Montway's Car Shipping Cost Calculator: How-to guide, Tips, and FAQs
Posted on 4/22/2026
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When you start your search for auto transport services, you’ll likely begin by comparing prices. Helpful tools like Montway’s real-time quote calculator can provide you with an instant, accurate estimate for your car shipment. All you need is information about your vehicle and shipping preferences.
What is Montway’s car shipping cost calculator?
Our industry-first car shipping calculator provides instant estimates to help vehicle owners plan their shipments. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re a returning customer, our calculator provides instant, accurate estimates—no payment information required.
How do I use the calculator?
Our instant quote calculator is easy to use. Just provide your vehicle and shipping information, and our calculator will generate an estimated price. Below is our quick, three-step process.
When you open the car shipping quote calculator, you’ll be guided through each step.
Step 1: Destination
- Pickup and delivery ZIP codes or cities.
Tip: If you aren’t sure of the exact address, enter the town or city closest to your destination.
- Transport type (open or enclosed)
Tip: Open transport is the most common and affordable way to ship a car. Enclosed transport provides greater protection from outdoor elements, at a higher price.
Step 2: Vehicle
- Vehicle year
- Vehicle make and model
- Vehicle condition (operable or inoperable)
Step 3: Date
- First available date (This is the first day that you would be ready for your vehicle to be picked up.)
- An email address to send a copy of your quote
After completing these steps, you’ll instantly see your car shipping quote. From there, you can review your booking summary, edit your shipment details, or continue booking.
How does the calculator work?
The calculator leverages nearly 20 years of shipping data, trucker availability, and current market trends gathered from our network of over 15,000 carriers. By comparing your shipping needs with a large set of auto transport trends, the calculator generates an accurate estimate of your car shipping cost.
The accuracy of your estimate will depend on the information you provide about your vehicle and shipping preferences.
Factors that determine your car shipping costs:
Time of year
Auto transport costs change throughout the year based on seasonal demand, and your first available pickup date will factor into the cost of shipping.
- Prices are most impacted during peak moving season (May-September).
- Demand is lower during the fall and winter months, except during the holidays.
Pickup and delivery locations
The locations that you ship to and from can affect the price of your shipment. For example, warmer states see a high demand for vehicle deliveries during fall and winter, and a high demand for vehicle pickups in spring. Shipping in these locations during busy seasons can contribute to a higher cost.
Transport type
When you ship your car, you’ll have the option between open and enclosed transport.
- Open transport is the most popular and affordable car shipping method. It’s a safe and efficient option, used by car dealerships, manufacturers, and auto transport customers nationwide.
- Enclosed transport shields vehicles from outdoor weather, dust, and road debris. It’s the preferred method for high-value, classic, and collector vehicles. It may also be required to transport vehicles with low ground clearance.
Vehicle specifications
Your vehicle’s specifications will determine what kind of trailer and driver is required for your shipment, and will directly impact shipping prices.
Specifications include:
- Vehicle make, model, size, and weight
- Modifications that affect size, weight, or ground clearance
- Oversized vehicles or those with heavy exterior accessories
Vehicle condition
Cars that cannot roll, brake, or steer require specialized equipment to be moved on and off the trailer. This additional equipment and labor will affect the price of the shipment.
This includes:
- Non-running/non-operational cars
- Project cars
- Salvage cars
Your schedule
Some people are flexible in terms of when they need their vehicle picked up or delivered, while others need it quickly or before a particular date and time. Requesting a guaranteed pickup date will result in a higher cost.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get the best car shipping quote?
The best car shipping quote will depend on your specific shipping needs. Start by working with a reputable auto transport company that has a reliable and accurate quote calculator. Provide as many details about your shipment as possible for the most accurate estimate.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping costs are determined by several factors, including distance, seasonality, vehicle details, and cost-per-mile. Learn more about car shipping prices.
How can I save money on car shipping?
If your schedule is flexible, try to avoid shipping during peak seasons when demand is high. Opt for open transport instead of enclosed transport, and use cash payment for a discount at checkout. You may also be eligible for a discount if you are shipping multiple vehicles.
Do I have to pay to use the car shipping cost calculator?
No. Montway’s car shipping cost calculator is free to use and does not require any payment information.
Is the price on the car shipping calculator guaranteed?
The prices shown on the instant quote calculator are not final or guaranteed. Prices are finalized only after the booking is completed. All booked orders are protected by Montway’s TruePrice Guarantee.
With the right tools and information, it’s easy to find reliable and affordable auto transport. Montway is committed to providing transparent pricing information and comprehensive details so you can feel confident during every step of the auto transport process.
Learn more about how car shipping works. For questions or help with booking, speak with a Montway representative at (888) 666-8929.
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