How To Determine the Shipping Cost for a Car?

Are you planning to relocate, buy or sell a car, or move a vehicle of any kind? Shipping your car can be a convenient way to move your vehicle to your new destination without dealing with the hassle of driving it yourself. However, before you decide to ship your car, you need to ask yourself a critical question: what is the shipping cost for a car?

In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about the average shipping cost of transporting your car. From the factors that affect the cost of shipping to how to save money when shipping your car, we’ve got you covered.

The Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the price of car shipping. A base rate for car transport is determined by a few factors that make up the average shipping cost. These factors are:

Distance – The mileage from the pickup location to the destination significantly affects the car shipping cost. The longer the distance, the more expensive the car shipping quote will be.

Car Type – The type and size of the vehicle also impact the cost of car shipping. Larger and heavier vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks, or vans, need special equipment for shipping and, therefore will cost more to ship.

Pickup and Delivery Times – Your time constraints play a role in the cost of car transport. If you need to ship your car within a short timeframe, you will have to pay a premium for expedited service.

Route – The popular routes for car shipping have lower costs. However, if you are shipping your car between less popular locations, you might have to pay a little extra.

Season – The season you choose to ship your car will influence the cost of car transport. Shipping your car during the winter months may cost more due to factors such as bad weather and high demand.

Insurance – The cost of insurance coverage impacts the cost of car shipping. The required insurance coverage for car transport is already included in the shipping quote. Make sure any additional coverage is factored into the final cost.

Average Shipping Cost for a Car

Still wondering about how much to ship a car? The average cost of transporting a car depends on several factors. On average, the cost to ship a sedan across the country ranges from $700 to $1,200. However, the cost to ship an SUV, van or truck is a bit higher. The average cost estimates for shipping other types of cars are as follows:

– Motorcycle: $350 to $700
– SUVs: $800 to $1,500
– Vans: $1,100 to $1,900
– Light Trucks: $1,100 to $1,400
– Heavy-duty Trucks: $1,500 to $2,000

How to Save Money When Shipping Your Car

Understandably, shipping a car can become expensive, and you’d want to find ways to reduce costs. Here are some ways to save money on your car shipping:

Plan Ahead – the more time you have to plan your car shipment, the better. By giving yourself more time, you can have a chance to discover and compare different auto transport services, which could save you more money.

Use an Open Trailer – Comparing the cost of a covered trailer and an open trailer, the open trailer is cheaper.

Get Multiple Quotes – Getting car shipping quotes from multiple car transport companies is beneficial. Transport shippers like CitizenShipper offer free quotes that could save you money by comparing the options.

Stay Flexible – If you have a flexible schedule, you may qualify for a discounted shipping rate.

Choose the Right Auto Transport Service – When choosing a car transport company, make sure to do thorough research into the company, its reputation based on its service reviews, and whether the company has a federal motor carrier number. Also, consider the type of service you need before committing to a particular auto transport service. Standard, expedited, and guaranteed services may be available – evaluate each and determine what overall cost/benefit will be the most effective for you.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car on Average?

On average, the cost to ship a sedan across the country ranges from $700 to $1,200. However, the cost varies depending on factors such as distance, car type, route, and season.

How Can I Save Money on Car Shipping?

Some ways to save money on car shipping include planning ahead, using an open trailer, getting multiple quotes, staying flexible, and choosing the right auto transport service.

Does the Type of Car Affect the Shipping Cost?

Yes, the type and size of the vehicle impact the cost of car shipping. Larger and heavier vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks, or vans, require special equipment for shipping and will cost more.

What Is the Difference Between Open and Enclosed Car Transport?

Open car transport uses an open trailer, which exposes the vehicle to the elements during transport. It is more common and less expensive than enclosed transport, which provides a covered trailer for added protection, particularly for high-end or classic cars.

How Does the Season Affect Car Shipping Costs?

The season can influence the cost of car transport due to factors such as bad weather and high demand. Shipping your car during winter may cost more, while summer and fall seasons may offer more competitive prices.

Bottom Line

Shipping your car doesn’t have to be a daunting task. This guide has everything you need to know about the average shipping cost of transporting your car. Remember that the factors that affect car shipping cost allow you to find the right balance between price, quality, and time.

With the tips shared, you can save money while still getting reliable service. When you need to ship your car, CitizenShipper will walk you all the way through the process – and save money where possible.