Transporting a car either across states or even a shipping a car overseas can be a convenient way to move your vehicle. A common question that comes up with transport is, shipping my car costs what? The price set for auto transport is based on several principles such as distance, vehicle type, method of transport, and the season. Understanding how these concepts associate with pricing can help you budget accurately.
We are ready to serve our customer needs by offering cheap and straightforward car shipping services tailored specifically to your requirements. In this guide, we’ll show you how to obtain the best price when shipping a car, the cost factors involved, and what to anticipate while booking a shipping auto transport service.
What Affects the Cost of Car Shipping?
The cost of shipping a vehicle is determined by a few elements, with the most important ones being as follows:
The locations to and from which the car needs to be transported and the routes provided directly affect the total cost. Increases in the distance driven for a trip do increase the expense, but when the trip is long, the per mile charge is reduced.
- Distance and Route
– The demand for more frequently traveled routes, such as Los Angeles to New York, is more economically priced unlike lesser known routes.
- Vehicle Size and Type
– Subsequently, the overweight bulky makings of SUVs, trucks, and vans classify these vehicles as more expensive to ship.
– It is more expensive to ship compact cars than larger vehicles.
– Some vehicles, like lifted trucks and custom cars, might incur extra fees because of additional handling modifications.
- Transport Method: Open vs Enclosed Shipping
– Open Transport: This is the most popular option selected and the most affordable and accessible. The most common method is transporting vehicles using open trailers, which allows exposure to rough weather and road conditions.
– Enclosed Transport: Shields cars from environmental conditions but comes at an additional cost. Ships that enclose vehicles ensure high-value, luxury, and classic cars are better protected behind closed doors, but at a premium price.
- Pickup and Delivery Options
– These make the transport easier for the client, but do not come at a bargain, because the carrier picks up the vehicle and delivers it to their door: Door-to-Door Shipping.
– This is an affordable option where the buyer has to drop off and pick up the vehicle from designated terminal locations: Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping.
- Seasonal Demand
– The summer season, as well as the snowbird period (which includes fall and spring), tends to have a greater demand for pricing which in turn increases cost.
– During the winter months, prices tend to drop except on routes where severe weather causes heavy disruptions.
– Affordable services that maintain efficiency, which is why prices are set according to the relevant factors with ease of transport in mind, is provided by us at Car Transport.
Average Estimated Cost for Car Shipping
The average estimated cost per individual car is around or within this range when transporting a car within the United States, but costs may vary:
| Distance | Open Transport Cost | Enclosed Transport Cost |
| 0 – 500 miles | $300 – $700 | $600 – $1,100 |
| 500 – 1,000 miles | $600 – $1,200 | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 miles | $900 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| 1,500 – 2,000 miles | $1,200 – $1,700 | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| 2,000+ miles | $1,400 – $2,000 | $2,200 – $4,000 |
While the values indicated have been set, they depend strongly on the oil prices, the demand for transport services, the route taken, other unforeseen factors that ad up, which tend to affect the supply, so for a better cash solution, we encourage you to take advantage of the tool we provide at Car Transport.
Cost-Saving Tricks When It Comes to Car Shipping
These are some best practices: create a plan that details the strategies you will use to spend less when shipping a car.
- Finding the Right Car Transport Service
Spend less time by allowing the myriad of auto transporters out there to provide with their quotes. Remember that cheaper rates come with lower satisfaction and may have other hidden charges.
- Make Reservations as First Come, First Served
Be the first to book when the date elapses. Ample time will always make it convenient since you will need to add some extra time.
- Select Open Carrier Transport
It’s all in the name: open means cost effective. Use closed shipment only if unavoidably necessary for classic and luxury cars.
- Flexible Schedule
Think of all the changes you may need permitting you to ease shipper’s block scheduling. This offers the flexibility of planning for other deliveries.
- Terminal-to-terminal Pick-up and Drop off
This is often said to be the most cost effective. Set a meeting point and willing to grab the car at a location of choice.
As we do at Car Transport, we take care of our clients by assisting them in crafting quotes free of extra hidden fees, thereby making them the finest in the business.
Reasons Car Transport May be Best for Your Auto Shipping Needs
At Car Transport, we take pride in offering simple, affordable, vehicle shipping that is reliable. Here is why we set apart from our competitors:
No Hidden Charges Transparency: Get an instant quote and enjoy a price without hidden fees or unpleasant surprises.
Multiple Open and Closed Transportation Methods: We facilitate both enclose and open shipping, as well as door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal options.
Insured and Licensed Carriers: We guarantee the safety of your shipment, ensuring all transport partners are FMCSA-certified and completely covered with insurance.
Broad Nationwide Coverage: We servicing every state, including remote areas, guaranteeing shipping from any location within the United States.
Customer Support 24/7: Our representatives are always available to guide you in every step during the shipment process.
With Car Transport, you’ll also experience budget-friendly and stress-free shipping solution.
Final Notes
In what ways can the price differ when it comes to auto shipping? Those factors include the vehicle type, distance, and shipping time of year. Knowing these factors will enable you to get the best deal after checking various quotes.
At Car Transport, we provide flexible transport solutions and reliable carriers, along with the most crucial benefit: transparent pricing. Looking to ship your vehicle? Contact us today and get your free instant quote. With us, there are no hidden costs, hassle, and the best rates guaranteed.
