transportation of car on semi-trailer

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?

In 2019, there were 284.5 million registered vehicles in the US. And 35% of them are cars!

Based on the above, it’s a safe bet that you own a car yourself. And when it comes time to move, you won’t want to leave it behind. Instead of driving your vehicles cross-country, using vehicle transport can both save you time and lessen wear and tear.

If you’re interested in finding out how much it is to ship a vehicle, then read on. We’ll discuss the factors that affect pricing so you won’t have to spend all your savings on vehicle transport services!

Average Price for Auto Transport

On average, it’ll cost you around $1,300 to ship your car. However, the range is huge when you look at it. Depending on your personal preferences and when you need these services, you can pay anywhere from $600 to over $1,800!

Naturally, you’ll want to narrow down the price further so you have a better idea of what to expect. Here are some factors you should consider when using auto shipping services.

Distance

Obviously, you’ll pay more the further you have to go. You’ll pay by the mile, but do note that the cost-savings are more the higher the numbers get.

Time of the Year

Compare prices in March vs July, and they’ll be drastically different, even if you keep all other parameters the same. This is because of supply and demand!

In general, you’ll want to stay away from summer and winter. While demand is lower in the winter, conditions are the least optimal for car shipping due to bad weather and less daylight. Also, truckers will often take extended time off to spend the holidays with their families.

The best time would be fall or early spring. Just avoid September since there’s a small peak in demand due to college students going back to school.

Type of Hauler

You can choose from open or enclosed haulers. Open haulers are cheaper because there are more drivers and they can fit more vehicles in one trip.

Enclosed haulers can be worth the price difference if you have a classic or new car. It’ll be more protected.

Speed of Service

You can choose from economy, standard, and expedited shipping. You’ll get your vehicle the quickest with expedited shipping but it’ll be very expensive. If you’re flexible with shipping services, you can save a lot with economy services, which is the cheapest car shipping available.

Get the Best Price for Vehicle Transport

In the end, the price you’ll pay for vehicle transport will depend on what you want and when you need these services. It’s best to request multiple quotes from several companies. That way, you can compare prices and figure out if any are trying to rip you off.

So make sure you do some research and carefully consider when exactly you need your car shipped. With just a few extra steps, you’ll be able to save a bunch of money!

For more moving tips, take a look at our blog page now!