How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Car shipping cost depends on your transportation distance, route, vehicle, carrier type, pickup and delivery locations, timing, and current carrier availability. Because these factors vary from shipment to shipment, there isn’t one price that applies to every vehicle move.
The most reliable way to determine the cost to ship your particular car is to provide accurate vehicle, route, and scheduling information when requesting a quote.
Here’s what can affect your final vehicle transportation price.
What Determines Car Shipping Cost?
Several factors work together to determine car shipping cost rather than mileage alone.
The major factors can include:
- Transportation distance
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Vehicle size and weight
- Open or enclosed transport
- Running or non-running condition
- Route and carrier availability
- Seasonal demand
- Fuel costs
- Scheduling flexibility
- Special loading requirements
This is why two customers shipping different vehicles over similar distances may receive different transportation quotes.
How Does Distance Affect Car Shipping Prices?
Distance is one of the most obvious factors affecting car shipping prices, but the relationship isn’t as simple as multiplying mileage by a fixed rate.
The actual route matters too.
A carrier may regularly travel between major metropolitan areas or along busy interstate corridors. A pickup or delivery far away from common transportation routes may involve different logistics.
Therefore, both mileage and location can influence the overall cost to ship a car.
Does Vehicle Size Affect the Cost?
Yes. Vehicle dimensions and weight can affect car shipping cost because every carrier has limitations on available space and weight.
A compact sedan occupies less space than many full-size SUVs or pickup trucks.
When requesting transportation, provide the exact:
- Year
- Make
- Model
Also disclose significant modifications such as lift kits, oversized tires, lowered suspension, roof accessories, or aftermarket bodywork.
Accurate information helps the transportation requirements get evaluated correctly before pickup.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport Cost
Your choice between open and enclosed transportation can affect your vehicle shipping cost.
Open Auto Transport
Open carriers are commonly used to transport everyday cars, SUVs, trucks, and other passenger vehicles.
The automobiles are transported on an exposed carrier and encounter normal weather and road conditions during the trip.
Open transportation can be a practical choice for many standard vehicles.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed carriers provide additional protection from direct weather and road exposure.
Owners may consider enclosed transportation for:
- Classic cars
- Collector vehicles
- Exotic automobiles
- Luxury vehicles
- Restored cars
- Particularly valuable vehicles
Because enclosed transportation uses different equipment and has different carrier availability, its pricing can differ from open transportation.
Does Vehicle Condition Change Car Shipping Cost?
It can. Whether a vehicle runs and drives can influence car shipping cost and loading requirements.
A typical running vehicle can generally be loaded using normal carrier procedures.
A non-running automobile may require different equipment or arrangements.
When requesting a quote, accurately explain whether the vehicle:
- Starts
- Drives
- Steers
- Brakes
- Rolls
Don’t wait until pickup to disclose that a vehicle doesn’t run. Providing the information beforehand helps determine what will be needed to transport it.
Why Do Pickup and Delivery Locations Matter?
Location can have a significant effect on auto transport pricing.
Large vehicle carriers need sufficient space to maneuver. Narrow streets, low trees, gates, tight turns, steep grades, and local restrictions may prevent a carrier from safely reaching an exact address.
Carrier availability can also vary between heavily traveled routes and more remote locations.
When an exact address isn’t accessible, the driver may need to coordinate a nearby location that provides adequate space.
Providing accurate addresses from the beginning helps identify these potential issues.
Does Time of Year Affect Car Shipping Prices?
Seasonal demand and carrier availability can influence car shipping prices.
Certain routes may experience increased transportation demand during different parts of the year. Weather, holidays, seasonal relocation patterns, and other factors can also affect transportation conditions.
If your transportation dates are flexible, mention that when requesting a quote.
Having flexibility doesn’t guarantee a particular price, but it gives you more information to work with when discussing transportation options.
How Do I Get an Accurate Car Shipping Quote?
To better understand your expected car shipping cost, start by providing complete information.
Have these details ready:
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Pickup city or location
- Delivery city or location
- Preferred pickup dates
- Running or non-running condition
- Significant vehicle modifications
- Open or enclosed transport preference
Avoid changing vehicle information simply to obtain a different initial estimate.
For example, don’t identify a large SUV as a standard sedan. The carrier ultimately needs the correct vehicle information to determine loading requirements.
Can I Lower My Vehicle Transportation Cost?
There isn’t a trick that guarantees a lower car transport price, but making the shipment easier to coordinate can sometimes provide more transportation options.
Consider:
- Planning ahead when possible
- Providing accurate information
- Discussing scheduling flexibility
- Considering open transportation for an everyday vehicle
- Providing accessible pickup and delivery locations
- Disclosing vehicle problems before scheduling
Most importantly, compare transportation arrangements based on more than price alone.
An unusually low quote isn’t automatically the best choice if important shipment details haven’t been considered.
What Should I Do Before My Car Is Picked Up?
Once transportation is arranged, prepare the automobile for pickup.
Take clear photographs of the vehicle from multiple angles and keep them until transportation is complete.
You should also:
- Remove valuables and unnecessary belongings.
- Check the tires.
- Look for significant fluid leaks.
- Secure loose exterior accessories.
- Have the required keys available.
- Confirm contact information.
- Disclose mechanical issues.
- Mention significant modifications.
Good preparation can help make the pickup process easier, regardless of your final vehicle transport cost.
Price Isn’t the Only Factor to Consider
While car shipping cost matters, it shouldn’t be the only consideration when selecting a transportation provider.
Research the company and understand the transportation arrangements before making a decision.
Webster Hauling has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Consumers can also research motor carrier information through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and find federal transportation information through the U.S. Department of Transportation.
These independent resources can help you research transportation providers rather than making a decision based solely on the lowest quoted price.
Car Shipping Cost FAQs
Is car shipping priced by the mile?
Distance is an important pricing factor, but transportation isn’t necessarily calculated using one fixed per-mile rate. Route, vehicle, locations, carrier type, availability, and other factors can affect the final car shipping cost.
Does a bigger vehicle cost more to transport?
It can. Larger and heavier vehicles require more carrier capacity than smaller automobiles, which can affect transportation pricing.
Is open transport less expensive than enclosed transport?
Open and enclosed carriers have different equipment, capacity, and availability. Open transportation is commonly used for standard vehicles, while enclosed transportation provides additional protection from direct weather and road exposure.
Does a non-running car cost more to ship?
A non-running vehicle may require different loading equipment or arrangements. Tell the transportation provider about the vehicle’s exact condition when requesting a quote.
Why can car shipping quotes change?
Carrier availability, route conditions, demand, fuel costs, vehicle information, scheduling, and other transportation factors can change. Make sure you understand what information a quote is based on.
Where can I learn more about vehicle transportation?
Visit Webster Hauling’s Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information.
Get a Car Shipping Cost Quote
Your actual car shipping cost depends on your specific vehicle, transportation route, locations, timing, and carrier requirements.
Webster Hauling helps customers discuss vehicle transportation based on their individual shipment details.
Have your vehicle’s year, make, model, pickup location, destination, and preferred dates ready when you contact Webster Hauling to discuss your transportation needs.
