Affordable Car Shipping Cost – Unveiling Your True Shipping Expenses with Preowned Auto Logistics
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How Car Shipping Costs Are Calculated
Understanding the factors that influence your car shipping cost is key to budgeting effectively. At Preowned Auto Logistics, we believe in transparency, so here’s a breakdown of how auto delivery rates are determined.
Distance & Route
Naturally, the longer the distance, the higher the car shipping cost. Mileage is a primary factor, but route complexity, including tolls and remote locations, can also affect vehicle transport pricing.
Vehicle Type & Size
Larger vehicles, such as SUVs or trucks, require more space on the carrier, resulting in higher auto delivery rates. Size and weight are significant determinants of the final car shipping cost.
Transport Method
Open carriers are typically more affordable, while enclosed carriers, offering greater protection, demand a higher car shipping cost. Your vehicle’s value and your preferences for protection will inform your choice.
Seasonality & Demand
Auto delivery rates fluctuate with seasonal demand. Peak seasons, such as summer or holidays, often see increased costs due to higher demand and limited carrier availability.
Delivery Timeframe
Standard delivery offers cost-effective options, while expedited shipping, guaranteeing faster delivery, comes with a premium. The urgency of your shipment will influence your car shipping cost.
Here are the 11 Common Factors that Affect the Cost of Shipping a Car
1. Location
The majority of the U.S. population live in urban areas, which means shipping or delivering a car to these areas are faster and cheaper, in general, compared to less populated areas.
Cars that need to be shipped off the beaten paths cost more, because it’s going to take more time for the truck to get off the main route to load it up and then get back on its way.
PRO Tip: Want to know if your car’s pick-up and delivery destination is on a popular route? Check out our featured routes page. But keep in mind that we can ship your car anywhere.
2. Distance
The longer the delivery distance, the more expenses the shipping company racks up in terms of truck use, driver labor, and fuel.
Short distance deliveries cost less than longer ones, but the price per mile goes down too.
For instance, the average cost to ship a car 500 miles is about $500 (e.g. Chicago to Kansas City). But the typical cost for a delivery from Phoenix to Dallas or about 1000 miles is just $750, not $1000.
Brandon Brown, CEO of consumer marketing firm GRIN, shipped his car from New York to California, and while he admits it wasn’t cheap, he felt it was the best option.
He adds, “I felt that it saved me time and money in the long run. I didn’t have to pay for gas, hotel fees, to-go food, or add unnecessary wear and tear to my car. It’s difficult not having a car for the time it’s in transit, but I was able to dedicate more time to work and not have to take off a week or more to drive across the country.”
3. Size of the Vehicle
Location and distance are easy factors to estimate. Size and vehicle weight is where it gets tricky, because car models vary greatly especially those with modifications.
Transport trucks have weight limitations, so heavier vehicles are charged extra because it limits the truck’s capacity to take in more cars. Plus, heavier loads lead to more gasoline consumption for the truck.
Estimate costs for transporting a sedan, SUV, large SUV or small truck
| Car type | Kansas City, MO to Dallas | Syracuse, NY to Orlando | Boston to Seattle |
| Sedan | $520 | $1060 | $1580 |
| Small SUV | $610 | $1195 | $1710 |
| Large SUV or truck | $730 | $1480 | $2076 |
4. Length and Height
Shipping companies already know how many cars they can fit on to one truck. Because of modifications, however, cars don’t always come in pre-determined sizes.
A typical sedan is about 189 inches long, which allows shipping companies to squeeze more cars on one load. Anything over 200 inches long is usually an extra charge.
Sedans are usually 57 inches high, while the larger SUV’s are about 73 inches. Tall SUVs cost more than the mid-size ones to transport because they force the shipping company to find compact cars that could fit under it, or else lose the potential income for not being able to find one more car that fits the remaining space.
Roof racks, large tires, trailer hitch attachments, and other accessories add to the length and height of the vehicle. Basically, anything that’s non-stock is considered an oversized vehicle and is charged extra because they consume space that would otherwise be used for another car.
How much extra is charged though? You won’t necessarily be charged for two spaces, that’s for sure. The demand for car shipping, weather, and the routes affect the final price, but in general you should expect to pay 30% more on average for an oversized car.
5. Ground Clearance
Cars with a low bearing set up that almost hug the ground cost more, because they’re more prone to damage. If your car has 4 inches or less ground clearance, it’s better to ship it in an enclosed truck.
6. Delivery Type: Open or Enclosed Trucks
Transport trucks for cars come in two options—open or enclosed. Both have pros and cons.
Open trucks are cheaper because they can fit in more vehicles and there are more open trucks available. The turnaround time for open truck deliveries are also faster, in general, because people prefer this more affordable option.
As it’s an open truck, your car will be exposed to the elements and road debris. The risk is low, however, and is usually covered by the car owner’s insurance.
Enclosed trucks, as the name suggests, protects your car from the elements. They cost about 30% to 50% more than open trucks because they can only fit up to six vehicles.
7. Market Conditions (Seasons) and Weather
Car shipping costs to Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas go up in the winter because of seasonal residents from northern states moving into warmer climates for the winter season.
February to March tend to be slow, as people are usually done with their moves by this time. But it picks up again in spring as the people want their cars shipped back to their primary residence.
Rough weather like snowed roads and storms, along with other factors, also affect car shipping costs, as this means the driver has to be extra cautious on the road.
8. Door to Door Delivery vs. Terminals
You can have your vehicle picked up and delivered right at your doorstep, or you can choose a nearby terminal.
Terminal pick up and deliveries are cheaper, but you also have to account for the cost of getting to and from the terminal. Some of these are far outside the city and they might charge a storage fee if you don’t pick up your car quickly.
Remember that door-to-door car deliveries aren’t always possible. The road might be too small, or in a gated community that doesn’t allow trucks. If that’s the case, you can always arrange a delivery point close to you, like a grocery store parking lot.
9. Insurance
Credible shipping companies include insurance in their car shipping quotation. Ask what that coverage includes, and if it comes with a damage deductible.
10. Inoperable cars
Non-operational vehicles need a winch to load it on to the transport truck—not all shipping companies have this equipment.
If your car is damaged but can at least be driven on and off the ramp to the carrier, that’s okay. If it’s totally inoperable, that will add an extra $150+ to your car shipping cost.
11. Delivery Time Flexibility
Car shipment costs rely a good deal on the company’s ability to coordinate deliveries and pickups through their route to maximize the truck’s full capacity. It takes about six to 14 days from pick up to delivery.
While you can certainly expedite the pick-up or delivery of your car, it’s going to cost you extra to incentivize the transport team to prioritize your delivery ahead of their schedule.
PRO Tip: Check out this FAQ for more information on shipping your car, such as if you can load personal items, if it’s insured during shipment, and how to prepare it for shipping.
Comparing Car Shipping vs. Driving Yourself
Understanding the full scope of potential shipping expenses is crucial when deciding how to move your vehicle. While the allure of a road trip is undeniable, the financial and time costs can quickly accumulate. Let’s compare the realities of driving versus shipping, starting with a detailed cost breakdown.
Cost Breakdown: Driving vs. Shipping (Example for a 1,500-Mile Trip)
- Expense
- Gas
- Food
- Lodging
- Time Off Work
- Wear & Tear
- Total
- Driving Yourself (Estimated)
- $250 (30 MPG, $5/gallon)
- $150 (3 days @ $50/day)
- $200 (2 nights @ $100/night)
- $300 (3 days @ $100/day)
- $100 (Estimated)
- $1,000
- Car Shipping (Estimated)
- Included in quote
- Included in quote
- Included in quote
- $0
- Minimal
- Varies (Get a quote)
Hidden Costs of Driving
While the initial appeal of a road trip might be the open road and a sense of adventure, significant hidden costs are often overlooked. These costs can quickly transform a seemingly budget-friendly drive into a surprisingly expensive endeavor.
Wear and Tear
Every mile driven adds to your vehicle’s wear and tear. This includes increased tire degradation, brake wear, and general strain on the engine and transmission. Long trips accelerate this process, leading to premature replacements and repairs.
Maintenance
Extended drives can uncover underlying maintenance issues beyond routine wear and tear. The stress of long distances can exacerbate existing problems or reveal new ones, resulting in unexpected repair costs along the way.
Fatigue
Driving long distances is physically and mentally taxing. Fatigue significantly increases the risk of accidents. This poses a danger to yourself and others and can also result in costly repairs, medical expenses, and potential legal liabilities. The value of your safety and well-being should not be underestimated.
Insurance Considerations
Insurance considerations are paramount when weighing the cost of shipping a car against the expenses of driving yourself. Both options carry inherent risks, and understanding your coverage is crucial.
Driving Yourself
Your personal auto insurance will generally cover you while driving. However, reviewing your policy for any mileage limitations or exclusions relating to long-distance travel is essential.
Increased mileage significantly raises the risk of accidents, potentially leading to higher premiums in the future.
Wear and tear damage from the trip is typically not covered by standard auto insurance.
Car Shipping
Understanding the difference between carrier insurance and your personal auto insurance is vital. Carrier insurance covers damages during shipment, while your personal policy covers damages while you are driving.
Reputable car shipping companies, like Preowned Auto Logistics, provide carrier insurance that covers your vehicle during transport. This insurance protects against damage caused by accidents or incidents during shipment.
Verifying the carrier’s insurance coverage and ensuring it adequately protects your vehicle’s value is crucial.
Clarify any potential deductibles or limitations on coverage before finalizing your car shipping cost.
When considering the overall shipping expenses, consider the peace of mind that comes with knowing the shipping company has insurance.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping – Which Is Right for You?
Choosing the right transport method is a critical decision that directly impacts both your car shipping cost and the level of protection your vehicle receives. Two primary options exist: open and enclosed car shipping. Understanding the nuances of each is essential to making an informed choice that matches your needs and budget.
Let’s examine the difference between open and enclosed transport, which will help you decide which method is best for your vehicle.
Pros & Cons of Open Carriers
Open carrier pros include:
Cost-effective:
Open carriers are generally the most affordable option, making them ideal for budget-conscious shippers.
Availability:
Open carriers are readily available due to their popularity, leading to shorter wait times and more flexible scheduling.
High capacity:
Open carriers can transport multiple vehicles at once, contributing to their efficiency and lower costs.
Open carrier cons include:
Exposure to the elements:
Vehicles are exposed to weather conditions, road debris, and potential environmental hazards, increasing the risk of dirt, scratches, and minor damage.
Less protection:
Open carriers offer minimal protection against theft or vandalism compared to enclosed carriers.
Cosmetic damage risk:
Dust, road grime, and potential rock chops are more likely to occur during transport.
Pros & Cons of Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transport pros include:
Superior protection:
Vehicles are shielded from weather, road debris, and potential damage, ensuring pristine condition upon arrival.
Enhanced security:
Enclosed carriers offer great security against theft and vandalism, providing peace of mind for high-value vehicles.
Preservation of condition:
Enclosed transport is ideal for classic, exotic, or luxury vehicles because it better maintains the vehicle’s original condition.
Enclosed transport cons include:
Higher cost:
Enclosed transport is typically more expensive than open carrier shipping.
Limited availability:
Due to specialized equipment and higher demand, enclosed carriers may have limited availability and longer wait times.
Potentially longer pick-up and delivery windows:
Due to the specialized nature of the service and limited availability, pick-up and delivery times can be longer than those of open transport.
Best for Luxury, Classic, and Exotic Cars
Enclosed transport is unequivocally the best option for luxury, classic, and exotic cars.
Here’s why:
- Preserve value: These vehicles often represent significant financial investments. Enclosed transport’s superior protection ensures their pristine condition is maintained, preserving their value.
- Protection from the elements: Luxury, classic, and exotic cars often have delicate finishes and intricate detailing that can be easily damaged by weather and road debris. Enclosed transport shields them from such hazards.
- Enhanced security: These high-value vehicles are prime targets for theft and vandalism. Enclosed carriers offer an added layer of security, providing peace of mind to owners.
- White-glove service: Enclosed transport often requires specialized handling and attention to detail, which aligns with the premium nature of these vehicles.
How to Save Money on Car Shipping Costs
Shipping your vehicle doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some proven strategies to help you minimize your car shipping cost.
Book Early to Get the Best Rates
Planning ahead is key. Booking your shipment well in advance allows you to secure better rates and avoid last-minute price surges. Carriers often offer discounts for early bookings, and you’ll have more flexibility in scheduling.
Be Flexible with Pickup & Delivery Dates
Flexibility is your friend. If you’re not tied to specific dates, you can take advantage of lower rates during off-peak times or when carriers have available space on their routes. Being adaptable can significantly reduce your shipping expenses.
Choose Open Transport for Affordability
If your vehicle doesn’t require the specialized protection of an enclosed carrier, opt for open transport. It’s the most cost-effective option, making it ideal for standard vehicles.
Compare Quotes & Avoid Hidden Fees
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Obtain multiple quotes from reputable car shipping companies. Carefully review each quote, paying attention to the fine print to avoid hidden fees and unexpected charges. Transparency is essential.
How to Choose a Reliable Car Shipping Company
Selecting the right car shipping company is crucial for a smooth and stress-free experience. With numerous options available, knowing what to look for to ensure your vehicle is in safe hands is essential.
Let’s explore the key factors to consider when choosing a reliable car shipping company.
Key Factors to Consider
Pricing:
Obtain multiple quotes and compare them carefully, ensuring they are detailed and transparent. Be wary of extremely low prices, as they may indicate hidden fees or subpar service. Inquire about any potential additional charges, such as fuel surcharges or terminal fees.
Insurance:
Verify that the company and its carriers are fully licensed and insured. Request proof of insurance and understand the coverage limits and deductibles. Ensure the insurance covers your vehicle’s full value during transport.
Reviews and reputation:
Research the company’s online reviews and ratings on reputable platforms. Look for consistent positive feedback and address any recurring complaints. Check for affiliations with industry organizations or certifications.
Experience:
Choose a company with a proven track record and extensive experience in the auto transport industry. Inquire about their experience transporting vehicles similar to yours, especially if you have a luxury, classic, or exotic car. Ask about their carrier vetting process.
What to Watch Out For
Why Choose Preowned Auto Logistics?
Preowned Auto Logistics offers a seamless and worry-free car shipping experience rooted in family values and decades of expertise. As a company built on trust and transparency, we understand the stress of vehicle transport, whether it’s a cross-country move or a new purchase.
Much like a family, our dedicated team guides you through every step, ensuring your vehicle’s safe arrival. From providing clear, detailed quotes and realistic timelines to meticulous vehicle tracking and thorough post-delivery inspection, our process is designed for your peace of mind.
We pride ourselves on open communication and friendly service, treating each customer with the personal care and attention they deserve. With Preowned Auto Logistics, you can confidently check vehicle transport off your to-do list, knowing your car is in reliable hands.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Car Shipping
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Car ShippingHow long does it take to ship a car?
Car shipping times vary, generally ranging from a few days for short distances to 7-14 days or more for cross-country moves. Actual timeframes are influenced by factors like transport method, location, and seasonal demand. It’s best to get a specific estimate from your chosen shipping company for a more accurate idea of how long it takes.
What happens if my car gets damaged?
In the unfortunate event your car sustains damage during shipping, it’s crucial to act promptly. Immediately document the damage on the Vehicle Condition Report with the driver before signing, take photos of the damage, complete a Damage Claim form, and contact Preowned Auto Logistics within 24 hours. Following these steps ensures quick and efficient claim processing, allowing us to address and resolve the issue as swiftly as possible.
Can I pack items inside my car during transport?
Preowned Auto Logistics strongly advises against packing personal items inside your vehicle during transport. Our transportation cargo insurance covers only the vehicle itself and does not extend to any damage caused by personal belongings shifting or moving during shipment.
