Shipping a car is a practical solution when you need to move your vehicle across distances, whether it’s for a relocation, a purchase, or seasonal transport. Understanding the Car Transport Cost Per Mile is crucial for budgeting and making informed decisions. This guide breaks down the average costs, influencing factors, and strategies to save money on your car shipping needs.
Understanding the Average Car Transport Cost Per Mile
The typical car transport cost per mile in the US generally falls between $0.55 and $2.00. However, this is just a starting point. Several elements dynamically adjust this rate, meaning your final cost can be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.
It’s vital to remember that these figures are averages. To get a precise estimate tailored to your shipment, it’s recommended to use a car shipping cost calculator or request quotes from reputable vehicle transport companies.
| No of Miles | Cost Per Mile | Sample Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| 1-200 Miles | $2 | 150-miles: $300 |
| 200-500 Miles | $1.50 | 450-miles: $675 |
| 500-1000 Miles | $1.20 | 900-miles: $1080 |
| 1000-1500 Miles | $0.90 | 1400-miles: $1260 |
| 1500-2000 Miles | $0.70 | 1900-miles: $1330 |
| More than 2,000 miles | $0.55 | 2300-miles: $1265 |
Chart showing average cost to ship a car per mile based on distance
How Vehicle Type Impacts Car Shipping Cost Per Mile
The type of vehicle you’re shipping plays a significant role in determining the car transport cost per mile. Larger and heavier vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, generally cost more to transport than smaller cars. This is because they occupy more space on the carrier, weigh more, and may require specialized equipment or handling.
Here’s a general comparison of how vehicle type can affect the cost:
| Miles | Car | SUV | Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Miles | $450 | $600 | $800 |
| 700 Miles | $880 | $1,030 | $1,230 |
| 1,200 Miles | $1,080 | $1,230 | $1,430 |
As you can see, the cost to ship a car per mile increases incrementally as you move from a standard car to an SUV and then to a truck. These price differences reflect the operational costs associated with transporting different vehicle sizes.
The Role of Transport Mode in Per Mile Car Shipping Rates
The method you choose to ship your car also significantly impacts the car transport cost per mile. The two primary options are open transport and enclosed transport, each offering different price points and levels of protection.
Open transport is the more economical option, where your vehicle is shipped on an open carrier, similar to how new cars are delivered to dealerships. Enclosed transport, on the other hand, provides superior protection from weather and road debris as the vehicle is shipped in a fully enclosed trailer.
Here’s a cost comparison based on transport mode:
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 400 Miles | $600 | $800 |
| 900 Miles | $1080 | $1510 |
| 1400 Miles | $1200 | $1770 |
| 1900 Miles | $1300 | $1830 |
| 2300 Miles | $1265 | $1770 |
Enclosed transport typically costs around 40% more than open transport. The choice between these modes depends on your budget and the level of protection your vehicle requires, particularly for classic, luxury, or high-value cars.
Key Factors Influencing Your Car Transport Cost Per Mile
Several factors beyond distance, vehicle type, and transport mode can influence the car shipping cost per mile. Understanding these elements can help you anticipate potential price fluctuations and plan accordingly:
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Travel Distance: As logically expected, longer distances generally equate to higher total shipping costs. However, the cost per mile often decreases for longer hauls. This is because carriers have a base cost for loading, unloading, and dispatch, which gets distributed over more miles, reducing the per-mile rate for longer journeys.
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Time of Year (Seasonality): The car shipping industry experiences peak seasons, typically during the summer and around holidays, when demand is higher. Shipping a car during these peak times can increase the car transport cost per mile. Conversely, you might find better rates during off-peak seasons like fall and winter (excluding holiday periods).
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Specific Shipping Route: Shipping routes that are less common or to/from remote locations can increase the cost to ship a car per mile. Major routes between large cities are usually more competitive and can result in lower prices. Routes that involve mountainous terrain or areas with challenging driving conditions can also impact costs.
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Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in fuel costs directly impact transportation expenses. When fuel prices are high, carriers often need to adjust their rates to compensate, affecting the overall car shipping cost per mile.
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Urgency and Time Sensitivity: If you need your car shipped urgently, expedited shipping services are available but will come at a premium. Standard shipping allows carriers to optimize routes and schedules, typically resulting in a lower car transport cost per mile, but takes longer.
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Vehicle Condition: While most car shipping companies transport operable vehicles, inoperable or non-running vehicles may incur additional charges. Special equipment and handling are often required to load and unload these vehicles, which can increase the overall cost.
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Demand and Carrier Availability: Like any market, supply and demand play a crucial role. If there’s high demand for car shipping on a particular route and fewer carriers available, prices can increase. Booking in advance can sometimes help mitigate this.
Factors that can affect your car transport cost per mile
Smart Strategies to Reduce Your Car Shipping Cost
While many factors influencing car transport cost per mile are inherent, you can employ several strategies to potentially lower your expenses:
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Compare Multiple Quotes: Always get quotes from at least 3-5 different car shipping companies. This allows you to compare pricing and services, ensuring you’re getting a competitive rate. Don’t solely focus on the cheapest quote; consider the company’s reputation, reviews, and service quality.
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Be Flexible with Timing: If your schedule allows, being flexible with pickup and delivery dates can lead to cost savings. Carriers sometimes offer discounts to fill empty slots in their schedules. Avoid rigid timelines if possible.
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Opt for Open Transport (If Suitable): Unless you’re shipping a high-value vehicle that requires maximum protection, open transport is generally more affordable and widely available. It’s a safe and reliable option for most standard vehicles.
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Book in Advance: Planning ahead and booking your car shipping service in advance, ideally 2-4 weeks before your desired pickup date, can often secure better rates. Last-minute bookings may incur higher costs due to limited availability and urgency.
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Avoid Peak Seasons and Holidays: If possible, avoid shipping your car during peak seasons (summer) and major holidays. Demand is typically lower during the fall and spring shoulder seasons, potentially leading to lower prices.
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Inquire About Discounts: Always ask about potential discounts. Many car shipping companies offer discounts for military personnel, students, seniors, and AAA members. It’s worth asking to see if you qualify for any savings.
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Remove Personal Items: While some companies allow a limited amount of personal items in the trunk, it’s generally best to ship your car empty. Excess weight can increase fuel consumption and potentially raise your shipping costs. Furthermore, insurance typically doesn’t cover personal items during vehicle transport.
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Consider Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping: Door-to-door service is convenient, but terminal-to-terminal shipping, where you drop off and pick up your car at designated carrier terminals, can sometimes be slightly cheaper. However, weigh the convenience factor against potential savings.
By understanding the factors that influence car transport cost per mile and implementing these cost-saving strategies, you can navigate the car shipping process more effectively and potentially reduce your overall expenses. When you’re ready to ship your vehicle, remember to research and choose a reputable car shipping company to ensure a smooth and reliable transport experience.
