Shipping a car across the country can seem like a daunting task, but it’s often the most practical solution when you’re unable to drive the vehicle yourself.
Whether you’re moving for a new job, purchasing a car from a distant dealership, or sending a vehicle to a family member, understanding the intricacies of car shipping will help you make informed decisions.
This guide covers various methods of car transportation, associated costs, factors affecting pricing, and frequently asked questions, to provide a comprehensive overview of the process.
Car Shipping Methods
Here are some vahicle shipping methods for you:
Vehicle Transporters
The most common method for shipping cars across long distances is through vehicle transporters, also known as auto haulers.
These large, semi-truck rigs can carry multiple cars at once—usually between five to nine vehicles—making them a cost-effective solution. There are two main types of vehicle transporters:
- Open Carrier: This is the more affordable option and involves transporting cars on an open trailer. While it’s economical, your car is exposed to weather, road debris, and dust.
- Enclosed Carrier: Offering superior protection, enclosed carriers transport cars in a covered trailer, shielding them from the elements. However, this option can be 40% more expensive than an open carrier.
| Carrier Type | Cost Difference | Protection | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Carrier | Cheapest Option | Exposed to the elements | Standard vehicles |
| Enclosed Carrier | 40% more expensive | Full protection | Luxury, classic, or expensive vehicles |
Train Transport
Shipping a car via train is another economical option. It is less commonly used because most freight train services work with businesses rather than individual consumers.
However, one exception is Amtrak Auto Train, which operates along the East Coast, allowing passengers to transport their car from Virginia to Florida.
| Train Type | Route | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Auto Train | East Coast (VA-FL) | Less than $300 one way | Must travel with the car on the train |
Port-to-Port Transport
If you need to ship a car overseas, port-to-port transport might be your best option. Shipping a car to locations such as Hawaii or from island territories typically requires sea freight.
- Shipping to Hawaii, for example, costs between $1,500 and $2,000, with the price often being higher when shipping westbound to Hawaii than eastbound back to the mainland.
Air Freight
For those in need of urgent car delivery or international transport, air freight is an option, but it comes at a significantly higher cost.
Shipping a car via air can often exceed the value of the car itself, making this method rare and mostly used for exotic or high-value vehicles.
| Transport Mode | Average Cost | Key Advantage | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | Over $10,000 | Fastest and safest | Extremely high-value or exotic vehicles |
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Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
Several factors can influence the cost of shipping a vehicle. Understanding these will help you estimate how much your shipment will cost and allow you to make strategic choices to reduce expenses.
Distance
The distance between pickup and delivery locations is the most significant factor affecting the cost of shipping a car. The longer the trip, the cheaper the cost per mile.
| Distance | Average Price per Mile |
|---|---|
| Less than 200 miles | $2.00 per mile |
| 500 to 1,000 miles | $0.75 per mile |
| Over 1,500 miles | $0.58 per mile |
Size and Weight of the Vehicle
Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship because they take up more space and reduce the overall load capacity of the transporter.
For example, shipping a large SUV like a GMC Yukon costs more than shipping a compact sedan like a Honda Civic.
| Vehicle Type | Example | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Sedan | Honda Civic | Lower |
| Full-size SUV | GMC Yukon | Higher |
Location of Pickup and Delivery
Shipping costs vary depending on whether the vehicle is being picked up or dropped off in a remote area versus a major transportation hub.
Door-to-door service in less accessible locations can be significantly more expensive than terminal-to-terminal service.
| Location Type | Cost Implication |
|---|---|
| Remote Area | Higher |
| Major City or Hub | Lower |
Seasonality
The time of year also plays a role in car shipping costs. Summer months (May-August) see increased demand for auto transport, driving prices higher.
Winter months can also see price spikes due to inclement weather, which may slow down delivery times and raise costs.
| Season | Effect on Cost |
|---|---|
| Summer (Peak) | Higher |
| Winter (Weather Delays) | Moderate to High |
Expedited Shipping
If you need your vehicle shipped quickly, you can opt for expedited shipping. This priority service comes at a higher price, but guarantees faster delivery times, which can be crucial for last-minute moves.
| Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Shipping | 1-2 weeks | Base cost |
| Expedited Shipping | 1-3 days | 25-50% more |
Car Shipping Costs by Vehicle Type
The size and type of your vehicle are essential factors in determining shipping costs. Heavier and larger vehicles cost more to ship because they occupy more space and limit the transporter’s capacity.
Below is a comparison of estimated shipping costs for different vehicle types, assuming a standard distance of 2,000 miles (e.g., from Los Angeles to New York City):
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Cost (Open Carrier) | Estimated Cost (Enclosed Carrier) |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Sedan | $1,200 – $1,400 | $1,600 – $1,900 |
| Full-size SUV | $1,500 – $1,800 | $2,100 – $2,400 |
| Luxury or Exotic Car | $2,000+ | $3,000+ |
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Conclusion
Car shipping offers a variety of options to meet different needs, from budget-friendly open carriers to premium enclosed transport.
Factors such as distance, vehicle size, location, and the time of year will significantly impact the cost of shipping a car.
By understanding these variables, obtaining multiple quotes, and planning ahead, you can ensure that your vehicle arrives safely and within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the Difference Between In-State and Out-of-State Car Shipping?
A: There isn’t a significant difference in terms of cost when shipping a car in-state versus out-of-state. The primary determinant remains the total distance. For example, shipping a car 100 miles across state lines will cost roughly the same as shipping it 100 miles within the same state.
Q: Is It Cheaper to Drive a Car Across the Country or Ship It?
A: While driving may seem like a cheaper option initially, you must account for additional expenses such as fuel, accommodation, and meals. Furthermore, driving long distances consumes time that could be spent elsewhere. In many cases, shipping the vehicle may turn out to be more cost-effective when you factor in these considerations.
Q: Does AAA Offer Car Shipping Services?
A: AAA, the American Automobile Association, does not provide car shipping services. However, be sure to verify that the auto transport company you hire is fully licensed and insured, especially if you’re shipping high-value or classic cars.
