How much it cost to ship a car

Several factors can influence the overall cost to ship your car. We break down below the major considerations you’ll need to take when building your budget and choosing a car shipping company:

• Distance

• Time of year

• Luxury and vintage automobiles

• Extra fees

• Enclosed vs. open transportation

• Fuel prices

• Location

• Delivery method

In-State vs. Cross-Country

We've already looked at how distance can affect the per-mile cost of shipping a car. However, depending on how far the car is traveling, you may need to consider related expenses, such as surcharges for gas, tolls, and interstate transport.

You can expect to pay around $200 to $800 more in the summer than in the winter due to higher truck demand. You’ll pay less in the fall and winter, except for holidays, but it can be slower to transport your car at this time. Shipping gets backed up in the final weeks of December, and companies are playing catch-up in January.

Luxury and Vintage Automobiles

Luxury and vintage automobiles cost around $800 to $2,000 or up to 60% more to ship domestically in an enclosed truck and up to $40,000 for air freight. Many insurance companies require enclosed transport for high-end vehicles.

Owners of rare and valuable vehicles often go to great lengths to protect their rare or valuable cars. Some of the ways that owners try to protect their vintage vehicles include:

• Enclosed shipping to protect the vehicle from rain, snow, and ice

• Liftgate elevators since they’re less likely to cause damage when compared to ramps

• Door-to-door service to help ensure full protection for the vehicle from pickup to drop-off

Depending on the company used, method of transportation, and additional factors, you may need to budget for various surcharges, such as:

• Express shipments: These cost anywhere from $200–$500 more, depending on the time of year and other factors.

• Added space: Oversized vehicles need more space and can cost as much as double the normal price.

• Insurance: People often opt to protect their rare or valuable vehicles and incur extra charges; costs vary by carrier.

• Taxes and import duties: The latter applies only if shipping from or to international locations.

• Failed delivery: This can add a hefty surcharge of several hundred dollars. These sometimes occur because owners don’t make contact during the delivery window.

Enclosed vs. Open Transportation

The cost to ship a car generally increases by $300 to $800 for enclosed transportation on a truck. Enclosed transportation better protects your car from weather and road debris. However, shipping companies can fit fewer vehicles using this method, which results in a higher fee. All shipping container cargo ships use enclosed shipping containers.

Fuel Prices

When shipping by truck, be prepared for prices to fluctuate with fuel costs. In general, that means prices could go up in the summer, on weekends, and during holidays when fuel prices are generally higher. Fuel prices are one of the hidden moving costs that families often forget to budget for.

Where you're shipping to and from can impact the total cost. Moving from one big city to another will likely find more competition for car shipping companies, which can drive prices down. On the flip side, if you're transporting your vehicle to a difficult-to-reach rural or mountainous area far off the beaten path, expect to pay premium car shipping prices.

Delivery Method

The cost to transport a car to a terminal is less than shipping it directly to your home, especially if your home is in a difficult-to-reach location. If you’re trying to save money when shipping your car, opt to pick it up at a terminal.

Hiring a Car-Hauling Service

Hiring a car-hauling service costs around $450 to $2,000 and sometimes more if you’re going somewhere like Alaska. When hiring a local moving service to transport your vehicle, consider their experience, insurance, price, and reviews from previous customers before deciding.

When planning your move, your vehicle transport options include:

• Driving or towing the vehicle yourself

• Hiring a driver and paying for the return flight

• Hiring a moving company

• Hiring a car-hauling company

If you’re hiring a moving company for the rest of your stuff, they may offer services for moving your car, whether they do it themselves or subcontract it to a specialty mover. 

Experience

Whenever you're moving an expensive item, like a car, it's important to contact a well-established business with a good reputation. Start by checking online for reviews and background information, but also ask them about their experience directly.

Insurance

Ask for proof of insurance from any company you hire. This proof should include information on the deductible, damage covered, caps, and any exclusions. Any company transporting your vehicle should offer insurance to protect it from damage.

Inexpensive Quotes

Beware of automobile shipping companies that advertise "cheap" or "super-affordable" rates. Some companies keep their prices low by skimping on consumer protections or adding hidden fees, bloating the final price.

Reviews

Check company reviews before making your final choice. Watch for red flags, like reviews with consistent complaints about damage, slow shipments, or customer service problems. Once you have checked reviews, get multiple quotes to compare against each other.

How to Save When Shipping Your Car

The cost of a long-distance move can be draining on a family’s budget. Reducing the cost of shipping a car can make the overall move more manageable. Here are some helpful tips for keeping prices low:

• Choose basic options: To save money, choose open-air delivery and have the vehicle dropped off at a terminal in your destination city, then drive the vehicle from the terminal to your home.

• Time it right: You can save money by opting for a winter move outside the holidays. The cost to hire a moving company may decrease if you have a flexible schedule.

• Ask about discounts: First responders, members of the military, older adults, and students in particular may qualify for discounts or promotions, but you might also get discounts as a returning customer or for shipping multiple vehicles or paying in cash.

• Get multiple quotes: It's a good idea to get at least three quotes from competing companies to see who can get you the best deal. But always read reviews of the companies before deciding. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Car Shipping Pro

Many individuals choose to tow their vehicle behind a moving truck while making a cross-country move. While handling a move by yourself might save you money, there’s a lot to coordinate, and the drive can be incredibly stressful.

A long-distance move already carries enough stress. If you can find the room in your moving budget, you’ll probably appreciate contracting a moving company near you to handle everything from packing up your home to shipping your car across the country.

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