Cars are useful for going from point A to point B, but what if you are unable to drive? There are various ways available for shipping an automobile across the nation, as well as car-specific elements that will impact the cost.
Booking a space on a vehicle transporter is the most typical way of moving an automobile. These semi-truck rigs can transport up to nine automobiles at once, saving money over private drive-away services.
Car carrying prices per mile vary depending on total distance. For voyages of fewer than 200 miles, the industry average cost to send a vehicle using an auto shipping firm is upwards of $2.00 per mile. For truly long-distance travels surpassing 1,500 miles, the price drops to an average of $0.58 per mile.
An enclosed carrier is more secure and safe than an open carrier. This comes at a cost that is around 40% more than that of an open carrier.
Do you want to know how much it costs to move an automobile across the country? The cost is also determined by the car’s size, terminals (terminal shipping refers to the client being responsible for depositing a vehicle at the nearest terminal to the pickup site and then picking it up at a terminal close to the delivery destination), and even the season. It’s usually a good idea to acquire many quotes—and if one of them gives a price range, presume the final cost will be on the high end of that range.
Car Hauling Rates per Mile
The total mileage is the most important component in determining the cost of moving an automobile across the nation. However, the cost of shipping a big SUV in an enclosed carrier will be much more than the cost of shipping a typical sedan in an open carrier. Consider the following additional factors:
Size
Location: If you want a door-to-door delivery service in a remote area, it will cost you.
Location
If you want a door-to-door delivery service in a remote area, it will cost you. Alternatively, if you can deliver the automobile to a key transportation hub and pick it up from another hub, you may expect to save money.
Season
Just be aware that delivery times may be longer than usual owing to inclement weather.
Timetable
Timetable: If you need something quickly, rush services are often available at a fee.
Car Shipping Costs by Size
The size of the car being sent is one of the most important pricing variables for two reasons. For starters, bigger trucks take up more space on a transporter, leaving less room for other vehicles. Second, heavier trucks weigh more, limiting the overall capacity of the carrier.
Commercial car carriers transport an average of five to nine automobiles at a time, with a maximum freight weight restriction of 80,000 pounds per the US Department of Transportation.
To highlight how size affects total prices, Forbes Advisor obtained quotations for shipping a 2020 Honda Civic, a moderate car, from Los Angeles to New York City, as well as rates for shipping a 2020 GMC Yukon, a huge SUV, and the same distance.
Cost of Freight Car Transport
Although shipping an automobile using a car transporter is the most common method, it is by no means the only way to transfer a vehicle across the nation. A freight train, shipping container, ship, or airline are other options for delivering a car.
Each alternative delivery option has a few limitations.
Train Transport
Although this is a cost-effective alternative, commercial carriers do not cooperate with individuals to carry single autos. You must use a transportation company, and even then, capacity may be restricted. You will also be constrained by the terminals and must find out how to transport the automobile to and from the terminals.
Passenger Train
Amtrak is the sole direct-to-consumer freight train shipping service, allowing you to send your standard-size automobile from Virginia to Florida for less than $300 one way. What’s the catch? Amtrak Auto Train exclusively operates on the East Coast. You must also travel on the train with the car, which requires an extra passenger ticket, which may cost up to $89 for a one-way trip.
Port-to-Port Transportation
If you need to transport your vehicle over or around a huge body of water, port-to-port shipping may be a possibility. According to Montway, the typical cost of shipping a car to Hawaii is between $1,500 and $2,000 USD. Westbound flights to Hawaii are more costly than eastbound flights to the mainland.
Air Transport
It may occur to you that for international movements, you should utilise the same form of transportation that you use for yourself: flying. The expense of flying an automobile, on the other hand, is much higher. In fact, the cost of employing air freight might easily outweigh the cost of the automobile itself.
Factors Influencing Car Shipping Prices
When selecting a car shipping business, it is essential to analyse the several elements that influence the cost of transporting your vehicle to its destination.
Providers
Auto transporters, not car brokers, set the pricing. Vehicle brokers must bear in mind the market values established by thousands of car carriers.
Dimensions and Weight
The size and weight of your vehicle will play a significant role in price. To receive the most accurate quotation, make sure you have your car’s dimensions and weight accessible while looking at bids.
Transport Mode
Most people choose open automobile travel since it is the cheapest option. This, however, does not shield their automobiles from dirt and debris. Although enclosed transportation is more costly, it protects your vehicle from the weather.
Type of Fuel
The cost of transporting your automobile is undoubtedly influenced by the price of gasoline and diesel fuel. When fuel costs rise, so does the cost of automobile freight.
Fuel Cost
The cost of transporting your automobile is undoubtedly influenced by the price of gasoline and diesel fuel. When fuel costs rise, so does the cost of automobile freight.
The Season
Your automobile shipping charges may vary depending on when you arrange your relocation. Popular moving months, such as May to August, are also popular automobile shipping months, therefore demand for both services is stronger during this era. Plan ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the pricing difference between in-state and out-of-state automobile shipping?
Fortunately, there aren’t many loopholes or taxes associated with transferring an automobile over state borders. Shipping a vehicle 100 miles inside one state would cost nearly the same as shipping it 100 miles across state boundaries. The total distance is the most important factor in determining the cost of an interstate relocation.
Is it less expensive to drive or transport an automobile across country?
At first look, driving your own automobile may seem to be less expensive. Just be sure to include in any extra costs, such as petrol, hotel, food, and any transport to and from.
Driving a vehicle oneself also consumes your valuable time, which might be better spent elsewhere. The details of the math will be determined by your requirements and availability. However, it is not unusual for exporting an automobile to be the less expensive alternative in the end.
Is automobile shipping available via AAA?
The American Automobile Association (AAA) does not provide automobile transportation services. It should not be confused with AAA Transporters, which is an entirely different firm.
While we’re on the subject of insurance and roadside help, be sure the automobile shipping firm you hire is adequately certified and insured. There may also be extra charges for transporting premium, antique, or unusual vehicles.
