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How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping prices vary widely based on several factors. The major ones include the distance, type of transport (open car transport or enclosed car shipping), and the car’s size and weight. Additional minor factors also apply. On average, shipping a car domestically within the United States can range from $500 to $1,500.
For international shipping, costs typically start at $1,000 and can go up to $5,000 or more, depending on the destination and shipping method.
Additional factors such as the time of year and specific route demands can also affect the price. To get accurate car shipping quotes, it’s best to contact multiple reputable auto transport companies and compare their rates and services.
| How much does it cost to ship a car? | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $950 | $1,425 |
| Highest Cost | $1,750 | $2,450 |
| Lowest Cost | $300 | $480 |
*Please keep in mind that these are approximate estimates, and actual prices may vary due to factors like seasonal changes, fuel costs, pick-up or delivery locations, etc.
What is the average car shipping cost per mile?
The average cost to ship a car per mile ranges from $0.60
to $1.70, depending on several factors. These include the distance, type of transport, and
the type of car you want to ship. Several other factors also affect the average price per
mile.
If you’re shipping a vehicle long distance using open car transport and your
car is relatively light, the price per mile will hover around the lower end of the price
range.
For shorter distances, using enclosed car shipping, you can expect to pay
closer to the higher end of the price range.
| What is the average car shipping cost per mile? | Cost per Mile | Sample Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 500 miles | $1.87 | $935 |
| 1000 miles | $1.05 | $1,050 |
| 1500 miles | $0.73 | $1,095 |
| 2000 miles | $0.58 | $1,160 |
| 2500 miles | $0.48 | $1,200 |
*Please keep in mind that these are approximate estimates, and actual prices may vary due to factors like seasonal changes, fuel costs, pick-up or delivery locations, etc.
What is the average car shipping cost by transport type?
The average cost to ship your car using open car transport
ranges between $550 and $1,600 or $0.60 and $1.10 per mile. For enclosed car shipping, the
average price ranges from $1,000 to $2,450 or $0.90 and $1.70 per mile.
If you choose
enclosed car shipping, the carrier transports your vehicle in an enclosed trailer throughout
the trip. This method minimizes accidental damage from weather, dust, road debris, and other
elements.
However, when you compare this method with open car transport, the price to
ship a car is higher.
The lower price of open car transport is an obvious advantage.
However, an open car transport trailer exposes your vehicle to the elements, increasing the
risk of damage, but only minimally.
Open car transport allows carriers to transport
multiple vehicles simultaneously using a large truck and trailer. This type of transport
service is what you see most on the highway, and for manufacturers, it’s the most popular
way to ship brand-new vehicles to dealerships.
| What is the average car shipping cost by transport type? | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $950 | $1,425 |
| Highest Cost | $1,750 | $2,450 |
| Lowest Cost | $300 | $480 |
*Please keep in mind that these are approximate estimates, and actual prices may vary due to factors like seasonal changes, fuel costs, pick-up or delivery locations, etc.
What is the average car shipping cost by vehicle?
A sedan costs between $500 and $1,000 for open car transport, while a truck costs between $600 and $1,500. Shipping a compact SUV using enclosed car shipping costs between $900 and $1,700, whereas an SUV costs between $1,000 and $2,000.
The type of vehicle you want to ship impacts the price
Regarding vehicle transport rates, the type of vehicle you
want to ship, particularly its size, plays a crucial role in calculating a ship-a-car quote.
Every increase in the size of a vehicle subsequently increases auto transport rates per mile
and overall.
At this point, we should point out that these are merely rough
estimates. An actual shipping quote for car transport will vary based on many factors, which
we’ll examine shortly.
| What is the average car shipping cost by vehicle? | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $950 | $1,425 |
| SUV | $1,015 | $1,525 |
| Pick-up Truck | $1,140 | $1,710 |
*Please keep in mind that these are approximate estimates, and actual prices may vary due to factors like seasonal changes, fuel costs, pick-up or delivery locations, etc.
How do we calculate the car shipping rates?
We calculate car shipping rates using several vital factors. Distance is a primary one, with longer distances costing more. The type of transport, whether open or enclosed, also affects the price, with enclosed car shipping being more expensive due to the added protection.
Your vehicle’s size and weight influence the cost, as larger, heavier vehicles require more space and fuel. Seasonal demand can increase rates during peak times like summer or holidays.
For an accurate rate, use our shipping a car cost calculator or speak with our car shipping experts by phone or live chat.
Use the car shipping price calculator to get the best price and learn how much does it cost to get a car shipped in seconds
Using our car shipping cost calculator for the USA is a very straightforward process. It takes less than 60 seconds to complete, and you receive a copy of your instant car shipping quote via email. Using our auto transport rates calculator costs nothing, and you are not obligated to complete the process with a booking.
Your quote is valid for 14 days. Don’t worry if you don’t book within that timeframe. You can come back anytime, and we recalculate the car shipping price. There is no need to provide the details again because we save the information in our quote-calculating system.
When you use our car shipping cost calculator, there are four steps to follow:
Step 1: Pick-up and delivery locality We require only the ZIP code or city for the pick-up and delivery locations. You don’t need to provide the complete address; we confirm this during the booking process.
When you input the ZIP code or city, a drop-down list appears, and you can choose the appropriate one.
When you input the ZIP code or city, a drop-down list appears, and you can choose the appropriate one.
Step 2: Vehicle details For the vehicle details, you’ll get drop-down lists from which to choose. First, it’ll be the year of manufacture, followed by the make and model. If you can’t find the right make and model or the year of manufacture was before 1941, you must speak with one of our car shipping experts.
Additionally, we need to know whether your vehicle is operable or inoperable and how many vehicles you want to ship simultaneously.
Additionally, we need to know whether your vehicle is operable or inoperable and how many vehicles you want to ship simultaneously.
Step 3: Transportation type When you use our auto transport rates calculator, you must decide the type of transport you want to use for shipping your vehicle. At this stage, you have two options: open car transport and enclosed car shipping. Which one you choose depends on your priorities, budget, and schedule.
If you want the most economical auto transport service, open car transport should be your choice. Your vehicle is exposed to the elements, traffic, and road grime, but it’s still a safe and secure way to ship your car. Thousands of dealerships and auto manufacturers use this method regularly, which is a testament to its reliability.
The other option is enclosed car shipping, but it is more expensive. The higher cost is because your vehicle is completely protected and more secure. We recommend this method for classic car transport, custom, luxury, sports, exotic, or high-end vehicle owners.
If you want the most economical auto transport service, open car transport should be your choice. Your vehicle is exposed to the elements, traffic, and road grime, but it’s still a safe and secure way to ship your car. Thousands of dealerships and auto manufacturers use this method regularly, which is a testament to its reliability.
The other option is enclosed car shipping, but it is more expensive. The higher cost is because your vehicle is completely protected and more secure. We recommend this method for classic car transport, custom, luxury, sports, exotic, or high-end vehicle owners.
Step 4: Communication details The final step in getting your car shipping quotes is providing personal details. We don’t require your home address, social security number, bank details, or anything more personal than your email address and phone number.
We send a copy of your quote to your email address. We ask for your phone number for verification purposes.
These details are for communication purposes only. We guarantee you’ll receive no spam or lead-selling inquiries, and we won’t pass your details on to any third parties apart from the carrier we assign to your booking.
We send a copy of your quote to your email address. We ask for your phone number for verification purposes.
These details are for communication purposes only. We guarantee you’ll receive no spam or lead-selling inquiries, and we won’t pass your details on to any third parties apart from the carrier we assign to your booking.
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How to get the best car shipping quotes?
To get the best cheap car shipping quotes, follow these steps:
- Research reputable companies: Identify reputable car shipping companies with good reviews and ratings. Look for companies with positive customer feedback and accreditation from organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
- Request multiple quotes: Obtain quotes from at least three different companies. This allows you to compare prices and services, ensuring you get a competitive rate.
- Provide accurate information: When requesting quotes, provide precise details about your vehicle (make, model, size, and condition), the pick-up and drop-off locations, and your preferred shipping dates. Accurate information helps companies give you an accurate quote.
- Consider transport options: Based on your vehicle needs and budget, decide between open car transport and enclosed car shipping. Open car transport is typically cheaper, but enclosed car shipping offers more protection.
- Check for discounts: Inquire about any car shipping discounts the shipping companies may offer. Discounts are often available for military personnel and their families, students, snowbirds, multiple car shipments, and return customers.
- Understand the services included: Ensure you understand what services are included in the quote. Some companies may offer door-to-door auto transport, insurance coverage, or expedited auto transport for an additional fee.
- Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the terms and conditions of each quote. Look for any hidden fees or additional charges that may apply.
Factors which influence the cost to ship a car
Several factors affect the cost of shipping your vehicle. Knowing these will help you better understand any car shipping quotes you receive.
Market demand
Market demand is the primary factor influencing pricing. Unlike parcel shipping, where costs remain relatively stable, car shipping prices fluctuate mainly based on market demand.
This demand can change cyclically (seasonally) or non-cyclically (often due to mass relocations).
In urban areas, prices rise when market demand is high and fall when demand is low. Conversely, in rural areas, prices are generally higher due to consistently low demand for car shipping.
Truck availability
Truck availability closely correlates with market demand. When there are fewer trucks in an area, demand tends to spike. Conversely, when more trucks are available, demand gradually decreases.
Distance
Though distance is a logical pricing factor, it is less significant than market demand. Busy short major routes can sometimes have illogically high prices, while longer major routes might have lower prices. Ultimately, market demand dictates prices.
Vehicle dimensions
Bulkier and heavier vehicles generally cost more to transport than smaller and lighter ones. Due to height and weight restrictions, each truck is dispatched to optimize its load capacity to the maximum allowed, maximizing profits. Truckers and dispatchers aim to avoid as many empty slots on a trailer as possible.
Vehicle value
Transporting expensive exotics, classics, and custom vehicles typically costs more. We usually recommend enclosed car shipping, which is 40-60% more expensive than open car transport.
Vehicle condition
Non-running vehicles are more challenging to handle, requiring special equipment like winches for loading and unloading. Managing these vehicles takes significantly more time, and as we know, time is money.
Time of year (seasonality)
Summer is the most popular time to ship a car, which means you can expect to pay more to ship your vehicle during this time of year. Holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year are also costlier times to ship a car.
It is possible to avoid paying these higher costs by avoiding peak seasons and only shipping your vehicles during off-peak times, such as the fall or winter.
Fuel price
This is one factor that’s entirely out of your control. Nevertheless, the fuel cost at the pumps can inflate the cost of shipping your vehicle. To circumvent this issue, keep a close eye on fuel prices and avoid shipping your car when fuel prices are high.
Expedited/Express car transport
We can provide expedited/express car transport, but it is more expensive. Let’s explain how it works so you can better understand the reason for the high price.
It costs more because it prioritizes delivering your vehicle as quickly as possible and gets priority for pick-up. The standard timeline is 5 to 7 days, but express or expedited car transport cuts the pick-up time to 1 or 2 business days.
Guaranteed pick-up date
In the auto transport industry, guaranteed car pick-up services ensure that your vehicle will be picked up on a specified date, usually within a 24-hour window. To offer this service, companies allocate carriers in your area ahead of time, which incurs additional costs.
While it provides peace of mind and is beneficial if you have a schedule to keep, it does come at a slightly higher price than standard car shipping.
We offer this service for an extra premium. Contact us for more details.
Transport type
- Open car transport: Approximately 90-95% of car shipping trucks are open carriers, resulting in greater availability and cheaper rates. While the vehicle is exposed to the elements and may get dirty, dusty, or snowy, it remains perfectly safe. Even brand-new vehicles are transported from manufacturing plants to dealerships using open car transport.
- Enclosed car shipping: This method protects the vehicle from the elements but has less truck availability. We recommend it for exotics, classics, and custom vehicles. Due to the higher cost, it is not the preferred method for regular day-to-day vehicles.
Pick-up and delivery locations
Prices can vary for different locations within the same area. For instance, islands in the Seattle area or Long Island in New York may incur additional costs for ferries and bridge fees or involve time-consuming access, such as ports. However, these charges depend primarily on the demand.
Extra services
Any customer request beyond our default service is considered an extra service. Examples include top-load vehicle placement, transporting extra items, or scheduling a limited pick-up window (guaranteed pick-up date), among others.
Discounts
While we aim to keep our prices competitive with market demand, you may qualify for various discounts, such as military, student, or returning customer discounts. Contact us to claim your discount.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The cost difference between in-state and out-of-state car shipping primarily depends on factors such as distance, route popularity, and demand.
Generally, in-state shipping is less expensive due to shorter distances and potentially simpler logistics.
Out-of-state shipping involves longer distances, potentially crossing state lines, which can incur additional fees such as tolls, fuel, and driver accommodations.
Additionally, out-of-state shipping may have higher demand during certain times or for specific routes, impacting pricing.
While in-state shipping is typically more cost-effective, out-of-state shipping costs vary based on various factors.
Whether it's cheaper to drive or ship a car across the country depends on several factors, such as distance, fuel costs, vehicle wear and tear, time, and convenience.
Driving may seem cheaper upfront as it eliminates shipping fees, but consider fuel costs, food, lodging, and potential vehicle wear and tear. Additionally, driving long distances can be time-consuming and may require time off work, leading to lost wages.
On the other hand, shipping a car across the country involves paying for transportation services. Still, it saves you from fuel expenses, potential vehicle maintenance, and the wear and tear associated with long-distance driving. Moreover, shipping your car allows you to avoid the stress and fatigue of long drives and can be more convenient, especially if you're relocating or have a busy schedule.
Ultimately, deciding between driving and shipping depends on your priorities, budget, and preferences. Consider weighing the costs, time, and convenience factors to determine the best option for your situation.
Shipping a car can be worth it in many situations, depending on your needs and circumstances.
Here are some scenarios where shipping a vehicle could be advantageous:
- Long-distance moves: If you're relocating across the country or even internationally, shipping your car can save you time and effort compared to driving it long distances.
- Special vehicles: If you own a classic car, luxury vehicle, or specialty vehicle, shipping ensures it's transported safely and securely, minimizing the risk of damage or wear and tear during transit.
- Time constraints: If you have a tight schedule and can't afford the time it takes to drive long distances, shipping your car allows you to focus on other priorities while professionals handle the transportation.
- Avoiding wear and tear: Long-distance drives can put significant mileage and wear on your vehicle, potentially decreasing its value or leading to costly maintenance needs. Shipping your car can help preserve its condition.
- Convenience: Shipping your car eliminates the stress and hassle of long drives, especially if you're uncomfortable driving in unfamiliar areas or dealing with road trip logistics.
However, it's essential to weigh the costs of shipping against the benefits and consider factors like delivery timeframes, insurance coverage, and the shipping company's reputation. Whether shipping a car is worth it depends on your circumstances and priorities.
If you're relocating and have the time, driving may be preferable, considering the risks associated with the road. However, shipping is often the more economical choice when purchasing a vehicle. Factoring in expenses like flight tickets to reach the pick-up point, vehicle registration with temporary plates, fuel costs, and the uncertainty of buying a mechanically sound vehicle, the overall cost and hassle outweigh the benefits of driving it yourself.
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