An accurate auto shipping calculator is crucial for anyone planning to transport a vehicle—whether for a cross-state move, eBay purchase, or delivering a classic to a concours event. As of November 06, 2025, nationwide auto shipping costs average $555 to $2,500, with delivery times of 1 to 14 days depending on distance, vehicle type, and transport method. First Haulers, a 4.5-star leader in auto transport, offers a no-personal-information-required auto shipping calculator that delivers instant, precise quotes without your name, email, or phone number. This guide explains how the calculator works, 2025 pricing trends, transit times, and expert strategies to save—whether shipping a standard sedan or a high-value classic.
Why First Haulers’ Auto Shipping Calculator Excels
First Haulers stands out with privacy-first quoting and real-time accuracy. Unlike competitors requiring contact details, First Haulers provides instant, anonymous estimates via their auto shipping calculator. Trusted by collectors, military families, and dealerships, they maintain a 98% on-time delivery rate and 4.5-star reviews across thousands of verified customers.
How First Haulers’ Auto Shipping Calculator Works
First Haulers’ no-personal-info calculator uses live 2025 market data—including fuel prices ($3.50/gal), carrier supply, and seasonal demand—to generate accurate quotes.
Step-by-Step: Get Your Instant Quote
- Enter Pickup & Delivery: Use ZIP codes or city names (e.g., “Miami, FL” to “New York, NY”).
- Select Vehicle: Input make, model, year, and type (sedan, SUV, truck, classic); note if inoperable.
- Choose Transport: Open (budget) or enclosed (premium protection).
- Add Options: Door-to-door, expedited, or non-running handling.
- View Quote: Get a cost range (e.g., $1,000–$1,500) and transit time (e.g., 5–8 days) — savable without login.
For classics, it defaults to enclosed transport with climate control, hydraulic lift gates, and soft tie-downs.
Key Factors That Determine Auto Shipping Cost
Your auto shipping cost is influenced by several variables:
- Distance: The largest driver. Short hauls under 500 miles average $1.85 per mile (e.g., $555 for 300 miles), while long hauls over 1,500 miles drop to $0.59 per mile (e.g., $1,180 for 2,000 miles).
- Vehicle Type: SUVs and trucks add 10–20% due to size; inoperable vehicles add $100–$300 for winching or forklift loading.
- Transport Method: Open transport is 40–50% cheaper than enclosed, which is mandatory for classics to shield from weather, road debris, and UV exposure.
- Season: Summer and winter peaks increase costs by 20–30% due to high demand; fall and spring offer 10–15% savings with better carrier availability.
- Timing: Expedited shipping adds $200–$500 for guaranteed 48-hour pickup and faster routing.
- Location: Rural pickup/delivery adds 10–25% and 1–3 extra days for access challenges; urban hubs reduce costs by 10–15% via major carrier routes.
- Fuel Prices: 2025 diesel averages $3.50/gallon, raising overall costs 5–8% over 2024 rates.
- Carrier Supply & Demand: Regional shortages (e.g., post-holiday surges) can increase quotes by 15–25%; off-peak flexibility lowers them.
- Insurance Needs: Standard $100K coverage is included; classics over $100K require declared-value upgrades ($0.50–$1.00 per $100 of value).
- Vehicle Condition: Non-runners, modified suspensions, or oversized tires trigger custom loading fees ($150–$400).
First Haulers’ calculator adjusts all factors in real time.
Typical Auto Shipping Cost Estimates in 2025
Standard Sedan – Open Transport
- Short (<500 mi): $400–$800, 1–3 days
Ex: Tampa → Orlando (90 mi): $350–$650 - Medium (500–1,500 mi): $700–$1,200, 3–7 days
Ex: Dallas → Chicago (950 mi): $750–$1,100 - Long (1,500+ mi): $1,200–$1,800, 7–14 days
Ex: LA → NYC (2,800 mi): $1,300–$1,700
Classic Car – Enclosed Transport
- Short: $600–$1,000, 2–4 days
Ex: Palm Beach → Miami (70 mi): $600–$900 - Medium: $1,000–$1,500, 3–7 days
Ex: Monterey → Las Vegas (500 mi): $1,100–$1,400 - Long: $1,500–$2,500, 7–14 days
Ex: NYC → Pebble Beach (2,900 mi): $1,900–$2,500
All quotes include:
- Door-to-door service
- Real-time GPS tracking
- $100K base insurance (upgradable to $1M+ for classics)
Transit Times for Auto Shipping Calculator
First Haulers prioritizes safety, averaging 400–500 miles/day:
- Short haul: 1–4 days
- Cross-country: 7–12 days
- Expedited: –2–4 days (extra cost)
- Peak season delay: +1–2 days
Real-time GPS tracking lets you monitor progress 24/7 via app or web.
Military & PCS Support with First Haulers
First Haulers is DITY/PPM-approved and supports military families:
- Discounts: $50–$100+ off for active-duty, veterans, dependents
- PCS Reimbursement Help: Guides DoD claims (up to 100% covered)
- Priority Scheduling: 48-hour pickup guarantee
- Dedicated Liaison: 7-day support, including weekends
First Haulers’ Auto Shipping Process
- Instant Quote → No-personal-info calculator
- Book & Prep → Clean car, ¼ tank fuel, remove items (100 lbs max trunk), photo condition
- Pickup → Door-to-door in 1–2 days; 360° inspection
- Transit → 400–500 mi/day, GPS-tracked, climate-controlled (for enclosed)
- Delivery → Final inspection, concours-ready handover
Expert Tips to Lower Auto Shipping Cost
Save 10–15% (or more) with these strategies:
- Book in fall/spring → Avoid peak season surcharges
- Compare 3 quotes → Start with First Haulers’ calculator
- Choose open transport (standard cars) → 40–50% savings
- Allow flexible pickup → Skip $200–$500 expedited fees
- Prep properly: Clean car, ¼ tank, no personal items
- Military? Claim PCS/veteran discount + file for reimbursement
Why Choose First Haulers for Auto Shipping Calculator?
First Haulers offers premium features as standard:
- No personal info needed for quotes
- Instant, accurate estimates
- Free GPS tracking
- Door-to-door service (no terminal fees)
- Classic car expertise with hydraulic lifts and soft straps
- Insurance up to $1M+
Conclusion: Get Your Auto Shipping Cost Estimate with First Haulers
In 2025, auto shipping costs average $555–$2,500, but First Haulers makes it transparent, private, and reliable. With their no-personal-info calculator, enclosed transport for classics, military discounts, and GPS tracking, you get white-glove service at fair prices. Whether shipping a daily driver or a concours contender, First Haulers ensures safe, on-time delivery.
Visit First Haulers’ website now for your free, instant auto shipping cost estimate and experience the 4.5-star difference.
