Did you know that in 2019, around 7.4 million Americans moved from 1 state to another? Our country is a huge place, and evidently, we love switching it up every once in a while!
It’s highly likely that you’re familiar with moving from state to state. But maybe this is the first time you’re moving with a vehicle, and you’d prefer to ship it so you don’t have to worry about driving it yourself.
In that case, are you wondering: how much is it to ship a car? Then read on. We’ll discuss what affects pricing and what you should expect.
The Mileage
One of the biggest things that’ll impact what you pay for auto shipping is the mileage. After all, you can live by the border and move just across it, which can be just under 100 miles. Whereas moving from California to Florida would be significantly further!
In general, you can expect to pay these prices for the miles traveled (per mile):
- Under 500: $1.00
- 500 to 1,000: $0.75
- 1,000 to 2,000: $0.60
- 2,000 to 2,500: $0.50
- Over 2,500: $0.40
Truckers tend to charge a lower rate for higher mileage since it means there’s more of a chance they can pick up other vehicles along the way. This means shorter journeys won’t be worth their time as much as longer ones.
Your Car
In general, the bigger your car, the most you’ll have to pay. This is because it’ll take up more space in the hauler, which will impact how many vehicles total the driver can take.
Also, if your car isn’t in working condition, expect to pay more. The driver will have to get extra equipment (such as a winch, wrecker, or forklift) and spend more time getting it on and off of their hauler.
The Type of Hauler
When using auto transport services, you actually have a choice as to how your car’s transport. More specifically, you can choose between enclosed and open haulers.
With an enclosed hauler, your car will be safe and sound inside a closed space. Not only does this keep it safe from the elements, but also thieves’ eyes.
However, this comes at a premium. Enclosed haulers are more expensive because they can’t hold as many cars.
Also, there are fewer drivers, meaning prices are less competitive. This also means it’ll be more difficult to find a trucker whose schedule fits yours.
On the other hand, open haulers are much cheaper and there are more drivers to accommodate your schedule. But your vehicle will be out in the open, which makes it more susceptible to weathering and thieves. So if you have a new or classic car, you might want to spend a little more for enclosed car shipping.
The Season
Demand for auto transport services will vary depending on the time of year you need them.
In general, the busiest time of the year is summer since everyone’s out of school, which makes it the most convenient time of the year to move. Winter isn’t a great time to choose either because of bad weather, less sunlight, and drivers taking time off for the holidays.
If you want to pay less for auto shipping and can wait, we’d suggest booking services for the spring or fall. There will be more drivers around and demand will be lower, which will result in more affordable prices.
The Route
Not only does the time of year matter for auto transport, but the route does as well. Unfortunately, if you live in a rural area, you’ll have to pay more. The trucker will have to take extra time and care to go on rural roads to reach you and/or the destination.
A great way to save money here is to have pickup and dropoff locations in major metropolitan areas. You might have to spend a little extra time getting to and from those places, but the money you’ll save will most likely be worth it.
The Company
Lastly, the company you choose will determine how much you’re paying for auto shipping too. This is why it’s important to request quotes before you choose one.
When you have multiple estimates, you can compare them to one another to see which one’s best for your needs and more importantly, your budget. You can also get a feel for which ones are trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
To get a quote, a reputable car shipping company will let you do so easily by inputting your parameters into a cost calculator. This should generate a quick estimate with no strings attached.
Try to go with a company that’s in the medium range. This ensures that you stay within your budget without compromising on the quality of services.
How Much Is It to Ship a Car? It Depends
So how much is it to ship a car? Well, it depends on several factors.
Obviously, the price will ultimately depend on how far you’re shipping your car. But the price also hinges on which company you’re using, when you need to move, the type of hauler you choose, and how quickly you need your vehicle.
Because there are so many factors that impact what you’ll pay, it’s always a good idea to request a quote. That way,
Now that you’ve learned all about these factors, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect when you start shopping around for a car shipping service. This can help prevent you from choosing unscrupulous companies. And as a result, you’ll be better able to choose a car shipping company that’s best suited for your needs.
For more about car transport, take a look at the rest of our blog page now.
