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If you’re looking to ship your car to a different city, your first question may be “how much does it cost to ship a vehicle?” After all, you want to ensure that your vehicle reaches its destination without breaking the bank.
The overall cost of Car Shipping is determined by several factors, including:
- Vehicle make, model and size
- Distance to destination
- Fuel costs
- Method of shipping and delivery
- The season of transportation
- Estimated transit time
- Special or accessory services
Further, Powersports shipping and Motorcycle Shipping may cost more depending on whether the carrier needs special equipment to load or unload and safely transport the vehicles.
Visit our dedicated Powersports and Motorcycle Shipping to find out more about shipping ATVs, bikes and other vehicles!
How to Ship Your Vehicle
Before we dive into the costs, it’s important to understand how vehicle shipping works. The vehicle transportation process typically includes these three steps:
Choosing a Transport Method
When shipping your vehicle, there are multiple methods of transport that may impact the price, including open, enclosed, inoperable and specialty transport.
To choose the most appropriate method, consider your vehicle’s make, model and condition.
For instance, rare, classic or expensive cars might require enclosed shipping; whereas regular sedans or hatchbacks can generally be shipped on an open trailer. Further, a broken down car will require inoperable transportation, and ATVs or motorcycles require specialty equipment. specialty transportation will help you transport vehicles like ATVs, boats or motorbikes.
So, choose your preferred transportation method based on your priorities and your vehicle’s requirements.
Booking Transport
Next, get commitment-free quotes from a reliable vehicle shipping company like ACERTUS and book a transport service that suits your needs.
ACERTUS provides a safe, reliable vehicle shipping solution without breaking the bank.
Once you receive your free shipping quote, book your transport online and let our team handle the rest. We recommend booking pick-up at least two weeks in advance to help ensure a seamless shipping experience.
Preparing the Vehicle for Transportation
Lastly, prepare your vehicle for transit by removing all personal belongings and cleaning the vehicle inside and out. Further, remove all exterior spare tire covers, grill covers or car covers, or lock them in the trunk.
Check for any existing damage; if you see any, make a note of it and inform the carrier of the same. Make sure there are no obvious fluid leaks and that the vehicle is in an operable condition.
Ensure that the gas tank is at least 1/8th and at most 1/4 full: this will help us move your car during emergencies. Once this is done, you are ready to hand over the car to the carrier for its journey
Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping
So, how much does it cost to have a vehicle shipped? There are four main factors that affect the cost of vehicle shipping. These include:
Distance
Distance is the primary factor determining the cost of vehicle transport and car shipping. The further the distance your vehicle has to travel, the lower the per-mile cost will be but the overall cost will be higher.
But the opposite is also true: the lesser the distance, the higher the per-mile price, but the lower the overall transportation cost.
Vehicle Weight & Size
Your vehicle’s size and weight also play a role in the transportation costs. The heavier and larger your vehicle, the more space it will occupy on a truck.
Since carriers must adhere to a strict weight limit, vehicles that weigh more impact the number of vehicles they can haul at one time and therefore, cost more to transport.
Thus, SUVs and trucks cost more to transport than sedans or hatchbacks.
Transport Type
Your chosen method of transportation can greatly impact the cost of shipping. Typically, Open-Car transport is at least $500 less than enclosed-car shipping.
This price difference is largely because open containers can accommodate more cars, have greater availability and travel along fixed routes. On the other hand, enclosed carriers can only hold a limited number of vehicles and provide more safety to your car by protecting it from the elements during transportation.
Pick-up & Delivery Locations
Lastly, your vehicle’s pick-up and delivery locations also affect the shipping cost. For instance, rural pick-up and drop-off locations disconnected from highways require more time and fuel to reach. Thus, transporting vehicles from rural areas costs more than shipping to and from urban areas with better connectivity.
Vehicle Transport Cost by Transport Method
Your chosen transportation and delivery method has a great influence on the cost of shipping your vehicle. Let’s examine how different transportation methods affect the cost of vehicle transportation:
Open Carrier Transport
Open car transport is the cheapest way to transport your vehicle nationwide. Since open trailers are more easily available, follow fixed routes and transport several vehicles at once, the cost of transportation remains low.
This method is ideal if you want a cost-effective way to transport your vehicle and are not in a hurry to receive your vehicle at your desired destination.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed car shipping or vehicle transportation costs a premium because it carries fewer vehicles, follows more specific routes and provides special protection to your vehicle from the elements and weather-related threats.
This method is ideal if your vehicle is expensive or rare. It will ensure minimal damage to your vehicle during transit.
Door-to-Door Transport
Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service will drive up the cost of vehicle transport. In door-to-door transport, the carrier will pick up and drop off your vehicle from any commercial or residential address of your choice.
This often takes more time, fuel and effort. Thus, door-to-door vehicle transportation costs more. However, it helps you avoid driving to a terminal and handing your vehicle to the shipping company.
Terminal-to-Terminal Transport
Terminal-to-terminal transport requires you to drop off and pick up your vehicle from specified points of departure and arrival determined by the shipping company. It means you are responsible for dropping off and picking up your vehicle from the shipping terminals.
This method costs less as it reduces the efforts, fuel costs and distance for the transportation company.
How Seasons Affect the Cost to Ship a Vehicle
The season in which you’re shipping your car also affects vehicle transportation costs. Here’s why:
Peak Season vs. Off-Season
The vehicle transport industry’s peak season is in summer. Since everyone is on the move, shipping during these months will typically cost more.
On the other hand, if you ship your car during late fall or early winter, you’ll likely get a better deal as there’s less demand. For the cheapest deal possible, book your transport well in advance and schedule it for January, February or March.
Regional Weather Conditions
Prevailing weather conditions also affect shipping costs. For example, traveling in snow or icy conditions can be dangerous and may drive up the price of shipping and increase transit times.
So, while businesses charge lower rates in the first quarter of the year, the opposite is true for the last quarter. From October to December, transport costs and transit times remain high.
How the Shipping Process Works
Now that we’ve understood the major factors that affect shipping prices, let’s see how the shipping process works once you’ve decided which shipping method to use:
Scheduling the Pick-Up
After you’ve chosen a carrier you want to entrust your vehicle with, the first step is to schedule the pickup. Ensure that the paperwork is in order and that you have all the documents you agreed to share with the carrier.
Also, ensure that your vehicle is ready for pick-up: trace the steps mentioned above to prepare your vehicle for its transit.
Pick-up and Delivery
- During your car’s pick-up, the carrier’s agent will examine the vehicle and the relevant documents. They will note any damage on the vehicle and record it on the Bill of Lading.
- They will then give you the Bill of Lading and make you sign it. Verify your vehicle’s type, weight, model, condition and destination are listed clearly and correctly on the Bill of Lading.
- Once you have signed the Bill of Lading, the agent will give you a copy. You will need this to accept the delivery of your vehicle to its destination.
- An agent of the carrier will notify you of your car’s arrival either the day before its arrival or a few hours prior.
- When your car arrives at its destination, both you and the agent/driver will check the car and look for signs of damage. Use the pre-shipping pictures and thoroughly compare the car for any signs of damage.
- If you find any damage, document it and record it on the Bill of Lading. This will help you file an insurance claim.
- Finally, settle with the carrier in case you haven’t done so in advance. Sign the Bill of Lading releasing the carrier. This is the last step in the vehicle transport process and signals you have received your vehicle.
Tracking and Communication
Thanks to modern technology, you can track your vehicle at any point during its transit to your desired destination. Shipping companies offer several ways of monitoring your vehicle’s progress during its transit:
- Apps with Instant Tracking feature
- Period notifications and alerts
- Emails and text message alerts when your car crosses significant milestones
Lastly, most shipping companies have toll-free helpline numbers you can use to track your vehicle’s status if you fail to receive updates through other means.
Additional Factors that can Affect the Price of Shipping
When it comes to the question, “How much does it cost to ship a vehicle?” special circumstances, such as expedited transport or inoperable vehicles, can also affect the shipping price. Here’s how they determine vehicle transportation costs:
Expedited Transport
If you need to transport your vehicle quickly, expedited shipping is for you. Transit times are often determined by carrier availability, weather conditions and traffic, so securing transport within a specific time frame is more expensive than shipping with a flexible deadline.
Insurance Coverage
All shipping companies must insure the vehicles they transport according to FMCSA and US Department of Transportation rules.
With ACERTUS, you get industry-leading car transport insurance coverage at no extra cost: we insure your car from the moment it’s picked up to the moment it’s delivered to your preferred destination.
With our 99.5% damage-free delivery rate, you can rest assured that your vehicle will arrive safely at your desired destination.
Specialty Moves
Transporting some vehicles costs more due to special requirements. For instance, shipping an inoperable or broken-down vehicle requires special equipment and handling to safely load and unload the vehicle onto the truck for transportation.
Similarly, oversized vehicles, such as trucks and boats, require more space, fuel and effort to transport. Thus, specialty moves can also drive up the cost of transportation.
Tips to Save Money on Vehicle Transportation
Looking to get the best deal possible when shipping your vehicle? Here are some tips to help you reduce the cost of vehicle transportation:
Flexible Scheduling
Scheduling is very important when it comes to vehicle transportation and the cost of shipping. Periods of high-demand like summer or snowbird season can be particularly hectic for shipping companies so having a flexible pick-up and delivery date can help you save.
Choosing Terminal-to-Terminal Delivery
Another way to save on transportation costs is to meet your carrier at the terminal for pick up and delivery. Although convenient, door-to-door services cost more because the carrier will have to go out of their way to cater to you.
So, if possible, drive your vehicle to the terminal from which your preferred transportation company operates. It’s a great way to ensure faster drop-off and pick-up while also saving on costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect the cost of shipping a vehicle?
The primary factors that affect the cost of shipping include the distance to the destination, the method of transportation and delivery, the make, model, size and weight of your vehicle, and the season in which you’re looking to transport it.
How do different transport methods impact the cost of transporting a vehicle?
Different transport and delivery methods greatly impact the cost of transporting your vehicle. For instance, door-to-door services will cost more than terminal-to-terminal delivery. Similarly, opencontainer transport will be cheaper than enclosed or expedited transport.
Is it cheaper to ship a vehicle during certain seasons?
Yes, it is usually cheaper to transport a vehicle during January, February or March. The car transportation industry is bearish during these months, meaning you’ll likely get the cheapest deal possible.
How can I save money on vehicle shipping?
There are various ways to save on vehicle shipping. For instance, be flexible with your scheduling, choose terminal-to-terminal delivery, and research and compare quotes before choosing a transportation company.
Does the vehicle’s size and weight influence the shipping cost?
Yes, the bigger or heavier your vehicle, the greater its shipping cost. This is because the shipping company will have to allot your vehicle more space and weight during transportation.
What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?
The difference between open and enclosed transport is that while in the former, your car travels on an open trailer that travels on a fixed route, in the latter, your car is transported in an enclosed container to protect it from the elements of nature.
How long does it typically take to ship a vehicle?
The time it takes to ship your vehicle depends on the shipping method you choose. Expedited shipping will ensure that your car reaches your desired destination on your preferred dates but will cost more. On the other hand, open or enclosed shipping will cost less but will require you to be more flexible with the timeframe of transportation. The average cost to transport a vehicle across state lines starts at about $1,500 but can go up to a few thousand dollars for crosscountry or expedited transportation.
