Vehicle shipping cost depends on several factors, including distance, route, vehicle size, transport type, vehicle condition, pickup and delivery locations, timing, and carrier availability. Because every shipment has different requirements, there isn’t one transportation price that applies to every vehicle.
Understanding what affects the cost to ship a vehicle can help you evaluate quotes and provide the information needed to arrange transportation.
What Factors Affect Vehicle Shipping Cost?
Several factors can influence vehicle shipping cost at the same time.
The most important commonly include:
- Transportation distance
- Vehicle size and weight
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Open or enclosed transport
- Running or non-running condition
- Carrier availability
- Seasonal demand
- Fuel costs
- Scheduling flexibility
- Special loading requirements
This is why two vehicles traveling similar distances may have different transportation prices.
How Does Distance Affect Vehicle Shipping Prices?
Distance is an important factor in vehicle shipping prices, but mileage isn’t the entire calculation.
The route also matters.
A shipment between locations along frequently traveled transportation corridors may have different carrier availability than a shipment involving a remote area.
For example, a carrier traveling between major metropolitan areas may have more opportunities to combine vehicles efficiently than one traveling well outside common routes.
Therefore, mileage and route should both be considered when evaluating transportation costs.
Does Vehicle Size Affect Shipping Cost?
Yes. Vehicle dimensions and weight can influence vehicle shipping cost.
Auto carriers have limits on both available space and total weight. A compact sedan generally requires less carrier capacity than a full-size SUV or heavy-duty pickup.
When requesting transportation, provide the exact:
- Year
- Make
- Model
You should also disclose modifications that may change the vehicle’s original dimensions, including:
- Lift kits
- Oversized tires
- Lowered suspension
- Aftermarket bumpers
- Roof accessories
- Custom bodywork
Accurate information helps determine the vehicle’s transportation requirements before pickup.
Open vs. Enclosed Vehicle Transport
The type of carrier you select can affect your vehicle transport cost.
Open Auto Transport
Open carriers are commonly used for everyday cars, SUVs, pickups, vans, and other passenger vehicles.
Vehicles travel on an exposed carrier and encounter normal weather and road conditions during transportation.
For many standard automobiles, open transport can be a practical option.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed transportation provides additional protection from direct weather and road exposure.
It may be considered for vehicles such as:
- Classic cars
- Collector vehicles
- Luxury automobiles
- Exotic cars
- Restored vehicles
- Particularly valuable automobiles
Enclosed carriers use different equipment and may have different availability, which can influence the overall vehicle shipping price.
Does Vehicle Condition Affect Vehicle Shipping Cost?
It can. A vehicle’s operating condition may affect vehicle shipping cost because non-running automobiles can require different loading arrangements.
When requesting transportation, explain whether the vehicle:
- Starts
- Drives
- Steers
- Brakes
- Rolls
Don’t simply describe a vehicle as “non-running” if you know more about its condition.
For example, a vehicle that doesn’t start but still rolls and steers may present different transportation requirements than a heavily damaged vehicle that can’t move freely.
Providing accurate information helps identify loading requirements beforehand.
Why Do Pickup and Delivery Locations Matter?
Pickup and delivery locations can influence auto transport pricing because carrier accessibility and availability vary.
Large vehicle carriers require considerable space to maneuver.
Potential obstacles can include:
- Narrow residential streets
- Low-hanging trees
- Tight turns
- Steep grades
- Gates
- Parking restrictions
- Weight restrictions
- Limited loading space
If a carrier can’t safely reach the requested address, the driver may need to coordinate an accessible nearby meeting location.
Remote areas may also have different carrier availability than locations near major highways and transportation corridors.
Does the Time of Year Affect Shipping Prices?
Seasonal demand can influence vehicle shipping prices.
Carrier availability may change based on seasonal relocation patterns, weather, holidays, and demand along particular routes.
For instance, some routes experience increased vehicle transportation demand when seasonal travelers relocate between northern and southern states.
If your transportation schedule is flexible, mention that when requesting a quote.
Flexibility doesn’t guarantee a lower price, but it provides useful information when evaluating transportation options.
How Can I Get an Accurate Vehicle Shipping Quote?
To better understand your expected vehicle shipping cost, provide complete information from the beginning.
Have these details ready:
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Pickup location
- Delivery location
- Preferred transportation dates
- Running or non-running condition
- Significant modifications
- Open or enclosed transport preference
If you’re unsure whether something about the vehicle is important, mention it.
Accurate information helps reduce the chance of discovering different transportation requirements when the carrier arrives.
Can Scheduling Flexibility Affect Transportation Options?
Scheduling can play a role in vehicle transport pricing and carrier availability.
A very narrow pickup window can provide fewer scheduling options than a more flexible timeframe.
However, every route is different, so flexibility shouldn’t be treated as a guarantee of a particular transportation price.
When requesting a quote, clearly explain any dates that are firm.
For example, if you’re flying out of town or won’t have anyone available after a certain date, mention that information early in the process.
How Should I Prepare a Vehicle for Shipping?
Once transportation is arranged, prepare the automobile for pickup.
Take clear photographs from multiple angles and keep them until transportation is complete.
Before pickup:
- Remove valuables and unnecessary belongings.
- Check the tires.
- Look for significant fluid leaks.
- Secure loose exterior accessories.
- Have the required keys available.
- Confirm your contact information.
- Disclose mechanical problems.
- Mention significant modifications.
Good preparation can make the pickup process easier and help ensure the transportation provider has accurate vehicle information.
Don’t Choose Based Only on Vehicle Shipping Cost
While vehicle shipping cost is important, the lowest quote shouldn’t automatically determine your decision.
Research transportation providers and make sure you’re comparing quotes based on accurate vehicle and route information.
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 additional federal transportation information through the U.S. Department of Transportation.
These independent resources can help you research transportation providers before arranging a shipment.
Vehicle Shipping Cost FAQs
Is vehicle shipping priced by the mile?
Distance matters, but there isn’t necessarily one fixed per-mile price that applies to every shipment. Vehicle size, route, locations, carrier type, availability, and other factors can influence vehicle shipping cost.
Does a larger vehicle cost more to transport?
It can. Larger and heavier vehicles use more carrier capacity, which may affect transportation pricing.
Does a non-running vehicle cost more to ship?
A non-running vehicle may require different loading arrangements or equipment. Its exact condition should be disclosed when requesting a quote.
Is open transport less expensive than enclosed transport?
Open and enclosed transportation involve different equipment and carrier availability. Open transportation is commonly used for everyday vehicles, while enclosed transportation provides additional protection from direct weather and road exposure.
Why can vehicle shipping quotes be different?
Quotes may differ because of route, vehicle information, transportation method, timing, carrier availability, and other shipment requirements. Make sure you’re comparing quotes using the same accurate information.
Where can I learn more about auto transportation?
Visit Webster Hauling’s Frequently Asked Questions page for additional vehicle transportation information.
Get Your Vehicle Shipping Cost Quote
Your actual vehicle shipping cost depends on your vehicle, route, pickup and delivery locations, transportation method, timing, and other shipment requirements.
Webster Hauling helps customers coordinate vehicle transportation based on their individual needs.
Have your vehicle’s year, make, model, pickup location, destination, condition, and preferred dates ready when you contact Webster Hauling to discuss transportation.
