How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car? – Shipping Rates, Options, and Factors to Consider
Transporting a car from one location to another can be a complex task, and understanding the cost involved is crucial for making informed decisions. The average cost for shipping a car could be as low as $550 or as high as $2595 depending on several factors, including distance, vehicle type, transportation method, seasonal demand, and additional services.
In this article, we will explore these factors in detail to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the cost to ship a car, how to ship a car, and how to plan budgeted shipment of a car. Whether you are relocating, purchasing a vehicle from a distant location, or sending a car as a gift, having the right knowledge about car shipping costs will help you plan and budget effectively.
Key Highlights
- The cost to ship a car within the same country ranges from $500 to $1,500, with long-distance shipments costing $1,000 to $2,500 or more. International shipping can range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Key factors influencing the cost include distance, vehicle size, transportation method (open vs. enclosed carrier), location (urban vs. rural), and additional services such as expedited delivery.
- Car shipping prices tend to be lower during winter due to reduced demand but may increase during peak moving seasons and holidays.
The Average Cost to Ship a Car
When it comes to shipping a car, understanding the average cost involved is essential for budgeting and planning purposes. The average costs include:
| Car shipping low rate | $ 425 |
| Car shipping average rate | $ 1290 |
| Car shipping highest rate | $ 6617 |
The cost to ship a car can vary depending on various factors, including the distance, vehicle type, transportation method, seasonal demand, and additional services required. While it’s difficult to provide an exact figure due to the multitude of variables involved, we can provide you with a general idea of the average cost range for car shipping.
| Distance | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Same Country | $500 – $1,500 |
| Long Distance | $1,000 – $2,500 (or more) |
| International | $1,000 – $5,000 (or more) |
Car Hauling Rates
Per Mile
Car shipment costs on average are $1.15 per mile. These costs may vary according to nationwide or across-nation deliveries. Per mile costs range approximately:
| Car shipping low rate per mile | $0.55 |
| Car shipping highr rate per mile | $ 2 |
Moreover, The average cost per mile may decrease as distance gets longer.
Size
The size and weight of the vehicle can impact the shipping cost. Transporting an oversized SUV in an enclosed carrier will generally be more expensive compared to shipping a standard sedan on an open carrier. Roughly average cost range is as follows:
| Smaller one | $ 1150 |
| Larger one | $ 1750 |
Heavy vehicles, such as minivans, may cost nearly twice as much to ship as lightweight compact cars with an additional increase of $ 15 – $ 250.
Location
The specific pickup and delivery locations can affect the cost. If you require door-to-door service in a rural area, the price may be higher. On the other hand, if you can arrange for the car to be picked up and dropped off at central transport locations or hubs, you may be able to save some money.
Timeline
The timeframe for delivery is another factor to consider. Shipping a car across the country using a standard transport service can take several weeks. If you need the vehicle to be delivered urgently, rush or expedited services are usually available, but they often come with a higher cost.
Season
The time of year can impact shipping costs. During the winter months when there is typically less demand for shipping services, you may find more affordable rates around about $ 80 to $ 275, saving 10% -15% or more of the total shipping cost. However, be aware that adverse weather conditions can lead to longer delivery times.
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Cost
Distance
The total mileage between the pickup and delivery locations is a significant factor in determining the cost. Generally, the longer the distance, the higher the shipping cost.
Vehicle Size and Weight
The size and weight of the vehicle being shipped can impact the cost. Larger and heavier vehicles take up more space on the carrier and may require specialized equipment, resulting in higher shipping rates.
Vehicle Condition
The condition of the vehicle can affect the cost as well. Inoperable or non-running vehicles may require additional equipment and effort for loading and unloading, leading to higher shipping fees.
Type of Transport
The choice between open and enclosed transport can affect the cost. Open carriers, which expose the vehicle to the elements, are usually more affordable compared to enclosed carriers that provide protection from weather and road debris. Open carriers shipment cost may vary from $0.60 to $1.10 per mile while enclosed carriers cost approximately ranges between $0.90 to $1.70 per mile.
Delivery Options
Door-to-door service, where the carrier picks up and delivers the vehicle directly to specified addresses, generally costs more than terminal-to-terminal service, where the vehicle is dropped off and picked up at designated terminals or hubs.
Season and Demand
Shipping costs can vary depending on the time of year and overall demand for car shipping services. High-demand periods, such as during peak moving seasons or holidays, may result in higher rates.
Fuel Prices
Fluctuations in fuel prices can influence the shipping cost, as carriers factor in their operational expenses.
Expedited Shipping
Fast shipping alternatives are available from most firms if you truly need to transfer that car quickly. But the privilege comes with a cost, so be prepared for a more or less 30% rise.
Tracking
Tracking your vehicle ensures secure shipping of your commodity. This additional service may charge extra.
Professional Car Shipping
Consult professional car shipping companies save you from the trouble of managing a car ship by yourself under all circumstances. Although shipping charges may vary under observance of service provider protocols.
Brokers or Carriers
In the car transport industry, there are two types of companies: brokers and carriers. Brokers are big companies that work with several car carrier companies to haul your car. However, because brokers act as intermediaries, their services are typically more expensive. Carriers were thought of as the less expensive option, requiring clients to take on some responsibility for organizing the move themselves and even accept some elements of risk.
Operable or Inoperable Method
The operable method is very simple and inexpensive because all that shippers need to do to load or unload their car is to drive it into the carrier. Due to the unique equipment needed to load the car onto the truck, shipping an automobile using the inoperable method results in a large rise in cost.
Vehicle Make and Model
The kind and model of the vehicle affect how much shipping an automobile will cost. Because the carrier may move fewer automobiles to meet weight constraints, the vehicle shipping charge increases with the size of the car or the amount of weight added to the car carrier.
Vehicle Length
Some auto shipping companies determine the cost of shipping an automobile based on the length of the vehicle. Since a sedan’s average length is 189 inches, cars shorter than this become more in demand and are less expensive to ship. Auto transport businesses raise their prices since it becomes more difficult to fit vehicles larger than 196 inches within a transport van.
Route
Road closures, congested areas, and direct routes all affect the cost.
Failed Delivery
A failed delivery occurs when drivers neglect to establish contact during the delivery window. When that occurs, there are significant surcharges—many hundreds of dollars worth.
Cost to Ship a Car by Size
The cost to ship a car can vary based on its size. Generally, larger and heavier vehicles will incur higher shipping costs compared to smaller and lighter ones. Here are some estimated costs :
| Vehicle Size | Average Shipping Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Compact Cars | $500 – $1,000 |
| Sedans | $600 – $1,200 |
| Mid-Size Cars | $700 – $1,400 |
| SUVs | $800 – $1,600 |
| Trucks | $900 – $1,800 |
| Vans | $900 – $1,800 |
These cost ranges are provided for reference purposes only and are subject to change. It’s important to remember that factors such as distance, specific vehicle dimensions, pickup and delivery locations, and the chosen transport method can all impact the final shipping cost. To obtain accurate and up-to-date pricing information, I recommend reaching out to car shipping companies or brokers who can provide you with personalized quotes based on your specific requirements.
Cost to Transport a Car by Freight
When it comes to shipping a vehicle across the country, using a car transporter is the most common choice. However, there are alternative methods available, each with its own considerations and costs. Here are some options to explore:
Port-to-Port Shipping
If you need to transport a vehicle across or around a large body of water, port-to-port shipping can be a viable solution. For instance, shipping a vehicle to Hawaii usually falls within the range of $1,500 to $2,000 on average, while the journey from Hawaii to the mainland tends to be less expensive.
Passenger Train
Amtrak provides a direct-to-consumer freight train shipping option called the Amtrak Auto Train. This service operates along the East Coast, allowing you to transport a standard-sized vehicle from Virginia to Florida for a reasonable cost (typically under $300 one way). However, it’s important to note that you’ll be required to accompany the vehicle during the journey, which means an additional passenger ticket expense.
Freight Train
While shipping a vehicle by freight train can be cost-effective, it typically requires working through a transportation company as direct arrangements with commercial carriers are uncommon. Availability of space may be limited, and you’ll need to factor in logistics for transporting the vehicle to and from train terminals.
Air Freight
Although flying might seem like a convenient option for moving your vehicle internationally, air freight for vehicles is often considerably more expensive, surpassing the actual value of the car. As a result, utilizing air freight for vehicle transportation is generally not cost-effective.
t’s important to remember that these alternate shipping methods have their own limitations, such as specific routes, availability constraints, and additional factors to consider. The cost estimates provided are approximate and can vary depending on factors like vehicle size, distance, individual shipping companies, and prevailing market conditions.
To get accurate pricing and comprehensive information tailored to your specific needs, it is recommended to contact transportation companies or specialized service providers directly.
How to save Money on Car Shipping
Saving money is frequently the main concern while exporting your car. Fortunately, there are several ways to cut costs without compromising the quality of the services.
Get various quotes
Collecting quotations from many auto shipping companies is advised to get the best service and affordable prices. To make sure you select a reliable and affordable supplier, take the time to consider each company’s reputation, rates, and client reviews.
Operable vehicles
Shipping a non-operational vehicle requires more work and time than shipping a functioning one. So, it is economical to get your car functional by doing some repairs.
Reflect on seasonal variations
Seasons can have an impact on car transport costs. Avoid busy times of year, like the summer, when demand is at its highest and costs are usually higher.
Option for flexible dates
If you can be flexible with your desired dates for pickup and delivery, you may be able to negotiate a lower price. Discounts are frequently offered by carriers for shipments made at off-peak hours or if your car can be added to an already-planned route.
Advance Booking
It is advised to book your car shipment in advance to avoid pricing swings and ensure availability.
How to Ship a Car
To ship a car it is better to understand the process of shipment. Consider the following points:
- Compare frequent famous car shipping companies’ services, prices, customer reviews, and other terms and conditions.
- Once you’ve identified three or more businesses, submit their web forms or get in touch with customer support to compare estimates and select the most suitable option.
- To ensure a seamless inspection, clean the outside and inside of your car and remove any personal items.
- Undertake an inspection to record any damage before handing over your car.
- Next, your auto shipping company will give you a tracking number or service option to follow your vehicle as it travels to its destination.
- You should be present to accept your car when it arrives at its location.
- Examine your vehicle for any damage. Verify that the mileage on your vehicle matches the reading from the initial inspection.
- Upon verifying that everything is in order, you can declare a delivery to be successful, i,e. Sign off.
FAQ’s
What is the average cost of shipping a car?
The average cost of car shipment approximately ranges between $ 0.40 to $ 2.00 per mile. The type of shipment will determine how much car shipping will cost.
To shipping a car across the country cheap or expensive?
The most practical way to transport an automobile is by shipping it across the nation, but driving your car is cheaper.
Is it possible to ship a car internationally?
Yes, international car shipping is possible. However, it involves additional considerations such as customs duties, import/export regulations, and documentation requirements.
What is the cost of international car shipment?
International car shipment costs approximately range between $ 900 to $ 5100.
Is there any difference between in-state and out-of-state car shipping costs?
No, there is no difference. Car shipping cost varies based on weight and size of car, total mileage, and method of transportation.
Are there any additional charges for remote areas?
Yes, remote areas may incur additional charges due to limited carrier availability and access constraints.
Can I choose the type of carrier for shipping my car?
Yes, you can choose between open and enclosed carriers. Open carriers are more common and cost-effective, while enclosed carriers provide better protection.
Is my vehicle insured during shipping?
Most reputable car shipping companies provide basic insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit. However, it’s important to clarify the extent of coverage and any deductibles with the shipping company. If you have specific concerns, you may also opt for additional insurance coverage or check with your own insurance provider.
How do I choose a car shipping company?
When selecting a car shipping company, it’s important to research and consider factors such as reputation, experience, customer reviews, insurance coverage, licensing, and pricing. Obtain multiple quotes, ask for references, and clarify any concerns or questions you may have before making a decision.
a4AutoTransport is a group of auto transport researchers and experts that comes in handy for anyone who wants to move their car/vehicle without putting extra miles on the odometer. At a4AutoTransport, We researched over a hundred car shipping companies, interviewed real customers and industry leaders, and collected nearly 500 quotes to find the nation’s best auto transport companies. With our combined 5 years of industry experience and research, we’ll help you find the right car shipper for your budget.
