Will Car Shipping Be Cheaper in 2024?

If you're planning a big move that requires you to ship your car to a far-off state, you might be curious about car shipping costs this year. Or perhaps you're planning on buying a car from somewhere not in your home state? You'll also need to know the cost to ship your car home.

Knowing how much car shipping will cost you in 2024 is pivotal for your budget. Fuel prices and the EV revolution have an impact on the overall costs of car shipping this year. And prices might go up without warning, further pinching your wallet.

Find out more about whether car shipping will be cheaper in 2024.

Current Average Car Shipping Costs

We all know that many factors influence car shipping costs. The key cost influences are:

1. Vehicle Type: Larger vehicles may result in bigger shipping costs.
2. Transport Type: Between open transport and enclosed transport, the latter is more expensive.
3. Distance: Many transport companies calculate the cost per mile.
4. Delivery Location: If you send your car to a remote area, you may have to pay more because of challenges in road access.
5. Time of Year: Shipping during the summer months or peak seasons can affect pricing.
6. Fuel Prices: Fluctuating fuel costs have a direct impact on transport costs.
7. Vehicle Condition: If you ship an inoperable vehicle, it will add to the cost as it requires more resources to transport.

The current average cost of car shipping is $1,150. But the lower limit and the upper limit vary greatly between companies and the factors we mentioned above. It can be as cheap as $250, or it can be as expensive as $2,500.

A projection based on transport type in 2024 may be like this:

That's why you should contact two or more car transport companies, like A-1 Auto Transport, to ask for a quote. Each personalized shipping quote from a reputable auto shipping company will keep you informed of the current and accurate prices for car shipping.

International Auto Shipping Costs

Let's not forget the costs of international auto shipping. Car shipping to another country is mostly determined by the destination. Some countries have higher tax rates for imported vehicles. But in other countries, it's the customs clearance cost that will be higher.

Generally, international car shipping will start around $1,300-$1,700. Marine transport will naturally be cheaper than air transport. However, the shipping method (container shipping or roll-on roll-off) will also influence the price. Overall, international car shipping prices can reach up to $4,000-$5,000.

Projected Changes in Shipping Costs

It's hard to predict how prices will be in the future. Looking at the current market conditions, shipping costs likely won't change much in 2024. It's even less likely for shipping costs to be cheaper, thanks to a number of factors, but especially fuel prices.

Other factors like logistics advancements and increasing carrier competition may influence the shipping costs. But the more immediate factor to look at will be the price of fuel.

Fuel Prices

Fuel prices are a tricky thing to predict. So many factors influence the pricing: global supply and demand, production changes, geopolitical events, and whatnot. There's also the transition to electric vehicles, including more fuel-efficient transport carriers.

If the price of traditional fuel remains stable or decreases, transport costs may be reduced. However, any unforeseen events or market changes that result in higher fuel prices may have the opposite effect. As consumers, you must keep watch of the fluctuating fuel prices to gauge their effects on the transport industry.

Transport Costs

Your car shipping cost is often tied to operational efficiencies in the shipping company and the demand for auto transport services. If a company undergoes some operational changes to streamline logistics or adopts a new tech (e.g., for route optimization), its rates may change.

But it's more likely that the company will still charge more for enclosed transport than open transport. There's little chance of this changing in many companies.

Additional Costs

Additional costs in auto transport occur thanks to many related services that add convenience or protect the vehicle during transport. Some companies offer door-to-door shipping instead of terminal shipping. There are also companies offering expedited services or top-load placement to protect against road debris.

If car shipping companies introduce new services that involve new technologies, they may affect the cost structure. But it's also possible that these new services may increase logistical efficiency instead. Thus, instead of raising the price, it may lower the shipping price.

Peak Seasons

Car shipping rates have traditionally always been influenced by seasonal changes. Peak seasons usually result in higher costs due to increased demand. These seasonal trends will continue to influence the pricing of an auto transport service.

Weather conditions and holidays all contribute to more congested shipping periods. During these times, prices may be elevated. Booking services outside of the peak times could save you money, although it's not guaranteed that these seasonal patterns will remain the same in the future.

Increased Demand for Electric Vehicle Shipping

Currently, there's an upward trend for electric vehicles. More consumers and manufacturers embrace eco-friendly transportation alternatives. Therefore, the demand for shipping electric vehicles has also risen.

This rising demand also affects auto shipping companies. They must now adapt their services and increase capacity to accommodate these EV deliveries. EVs are a growing segment that could lead to economies of scale. The cost per unit of shipping may decrease if the volume of EVs transported rises significantly. But of course, this also depends on several factors. Fuel prices, market trends, and regulatory changes also affect the production and delivery of EVs.

Infrastructure for Electric Vehicle Shipping

Why must auto-shipping companies adapt their services to ship EVs? The infrastructure needed is a bit more specific than traditional auto shipping. The infrastructure changes may include:

• Installing charging stations at terminal points to maintain vehicle charge levels during transit
• Training staff on the safe handling and transportation of electric vehicles
• Modifying existing transport carriers to accommodate the extra weight and size of EV batteries

These modifications and adaptations are needed to ensure the safe handling of these vehicles. Investment in these areas could drive up the initial shipping costs for electric vehicles.

But as the infrastructure evolves and becomes more widespread, it's possible that the gains in efficiency will offset the expenses. Once stabilized, shipping costs will return to the normal rates or even lower.

However, the EV market is also still fluctuating. Changes won't be immediate in the near future for the auto transport industry. Nonetheless, it will still be worth it to monitor how these factors might play out in various auto-shipping companies and the impact on pricing.

The Effect of Market Competition on Car Shipping Costs

Market competition will also play a crucial role in shaping car shipping costs. Many auto shipping companies vie for a share of the market. Niche operators compete with industry heavyweights in the same landscape. But the competition can be good for car shipping costs this year and the future.

Here is how the competition might influence shipping prices:

• Cost efficiency and innovation: Competition encourages auto transport companies to improve cost efficiency to attract and keep customers. Advanced logistics, better fleet management, and the use of technology to streamline operations can lead to reduced operational costs that could be passed on to consumers.
• Service diversification: Transport companies may offer diverse and specialized services that cater to specific needs to stand out. Individualized delivery options without extra fees, for example, may attract more customers. Or a guarantee of safe transport by an enclosed carrier for luxury vehicles may appeal. This kind of variety allows for a wide range of price points catering to different budgets.
• Incentives focusing on customers: Auto transport companies might introduce various incentives like discounts, loyalty programs, or guaranteed pick-up dates to entice customers. These promotions can effectively lower the overall cost for consumers looking to ship their vehicles.

The Possibility of a Price War

In other industries, like retail, intense competition can lead to price wars. However, auto shipping companies are less likely to engage in price wars. Sure, some companies have cheaper prices, but they don't necessarily offer the best services. Instead of undercutting each other to secure business, most auto shipping companies will offer incentives instead.

However, if a price war does happen in the auto shipping industry, it may reduce shipping rates temporarily. It will provide cheaper options for the consumers. A prolonged war, though, may impact service quality and the sustainability of shipping operators.

Car Shipping in 2024

Car shipping costs in 2024 remain steady at an average of $1,150 in 2024. This is less likely to go lower this year unless fuel prices drop drastically. Fuel price is perhaps the single most important factor that will directly influence car shipping rates this year and in the future.

To find the best price for your auto shipping needs, contact several auto transport companies. But instead of looking for the lowest prices, why not search for the most reliable and safest service? A-1 Auto Transport is not only safe but also reliable in both domestic and international car shipping. Get your free quote now and plan your shipping today.