How Much Does it Cost to Ship an SUV?

SUVs captured a whopping 58% of US auto market transactions in 2024, quickly becoming the most preferred vehicle type among Americans. Even with all the popularity, the process to ship an SUV is still challenging. Moreover, there’s too much confusion over how much it may cost and how to get affordable SUV shipping services. So let’s break down the costs of this large vehicle transport:

Cost to Ship an SUV For Different Distances:

The cost to ship an SUV ranges from $1.35 to 0.80 per mile, depending on the distance, SUV size, type of service (open or enclosed), and time of year (fall vs summer). Let’s break down the costs of SUV shipping services further:

Local SUV Shipping Services Cost

If you’re moving your SUV locally or to a nearby state, here’s what to expect:

• Averages about $1.35 per mile for trips between 1-500 miles
• A typical 350-mile trip costs around $475
• Local shipping has higher per-mile rates because companies have fixed costs to cover
• You’ll get faster service, with pickup usually 2-7 business days after booking

Local moves might seem expensive per mile, but the total bill stays lower than long-distance moves.

State-to-State Large Vehicle Transport (SUV) Cost:

Moving your SUV between states brings the per-mile cost down:

• Medium distance (500-1000 miles) shipping costs drop to about $1 per mile
• A 1000-mile trip typically runs around $950 for a standard SUV
• Interstate shipping usually takes 3-4 days (carriers cover roughly 500 miles daily)

Here are some real examples we’ve seen recently:

Coast to Coast SUV Transport Quotes:

The best deals come with long-distance shipping. When you need affordable SUV shipping across the country:

• Long-distance shipping (1001+ miles) rates drop to about $0.80 per mile
• Cross-country SUV shipping typically costs $1,200-$1,700, depending on exact locations
• Coast-to-coast delivery usually takes 5-6 calendar days from pickup

Some recent coast-to-coast examples:

• GMC Yukon from Virginia Beach to Arizona: $1,195
• Acura MDX from Long Island to Florida: $1,450-$1,650

The longer the distance, the better the per-mile rate you’ll get. The carrier can spread its fixed costs over more miles, giving you a better deal overall.

Factors Affecting SUV Shipping Costs:

• Vehicle Size and Weight: Bigger SUVs need more fuel and take up more space on the carrier
• Vehicle Modifications: Got a roof rack, lift kit, or oversized tires? Expect to pay more
• Transport Method: Enclosed SUV transport costs about 50% more than open carriers
• Seasonal Demand: Prices jump during winter “snowbird” season and summer moving season
• Vehicle Condition: Non-running SUVs need special equipment and cost more to load
• Pickup/Delivery Locations: Hard-to-reach spots may trigger extra fees

Costs of Different SUV Shipping Services

Open Carrier SUV Hauling Cost:

Open carriers are the workhorses of large vehicle transport. They’re what you see on highways hauling multiple cars at once:

• Most economical option for everyday SUVs like Kia Sorento, Dodge Durango, Toyota 4Runner
• All pricing we mentioned earlier applies to open transport (it’s the industry standard)
• Quotes include all fees with rates guaranteed for 14 days (most companies only offer 7 days)
• Safe and reliable for most SUVs under $75,000 in value

If you’re looking for affordable SUV shipping services, open transport is your best bet. These carriers handle about 95% of all vehicle shipments in the US. 

Enclosed SUV Transport Cost:

For luxury or specialty vehicles, enclosed SUV transport offers premium protection:

• Costs approximately 40-50% more than open transport
• Recommended for luxury SUVs valued over $75,000, like the Maserati Levante or the Jaguar F-Pace
• Provides superior protection from weather and road debris
• Smaller carrier capacity (only 2-6 vehicles per truck vs. 8-10 on open carriers)

Enclosed carriers are popular choices for high-end models like:

Shipping a Mercedes GLS 600 from Chicago to Miami might cost $1,000 on an open carrier, but jump to $1,500 in an enclosed trailer.

Should You Consider Enclosed SUV Shipping?

Enclosed transport isn’t for everyone. The decision often comes down to value and peace of mind. If you’ve invested in a high-end BMW X7 or Audi Q8, the extra cost of enclosed shipping might be worth it to avoid even minor rock chips or weather exposure.

For standard models like the Honda CR-V or the Chevy Equinox, enclosed transport is usually overkill. The cost difference rarely justifies the added protection for vehicles that handle daily driving conditions anyway.

Cost to Ship Different SUV Types:

What you pay to ship an SUV isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let’s break down pricing based on SUV size.

*We add a $150 surcharge for every size category increase

Small SUV Shipping Cost

Small SUVs and crossovers are the cheapest to move. Their size and weight are closer to sedans, so carriers use less fuel. For example:

• Mazda CX-5: Around $1,320 (East Coast to Colorado).
• Volkswagen Tiguan: Roughly $1,375 (California to Texas).

This category is ideal for affordable SUV shipping. Just confirm your model’s specs—some “small” SUVs are heavier than others.

Medium-Sized SUVs Hauling Cost

Mid-sized SUVs cost more than compacts but less than full-size rigs. Prices swing based on exact dimensions and optional add-ons. Recent examples:

• Nissan Murano: $1,825 (San Francisco to Nashville).
• Honda CR-V: $925 (Las Vegas to Portland).
• BMW X3: $1,280 (Pennsylvania to Texas).

Always share your SUV’s specs with SUV shipping services—even similar models can have different weights.

Large/Oversized Transport Cost

Big SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade or Ford Bronco cost the most. Their size eats up carrier space, and extra weight burns more fuel. Sample rates:

• Ford Bronco: $700 (SoCal to NorCal).
• Infiniti QX80: $1,100 (NorCal to Denver, Colorado).
• Cadillac Escalade: $1,085 (Texas to Arizona).

Large vehicle transport often includes surcharges for modifications like lift kits or oversized tires. Ask about fees upfront.