Shipping a car can seem daunting, especially when trying to understand the costs involved. If you’re asking “How Much To Transport A Car?”, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about car shipping costs, helping you make informed decisions and budget effectively.
Whether you’re moving across the country, buying a car online, or sending a vehicle to a seasonal residence, understanding car transport costs is crucial. Factors like distance, vehicle type, shipping method, and time of year all play a significant role in determining the final price.
The average cost to ship a car within the continental United States typically ranges from $700 to $1,300. However, this is just an average. For journeys exceeding 1,000 miles, you can generally expect to pay around $0.60 per mile. Shorter distances usually incur a higher per-mile rate, closer to $1 per mile. While some companies might advertise flat fees, it’s essential to read the fine print, as hidden charges can quickly inflate the total cost.
To get a clearer picture of “how much to transport a car”, let’s delve into the key factors that influence pricing.
Key Factors Influencing Car Shipping Costs
Several elements contribute to the overall cost of shipping your vehicle. Understanding these factors will help you anticipate expenses and potentially find ways to save money.
1. Distance: The Miles Matter
The distance between your pickup and delivery locations is often the most significant factor in determining car shipping costs. Longer distances naturally translate to higher prices due to increased fuel consumption, driver time, and overall operational expenses for the carrier.
Car shipping companies generally use a per-mile pricing model. Interestingly, the per-mile rate typically decreases as the shipping distance increases. Shorter trips have a higher per-mile cost, while longer hauls become more economical on a per-mile basis.
2. Vehicle Type: Size and Weight Impact Price
What you’re shipping is almost as crucial as where you’re shipping it. The size and weight of your vehicle directly impact the shipping cost. Larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, require more space on the carrier and are heavier, leading to higher fuel consumption. Therefore, shipping a larger vehicle will generally cost more than shipping a smaller car.
When requesting a quote, be precise about your vehicle’s make, model, and year. For oversized vehicles like vans or pickup trucks, providing exact dimensions is crucial for accurate pricing.
3. Vehicle Condition: Operable vs. Non-Operable
The operational condition of your vehicle significantly affects the ease of transport and, consequently, the cost. Shipping a non-running vehicle is more complex and expensive.
If your car is inoperable but can still roll, brake, and steer, it can be loaded and unloaded using a winch. However, not all carriers are equipped with winches, and those that are often charge extra for their use due to the added labor and specialized equipment.
Always be upfront about your vehicle’s condition when booking. Misrepresenting your vehicle as operable when it’s not can lead to complications, delays, and even additional fees, such as dry run fees if a carrier arrives unprepared to handle a non-running vehicle.
4. Transport Type: Open vs. Enclosed
The method of transport you choose significantly impacts the cost to ship a car. There are two primary options: open transport and enclosed transport.
Open Transport: This is the most common and cost-effective method. Your vehicle is shipped on an open carrier, similar to those used to deliver new cars to dealerships. While your car is exposed to the elements, open transport is generally safe and suitable for most vehicles.
Enclosed Transport: Enclosed transport offers premium protection for your vehicle. Your car is shipped in a fully enclosed trailer, shielding it from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. Enclosed transport is significantly more expensive, often costing $400-$500 more than open transport for the same route. It’s typically preferred for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles where maximum protection is desired.
Enclosed Car Shipping Services
5. Location: Urban vs. Rural
Your pickup and delivery locations also influence car shipping costs. Shipping to or from major metropolitan areas is generally cheaper and easier than rural locations.
Major cities have a higher concentration of car carriers and customers, creating more efficient routes and competitive pricing. Carriers are more likely to have existing routes that pass through or near major cities, reducing the need for detours or specialized trips.
Rural locations, especially those far from major highways, can increase costs. Carriers may need to travel further off their standard routes, increasing fuel costs and time. However, if your rural location is close to a major highway, it can help mitigate some of these extra costs.
6. Seasonality: Time of Year Matters
The time of year can surprisingly impact car shipping prices. Seasonal fluctuations in demand and weather conditions can affect costs.
Summer: Summer is often the peak season for car shipping due to increased moving activity. Higher demand can lead to higher prices as carriers experience greater booking volumes.
Winter: Winter can sometimes offer slightly lower prices due to decreased demand. However, winter weather conditions, particularly in northern regions, can cause delays and potentially increase costs in certain areas due to road closures or hazardous driving conditions.
Fall and Spring: These seasons are generally considered the most stable in terms of car shipping costs, with moderate demand and typically favorable weather conditions.
7. Additional Factors That Can Affect Car Shipping Costs:
- Vehicle Condition: As mentioned earlier, non-operable vehicles cost more to ship.
- Expedited Shipping: If you need your car shipped urgently, expedited services are available but come at a premium, potentially adding $250 to $550 to the cost.
- Additional Insurance: While basic insurance is usually included, you can opt for additional coverage for added peace of mind, which will increase the overall price.
- Route Complexity: Direct routes are generally cheaper. Routes with heavy traffic, toll roads, or road closures can increase costs.
- Shipping Multiple Vehicles: Shipping more than one vehicle simultaneously might qualify you for a discount, but the total cost will still be higher than shipping a single car.
- Failed Delivery: If you miss the delivery window and the carrier incurs extra costs due to failed delivery attempts or storage, you may be charged surcharges.
Average Car Shipping Costs by Transport Type
Understanding the average costs associated with different transport types can further help you budget and choose the best option for your needs.
Open Transport: As the most common and economical method, open transport is a popular choice.
Enclosed Transport: For premium protection, enclosed transport is the way to go, but it comes at a higher price. Enclosed transport can cost $400-$500 more than open transport for the same vehicle and route.
Flatbed Transport: Flatbed transport is a specialized service for oversized or heavy vehicles that cannot fit on standard open or enclosed carriers. It’s typically used for heavy equipment, modified vehicles, or vehicles with extreme dimensions.
Average Car Shipping Costs by Distance
Distance is a primary cost determinant. Here’s a table illustrating average car shipping costs for open and enclosed transport across various distances:
| Average Cost | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 150 miles | $470 | $590 |
| 550 miles | $750 | $950 |
| 1,000 miles | $985 | $1,250 |
| 1,050 miles | $1,150 | $1,400 |
| 2,750 miles | $1,300 | $1,550 |
Note: These are average costs and can vary based on the factors discussed above. Costs are estimates for average-sized cars.
Average Car Shipping Cost Based On Vehicle Size
Vehicle size is another key factor influencing price. Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Here’s a table showing estimated costs per 1,000 miles based on vehicle type:
| Vehicle Type | Average Weight (pounds) | Estimated Cost per 1,000 miles |
|---|---|---|
| Minivan | 4500 | $0.96 |
| Midsize SUV | 4300 | $0.86 |
| Mid-sized Pickup Truck | 4300 | $0.86 |
| Mid-sized car | 3500 | $0.75 |
| Compact car | 3000 | $0.59 |
As you can see, smaller, lighter cars are generally cheaper to ship per mile compared to larger, heavier vehicles.
Here’s a further breakdown of average open transport costs by vehicle type and distance:
| Distance (miles) | Truck | SUV | Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 miles | $400 | $380 | $350 |
| 550 miles | $650 | $580 | $540 |
| 1,000 miles | $900 | $770 | $750 |
| 1,050 miles | $1,070 | $920 | $850 |
| 2,750 miles | $1,200 | $1,100 | $1,050 |
And average enclosed transport costs for SUVs and Trucks:
| Distance (miles) | SUV | Truck |
|---|---|---|
| 150 miles | $490 | $600 |
| 550 miles | $780 | $940 |
| 1,000 miles | $1,250 | $1,490 |
| 1,050 miles | $990 | $1,280 |
| 2,750 miles | $1,370 | $1,620 |
Alternative Car Shipping Methods: Freight Options
While trucks are the most common method for car transport, alternative freight options exist, including air, train, and ship.
Air Freight: Air freight is the fastest but most expensive option, particularly for international destinations. Domestic air freight to locations like Hawaii or Alaska is less expensive than international but still significantly pricier than truck transport. Air freight is suitable for urgent shipments or high-value vehicles.
Train Transport: Train transport is a more economical alternative, often costing under $1,000 depending on the route and railway company. It’s a practical option, especially with rising fuel costs, for certain routes.
Ship Transport: Shipping by sea is typically used for international car transport or to destinations like Hawaii or Alaska. Costs range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on distance and destination.
Disclaimer: Prices mentioned are estimates and subject to change based on market conditions, fuel prices, and other factors. Always use a car shipping calculator for a precise quote.
Get an Accurate Car Shipping Quote Today
Understanding the factors influencing car shipping costs is the first step. To find out “how much to transport your car” specifically, the best approach is to get a personalized quote.
American Auto Shipping is committed to providing competitive rates and exceptional service. Our online car shipping calculator uses real-time data from over 500 sources to ensure you receive the most accurate and affordable quote possible.
Don’t wait to find out how much you can save. Get a free, no-obligation quote online today or call us at 800-930-7417 to speak with a car shipping expert! We’re here to help you navigate the car shipping process and answer any questions you may have.
