Find Low Car Shipping Costs with Shipedi

By: Nathan Mcowen

Shipping your car from one location to another can be a complex process. Different factors affect the total car shipping costs. Therefore, it is essential to understand them to get the best deal. To make an informed decision about car shipping costs, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence them. The total cost of shipping your vehicle can vary greatly depending on the distance, type of transport, time of year, and other variables.

By understanding these factors, you can better negotiate with car shipping companies and ensure you get a fair price for the service you need. In this blog, we will explore the most critical factors that affect car shipping costs. Additionally, we will provide valuable tips to help you save money on your next car shipment.

Destination Location Can Affect Car Shipping Cost 

The destination location is the main factor influencing car shipping costs. The farther you ship your vehicle, the more you can expect to pay for the Car Transporting Services. Transporting a car over long distances typically takes longer and requires more effort than traveling over shorter distances. You may also have to pay additional fees if you need your vehicle delivered to an inaccessible area or difficult-to-reach region.

Vehicle Size and Weight.

The size and weight of your car can also play an essential role in how much you pay for car shipping services. Generally, more extensive and heavier vehicles cost more to ship than smaller ones. Consequently, they require more robust and comprehensive trucks to tow them. Furthermore, cars with larger engines may incur additional costs due to higher fuel consumption requirements.

Distance of the Shipping Trip.

The distance of the shipping trip also plays a role in determining your car transportation costs. This is mainly because car shipping companies typically charge a flat rate fee for trips of up to 500 miles and an additional fee for every mile above that mark. As such, if you’re looking to ship a car across the country, you may pay more than you would for a regional trip.

Seasonal Rate Changes. 

Seasonality is one of the main factors that can affect the cost of auto transport. Different seasons bring about additional rates for car shipping services. Peak times for car shipping occur during spring and summer when most people plan to move their cars from one place to another, driving up demand and prices. During other periods, such as fall and winter, it may be cheaper to ship your car because there’s less demand.

Door-to-Door VS Terminal Transport Services.

Before hiring an auto transport service, knowing the differences between door-to-door and terminal transport services is helpful. Door-to-door car shipping is generally more expensive but more convenient than terminal transport because it eliminates the need to make an appointment with a pickup center. However, certain cars and locations may require to pick up from or dropped off at a nearby terminal due to size or road restrictions. Terminal transport is less expensive but will add time and travel expenses to your budget.

Impact of Enclosed Trailers on Vehicle Shipping Cost

Car shipping costs vary according to various factors, such as vehicle type. Enclosed auto transport costs typically average 80% more than open carrier shipping. Enclosed trailers are suitable mainly for transporting classic and luxury or custom cars or motorsport vehicles requiring additional protection from external elements. Generally, we recommend open-car shipping for other vehicles built to protect against outside elements.

Expedited Auto Transport

Car shipping costs can also be affected by the route taken, the size and weight of the vehicle, and how quickly it needs to be delivered. Expect to pay more than usual if you need fast delivery or pick up.

When you need your car shipped quickly, you may incur an additional cost for expedited delivery. This is because the carrier might have to make sudden changes to their routing or even drive through the night with limited stops to accommodate the tight schedule. Such circumstances increase the risk of delivering your car and increase shipping costs. Therefore, planning the transport and showing flexibility in delivery dates can save you with the shipping cost.

Tips for finding the cheapest method of shipping a car

Shipping a car certainly is a costly undertaking, but there are several methods you can employ to reduce the cost. From using discounts to considering windows of time, our tips can help you get the best rates on car shipping services.

  • Open transport is an excellent option as it is the industry standard and significantly more affordable than other methods. The car is transported on an open-air tractor-trailer, keeping costs low and ensuring safe transit of your vehicle.
  • Before considering the cost of shipping your car, ensure it is in working condition. Transportation companies charge more for vehicles that are not in working condition. Therefore, double-check to ensure your automobile runs and drives correctly before contacting a car shipping company.
  • Planning ahead of time and scheduling a car shipping pickup and drop-off can help you avoid extra costs associated with expediting or last-minute requests. Reserve an early pickup/drop-off time to save money on car transport services.
  • The cost of car shipping can vary depending on the season. Ship your vehicle during the fall and winter months for a lower rate than if you were to ship it in the spring and summer when prices generally increase.
  • Shipping a car from a major metropolitan city can be more cost-effective than shipping it from an area with fewer people. We recommend that if you live in a rural area, take your vehicle close to a larger city for cheaper shipping prices.
  • Shipping multiple cars offers discounts for customers transporting several vehicles simultaneously. So, if you have multiple cars to ship, take advantage of the discount offers for reduced car shipping costs.

Conclusion

It is essential to understand the facts which impact the car shipping costs for anyone who like to ship their vehicle from one location to another. Several factors can affect the total shipping cost, including the trip’s distance, the car’s size and weight, and the type of transport. Taking advantage of discounts, planning, and considering the time of year can help you save money on car shipping services. Whether shipping a vintage, luxury, or regular vehicle, remember these tips to get the best deal and ensure a smooth and safe transportation experience.


Get your free quote.

After understanding what affects car shipping costs, go to Get Quotes and select a category. Enter your information, publish it, and wait for your car transport quotes to arrive. There will be competition between professional transport companies for your business. Consequently, you will enjoy the best deal as companies compete.