When you have a car to ship, one of the first questions that arises is, “What is the cost of car shipping?” The truth is that the cost to ship a car is the sum of many factors such as distance, type of vehicle, method of transport, and how much the market is willing to pay. Understand these concepts, or else you will more often than not pay too much for your shipment or worse, be surprised by unexpected expenses.
We have straightforward pricing with no extra charges and provide excellent service. It does not matter whether you are shipping a car overseas or moving it domestically, we will take the agonizing headache out of the process for you.
This guide outlines the most important reasons why there is a difference in the cost of shipping cars, how they can provide the best value for the customer, and why it is always worth paying for professional services in car transportation.
What Influences Car Shipping Costs?
Shipping a car comes with its own unique costs that can change based on multiple variables. You can determine car-shipping rates with these factors at the forefront:
- Distance and Route
Short Distance (less than 500 miles) – Transport cost varies between $300 to $700
Medium Distance (500 to 1,500 miles) – Expect to pay between $700 to $1,200
Cross Country (Over 1,500 miles) – Transport usually starts around $1000 and can go upwards of $1800
Because of paying for gas, wages of the driver, tolls required on the road, the price will usually be higher the greater the distance. Though, some routes might be less expensive if they are well-travelled. Conversely, remote areas can raise the cost of shipping.
We base our estimates of custom quotes depending on your specific shipping route. Call us today to get the best bang for your buck and value for your money.
2. Type of Carrier: Open vs. Enclosed
Your choice of transport method also impacts the price:
Open Carrier Transport (More Affordable)
– The least expensive option of the two
– Cars transferred via open trailers directly onto the road, which means cars are subjected to weather conditions and rocks on the road.
– Standard vehicles, SUVs, and trucks are ideal.
– Costs 20% to 40% lower than enclosed transport.
Enclosed Carrier Transport (Greater Protection)
– Maximum amount of protection from dust, weather, and debris or rocks on the road.
– Ideal option for exotic, classic, and luxury cars.
- Typically costs 30-50% more than open transport because of limited room and additional measures for safety.
We here at Shipping Cars have both transport methods assuring that you can choose cost-effective or highest security according to your preference.
- Vehicle Bulk, Weight, and Condition
Heavier and larger vehicles cost more because they occupy more space on the trailer and consume more fuel.
- Sedans & Compact Cars: low shipping costs owing to their lightweight.
- SUV’s, Pickup Trucks & Vans: Increased weight and room results in higher cost.
- Non-operational vehicles: If your car does not run, there are extra charges for specific tools to help load and unload the vehicle.
We at Shipping Cars, we deal with any type of vehicle from compact cars to over-sized trucks with affordable prices for all categories.
- Framework of Demand and Condition of the Market
Rates charged for car shipment change in accordance with other factors such trends within a season, controlled by demand:
Summer & Snowbird Season (Peak Demand):
- Prices seem to rise from the months of May to September as well as winter Snowbird migration months.
- There are high movement, high vehicle purchase rates, and high vehicle shipping rates because of seasonal travel.
Off Peak Season (Low Prices):
- In the fall and early in the winter, there is lower demand for transport.
To get better rates, make sure to book earlier while being flexible with your pick up or delivery dates, because Shipping Cars sets seasonal discounts for your convenience.
- Other Factors Influencing Car Shipping Rates
- Fuel Prices: How the fuel costs changes has direct effects on the transport rates.
- Delivery Type: Shipping to your doorstep is more comfortable, but it’s likely to be pricier than shipping to a terminal.
- Expedited Service: When time is of the essence and you need your car shipped urgently, you will have to pay a premium for rush services.
Fuel prices and market dynamics dictate the rates that we offer immediately after contracting a deal, so one can always expect fair and accurate quotes.
Best Car shipping rates
If you wish to know how to save money on car transport, here are some strategies that are known to yield the best results:
- Book Early: Not planning ahead often leads to more expenses. Always try and transport well in advance to get better rates.
- Be Flexible with Pickup and Delivery Dates: If you are more flexible with your schedule, the carrier is able to better plan the course and save on expenses.
- Select Open Transport for Standard Vehicles: For standard cars, if you don’t prioritize enclosed transport, you can save by choosing open carriers.
- Compare Quotes from Recommended Companies: It is always important to note the unsafely low prices that may indicate a capture and low quality transport.
- Off-Season is Always Recommended: You can save a lot on shipping costs when demand is lower.
The same way our customers use our help to locate the best possible price without sacrificing quality or reliability, we strive to achieve it all the time.
Why Choose Shipping Cars for Car Shipping Rates?
Shipping Cars is not like any auto transport company. With pride, we claim to be the most reliable, affordable and customer friendly organization there is. The following pointers outline why ‘Shipping Cars’ should be your number one choice:
- No Concealed Charges: Guaranteed no concealed fees. Everything you are shown is what you will pay.
- Open and Enclosed Transport Availability: Depending on what you want and need, you can choose how to ship your vehicle.
- Approved Carriers: For safe, damage free delivery, we only work with FMCSA approved carriers.
- Nationwide Pick-Up and Delivery: Your vehicle can be picked up and delivered anywhere in the country without any hassle.
- Live Tracking: During shipment, you will always know where your vehicle is.
The estimate says that with thousands of satisfied customers, Shipping Cars offers you the best reliable and affordable hassle free shipping cars deals.
Final Thoughts
The information shared on auto transport rates makes it easy for one to make the right choice when trying to move their vehicle. Pricing gets affected by a number of factors such as distance, the method of transport, vehicle size, and the season. If you anticipate these factors ahead of time and remain flexible in your timetable while using the right shipping service, you will be able to save money and ensure the process is seamless and safe.
Shipping Cars is dedicated to making the car shipping process straightforward for you, and affordable at the same time, without too much hassle. From cross-country moves to international shipments, we provide exceptional service at a great price.
Shipping Cars provides some of the best car shipping rates in the market and you can receive your free quote right now!