The Real Reasons Car Transport Costs Vary So Much

Ever wondered why quotes to ship your car can swing wildly from one company to the next? The answer is simple: everything from the distance, vehicle type, and shipping method impacts the price tag.

It sounds complicated and complex, but we have you covered.

Below, we have broken down the different factors that influence car transport costs and given you the tips you need to save.

Key Takeaways

• Distance is the primary factor, with short trips averaging $760, medium $1,472, and long-distance $1,972, costing between 40 cents to $1.96 per mile.
• Vehicle size matters significantly—cars under 189 inches cost less to ship than those over 196 inches, with inoperable vehicles requiring extra fees.
• Transport method creates price differences: enclosed carriers cost 20-30% more than open carriers, while terminal-to-terminal service saves money over door-to-door convenience.
• Seasonal timing affects both price and availability—winter offers lower rates despite weather risks, summer brings peak pricing, while spring and fall provide the optimal balance.

Understanding Car Transport Costs

Before we break down the elements that impact car shipping costs, we need to first understand how car transport companies calculate these costs.

Car shipping costs are generally calculated on a per-mile basis. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

Here is where it gets complicated. Other elements impact and influence the final cost as well. These include distance, the transport method you want (open vs. enclosed shipping), and the type and size of your vehicle. Not to mention, if you are in an urban or rural area, and what season you want your car shipped in.

Feeling overwhelmed? There is no need to be. Our team has broken everything down for you below so that you can understand how these cost drivers impact pricing.

We want you to be able to ask the right questions, fill in the right information on an instant quote, get the most competitive quote, and make informed decisions about your next car shipment.

Let’s jump in!

Key Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs

Let’s explore the key factors that play a role in shaping the overall cost of shipping a vehicle:

Transport Distance

Distance is considered by many to be the most important factor affecting car shipping costs. We have broken down the average car shipping costs below to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay:

• The average cost to ship a car ranges from 40 cents to $1.96.
• The average cost for short car transport services is $760
• The average cost for medium auto shipping is $1,472
• The average cost for long-distance vehicle shipments is $1,972

It’s important to note that these figures are based on open transport for an operable vehicle. Not sure what open auto transport is, we will explain it a bit later on.

Vehicle Type

A vehicle’s size, weight, and type have a major impact on the cost to ship a car, and this is why:

• Larger or heavier vehicles (e.g., SUVs) cost more to ship than smaller cars (e.g., sedans).
• The make and model influence pricing due to differences in dimensions and weight.
• Vehicles under 189 inches are generally cheaper to transport.
• Vehicles over 196 inches typically result in higher auto shipping costs.
• Inoperable vehicles usually include additional fees due to the special handling requirements they require.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

There are two main vehicle transportation delivery options available when shipping a car, and ShipYourCarNow offers both. They are:

• Door-to-Door Shipping – With this auto transport option, a car carrier will pick up and deliver your car as close to your requested location as possible. Think the convenience of DoorDash, but for car shipping.
• Terminal-to-Terminal Transport Shipping – For this shipping method, you need to drop off and pick up your car at a specific location. So this would be like having to drive to McDonald’s to get your meal rather than having it delivered. This is usually more affordable but less convenient.

Open or Enclosed Transport Type

There are generally two vehicle transport types that you can choose from. These are open and enclosed car shipping.

• Open transport shipping is where your car is transported via an open trailer. This does expose your car to the elements, but it is very affordable and a great option for shipping your car from state to state.
• When choosing open car transport, you can expect shipment ranges from $1,110 to $1,885, with theaverage cost totaling $1,472 or $0.98 per mile. This would be for a 1504 mile shipping distance.
• Enclosed auto transport is quite different. With this shipping method, your car is transported in a closed carrier.
• This offers complete protection from the weather and road debris, which is perfect for high-value vehicles like luxury cars, classic cars, or exotic cars.
• When choosing enclosed transport services, the average cost can range between $1,414 and $2,085, with the average price being $1,800 or $1.20 per mile.

Seasonal Variations

This may come as a surprise, but the season you choose to ship your car in can also impact the car transport costs. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season:

❄️ Winter: Slower Traffic, Lower Prices
Winter months often have lower demand for auto transport services.

This means that you can expect lower rates for car shipping services.

You do need to keep in mind that even though the prices are lower, extreme weather conditions like snow, ice, or storms can lead to delays in your car delivery.

☀️ Summer: High Demand, Higher Prices
Summer, for many vehicle shipping companies, is peak season.

The reason for this is that many people use vehicle transport services when they are relocating, going on vacation, or going away to college.

The knock-on effect of this is that this increased demand drives up prices and reduces availability.

🍃 Spring & 🍂 Fall: The Sweet Spot
Spring and Fall seem to be the sweet spot for car shipping. These seasons offer the best value and experience.

This is because there is moderate demand and good weather.

During these seasons, you will be able to find great car transport deals as well as more favorability in terms of scheduling and delivery.

Location

The location of your car shipping pickup and delivery also influences the cost to ship your car. Now we know you are probably a bit confused by this, since it’s easy to assume that the pickup and delivery process is the same no matter where you are. But it just isn’t that simple, and this is why:

High-Traffic Routes = More Affordable Rates

• Big city, metropolitan, or urban areas usually have a high volume of transport carriers passing through. This keeps pricing very competitive.
• This makes frequently travelled routes like New York to Florida or California to Texas less expensive than routes to other outlying areas.

Rural Areas = Higher Costs, Longer Wait Times

• Locations that are in more remote or less traveled areas generally have fewer car shipping carriers passing by.
• Since these routes aren’t being frequently travelled, the carrier will need to make an additional stop to pick up the cars or deliver them. This can increase costs.
• If you are in an area that is not accessible to the car shipment carrier, you may need to drive to a nearby city or meet the driver at a more accessible location.
• In this case, where the areas aren’t accessible, a terminal-to-terminal shipping service may be the best option, especially from a budget point of view.

Fuel Prices and Car Shipping Costs

Fuel prices directly affect automobile shipping costs. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, since fuel prices affect everything. [source]

When fuel costs rise, so do the transport costs…. and you guessed it, this means higher shipping quotes across the car shipping industry.

With car carriers travelling such long shipping distances, even the smallest fuel price change can impact the overall pricing.

This is why it is so important to keep your eye on fuel trends! The lower the price of fuel, the lower your car transportation cost.

How to Save Money on Your Auto Shipment

With so many different cost drivers impacting car transport costs, it is often difficult to know how to reduce the cost of car shipping. The great news is that with a bit of planning, flexibility, and the tips below, you can save.

1. Ship During Off-Peak Seasons

• Why it matters: Car carriers are less busy in winter, spring, and fall. The lower demand means better pricing.
• Extra savings: Look out for seasonal discounts which auto transport companies often offer to keep trucks full during slow periods.

2. Choose Open Carrier Transport

• More affordable: Open auto transport carriers are definitely cheaper than enclosed carriers.
• Good for most cars: Open shipping is reliable and cost-effective for most cars. If you want to transport a high-end or luxury vehicle, then we suggest enclosed car shipping.
• Quick now: With open auto transport services, vehicles are exposed to weather and road debris, so expect your car to need a wash when it arrives.

3. Consolidate Shipments

• Bulk benefits: If you are moving or are a dealership that needs to ship multiple cars, ask about bundled rates.
• Logistics advantage: With fewer loading and unloading stops, the car carriers save on time and fuel, which means savings for you.

4. Consider Terminal-to-Terminal Transport Shipping

• Less convenient, more affordable: Door-to-door transport services come with a premium price, so if you are on a budget and don’t mind travelling to a terminal, then terminal-to-terminal shipping is the way to go.
• Works best for: Most terminals are near major transport hubs, so keep this in mind and ask the vehicle transportation company if this is an option.

5. Be Flexible with Pickup & Delivery Dates

• Transporter convenience = lower cost: Be flexible. We know this is not always possible but if you are it allows car transport companies can optimize their routes. This means savings for them and you!
• Avoid rush fees: Don’t forget to book early so you can avoid the expedited shipping service charges that come with rushed deliveries.

6. Compare Multiple Auto Transport Quotes

• Get it in writing: Make sure the auto transport quotes you receive are detailed and include all extra fees. Remember to ask about insurance fees and fuel surcharges. As questions!
• Watch for hidden fees: Some vehicle shipping companies can be sneaky with hidden fees. You need to make sure you understand the cancellation policies, insurance options, and exact service inclusions provided by the vehicle shipping companies.
• Compare car shipping rates: Each car shipping company will have a different price to offer you. So do your research on the car haulers, check their reviews and don’t always go for the cheapest option because there might be hidden fees.

7. Ask About Discounts

Did you know that many car shippers, like ShipYourCarNow, offer a range of discounts that could reduce your car transport costs? Well now you do. Don’t be afraid to ask about the following:

• Military discounts: This is for active duty members and veterans.
• Student rates: Perfect for college students relocating or seasonal moves back home.
• Cash payment deals: Some car shipment companies offer lower prices for payments via cash, certified checks, or direct bank transfers.
• Loyalty programs: Many vehicle shipping companies have loyalty programs that offer returning customers special rates. They may also have a discount for referrals.

Get a Hassle-Free Car Transport Quote

Now that you know what to look for and ask for when getting a car transport quote, the next question is often: Where do we get the quotes from?

Luckily, many vehicle shipping companies have instant car shipping quote calculators on their websites. These instant quotes allow you to quickly get a car transportation estimate.

The process is simple, you need to go onto the website, enter your pickup and drop-off locations, the make and model of your car, as well as any other special requirements. From this information, a car transport cost will be estimated.

This will give you a great idea of the car transport costs you can expect and provide insight into the average car shipping costs that various companies provide.

Summary

Now that you know what elements impact car shipping costs across the auto transport industry, you can make the best decision for your next car shipment. Want to put your knowledge to the test? Then request an instant quote here, try out our car shipping calculator, and take a look at our competitive car transport quote.

Still feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Then let us help! Contact our team at ShipYourCarNow. They are always on hand to provide you with the advice and insight you need to get the most competitive car transport cost.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are SUVs more expensive to ship than sedans?

SUVs are more expensive to ship because they’re bigger and heavier. This leads to higher transportation costs than smaller cars.

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

Open transport is the budget-friendly option and more widely used, while enclosed transport provides better protection for your vehicle, especially luxury cars, but comes with a higher price tag.

How can I save money on car transport?

To save money on car transport, try being flexible with your schedule, compare quotes from different companies, and opt for open transport. These tips can really help you keep those costs down.