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Shipping a truck can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to help clear up any confusion you might have about shipping a truck, and answer one of the first questions on your mind: “How much does it really cost to ship a truck?”
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Several key factors influence the final price tag, and in this blog, we’ll explain the key factors so you can make an informed decision. We’ll share cost-saving strategies, different types of shipping services, and guidance on how to get accurate quotes.
For even more information about truck shipping, including how truck shipping works, the most commonly shipped trucks, truck shipping FAQs, and more, visit our dedicated truck shipping page.
Truck shipping costs explained
Truck shipping costs are influenced by distance, transport type, and several other key elements like the vehicle’s make and model. You can generally expect domestic truck shipping to range from $500 to $1,500. However, international truck shipments can cost more.
There are many ways to save money on truck shipping. Later in this blog, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to help you reduce costs without compromising on the safe and timely transport of your vehicle.
What factors affect truck shipping costs?
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that impact truck shipping costs:
Year, make, and model: The age, brand, and specific model of your truck influence shipping costs. Classic, vintage, commercial, or rare trucks may require specialized handling and insurance, resulting in a higher price. Similarly, larger or heavier trucks will typically cost more to transport than smaller, lighter models.
For example, if you have a modified truck with low ground clearance, you may need to use enclosed transport, which is more expensive than open transport. Fully electric vehicles may cost more to ship than conventional vehicles because of their heavy batteries.
Transport mileage and route: As you might expect, the distance your truck needs to travel directly impacts the cost. Longer distances usually result in a lower cost per mile but a higher overall price. Additionally, the complexity of the route matters. Routes with challenging terrain, limited access, or multiple stops will generally be more expensive than straightforward routes.
Modifications: Trucks with aftermarket modifications, such as winch kits, a brush guard, lift kits or oversized tires often require special handling and transport equipment. These modifications can increase the truck’s dimensions and weight, impacting the type of trailer needed and potentially increasing the shipping cost.
Transport trailer type (open or enclosed): Open transport is the most common and economical method but it leaves your truck open to the elements. Enclosed transport provides greater protection from weather and road debris but comes at a higher price.
Choosing between open and enclosed transport is a trade-off between cost and added protection. Since most trucks are large and built to endure rough conditions, most are shipped on open transport trailers.
Seasonality: Peak seasons, such as summer and holidays, experience higher demand, leading to increased costs. National moving season, which starts in May and lasts through September, is also a busy time of year. Shipping during the off-season, when demand is lower, can often save you money. The cheapest months for vehicle and home moves are generally December, January, and February.
Fuel prices: The volatile nature of fuel prices directly impacts transportation costs across the board. Fluctuations in fuel prices can cause shipping costs to increase or decrease, sometimes unexpectedly. However, it’s worth noting that fuel prices are usually one of the smallest factors when it comes to auto transport prices for consumers.
Montway considers these factors and more to provide fair, competitive, and transparent pricing. Learn more about how Montway’s quote calculator works.
Truck shipping cost examples
The cost to ship your truck will vary depending on the factors listed above. The farther you ship your truck, the lower your cost-per-mile will be. See the chart below for average estimated truck shipping costs by distance.
| Average truck shipping cost per mile | ||||
| Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Sample distance | Sample price (open transport) |
| 1-500 miles | $1.85/mile | $2.53/mile | 300 miles | $555 |
| 501-1,500 miles | $.91/mile | $1.25/mile | 1,200 miles | $1,092 |
| 1,500+ miles | $.59/mile | $.84/mile | 2,100 miles | $1,239 |
How to reduce truck shipping costs
While truck shipping costs are generally non-negotiable, there are ways to save money on auto transport without compromising on the quality of service. By understanding the factors that influence pricing and implementing some strategic planning, you can make your truck transport experience more budget-friendly.
Here are some proven tips to help you lower truck shipping costs:
1. Use open transport: Open transport is the most popular and cost-effective method for shipping vehicles. While your truck will be exposed to the elements during transit, open transport offers significant cost savings compared to enclosed transport. With open transport, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your truck will be safely transported while keeping more money in your pocket.
2. Be flexible with your dates: Just as with airline tickets, flexibility can lead to better deals in truck shipping. Providing a wider window of time for pickup and delivery gives the transport company more options to find a suitable carrier and route, potentially leading to lower costs. Booking your shipment several weeks in advance can also help you avoid last-minute price hikes and secure a preferred service provider.
3. Lighten the load: Remember, the weight of your truck directly impacts shipping costs. The weight can quickly add up when your vehicle has aftermarket accessories like roof racks, carriers, bumpers, and some truck bed covers. Remove as many of these accessories as you can before shipping to potentially save money.
4. Explore multi-car discounts: If you’re shipping multiple vehicles, be sure to inquire about multi-car discounts. These discounts can range from 10% to 25% on average, providing substantial savings. To qualify for these discounts, all vehicles typically need to be ready for transport at the same time and location.
5. Choose your shipping partner carefully: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive or the first auto transport company you find. Take the time to discover the best trucking companies near you, and carefully compare their online reviews, customer service, and reputation.
Shopping around can help you find the best deal, best service, and greatest peace of mind when shipping your vehicle.
Types of truck shipping services
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Door-to-door transport
- Expedited pick up
How to get a truck shipping quote
Ready to ship your truck with Montway? Getting a quote is the first step toward a smooth and successful transport experience. Here’s what you need to know:
Start with Montway’s free instant quote calculator. This user-friendly tool provides a quick and easy way to estimate your truck shipping costs tailored to your truck shipping needs. You can also speak directly with a Montway representative at 888-666-8929 or via LiveChat for a personalized quote.
For the most accurate estimate, be prepared to provide the following information:
- Vehicle pickup and delivery destinations (zip codes are preferred for greater accuracy)
- Car transport preference (open or enclosed trailer)
- Vehicle year, make, and model (to ensure the availability of the correct transport trailer size)
- Operational status (whether it can be driven forward and in reverse with basic steering for loading and unloading)
- Earliest available pickup date
Keep in mind that certain factors may require a customized quote. These factors may include:
- Expedited pickup
- Vehicle modifications
- Inoperable vehicles
Providing complete and accurate information will help ensure you receive the most up-to-date and reliable truck shipping quote.
Remember that prices can fluctuate based on market conditions, so it’s always wise to request a fresh quote if your shipping plans change.
FAQs about truck shipping costs
Is shipping a truck expensive?
On average, the price to ship a truck will cost between $500 to $1,500. However, the price can fluctuate depending on seasonality. You can reduce the cost of truck shipping by opting for open transport, staying flexible with your pickup and dropoff dates, and avoiding peak seasons. Read our guide to car shipping costs to learn more about vehicle shipping costs.
How long does it take to ship a truck?
The time it takes to ship your truck will depend on the distance it is being shipped, the time of year, and the route the trucker is taking. Visit our help center for more information about transit times, pickup windows, and delivery dates.
What is the cost to ship a truck across the country?
Shipping a truck across the country will vary in price depending on the time of year, the total distance of the shipment, and other factors. On average, truck shipments cost approximately $500 to $1,500.
How do I ship a truck across the country?
Cross-country truck shipping is a simple process. Get an instant online quote or speak with a Montway representative at 888-666-8929 to book your order. Once your shipment is booked, just wait for your pickup date and a truck driver will meet you at an agreed-upon location to load your truck for transit. From there, your truck will be on its way to its destination.
Continue reading: our cross-country vehicle shipping page contains helpful information, guides, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is the cost to ship a pickup truck?
A pickup truck may cost more to ship if it is larger than a standard truck in weight, height, or length. Generally, pickup trucks will cost approximately the same as any other truck or car. On average, these shipments range between $500 and $1,500. Prices may change depending on seasonality, special shipping requests like enclosed transport, or if the vehicle is modified.
Do different types of trucks change the shipping price?
Yes, different types of trucks will often cost different amounts to ship. The price will be determined by the truck’s year, make, model, size, weight, and whether it has any after-market modifications.
