How Much to Pay? Breaking Down Car Shipping Costs

Shipping vehicles from coast to coast or a few states away isn't like the real nightmare it used to be. But the common thought goes through every customer's mind when shipping their vehicle: "How much is it to ship a vehicle?" It depends on a long list of factors; being aware of them will save time and money.

Factors Affecting the Price of Car Shipping

Shipping car prices are not fixed. They vary depending on distance, transport type, vehicle condition, time of year, and even the type of vehicle you're shipping. Here's a closer look:

Distance: This is the most obvious factor. The farther the vehicle has to travel, the more you'll pay. However, the cost per mile tends to decrease with longer routes.

Transport Mode: You generally have two choices—open or enclosed transport. Open transport is more accessible and less expensive, but it exposes your automobile to the elements. Enclosed transport provides greater protection, suited for luxury or antique cars, but costs more.

Vehicle Condition and Size: Driveable vehicles are cheaper to ship since they can be driven on and off the carrier. Non-running cars are more expensive and need specific equipment. More shipping charges are levied on SUVs and trucks than on lighter or smaller vehicles.

Pickup and Delivery Sites: Urban anticipation seeks to pose fewer cost barriers to shipping, with the expectation of better accessibility and higher frequency of route services for the carriers. Rural sites may be more costly due to smaller coverage and additional mileage needed for pick-up or delivery.

Season: Car shipping is seasonal. Peak seasons are summer and early fall, during which you might notice a surge in car shipping charges. Winter can also drive prices up on the northern routes because of snow and icy road conditions.

What's a Reasonable Price Range?

Although price fluctuations occur and do not have a fixed rate, usually for regular sedans reaching from one end of the coast to the other, the charge for open transportation hovers around $1000-$1500. Below that distance range, from $500 to $800, might apply, while an enclosed transport would ask for something between $2,000 and more, depending on particulars.

If you are wondering how much to ship a car in the winter versus summer, you will pay a bit more during the winter months for some routes because of road conditions and fewer carriers on the highways.

Ways to Save on Vehicle Shipping

There are intelligent ways to cut costs:

Book in Advance: The earlier you make your reservation, the better the rates will be.

Flexible Scheduling: The less you are set on fixed dates, the better the less costly options on offer.

Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping: Less convenient but possibly worth it with the right pricing when your car is taken from and brought to a central terminal.

Compare Quotes: Always ensure to compare many quotes from reliable carriers in order to be offered one with a reasonable price.

Final Remarks On Shipping a Car

Car shipping prices are influenced by many factors other than mileage. Whether relocating for employment, purchasing a vehicle out of state, or shipping your college kid their set of wheels, knowing what factors contribute to the price puts you in command of making the right choice. Finding the optimal combination of price, timing, and service is the recipe for a flawless vehicle shipping experience.