Vehicle size
SUV and Truck Shipping Cost
Estimate the trailer-space premium for SUVs, pickups and oversized vehicles without relying on body-style labels alone.
Extra Space Storage's current examples place sedans around $800–$1,100, SUVs or minivans around $900–$1,350 and full-size trucks or large SUVs around $1,100–$1,600. Move.org's nearly 800-quote study found pickup trucks cost about 38% more than standard cars on average.
What changes the result?
A useful calculation starts with the physical scope and the written commercial terms. These are the factors to make explicit:
- Length, width, height and weight
- Stock versus modified configuration
- Roof, bed and hitch accessories
- Ground clearance and loading angle
- Trailer capacity and securement
Use one scope for every quote
Give each business the same information and ask it to resolve the same boundaries. That makes the totals more comparable and exposes work left as an allowance or exclusion.
- Provide the exact year, make and model
- Disclose lifts, lowering and oversize tires
- Remove or secure loose accessories
- Ask how the vehicle addition was calculated
Current vehicle-size observations
The current examples imply roughly $100–$250 more for an SUV or minivan and $300–$500 more for a full-size truck than the matching sedan range. The estimator exposes those as fixed planning additions rather than hiding them in one factor.
Body style is only a shortcut
Two SUVs can differ materially in length, roof height, curb weight and tire width. The carrier must work within total trailer space, axle and weight constraints, so exact vehicle data is more useful than a generic class.
Modifications need separate disclosure
Lift kits, lowered suspension, oversize tires, roof racks, toolboxes and added equipment can affect clearance, securement and capacity. Ask whether the quote is based on the stock specification or the vehicle as presented.
Questions people ask
How much more does an SUV cost to ship?
Current examples suggest roughly $100–$250 above a standard sedan range, but the exact model, route and trailer determine the quote.
How much more does a pickup truck cost?
Current sources show roughly $300–$500 in example totals or about a 35%–40% average premium versus standard cars.
Do modifications change the price?
They can. Lift, lowering, tires, roof equipment and added weight affect trailer space, clearance and loading.
Is an oversized vehicle guaranteed to fit an open carrier?
No. Provide exact dimensions and weight and let the assigned carrier confirm equipment and legal capacity.
Method and sources
The model is a planning tool, not a quotation. These are the published sources used for this page; read the full assumptions before relying on a range. Source review: 14 September 2026.
- Extra Space Storage 2026 car-shipping guide
March 2026 distance, vehicle, inoperable, enclosed and route observations; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- Move.org 2026 vehicle-transport cost study
March 2026 analysis of nearly 800 quotes, route examples and vehicle-size findings; reviewed 14 September 2026.