Car Transport: Compare Car Shipping Quotes From Verified Transporters
Whether you call it car transport, car shipping or auto transport, the job is the same: getting a vehicle from A to B safely without driving it yourself. Smart Taurus lets you post the job free and compare quotes from verified car transporters.
What is car transport and who uses it?
Car transport (also called car shipping or auto transport in the US, and often just "car transporter" services in the UK) means having a professional move your vehicle on a trailer or transporter truck rather than driving it. People use it when buying a car from a distant seller or online auction, relocating for work, moving interstate in Australia, sending a car to university, or shipping a classic or high-value vehicle that should not add mileage.
Terminology varies by market: in the UK it is usually "car transport" or hiring a "car transporter"; in the US and Canada it is "auto transport" or "car shipping"; in Australia the common search is "interstate car transport". They all describe the same service, and Smart Taurus supports all of them — the platform serves the UK, US, Canada and Australia.
How much does car transport cost?
In the US, car shipping averages about $1,128 per job (~$2.35 per mile) according to Move.org's October 2025 analysis of roughly 800 quotes, while uShip's published averages put most cars and SUVs at $500–$1,500. The per-mile rate drops sharply with distance: uShip reports about $2.92 per mile under 200 miles versus $0.78 per mile over 1,000 miles, and Kelley Blue Book's 2026 figures show a similar curve.
| Distance band | Typical rate / range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Under 200 miles | ~$2.92 per mile | uShip published averages |
| ~500 miles | ~$1.50 per mile ($650–$890) | Kelley Blue Book, 2026 |
| Over 1,000 miles | ~$0.78 per mile | uShip published averages |
| ~2,500 miles | ~$0.56 per mile ($1,050–$1,800) | Kelley Blue Book, 2026 |
| US national average | ~$1,128 (~$2.35/mi) | Move.org, Oct 2025 (~800 quotes) |
The main cost factors are distance, vehicle size and weight, open versus enclosed transport, season (April–September is peak, per Kelley Blue Book), pickup and delivery location (rural addresses cost more), whether the vehicle runs, and how fast you need delivery. For a full breakdown with worked examples, see our guide: how much does it cost to ship a car?
Open vs enclosed car transport: which should you choose?
Open transport is the cheaper, standard option — your car travels on an open multi-car trailer exposed to weather and road dust, and Move.org puts the average at about $914. Enclosed transport carries the car inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, debris and prying eyes, averaging about $1,342 per Move.org; Kelley Blue Book estimates enclosed adds roughly 50% to the price. Open suits everyday vehicles; enclosed suits classics, luxury, low-clearance and freshly restored cars.
Can you transport a non-running car?
Yes — but say so upfront, because it changes the equipment needed and the price. A non-running (inoperable) vehicle requires a winch, tilt-bed or forklift loading, so fewer transporters can take the job and it costs more: Move.org's data shows a 500-mile shipment averaging $696 for a running car versus $978 for an inoperable one. When you post a non-runner on Smart Taurus, state whether the vehicle rolls and steers so transporters quote accurately. If the car has broken down rather than simply not running, you may want vehicle recovery instead.
Why is marketplace bidding cheaper than calling one company?
Two reasons. First, competition: on Smart Taurus multiple verified transporters see your job and send quotes, so you compare real prices instead of accepting the first one. Second, spare capacity: car transporters often run partly empty trucks on return legs, and filling that space (a backload) is worth doing at a lower price than a dedicated trip. That is why marketplace quotes are frequently lower than dedicated hire — learn more on our backloading page.
How should you prepare your car for transport?
A little preparation protects you and speeds up loading. Wash the car so existing marks are visible, then photograph it from every angle, including the odometer, at pickup and again at delivery. Remove personal belongings and toll tags, fold in the mirrors, note any leaks or quirks (a weak battery, a tricky handbrake) for the driver, and leave roughly a quarter tank of fuel — enough to load and unload without adding unnecessary weight. Keep a spare key yourself and hand one to the transporter. Finally, agree the pickup contact and any access limits (low bridges, narrow streets) in advance so the transporter brings the right vehicle.
How does car transport work on Smart Taurus?
- Post your job free with the vehicle make and model, whether it runs, pickup and delivery locations, preferred dates and photos.
- Receive quotes from verified car transporters, and compare their prices, profiles and reviews.
- Book, track and pay in the app — real-time tracking and secure in-app payment via Stripe.
Moving a bike instead? See motorbike transport. Not sure how to pick between quotes? Read how to choose a transporter.