Whether you are relocating to a new city and transporting your belongings across the country or shipping your recent online vehicle purchase long distance, the cost of shipping a car almost guaranteed to be front and center in the decision-making process! There is a formula that most auto transport companies use to determine how much it costs to ship your from point A to point B – and it doesn’t have to be a mystery.
Car Shipping Cost Explained
Understanding the Math – Distance matters and your per-mile price will likely drop as you go longer distances. For example, car shipping typically costs in the range of $1 per mile for auto transport services ranging from 1-500 miles. For example, a 350-mile car shipment would cost in the ballpark of $350. For cars being shipped long distances, your per-mile price drops. For example, move a car over 1000 miles drops the car shipping price to .75 cents a mile and most coast-to-coast auto transport can drop as low as .40 cents per mile.
Understanding the Other Factors that Impact Car Shipping Prices – In addition to distance, there are many other factors that can affect your car shipping prices. It’s essential that when you utilize a car shipping calculator, you provide all the details required so that you receive an accurate car shipping price. These five factors that will impact your car shipping price are:
Going Beyond the Basics of Car Transport Cost
- Is the car operable? Cars don’t have to be operable to be shipped, but it can affect how much it cost to ship your car. An inoperable vehicle will require more time, effort and possibly special equipment to load and unload it upon the carrier at the beginning and end of your car shipment.
- What are the specifics of your route? Popular and easy-to-access car shipping routes may be more cost-effective than routes that are hard to access or off the beaten path.
- What is the time of year of your car shipping? Just like in most other instances, timing matters in car shipping prices too! Holidays will almost definitely be more expensive times to ship a car. Certain regions of the country also have patterns unique to the area that impact auto transport prices. For example, the Snowbird route from the Northeast to Florida in the Fall is the time when demand is high, and prices rise.
- What type of carrier will your vehicle be shipped in? The open carrier is the most commonly-used type of car shipping carrier and typically the most affordable. Most standard-sized cars can be shipped using this method. The enclosed carrier is a great option for vehicles that require extra protection for the elements (such as a motorcycle), need climate control or luxury cars that need additional security.
- What type of car are you shipping? The specifics of the car you are transporting will also affect your pricing. For example, a standard-sized sedan will most likely cost less to ship than an oversized heavy duty truck. Be sure to let your auto transport company know if there are any unique features of your car that could impact how much it will cost to ship.
Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs, ups and downs of how much it costs to ship a car, it’s time to get started. Direct Connect Auto Transport, the leader in quality auto transport, makes it easy with a quick, free and instant online car shipping quote request form. (Of course, you can give us a ring toll-free at 800-981-2222 too, if that’s easier for you!)
We’re looking forward to helping your transport your vehicle wherever it needs to be!
Comments by John Costelac