Understanding the True Cost of Car Shipping

The best auto shipping companies will provide detailed service cost estimates. But a few things can determine how much shipping your car costs.

One of the most significant cost-affecting factors is vehicle size. It impacts freight capacity and a private carrier’s money to load your vehicle onto their truck.

Distance

Cost of car shipping is based on the distance that the car is traveling. Longer trips cost more, while shorter routes are cheaper. It is why hiring a professional shipper for moves that are more than 500 miles makes sense. You’ll save money on fuel, hotels, food, and other expenses while avoiding the stress and wear and tear you’d experience driving the vehicle yourself.

The size of the vehicle also impacts prices. Larger vehicles take up more space on the carrier, and heavier cars are harder on the truck’s gas mileage. It is why it’s often cheaper to ship smaller vehicles than to ship more giant pickup trucks.

Pickup and delivery locations can also affect car transport prices. In general, it’s more expensive to ship a car from rural areas than to and from major cities. It is because carriers service these areas less frequently, and there are fewer available trucks.

Finally, seasonal demand can also impact prices. For example, it’s usually more expensive to ship a car from New York to Florida than vice versa during the snowbird season in October-December. It is because many families move to warmer climates for the winter, and fewer carrier drivers can accommodate those shipments.

Make and Model

A car’s make and model can affect its weight and size, significantly impacting shipping costs. In some cases, a car’s size and shape can even necessitate using an enclosed carrier to ensure it makes it to its destination without damage.

Enclosed carriers are also necessary for classic cars and high-end vehicles requiring more protection during transit. They typically cost more than open carriers but offer higher safety and security than any other transport option.

The route of the car’s trip will also impact auto shipping prices. For instance, the costs will increase if your vehicle travels across a bridge known to close in bad weather. A more direct route that avoids significant highways will also help decrease costs.

Finally, the time of year can significantly impact car shipping costs. Rates are frequently higher during the summer because it is one of the busiest car transport seasons. The same can be true for early fall when snowbirds pack up their cars and head south for the winter.

Requesting a customized quote online from an auto shipping company is the best approach to determine how much it will cost to export your car. Provide the information about your vehicle, destination, and pickup/delivery locations. From there, you’ll receive an accurate price that includes all necessary services and fees.

Enclosed or Open

The type of car transport you choose plays a role in the final cost. In open auto shipping, vehicles are transported in available multi-car trailers on all four sides. Although the most affordable option, it can increase your risk of damage during transit. When considering open car shipping, look for an A-rated carrier with a track record of excellent customer service and full insurance coverage.

Enclosed transportation, on the other hand, means vehicles are shipped in trailers that are fully closed. Using this technique can be worth the extra expense if you want to keep a vintage or exotic car out of the elements. Generally, enclosed car transporters can only fit 33% to 40% more vehicles than their open counterparts, so they must charge accordingly.

Your vehicle’s condition can also impact the cost. For example, if it’s not running, the agent must work extra hard to ensure your car is shipped safely. And if you’re sending during one of the busier seasons, such as summer, it may cost more to ship your vehicle than at other times of the year.

In the end, a variety of factors may affect how much it ultimately costs to transfer your car, but there are actions you can take to minimize costs. The key is planning and selecting the best options for your individual needs.

Carrier Type

The car transport carrier on which your vehicle is shipped also affects the cost. Larger carriers must be specially built and can run into millions of dollars, so enclosed transport is more expensive than open transport. In addition, the carrier type is a significant factor in shipping overseas.

Asset-based carriers, who own the trucking fleet they use to ship cars, are a good choice for customers that want consistency in pricing, but they tend to be more expensive than smaller independent transport companies.

Another factor is fuel prices, which are passed along to the customer by the car shipper. When gas prices are high, the costs of running a transporter increase, and shipping cars over longer distances can be more expensive.

In addition, the route that your car needs to take also plays a role in your shipping rate. It will drive up the shipment cost if it needs to go over a mountain range or through a remote area. Choosing a terminal-to-terminal shipment instead of door-to-door shipping will save you money, as these are typically cheaper options.

Although shipping costs are not out of control, you must be aware of the price-influencing aspects to choose your option wisely. Planning, being flexible with your pickup and drop-off locations, and getting an early start will all help to keep your shipping rates reasonable.