Auto transport quotes and car shipment rates in the industry are calculated using unique shipping considerations for each customer. Your car shipping estimate will include several different transport factors. This includes, but isn’t limited to: trip distance, car size (sedan, pickup truck, SUV, etc.), vehicle condition (operable or inoperable), transport type (open or enclosed), location (i.e. rural or urban), and the time of year you ship. We Will Transport It’s calculator lets you enter all the details about your vehicle, allowing us to generate the most accurate and cost-optimized price — without hidden fees.
What factors are used to calculate cost of car shipping?
• Distance
Total distance is the main component used in calculating a quote for car shipping. Longer distances generally lead to a higher overall car shipping price, but also include a discounted cost per mile. With our car shipping calculator, you can get the best auto transport quote for any car shipment. It’s important to note that international car shipping prices might differ from ground vehicle transport.
• Route
Different from distance, route refers to what highways and other roads will be traveled to transport the vehicle. Routes in highly populated areas may have increased traffic congestion, which could impact transport time and shipping costs.
Additional route considerations that can be factored into shipping costs include:
– Physical road conditions
– Adverse weather
– Road construction
• Shipping date
When you book a car transport service, shipment date often plays a huge role in the cost. It’s best to book your car shipment as far in advance as possible. As soon as you know you’ll need to ship your vehicle, begin researching an auto transport company to request a car shipping quote.
Additionally, increased flexibility around car pick-up dates will often result in car transport quote savings.
• Vehicle make & model
When planning your auto transport, we ask for the exact vehicle specifications, because the truck driver must know how much space is required to safely secure your automobile and ensure proper trailer height and side clearance. Longer and taller cars require additional vehicle transport adjustments, which may slightly increase car shipping costs. Vehicle modifications like larger tires and roof racks can also increase the cost.
• Auto transport type
Most people shipping a car select open car transport, as it is the industry standard and cheapest way for car shippers to move your vehicle. For extra car shipment protection, we recommend using enclosed car transportation services that shield vehicles from weather and debris. Enclosed auto transport can increase the cost of car shipping, but is worth the peace of mind for delicate, exotic or luxury car transportation.
• Vehicle condition
If your car is running, you will get a better auto shipping price from car shippers for the allotted distance. If your car is inoperable, but maintains the ability to roll, steer, and brake, it will require a winch and other accommodations to be loaded onto the carrier trailer, which will increase the cost of shipment.