Shipping a car involves several factors that influence the final price. Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle online, or sending a car to a family member, understanding these variables is crucial to budgeting effectively. This article breaks down the key elements that determine how much it costs to ship your car.
Distance: The Mileage Factor in Car Shipping
The distance your car needs to travel is a primary factor in determining shipping costs. Simply put, longer distances equate to higher prices. For instance, transporting a vehicle across the country will naturally cost more than shipping it within the same state.
To illustrate, consider that car shipping companies operating from a large state like Texas would typically charge more to transport a vehicle to a distant location such as Maine compared to a closer destination like California.
Here’s a general idea of how distance affects car shipping costs: a shorter journey of around 500 miles might range from $550 to $800. In contrast, a longer trip spanning 2,500 miles could cost between $1,400 and $1,750.
The table below provides a more detailed estimation of how shipping distances impact costs:
| TOTAL MILEAGE | AVERAGE COST | OPEN CARRIER COST | ENCLOSED SHIPPING COST | AVERAGE COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | $550.00 – $850.00 | $600.00 – $900.00 | $900.00 – $1,100.00 | $1.10 – $1.70 |
| 1,500 | $1,100.00 – $1,600.00 | $1,100.00 – $1,300.00 | $1,300.00 – $1,600.00 | $0.90 – $1.30 |
| 2,500 | $1,400.00 – $1,750.00 | $1,300.00 – $1,800.00 | $1,800.00 – $2,000.00 | $0.60 – $0.70 |
Delivery Destination: Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
When shipping a car, you’ll typically encounter two main delivery options: door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal. Each option offers different levels of convenience and cost.
Door-to-Door Delivery: This service is designed for maximum convenience. A car carrier will pick up your vehicle from your home or any location you specify. It will then be transported and delivered directly to your chosen destination. This personalized service naturally comes at a premium.
Terminal-to-Terminal Delivery: This more economical option requires you to drop off your car at a designated shipping terminal. Your vehicle will then be transported to another terminal, usually located in or near your destination city. From there, you will need to collect your car.
While terminal-to-terminal shipping is generally cheaper, it’s important to factor in the extra steps. You’ll need to arrange transportation to and from the terminals, and terminal operating hours might not always align with your personal schedule. Door-to-door service eliminates these inconveniences, offering a more streamlined, albeit pricier, solution.
Shipping Method: Open Carrier vs. Enclosed Carrier Transport
The method used to transport your car significantly impacts the shipping cost and the level of protection your vehicle receives during transit. The two primary shipping methods are open carrier and enclosed carrier transport.
Open Carrier: This is the most common and typically more affordable method for shipping cars. Open carriers are large trucks designed to transport multiple vehicles at once, usually eight to nine. Cars are loaded onto the open trailer using ramps. While cost-effective, open carriers expose vehicles to the elements and potential road debris, such as rocks and dust.
Enclosed Carrier: For a higher level of protection, especially for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles, enclosed carriers are the preferred choice. Enclosed carriers transport cars inside a fully covered trailer, shielding them from weather conditions, road debris, and prying eyes. This premium service comes with a higher price tag compared to open carrier shipping.
Cost-wise, open carrier shipping typically ranges from $550 to $1,600 depending on distance and other factors. Enclosed carrier shipping, offering enhanced protection, generally costs between $1,000 and $2,450. The choice between open and enclosed transport hinges on your budget and the level of protection you desire for your vehicle during shipment.
