How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?

When you have a big move or trip and need to get your car a long distance without driving it yourself, there is always car shipping to consider. Shipping a car cross country can save you time and hassle but you may not be sure about the cost, especially if you have never shipped a car before. How much does car shipping cost, exactly, and what are some of the cheapest ways to ship a car? In this article, we’ll take a look at all the factors that go into car shipping costs and some ways in which you can save.

Car Shipping Costs: The Averages

As you will see, car shipping costs vary widely from one job to the next. That is because every vehicle is different and so is every route!
There are several factors that go into the price of car shipping. Let’s take a more detailed look so that you have all the information you need.

Getting a Car Shipping Estimate

Before you can get a car shipping cost estimate, you need to have a few facts lined up:

• Your vehicle’s make and model
• Pickup and drop-off locations

If your car is unusually large (i.e. a truck with a lift kit), you will also need to mention this to the car shipping company. Why is that? Well, there are different ways to ship vehicles and these come at a different price point. You can also have your vehicle picked up at your home or at a nearby depot. The same goes for drop-off: you can select a specific address or a depot close to that address. Using a depot at either end can further lower the cost of shipping your vehicle.

Car Shipping Methods

The primary way in which car shipping companies ship the average vehicle is via an open car carrier. You’ve seen these trailer-like contraptions on the road many times strapped behind a big rig and heading to a local car dealership. These two-tier trailers have no walls or roof, and each car is loaded in on two tracks. Another way you will see cars shipped is on a flatbed trailer. This is typically the best option when the owner wants the vehicle shipped alone or when the vehicle is large and oddly shaped.

There is also the option of shipping your vehicle in an enclosed trailer that has all four sides and a roof. This is a great option if your car is antique, rare, or very valuable.

In Summary

The cost of shipping a car will vary from one trip to the next but any trip will factor the following into cost:

• Size, make and model of the vehicle
• Pickup and drop-off locations
• Length of the route
• Open or enclosed shipping
• The time of year / which season
• Your timeline

To get an estimate of how much it will cost to ship your vehicle, contact a car shipping specialist today to get a car shipping quote and start the process.