Auto transport services can be useful when looking to relocate an automobile to another city, state, or even a different part of the country. If you have used an auto transport service, you would have come across a variety of prices. Most customers have noticed that it can be troublesome to receive a single quote from multiple car shipping companies, and for this reason, there are certain aspects that affect the price of shipping an automobile.
Moving your automobile requires a lot of logistics to address, let alone the entire process of seamlessly transporting it. In this article, we share some insights that can help you relax while moving interstate. Below are the major factors that help shape auto shipping and allow you to prepare with a concrete shipping budget without overpaying.
1. Distance And Route
While distance does have an impact on auto shipping price, it is not always proportional to the amount you pay. A very good example would be fuel consumption, which decreases when the price per mile goes up. You also have to take into consideration the total distance for both pickup and drop-off locations, as longer routes help keep fuel costs to a minimum. While initially the figure may seem a lot, you will eventually end up spending a lesser amount as compared to short highways.
For instance, a trip of 300 miles may cost 0.50 per mile. Though it must be noted that the cost isn’t strictly pay-per-mile. The popularity of routes is taken into consideration too.
If your car is shipped along a frequently traveled corridor like Los Angeles to Miami, it is going to be less expensive than shipping to or from an off-the-beaten-path region. Busier routes tend to have more shipping service providers, which increases competition and helps in keeping the costs lower.
Pro Tip: Lower your total cost by maintaining flexibility with the dismissal or pickup point and opting for a big city or transport hub.
2. Vehicle Type and Condition
Shipping is usually most expensive for large, heavy, and damaged vehicles.
- Not all cars are created equal when it comes to transport. Heavily damaged, oversized, or immobile cars are applied to heavier shipping quotes.
- In comparison with larger SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, sedans and smaller SUVs are cheaper to transport as they are lighter and take up less space.
- Models that are considered luxury, classic, or exotic cars demand enclosed transport, which is more costly than open carriers.
- Adding specialized equipment like a winch or forklift for loading and unloading non-operational vehicles incurs additional costs.
- For vehicles with modifications such as lift kits or oversized tires, notify the company well in advance to prevent unwelcome charges.
Pro Tip: Make sure to accurately describe your car when requesting a quote. Discrepancies may result in adjustments to the cost estimate or some cases, the transport service being canceled on pickup day.
3. Shipping Method: Open vs. Enclosed Carrier
Your selection of a trailer has a major impact on the rate.
There are two principal types of carriers in the auto transport industry:
- Open transport: This is the standard option and is much more affordable. Your car is shipped on an open-air trailer together with other cars. This method, while safer than other options, exposes your vehicle to the elements.
- Enclosed transport: This is best suited for high-end and classic, or specialty cars. The vehicle is completely protected from the weather and road debris, but comes at a premium, often 30% to 60% higher than open transport.
Enclosed is worth considering if your vehicle is rare or expensive, and especially if you are concerned about dirt or damage. However, for everyday cars, open carriers are usually more than adequate and vastly more affordable.
Pro Tip: Before making your choice, ask your transporter about insurance policies for both transport types.
4. Time of Year and Market Demand
Seasonality impacts your shipping cost significantly.
In auto transport, just like other industries, prices are determined by the availability in the market. Here’s the breakdown:
- There is increased demand during the summer, along with the spring and fall snowbird seasons, particularly on routes to and from warm states like Florida, Arizona, and California. Competition for these routes can become intense, as many shippers want to transport vehicles at these times.
- Winter can hamper delivery speeds and impact the availability of certain routes, particularly in the northern or mountainous states.
- Holidays and month-end periods are busy with lots of contracted work, so people often miss deadlines and have to pay higher prices for late booking.
If you are following a moving checklist, try to book your shipment outside of peak times to save money.
Pro Tip: The less restricted you are with calendar dates, the higher your odds are of getting a low rate.
5. Delivery Options: Door-to-Door vs. Terminal
You typically will not get both convenience and cost, at least not together.
Your selected method of delivery has an impact on the cost of car shipping. The two main options are:
- Door-to-door shipping is the easiest option. The carrier comes as close to your address as possible and moves your vehicle from pick up to drop off. While this is easier for you, this service usually costs more.
- In terminal-to-terminal shipping, you pick up and drop off your vehicle at specific shipping hubs. Although this is less convenient, it is more affordable in areas with well-connected urban transport centers.
If you want to save money, then this is a good choice; however, make sure the terminal is secure, accessible, and fits your schedule.
Pro Tip: Ask the transporter whether flexible delivery dates with terminal drop off will provide discounts.
Final Takeaway: Achieve and estimate costs for your car with minimal effort.
Knowing how the prices are set for car shipping can simplify my choices while helping me avoid overspending when it’s time to move my car.
As a summary, the five most important determining factors are:
- How far are you and the route
- Condition and type of vehicle
- Open or closed transport
- Season of the year
- How will the delivery be done
Safely shipping your vehicle on time and within your budget can be achieved through following an organized moving checklist, comparing quotes from reputable car shipping companies, and planning in advance.
