How much does it cost to ship a car across country from the US?

The average cost to ship a car across the country from the US is approximately $2,061, or around $0.84 per mile. This estimate is based on quotes received for shipping a 2018 Nissan Rogue SUV 2,445 miles from New York City, New York, to Los Angeles, California, using an open carrier.

Shipping a car across the United States involves various factors that determine the overall cost, including the distance traveled, the size of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. Understanding these factors is crucial for consumers to make informed decisions and to anticipate possible fluctuations in prices due to seasonal demand when choosing car shipping services.

Key Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs

Various factors can significantly impact the price of your vehicle across the United States. Prominent ones include the shipment method, vehicle size, and vehicle condition. An open carrier is generally cheaper than an enclosed one, but the latter provides more protection against weather and road debris. Similarly, larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, will require more space, increasing costs. Lastly, if a vehicle is inoperable, special equipment and extra labor might be needed to load and unload, adding to the shipping rate.

Another crucial determinant is the location of your pick-up and drop-off. If your starting point and destination are in major cities, the price will likely be lower due to regular routes and a high supply-demand balance. On the other hand, remote or difficult-to-access areas may demand higher prices due to extended transit times and extra fuel consumption. Furthermore, high-traffic areas or regions with stringent regulations can also increase the cost. Remember to underestimate the influence of seasonality, as auto transporters often raise their rates during certain periods, such as the summer and the end of the year, when demand peaks.

Importance of Distance in Car Shipping Prices

The distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations directly influences the calculation of car shipping prices. The primary reason behind this is that longer distances entail more fuel consumption, increased wear and tear on the trucks, and a greater investment of time from the driver. This makes distance one of the most critical factors in determining the cost of car shipping. More often than not, the further the car needs to be transported, the higher the cost.

Another element to consider is that distance can affect the rate indirectly proportionally. Although the total price will increase with distance, the cost per mile might decrease. Shipping a car a few hundred miles costs you more per mile when compared to coast-to-coast transport. This is primarily due to fixed costs in any shipment, such as the vehicle preparation and the driver's time for pick-up and drop-off, often leaving short-distance shipments with a higher cost per mile than long-haul journeys.