Shipping a car can seem daunting, especially when trying to understand all the associated costs. Whether you’re moving to Hawaii, Guam, Alaska, or just across the mainland, knowing the factors that influence Car Shipping Cost is crucial. This guide breaks down the essential elements to help you navigate and estimate your vehicle transport expenses effectively.
Key Factors Influencing Car Shipping Costs
Several elements contribute to the overall car shipping cost. Understanding these will help you anticipate and budget for your vehicle shipment.
Distance and Location
The most significant factor affecting car shipping cost is distance. Longer distances naturally lead to higher transportation expenses. Shipping to remote locations like Hawaii, Guam, or Alaska also involves additional complexities and thus, potentially higher costs compared to mainland shipping. Port accessibility and infrastructure in these locations can also play a role in pricing.
Vehicle Size and Type
The size and type of your vehicle directly impact shipping costs. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, occupy more space on transport carriers and may weigh more, leading to increased fuel consumption and higher shipping fees. Specialized vehicles or luxury cars might require enclosed transport, which is generally more expensive than open transport but offers better protection.
Shipping Method: Open vs. Enclosed Transport
You’ll typically have two options for shipping your car: open or enclosed transport. Open transport, where your vehicle is shipped on an open carrier, is the more common and cost-effective method. However, your car will be exposed to weather conditions and road debris. Enclosed transport, using a covered carrier, offers premium protection from the elements and is recommended for classic, luxury, or high-value vehicles, but comes at a higher car shipping cost.
Time of Year and Seasonality
Like many industries, car shipping can be affected by seasonal demand. Shipping rates may fluctuate depending on the time of year. Peak moving seasons, like summer and the end of the year, often see increased demand, potentially driving up car shipping costs. Conversely, shipping during off-peak seasons might offer more favorable rates.
Fuel Costs and Surcharges
Fluctuations in fuel prices directly impact transportation costs. Shipping companies often implement fuel surcharges to account for these variations. Additionally, specific surcharges might apply depending on the destination or vehicle type. For example, as highlighted by Matson, electric vehicles (EVs) may incur surcharges due to special handling and safety protocols required for lithium-ion batteries.
Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska Shipping: Unique Cost Considerations
Shipping to or from Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska involves ocean freight, which introduces unique cost factors.
Hawaii Car Shipping Costs
Shipping a car to Hawaii involves ocean transport, and costs vary depending on the origin port and the size of your vehicle. Keep in mind that shipments to Hawaii are subject to an invasive species fee imposed by the State of Hawaii, adding to the overall car shipping cost. As of July 1, 2011, this fee was assessed at a rate of 0.75 cents for every 1,000 pounds.
Matson provides specific rates for vehicle shipments to and from Hawaii. Rates can vary based on vehicle dimensions. For instance, different rates apply for vehicles not exceeding 21’8″ L or 7′ W or 6’3″ H, and vehicles with slightly larger dimensions. It’s crucial to check the latest rate charts for precise car shipping cost calculations.
Guam Car Shipping Costs
Similar to Hawaii, shipping to Guam involves ocean freight. Matson’s rates for Guam are structured for mainland to Guam/Saipan and Guam/Saipan to mainland routes, as well as Honolulu to Guam/Saipan and Guam/Saipan to Honolulu. These rates are typically provided for vehicles with maximum dimensions, for example, 18’L x 7’W x 7’H.
An invasive species fee, imposed by the Guam Department of Agriculture, is also applied to shipments to Guam, adding $26.00 per vehicle as of January 1, 2023. Port authorities in Saipan may also levy charges directly, which are separate from the quoted car shipping cost.
Alaska Car Shipping Costs
Shipping to Alaska from Tacoma port involves different rate structures depending on the Alaskan port of destination (Anchorage, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor) and vehicle dimensions. Rates are provided for varying vehicle sizes and capacities. Shipping from Alaska ports back to Tacoma also has its own rate structure. It’s important to note that fully electric vehicles are subject to a handling fee when shipping to or from Alaska, adding to the car shipping cost.
Military Discounts
Many shipping companies, including Matson, offer military discounts as a gesture of gratitude to active duty service members. Matson provides a $100 military discount for each car shipment between Hawaii and the U.S. Mainland. To avail of this discount, active duty personnel should indicate their status when booking. This can significantly reduce the overall car shipping cost for military members.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Surcharges
Due to the hazardous material classification of lithium-ion batteries and the specialized handling required, electric vehicles often incur surcharges. Matson, for example, assesses surcharges for EVs in Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska services. These surcharges are in addition to the standard car shipping cost and are essential to consider when shipping an EV. It’s important to verify if these surcharges apply to hybrid vehicles or only to fully electric vehicles. Matson clarifies that their EV surcharge applies to fully electric vehicles powered solely by lithium-ion batteries and not to hybrids or vehicles with other battery types.
Payment and Booking
Payment is typically required before your vehicle is shipped. Most car shipping companies accept major credit cards. Matson, for instance, offers online payment options for Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska shipments. It’s advisable to have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and booking number ready when making payments. For specific regions, like Alaska, dedicated customer service lines may be available for payment processing.
Conclusion
Understanding car shipping costs involves considering various factors, from distance and vehicle type to shipping method and destination-specific fees. When shipping to Hawaii, Guam, or Alaska, be prepared for unique surcharges and regulations. By carefully evaluating these elements and comparing quotes from reputable shipping providers like Matson, you can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and cost-effective vehicle transportation experience. Always confirm the latest rates and any applicable fees directly with the shipping company to get the most accurate estimate of your car shipping cost.
