Do you need to send your car somewhere else but are unsure how much it will cost? Here’s everything you should know about shipping a vehicle.

Shipping a vehicle can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Many factors will impact the cost of shipping your car, and we’re here to break them down so that you know what to expect before you start requesting quotes from carriers. Read on for our list of seven things that affect how much it costs to ship your car!

1. Distance

This one is pretty self-explanatory. The farther away the destination is, the more expensive it’ll be to ship your car. But, to protect vehicle owners from spending a fortune on cross-country transport, the cost per mile typically decreases as the distance increases.

How does it work? According to Alibaba, the average price per mile for short distances that are less than 500 miles is $1. This means you can expect to pay around $400 for a 400-mile trip. If you’re shipping your car 2500 miles away, the price per mile drops down to $0.40, and you’ll likely spend around $1600.

2. Mode of Transport

If you’re shipping your car via land, there are two ways to do it: open-air or enclosed transport. Open-air transport refers to large 18-wheelers you often see hauling as many as 10-12 cars. As the name implies, the carrier isn’t enclosed and thus exposes vehicles to the elements. It’s less expensive but is also riskier during wet weather and hazardous conditions. Enclosed auto shipping, on the other hand, protects your vehicle from damage in transit. As expected, you’ll have to pay more for this service.

Other methods of transport include via air, rail, or water (if overseas). Airfreight is generally the most expensive but is faster. Sea and train transport follow in terms of price.

3. Vehicle Weight and Size

The weight and size of your vehicle are parameters shipping companies generally consider when pricing a delivery. Usually, heavier vehicles like SUVs and monster trucks will incur higher rates as they consume more space and cause the trailer to consume more fuel along the way.

On top of that, if you’re shipping via air freight or sea transport, larger cargo ships or aircraft with a lot of space can accommodate larger vehicles. Smaller vessels may only carry regular cars as they have less volume capacity for heavier loads.

4. Pick-up and Door-to-Door Delivery

Auto transport companies commonly follow specific routes from terminal to terminal. The closer you are to a popular terminal, the lower the cost as you can just pick up your car from there. But, if the carrier must go out of its way to deliver your vehicle to a designated location or to your home itself, you’ll have to pay extra for the effort, fuel, and time the company spends to do so.

5. Car Hauling Season

Auto transport costs will also vary, depending on the time of the year. If you’re shipping during the summer peak season when there’s a high demand for the service, expect to pay more as companies will have to hire extra manpower and invest in additional resources to accommodate the demand.

But. wintertime is not that great of an option either. Carriers have to factor in logistical problems, such as the weather conditions and icy roads. These obstacles increase the price, though winter rates aren’t as expensive as those in summer. The best season to ship your vehicle is in the fall, just before school starts, when there’s no harsh weather and less traffic.

6. Delivery Timeframe

Transportation time will also affect the final cost. The sooner you want your car to arrive, the more you’ll have to pay. Conversely, if you’re willing to wait a few days or perhaps a week for its arrival, you’ll only pay the regular price, or you might even get to land a discount!

7. The Type of Car

Last but not least, the type of car you’re shipping also has a say on the final cost. If it’s a smaller compact vehicle, it’ll be cheaper than transporting an oversized SUV equipped with accessories. Classic cars, sports cars, and luxury cars will also cost more to ship as the company will have to take extra precautions to ensure the integrity of these highly valuable vehicles.

The Bottomline

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when understanding the final cost of shipping your car. The best way you can save money is to ensure that you hire a reputable car shipping company. Doing so protects your precious vehicle from possible damage that will incur more expenses in the long run.

FAQs

1. How much does shipping a car from Florida to California cost?

The average price to ship a car from Florida to California is around $2000. However, the final cost will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your shipment, such as the type of vehicle, shipping method, and distance.

2. How do I get an estimate for shipping my car?

You can get an estimate for shipping your car by contacting a reputable auto transport company and providing them with the necessary details, such as your pick-up and delivery locations, the type of vehicle, and the desired timeframe.

3. Which is the best Car Shipping Company in the U.S?

There are many great car shipping companies in the United States. However, when reviewed, Montway Auto Transport scored a 4.7 rating out of 5.0 for car shipping services by MovingAstute.com, a blog that specifically caters to people who are looking to move or have already made the move.

4. How can I save money on shipping my car?

There are a few ways you can save money on shipping your car. One way is to ship during the fall when there’s less demand for the service. You can also save by picking up your car from a terminal instead of opting for door-to-door delivery.

5. How long does it take to ship a car from one state to another?

The average transit time for shipping a car from one state to another is around 5-7 days. However, this may vary depending on the specific route and distance.

6. Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive it?

It depends on the circumstances. If you’re shipping a car long-distance, it’s usually cheaper to ship it. But if you’re only moving a car a short distance, driving it may be the better and more cost-effective option.