How does distance and route affect car shipping costs?

The longer the distance, the higher the cost, though long routes often have lower cost-per-mile rates. Shipping through major highways like I-95 or I-10 is more affordable, while rural or remote areas increase costs. These routes also generally lack tolls, which impacts pricing.

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

Open transport is the most affordable and widely used option, suitable for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks. Enclosed transport costs 20-40% more but offers added protection, making it ideal for high-value or classic vehicles. Enclosed carriers include hydraulic liftgates and higher insurance coverage, but can only carry 2-6 vehicles compared to open trailers' 7-10 vehicles.

How does vehicle size and condition affect shipping costs?

Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks, and vans, cost more to ship because they take up more space and add weight to the carrier. Inoperable vehicles require winches or hydraulic lifts for loading, which increases labor and costs. Informing your auto transport broker about your vehicle's condition ensures accurate pricing.

How does seasonal demand impact car shipping prices?

Seasonal trends significantly impact car shipping costs. From October to March (winter snowbird season), prices rise as retirees move south. Similarly, from April to June, prices increase as snowbirds return north. 'Against the Grain' routes, such as going north in winter or south in spring, often cost less.

What are the delivery options for car shipping?

Carriers offer Door-to-Door delivery, which is convenient and brings the vehicle as close as possible to your address, or Terminal-to-Terminal delivery, a more budget-friendly alternative requiring you to drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated terminals.

How can I save money on car shipping?

To save money, book your shipment early, be flexible with delivery dates, and opt for open carriers for standard vehicles. Taking advantage of seasonal discounts and asking for military or fleet shipping discounts can also help reduce costs.

Why choose Auto Transport Professionals for car shipping?

Auto Transport Professionals (ATP) offers over 20 years of experience, nationwide coverage, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Their vetted carriers ensure safe and reliable delivery, and ATP provides military and fleet shipping discounts for added value.

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Q: How much does it cost to ship a car?

Car shipping costs vary based on factors like distance, route type, vehicle size, transport type (open or enclosed), and seasonal demand. Auto Transport Professionals provides personalized quotes to help you understand your car shipping costs.

How much does it cost to ship a Car?

Car shipping costs can vary significantly based on a range of factors that influence pricing, timelines, and the complexity of transport. Whether you’re moving across the country, buying a vehicle online, or shipping a car seasonally, understanding these variables helps you budget effectively. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what determines car shipping costs across the industry.

1. Distance and Route

The distance your car travels is the most significant factor in pricing.

Cost Per Mile: Long-distance shipments, like New York to California, often have a lower cost per mile than shorter routes due to economies of scale.
Major Routes vs. Remote Areas: Urban locations and highways (e.g., I-95, I-10) are less expensive because carriers frequently travel these paths. Remote areas or rural towns increase costs as carriers must detour off main routes. Theses roues also do not typically have tolls.
Traffic and Accessibility: Congested downtown parts of cities with limited unloading zones, such as Los Angeles or New York City, will incur higher costs.

2. Vehicle Size, Weight, and Condition

Your car’s dimensions, weight, and functionality directly impact costs.

Larger Vehicles: SUVs, trucks, and vans cost more because they occupy more space and add weight, limiting the carrier’s load capacity.
Compact Cars: Smaller vehicles, like sedans, are more affordable due to their lighter weight and easier handling.
Inoperable Vehicles: Cars that don’t start, roll, or steer require winches, increasing labor and costs. Inform your car shipping broker in advance to ensure accurate pricing.

3. Transport Type: Open vs. Enclosed Shipping

Your choice between open and enclosed transport is one of the top auto shipping cost factors.

Open Transport:
- The most affordable and widely used option, abundantly available.
- Vehicles are shipped on open car carriers, which can hold up to 7–10 cars (depending on the trailer type; stinger car carrier, high rail car trailer)
- Ideal for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks.
Enclosed Transport:
- Costs 20-40% more than open transport but offers more protection from weather and road debris.
- Best for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles.
- Carriers often include hydraulic liftgates for smooth loading, these trailers are very expensive.
- Higher insurance coverage to protect high-value cars.
- These trailers can only carry up to 6 cars vs the open trailer with 7-10 depending on if its a stinger or high-rail. To cover this loss in potential revenue enclosed auto transporters charge significantly more.
- Not as many of these enclosed trailers are on the road which also increase costs due to scarcity.

4. Seasonal Demand

The time of year significantly impacts car shipping costs:

Winter (Snowbird Season): From October to March, prices rise as retirees migrate south to states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona.
Spring (Return Migration): Prices increase from April to June as snowbirds return north.
Against the Grain Discounts: Carriers may offer lower rates for less common routes (ex; shipping north in winter or south in spring).
Weather Delays: Snow, hurricanes, and heavy rain can delay shipments and increase costs due to less available carriers running the route at that time. That is why you need to confirm your auto transport broker like ATP will PRICE LOCK your transport.

5. Delivery Options: Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal

The delivery method also affects pricing:

Door-to-Door Transport: The most convenient option, where carriers deliver as close as possible to your desired address. Costs more but saves time and effort.
Terminal-to-Terminal Transport: A budget-friendly alternative, requiring you to drop off and pick up the vehicle at designated shipping terminals.

6. Delivery Time and Flexibility

Your flexibility with delivery times influences the price:

Flexible Delivery: Allowing carriers to optimize routes, acquire more cars to reduce deadhead reduces costs.
Expedited Shipping: Rush orders for car moving incurs additional fees due to advanced planning and tighter schedules.

7. Carrier Availability and Market Trends

High-Demand Regions: Cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago often have lower prices due to higher carrier availability.
Low-Demand Routes: Remote or less-trafficked routes require extra travel time, fuel, and have less willing carriers which leads to higher costs.
Fuel Costs and Trends: Rising fuel prices and industry-wide driver shortages can also increase rates. Some routes have more expensive diesel and overall stricter trucking regulations, particularly California.

8. Insurance and Additional Services

Car shipping quotes often include standard insurance, but you can opt for additional coverage for peace of mind:

Higher Coverage for Luxury Cars: Enclosed transport includes more insurance coverage, which raises costs but provides enhanced protection.
Optional Services: Vehicle tracking, extended storage, or special delivery instructions may incur extra fees.

How to Save on Car Shipping Costs

To secure the best rates without compromising service:

Book Early: Schedule your transport weeks in advance to lock in lower prices.
Be Flexible: Allow carriers to bundle shipments and optimize routes for reduced costs.
Use Open Carriers: Opt for open transport for standard vehicles to save up to 40% compared to enclosed options.
Leverage Seasonal Discounts: Shipping against seasonal trends (e.g., northbound in winter) can result in significant savings.
Military Discounts: If you are an active member or veteran, contact us for a special rate when booking an auto transport!
Fleet Shipping Discounts: Do you need to arrange for car shipping for your business or car rental agency? Call us for a discount when shipping cars in bulk! (888)-222-2065

Why Choose Auto Transport Professionals?

With over 20 years of experience, Auto Transport Professionals (ATP) offers transparent, reliable, and competitively priced car shipping solutions.

Nationwide Coverage: Service to and from all 48 contiguous states.
Experienced Carriers: Fully insured and vetted for your peace of mind.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees, no upfront deposit, just honest car shipping quotes custom made for you..

Get Your Free Quote Today

Ready to ship your car? Contact Auto Transport Professionals at (888) 222-2065 or use our instant quote auto transport calculator for instant pricing. With ATP, you’ll get expert service, peace of mind, and a hassle-free shipping experience every time.