Distance
You’ll pay higher car shipping costs for a cross-country journey than you will for local transport, but you’ll pay a lower rate per mile. Transportation companies have fixed costs that they must recoup for each car that they ship, but taking a more extended trip with fewer stops enables them to save time and fuel. They can pass those savings along by offering lower prices. You can also ship your car overseas in a shipping container or a roll-on roll-off (RoRo) transport. Your shipping costs will include ground transportation to a port city, overseas shipping costs, and port taxes in applicable destinations. If you can’t take delivery immediately, you might incur storage fees at the terminal.
Route
It’s generally cheapest to transport cars between communities that are serviced by Interstate highways. If the driver has to travel to and from remote locations or if he encounters unexpected road closures, it can adversely affect your shipping costs.
Shipping Dates
Expedited shipping will be your most expensive option because the transportation company will often send a dedicated truck to pick up your vehicle. But expedited shipping only saves you a few days. If your shipping dates are flexible, you can ship your vehicle on a car hauler already headed toward your destination. Other customers have already paid for expedited shipping, and we can reserve a space on the same hauler for a drastically lower price!
Vehicle Size
Shipping a car is like shipping other types of freight, and you should expect to pay a higher price to transport a larger or heavier vehicle. A small sedan will be cheaper to ship than an SUV or a half-ton pick-up truck, and you might need a specialty flatbed transport if you’re shipping an RV or an oversized vehicle. Let your transportation specialist know if your car has any bike racks or roof racks so that your driver can make any necessary arrangements to ensure that they’re not damaged in transit.
Vehicle Condition
Your shipping costs will be the cheapest when your car is operational, but we can transport most cars as long as they can roll and steer and have working brakes. You might incur additional labor costs if your vehicle needs to be towed to the pick-up site or if it needs to be loaded with a winch or a forklift.
Auto Transport Service Type
Scheduling a driver will be your most cost-effective option, but you’ll incur wear and tear on your engine while your car is on its way to your destination. Shipping your car on an open trailer is a fast and effective way to ship your vehicle, and you’ll share the shipping costs with other customers. Enclosed trailer shipping will cost you about 30-40% more than shipping your car in an open trailer, but it’s a small price to pay to ensure that your classic vehicle is well-protected on its journey to your destination!
Locations Of Pick-Up And Delivery
Transporting your car between large cities will typically be your cheapest option due to the wide availability of regular transport services on popular routes. Rural pick-ups and deliveries can cost you more because the driver will have to travel extra miles to get there.
Auto Transport Insurance
Auto transport companies carry liability insurance, and you have the option to purchase additional insurance. If you own a rare or vintage auto, you’ll want to ensure that you have sufficient insurance to cover the replacement cost of the vehicle in the unlikely event of a total loss. Review your existing insurance policy carefully and ensure you understand what type of damage will be covered and whether or not you’ll be responsible for paying a deductible. Supplemental insurance will increase your shipping cost, but it’s money well spent to protect your most prized possession!