The #1 question I get is "why is my quote higher than the number I saw online." Three things move the number more than anything else:

1. Route density — I-10, I-40, I-80 corridors are cheap because carriers are always running them. Anything off the interstate belt (rural Northeast, upper Midwest) costs more because a truck has to detour.

2. Vehicle type & ground clearance — open carriers can't always take lowered cars or oversized trucks without an extra fee for angle/ramp risk.

3. Timing flexibility — if you need a specific pickup day, you're paying a premium. Give a 3-5 day window and the price drops because it's easier for a carrier to slot you in on an existing route.

If you're shipping a personal vehicle or moving dealer inventory, get a real quote instead of guessing off a calculator — drop your route below.