If you’re planning to ship a vehicle, you may be wondering how much it will cost. The cost of auto transport depends on several factors, including:
- The distance between the pick up and drop off locations.
The most important factor that affects car shipping prices is the distance between the pick up and drop off locations. Generally speaking, the further apart these two points are, the higher your shipping cost will be. This makes sense as it takes more time and energy for the carrier to move a vehicle from one place to another.
In addition to distance, other factors such as fuel costs, tolls, bridge fees and wait times can also contribute to the final price of car shipping. That’s why it’s important to compare prices from different carriers before making a decision about which one you want to use for your shipment.
- The size and weight of the vehicle being shipped.
The size and weight of the vehicle being shipped can have a significant impact on the cost of car shipping. Ship Vehicles explains that smaller and lighter vehicles tend to be cheaper to transport as they require less fuel, require fewer personnel and take less time to move between two locations. Conversely, larger and heavier vehicles tend to cost more due to higher fuel costs, more manpower required, and longer transit times.
It’s also worth considering that oversized or overweight vehicles may not fit certain trailers or will require additional safety precautions for transportation. This could add extra costs due to custom trailers or loading materials like blocks or straps used for keeping your vehicle in place during travel.
- Whether your car needs to be delivered on an open trailer or an enclosed trailer for extra protection.
The type of carrier used to ship a car can have an effect on the cost of shipping. Generally speaking, enclosed carriers are more expensive than open carriers due to their greater security. Enclosed carriers provide extra protection against weather conditions, debris, vandalism and theft. This means that your vehicle will likely be safer during transit but this also translates into higher shipping rates.
On the other hand, open carriers are typically less expensive as they don’t provide any special protection for your vehicle while it’s being transported. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your vehicle is unsafe in an open carrier as most companies take great care when loading vehicles onto their trucks. However, it may be wise to consider investing in additional insurance if you decide to use an open carrier for your shipment.
- Any extra costs such as fuel surcharges, port fees or drive away services.
The good news is that there are many different auto transport services available with competitive rates, so it pays to shop around for the best deal. You can also take advantage of discounts if you book in advance or if you plan to ship multiple vehicles at once. On average, customers typically spend anywhere from $500-$2,000 depending on the specific needs and requirements of their shipment.
The cost of shipping a vehicle varies based on the type of vehicle, its size, your chosen method of shipment (e.g., open carrier or enclosed trailer), and the distance it needs to travel. According to data from uShip, the median cost for an open transport shipment is $737 while enclosed transport typically costs 40% more.
However, those figures can quickly rise depending on certain factors such as size and weight. For example, according to A-1 Auto Transport’s pricing calculator tool, shipping a regular car like a Dodge Charger from New York City to Los Angeles can cost anywhere between $825–$2195 depending on which type of transport you choose: open or enclosed and expedited/express delivery or standard service. Additionally, if you’re shipping internationally rather than domestically then additional fees such as customs taxes may be applicable – so definitely make sure you factor that into your budget when making plans for international auto transportation!