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Car Shipping Companies Cost By The Numbers – What Does It Cost/Rates to Ship A Car?
We would love to provide our readers with accurate auto transport quotes of exactly what goes into the estimates of moving a car, truck, motorcycle, or RV, and how much the car shipping costs too. These auto transport quote metrics are valuable when using an online car shipping calculator.
State to State & Same State Auto-Deliver
Shipping a vehicle within the same state is usually more affordable, though the distance is crucial. Here's an example: El Paso, TX to Houston, TX is about 750 miles and would likely cost between $500 and $700, depending on the car and vehicle moving type. By comparison, using a shipping cost calculator, El Paso to Los Angeles, which is 800 miles, would be slightly more expensive, probably in the $600 to $800 range.
Cost To Ship: Exploring Car Shipping Companies Rates with Top Terminal Auto Transport Companies
Moving from one major city to another also increases the chances that you'll choose terminal auto transport, which is the most cost-effective way to have a vehicle shipped. Dallas, TX, to Atlanta, GA, is just under 800 miles, and the average auto carrier price, using a shipping calculator, would be in the same range as those mentioned above: between $600 and $700.
Car shippers don't just take anywhere or route. It has to be an optimal delivery route with less traffic. However, when auto Conveyance companies consider smaller cities that are a similar distance apart but are not on a significant delivery route, the fees will be slightly higher. For example, if you need a vehicle shipped from College Station, TX, to Athens, GA (also around 800 miles), the average auto moving price would be slightly higher than the motor hauling quote you'd be able to get by shipping directly from Dallas to Atlanta.
RV Transport
Since recreation vehicles and motor homes come in various sizes and shapes, the auto transport price will vary accordingly. For example, the typically larger class A motorhomes will charge more than class B or class C RV transport. The weight of an RV is also a factor in the car shipping cost calculator that can sometimes push the cost of shipping a motorhome above the $1 per-mile figure mentioned below, particularly for RVs that are longer than 25 feet.
International Shipping
Shipping a car internationally is slightly different for each country due to the laws and taxes involved in moving any cargo between nations. Based on data from a motor Conveyance quote, the transport price of shipping alone can be expensive: you can plan at least $2,000 to $3,000 in the average cost to ship a vehicle alone from the United States to Europe, in addition to import taxes, which vary from country to country.
Visit our international car shipping companies page to learn more about the specific documents and paperwork required when shipping a vehicle overseas.
What Affects The Price Of Vehicle Shipping Estimates? Use The Car Shipping Costs Calculator
Depending on a logistics quote, the cost of shipping will be between 50 cents and $1 per mile, depending on the vehicle transport or carrier type you opt for and how far the vehicle needs to be shipped. Here are some of the metrics used by a car shipping calculator.
Type of Vehicle
This has almost everything to do with the vehicle's weight, which is essential when hauling cargo over a long distance. Motorcycles will be on the cheaper end of the spectrum, closer to 50 cents per mile.
If you use a car shipping quote, you'll realize that shipping a motorcycle between Philadelphia, PA, and Columbus, OH (about 470 miles) would charge around $300 compared to around $450 for a car. An RV, like a class A motorhome, would naturally charge more due to its size and weight. The condition of the vehicle can also influence shipping costs. A new vehicle will require much care and handling than a used one, which might affect the price.
Distance & Location
Distance and location are perhaps the two most important factors that affect the average car shipping price. If you're hiring an auto transport company to move a car across the country or coast to coast, you start to see the impact of mileage. Seattle, WA, to New York City, is nearly 3,000 miles and will generally cost over $2,000 even for standard shipping. San Diego, California (CA) to Jacksonville, FL is a little over 2,000 miles and could be done for $2,000 or less. It's important to bear in mind that these cost variations reflect the impact of distance on auto Conveyance services, highlighting the fluctuating expenses tied to moving vehicles across extensive distances, especially when the starting point is California. As it relates to distance, fuel or gas prices are another thing that may influence the charge of shipping a car.
Auto Transport Company Shipping Routes
Primary routes (between major U.S. metro areas) will usually be cheaper than moving a vehicle between suburbs and smaller cities. Shipping a car between New York and Florida can be done as cheaply as $700, even though it's over 1,000 miles (we're using New York City to Orlando for this example). The reason is that it's one of the main transport routes on the East Coast between the Northeast and the Southeast.
Vehicle Transport Type
The two primary methods of shipping a vehicle are open and enclosed carriers. Open-air car carriers often carry several vehicles at once that are loaded onto a trailer.
With an enclosed carrier, the vehicle is completely secured in a transport carrier that guards against any potential damage from the elements, road debris, or curious eyes. Enclosed auto Conveyance is a premium service ideal for high-value, performance, and classic cars.
Season
Many people don't consider the season when shipping a car, but in reality, it is an essential factor in how car shipments are priced. In the spring and summer, more people relocate for work and school or travel for vacations, and the auto transport industry is booming with business during these hot months.
This means there is a great demand for pickup trucks, and with that demand often comes higher rates as motor shipping companies have to work with customers on busy hauling routes.
In the winter, which is considered the slow season for car moving, you can often find discounted shipping rates, especially if you are shipping in a southern state or a Midwestern state. If your motor shipping company needs to ship from the north, where there may be snow and ice-covered roads, you might see a slight increase in pricing due to the weather.
The best way to find out about a seasonal rate is to ask the agent if you can have a seasonal discount. In many instances, a friendly inquiry can go a long way.
Insurance Cost
Auto transporters are required to carry minimum insurance for their operations. However, in some instances, this can be basic and may not cover full value protection for your items. Therefore you may need to take steps to procure additional insurance which may increase your car hauling charges.
Car Shipping Companies Cost: Auto Transport Pricing Resources for Car Transport
Car Shipping Companies Distance Calculator—Use Travelmath.com's car shipping cost feature to get accurate mileage information for the driving distance between any two U.S. cities.
Car Shipping Companies Weight – Get an accurate estimate of the curb weight of different types of vehicles, as well as the precise numbers for specific makes and models of vehicles.
Cost to Ship/Rates Various Vehicles: Motor Conveyance Services.
- Auto transport prices for BMW vehicles
- Auto transport prices to ship Corvette vehicles
- Auto transport prices to ship Mercedez vehicles
- Car shipping prices to trucks
Relevant Statistics
- On average, it costs around $1,200 to ship a car domestically within the United States.
- International car shipping can range from $2,000 to $4,500 depending on the destination and type of vehicle.
- Approximately 75% of car shipping costs are based on the distance traveled.
- Luxury shipping services account for approximately 10% of all car shipments.
- Expedited car shipping, which guarantees faster delivery, can cost up to 30% more than standard shipping rates.
General Facts
- The cost to ship a car depends on various factors such as the distance, destination, vehicle size, and hauling method.
- On average, the cost to ship a car within the same country ranges from $500 to $1,500.
- Shipping a car internationally can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the destination and additional services.
- The type of transport method chosen – open-air or enclosed carrier – also affects the cost of shipping a car.
- Additional services like door-to-door delivery or expedited shipping may incur extra charges in car shipping costs.
The Bottom Line
The cost of shipping a car is determined by the vehicle size and type, the distance between the pickup and delivery destination, and other factors like season or time of the year, etc. It is important to note that all these factors notwithstanding, you can still get the best deal for your car move by just doing enough research to find the most affordable auto movers in the market that can give you quality service. Get and compare quotes with at least three companies before you narrow down to one.
Whether you are shipping a sedan or SUV, you need an auto shipping company with reputation and great prices. A1 Auto Transport is your reliable partner when it comes to car transport. Contact us today for your free shipping quote and let's get things started for a hassle-free process.
- Cost to ship a van
- Cost to ship an SUV
- Cost to ship an ATV overseas
- Cost to ship a boat overseas
- Cost to ship a car across the country
- Cost of shipping a car by rail
- Cost to ship a car enclosed
- Cost to ship a car RORO
- Cost to ship a car state-to-state
- Cost to ship a car to another state
- Cost to ship a car via airline
- Cost to ship a classic vehicle overseas
- Cost to ship an exotic car overseas
- Cost to ship a golf cart overseas
- Cost to ship a golf cart
- Cost to ship an RV overseas
- Cost of shipping more than one car
- Cost to ship an ATV
- Cost to ship a car overseas
- Cost to ship a classic car
- Cost to ship an exotic automobile
- Cost to ship a motorcycle overseas
- Cost to ship a motorcycle
- Cost to ship an RV
- Cost to ship a car across state lines
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Gas Prices Affect Car Transport Costs?
Yes, our partner motor shipment carriers must account for all variables that go into transporting your vehicle. The cost of their fuel is one such factor. Fortunately, gas prices generally fluctuate gradually and do not often cause sudden surges in car shipping prices
However, an unexpected fuel shortage caused by a natural disaster is one possible exception. Such an occurrence could rapidly drive up the car shipping cost.
Are There Discount Opportunities for Shipping?
Yes, there are plenty of discount opportunities when you're arranging shipping services through A-1 Auto Transport. Our car shipping company offers discounts to a variety of customers, including:
- Seniors
- Veterans
- Students
- Government employees
- Healthcare Workers
- Dealers
If you want to find out whether you are eligible for a discount, call our sales team for car shipping quotes. We will strive to find you the best deal on car transport services. However, it is essential to note that not all discounts are available year-round.
What Factors Impact Domestic Shipping Costs?
When a car shipping company calculates the average cost of your car transport services, the team must assess a variety of factors, including:
Distance
The total distance traveled is the most significant determining factor when a car hauling company sets your auto shipping costs. Our partner sets hauling quotes by the mile. The more miles traveled, the higher the average cost of motor Conveyance.
However, many of our carriers also offer price breaks as total mileage increases. These discounts are usually divided into 500-mile increments. For each additional 500 miles that your car is being shipped, the total per-mile rate will decrease.
Season
The summer is when demand for auto shipping services is highest, which drives up prices.
At the same time, many clients prefer arranging vehicle moving services in the summer, due to the great weather. Winter shipments are at a higher risk of being delayed by natural disasters and severe weather.
Weight of Vehicle
The overall weight of your vehicle will also influence total car shipping costs. Our carriers must adhere to the gross vehicle weight requirements set by the Department of Conveyance. Currently, the GVW limit is set at 80,000 lbs.
If you intend to ship heavier vehicles, the enclosed auto transport carrier cannot hold as many cars as usual. To offset this open transport limitation, the car carrier will often charge higher vehicle shipping rates for hauling your vehicle.
Shipping Method
The open transport method used will also significantly affect the average cost of shipping your car. The two primary open transport methods available are open and enclosed transport.
When they are hauling cars via the open transport method, carriers can usually accommodate seven to nine vehicles. This allows them to charge relatively low vehicle shipping rates.
However, enclosed trailers can only fit about three to five cars, so the car carrier must charge more for each vehicle to make a profit.
Delivery Method
When you're arranging your vehicle transport services, you will get to choose between terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door delivery. Terminal-to-terminal vehicle shipment is cheaper, but door-to-door is more convenient.
Make sure to weigh the benefits of each open transport option so that you can get the perfect delivery solution to meet your needs.
Routes
If you want your car shipped from one major city to another, the auto Conveyance trailer will take a very direct route. They will be able to use interstate travel for much of the journey. However, shipping cars to pickup and delivery locations within rural areas will require them to take a less direct route, driving up car shipping costs.
How Does the Weight of My Shipment Influence Pricing?
The weight of your car impacts the total number of vehicles the car transporter can accommodate. The average tractor and trailer combination weighs approximately 35,000 lbs. Since the DOT limits a carrier's total GVW to 80,000 lbs, they can haul up to 45,000 lbs of cargo.
Due to these limitations, low-vehicle ground clearance auto transporters typically charge more to haul heavier cars. For example, let's say that your vehicle weighs 7,000 lbs. This is about twice as heavy as the average passenger car. To offset this, you will be charged higher auto transport rates.
What is the Cheapest Way to Ship My Car?
If your goal is to ship a car at the cheapest auto transport cost, then we recommend hauling transport companies offering terminal-to-terminal open-air motor Conveyance. Terminal-to-terminal auto shipping involves dropping your car off at the nearest loading facility. It is the cheapest way compared to the door-to-door delivery option.
Opting for open car transport also saves you money because our vehicle shipping auto transporters can haul more vehicles using this method. The more cars they can move in a single trip, the lower the average shipping cost for each vehicle owner.
Why is Enclosed Transport More Costly?
Due to their design and weight, enclosed transport trailers cannot hold as many vehicles as an open-air car hauler. The average enclosed transport trailer can only hold about three to five cars, about half as many vehicles as an open-air hauler. Since the carrier cannot accommodate as many vehicles, they must charge more per car to remain profitable.
Do Oversized Vehicles Cost More to Ship?
Yes, oversized vehicles are more expensive to ship. A car with large exterior dimensions consumes more space on the carrier's trailer, limiting its ability to pick up additional vehicles. They charge a higher rate to offset this car transport cost.
Booking professional auto shipping services through A-1 Auto Transport is far more affordable than you might expect. We offer a wide array of transport cost savings opportunities, including:
Discounts
The best way to cut car transport costs when scheduling your auto shipping services is to take advantage of our various discount opportunities. We offer discounts to seniors, students, and dealers. There are also seasonal discounts available so that anyone can get a great deal on our expert open transport services.
Book in Advance
At A-1 Auto Transport, we work with a vast network of professional car shipment carriers. By doing so, we can accommodate virtually any open transport request, including last-minute auto transports. However, rush delivery requests are a bit more expensive than standard vehicle shipment options.
If you ship a motor while maximizing your savings, we suggest booking our open-vehicle transport services in advance. For domestic car shipping, you should schedule your service two to three weeks ahead of time and then get assigned a professional truck driver.
International car shipping is more complex, so we recommend scheduling your services three to four weeks before your desired pick-up date.
Choose Open Trailer Shipping
While this method does not offset your carrying liability insurance, enclosed shipping is a great way to protect your car. According to car shipping reviews, however, it is a more costly solution in the car shipping industry.
If you want to save even more money on A-1 Auto Transport's services, make sure to opt for open-air shipping. This is an efficient and affordable car shipping solution that is great for most vehicles.
Why is Door-to-Door Car Shipping Costlier?
Door-to-door car shipping is the most convenient car transportation solution available. Our partner carrier will respond directly to your residence and load your car onto their trailer. They will haul it across the country to your new home. When they arrive, the carrier will unload your car and turn it over to you.
Door-to-door car shipping places extra responsibilities on the carrier. Instead of dropping your car off at a centralized terminal, they must respond directly to your home address. As a result, it takes additional time and resources to complete the delivery, which drives up overall transport costs.
How Accurate Are A-1 Auto Transport’s Quotes?
A-1 Auto Transport's car transport quotes are very accurate. However, it is essential to keep in mind that these car shipping estimates are based on the provided information. If you submit incorrect information, then the car shipping quote may not be accurate.
When you're requesting accurate car shipping quotes, the more information you can provide, the better. Our car shipping quote generation software only requires you to enter the city or zip code of the pick-up and delivery destinations.
If you can provide us with the specific addresses when obtaining your car shipping quote, we can provide more accurate estimates.
How Long is My Auto Transport Quote Valid For?
A-1 Auto Transport can honor your free car transport quote until the end of the business day. If you want to ship a car and do not reserve your open transport services before the close of business, we will not guarantee that rate.
However, we will gladly provide you with a new car transport quote for the following business day. We cannot guarantee auto transport quotes for more extended periods because the factors that impact car shipping costs can change daily.
How Expensive is International Car Shipping?
Unlike cross-country car shipping, calculating the final cost of international shipping is more complicated than estimating rates for domestic auto transport services. However, many of the same criteria come into play. To estimate the cost of international car shipping services, A-1 Auto Transport will need to consider:
Distance
The further your luxury vehicle is being shipped; the more expensive the service will be. This rule applies to both domestic and international classic motor shipping.
Final Destination
Every nation charges unique import taxes and fees when you ship a vehicle to their ports. You must be aware of these fees before arranging your auto transport services. If you would like to know more, contact the A-1 Auto Transport sales team.
Car Shipment Method
Ocean freight is the most affordable option for transporting your car overseas. However, you can still choose between RoRo and container shipping.
If you choose the RoRo method, your motor will be driven onto the ship's deck and strapped down. Container shipping is more expensive but protects your vehicle from the elements and dangerous ocean water.
Season
Like domestic shipping rates, international costs fluctuate by season. Winter is the cheapest time of year to ship your car internationally, while summer is the most expensive.
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