons like the summer and the holidays. It’s also a hectic time of year during the national moving season, which begins in May and runs through September. Shipping in the off-season, when demand is lower, can frequently result in cost savings. The cheapest months for automobile and home relocation are often December, January, and February.

Fuel pricing: All transportation expenditures are directly impacted by the erratic nature of fuel prices. Sometimes unexpectedly, changes in fuel prices can result in higher or lower shipping expenses. It’s important to remember, though, that when it comes to consumer auto transport costs, gasoline prices are typically among the lowest concerns.

At Onyx Auto Transport, we take into account every aspect to provide you with competitive, truthful rates. Check out our quote procedure.

Examples of truck transportation costs

Your truck’s shipping cost will change based on the above mentioned parameters. Your cost-per-mile will go down the farther you transport your truck. The average estimated truck transportation expenses by distance are shown in the chart below.

The average cost of truck transporting one mile

How to lower the cost of truck transportation

Even though truck shipping prices are typically fixed, there are strategies to reduce auto transport expenses without sacrificing service quality. You may make your truck transport experience more affordable by being aware of the elements that affect cost and engaging in some strategic planning.

The following tried-and-true advice will help you reduce truck shipment expenses:

1. Use open transport: The most widely used and economical way to ship cars is through open transit. Even though your vehicle will be out in the weather while in transportation, open transport is much less expensive than enclosed transport. You may save more money and have peace of mind knowing your truck will be carried safely when you use open transport.

2. Be flexible with your dates: If you are flexible with your dates, truck shipment may provide better costs, much like airline tickets. By providing a wider window of time for pickup and delivery, providing the transport company with more options to select a suitable carrier and route may lead to reduced expenses.

3. Reduce the weight: Keep in mind that shipping expenses are directly impacted by the weight of your truck. When your automobile has aftermarket additions like bumpers, carriers, roof racks, and even truck bed covers, the weight can quickly mount up. To possibly save money, take off as many of these accessories as you can before shipping.

4. Look into multi-car discounts: Make sure to ask about multi-car discounts if you’re shipping more than one car. These reductions offer significant savings and often range from 10% to 25%. Usually, all cars must be prepared for transportation at the same time and place in order to be eligible for these savings.

5. Pick your shipping partner wisely: Don’t accept the first auto transport company you come across or the first quote you get. Spend some time finding the top trucking firms in your area and thoroughly evaluating their reputation, customer service, and internet reviews.

When exporting your car, shopping around can help you get the best price, the best service, and the most peace of mind.

Truck shipment service types

• Open Transport
• Enclosed Transport
• Door-to-door transport
• Expedited pick up

How to obtain a price for truck shipping

Ready to ship your truck with Onyx Auto Transport? Getting a quote is simple and fast.

Get a customized shipping estimate based on your vehicle’s specifications and route by using our free fast quotation calculator. Would you rather talk to someone directly? Give our knowledgeable staff a call at (800) 808-0176, or use our website to have a live chat.

At every stage, we are here to offer dependable service, precise pricing, and unambiguous answers.

Be ready to supply the following details for the most precise estimate:

• Vehicle pickup and delivery locations (for better accuracy, zip codes are desired)
• Choice of vehicle transportation (open or enclosed trailer)
• To guarantee that the right transport trailer size is available, the vehicle’s year, make, and model
• Operational state (if basic steering allows it to be pushed forward and backward for loading and unloading)
• The earliest day that can be scheduled for pickup

Remember that some circumstances can necessitate a personalized quote. These elements could consist of:

• Quick pickup
• Modifications to vehicles
• Unusable automobiles

You can get the most current and trustworthy truck shipping quote if you provide full and correct information.

Keep in mind that market conditions might affect rates, so it’s a good idea to get a new quote if your shipment schedule changes.

Onyx Auto Transport is one of the Best auto transport companies. They also provide services across all the states of the USA to ship cars to another state. If you ever need some reliable auto transport company to relocate your car , you can trust Onyx Auto Transport.

Many Car buyers trust Onyx as one of the best vehicle transport companies to help them transport their vehicle from states to states. With transparent pricing, experienced drivers, and a dedicated support team, Onyx Auto Transport makes the process hassle-free and secure, giving you complete peace of mind every step of the way.