Is Car Shipping Expensive in 2024?

Moving vehicles across long distances can be expensive. While the average cost of car shipping remains the same from last year, new prices may appear in 2024 due to certain factors. Rising fuel prices, for example, may drive the average cost higher.

Examining auto shipping costs in 2024 will rely on multiple factors. Plus, we'll explore how to choose the best transport company to handle your car shipping needs. Read on.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Auto Shipping

Before getting into the prices of car shipping for 2024, here are the basic factors affecting the cost of auto shipping:

• The type of vehicle: tied directly to the size
• The vehicle's size: larger vehicles like full-size SUVs or trucks will be more expensive to transport
• The distance traveled: domestic or international destinations matter
• The vehicle's condition: an inoperable vehicle will require extra resources to load and unload, thus increasing the shipping price

One major component when calculating car shipping prices is fuel costs. Fluctuations in gas prices will influence the overall expenses of the auto transport company.

And the shipping process also entails the choice of transport type: enclosed or open. Enclosed transport often jacks up the price because it's a more secure type and meant for cars with higher values. Open transport is cheaper and can be used for any type of car.

Shipping quotes also change along with the season. Peak seasons will naturally see higher shipping rates due to increased demand.

Finally, the location of the shipment matters. Sending a car to remote areas with fewer access will be more difficult than to big cities.

Additional fees may also occur, involving the following:

• Insurance coverage
• Handling fees
• Storage fees
• Customs and taxes (especially when shipping internationally)

Now that you're informed of these factors, you can start browsing for shipping services. Getting shipping quotes to compare will be easier, especially when you have access to a shipping calculator.

The Cost of Auto Shipping in 2024

In 2024, car shipping costs range broadly. The average cost is somewhere between $550 to $2,500. The median figure hovers around $1,100 to $1,200. Of course, all the previous factors mentioned before will affect the final price.

A direct shipping of a car between cities may cost around $980. The cost can go higher or lower depending on whether it's an open transport service or an enclosed one. Shipping from the West Coast to the East Coast may average around $1,500, with an additional $900 for other fees.

The national median for shipping a vehicle in 2023 was pegged at approximately $1,200. This figure will likely rise in 2024 due to rising gas prices.

International auto shipping costs

International prices can be somewhat higher. Shipping a car to another country will depend on the destination. For example, a certain country may levy heavier taxes on imported vehicles. In another country, the customs clearance fee may be higher.

Costs for international shipping of around 2,000 miles can start around $1,300-$1,700. Depending on whether it goes by air or by sea, costs can go up even more. The shipping method, either by roll on/roll off method or container shipping, will also cause price differences.

Regardless of whether you use a domestic or international transportation company, international shipping prices can go up to $4,000-$5,000.

Additional services and extra protection

Extra costs will naturally be added if your car requires additional service and protection. This usually happens when your car holds higher financial or sentimental value. Transporting high-end vehicles or antique vehicles, for example, will require:

• Heightened protection from enclosed transport
• Additional insurance coverage

But how much bigger is the price tag? Insurance policies vary in cost. They range from $50 to $300, depending on the extent of the coverage. Meanwhile, you can expect a 50% more expensive price for enclosed transport.

The additional costs may look scary. But it's crucial to note that insurance coverage is something you can't go without. Shipping companies, too, are mandated to have basic liability coverage and cargo insurance. But a standard insurance may not account for all damages like environmental damage.

For an additional safety net, supplemental insurance options are available through brokers. You can look for your own broker if your shipping company doesn't offer one. This way, you can get comparisons for more economical insurance options.

Before completing your shipping arrangements, always review these insurance policies. Consider if additional coverage suits your needs.

Tips for Saving Money on Auto Shipping

You may feel intimidated at how expensive auto shipping is. But a few cost-saving tips will put you more at ease. Follow these tips.

• Obtain multiple quotes from different shipping companies. Comparing quotes will help you locate better deals that many companies offer.
• Always look for details of the services offered. Some quotes may not include the critical, additional fees like insurance. Beware of hidden fees as well.
• Try to be flexible with your shipping dates. A flexible schedule can give you leeway. For example, you can transport your car in the low season instead of peak season.
• With flexible scheduling, you can also take advantage of booking weeks in advance. When you book in advance, you can choose shipping dates with better rates for pickup and delivery.
• Choose open transport whenever possible. This is always more budget-friendly than enclosed shipping. Unless the car you're transporting is fragile, luxurious, or extremely invaluable, there's nothing wrong with open transport.

The auto shipping market does offer competitive pricing. With a little work, you can get an ideal cost estimate that fit your wallet.

Choosing a Reliable Auto Transport Company in 2024

The most reliable car shipping service doesn't always mean the cheapest company. Yes, price matters. But instead of sizing an auto transport company by its price quote, pay attention to other factors. Things like the company's ability to provide excellent customer service or additional protection will likely matter.

And instead of targeting to get the lowest price on a shipping quote, try to look for one with the most transparency. A transparent billing practice will ensure you don't encounter hidden fees that will suddenly hit your bank account.

Here is how you can choose the best shipping service for your car in 2024.

• Look for a company capable of handling diverse vehicle types. Companies capable of dealing with every kind of car, from compact ones to larger vehicles, usually exhibit experience.
• Similarly, look for a company offering different services. The more options you get, the more ideal. Does it have door-to-door delivery? Can they handle international shipping? How many transport types do they have?
• Shop for a company with trustworthy customer service. This means, the company can support you 24/7 with any query you might have. For example, you may want to choose a service that can track your car in every step of the journey.
• Consider past consumer reviews and testimonials by other customers. Past reviews can enlighten you on the company's reputation and reliability.

Final Thoughts

Auto shipping prices in 2024 will hinge on the cost of gas. Fuel prices are the biggest factor in the entire process of calculating shipping prices in any industry. Auto shipping companies will strive to give you the most affordable option. However, don't be surprised if the average quote is still higher than you think.

You can look for discount opportunities in your auto transport quote. But in the end, a reliable service is the one that will deliver your car safely. A-1 Auto Transport prioritizes safety when transporting your vehicles. Get a free quote today and start planning your shipping.