Thinking about the cost to ship a car can be stressful. On average, it’s about $1 per mile for 1,000 miles away. This blog will break down the prices and help you find deals.
Keep reading to save money.
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Factors That Affect the Cost of Shipping a Car
When you’re looking to ship a car, the price tag can feel like it’s spinning faster than wheels on the freeway. Believe it or not, several key players dance around that final number you see.
Distance and Route
Distance and route play big roles in the cost to ship car. Longer trips usually cost less per mile, making them sometimes cheaper overall. For instance, shipping over 1,000 miles might only be $0.60 per mile.
But if you’re moving your ride just a short hop away, expect to pay around $1 per mile. Look at a 1,200-mile trip; it’ll set you back about $1,096 or so.
The direction matters too. Heading south for winter? Shipping costs can jump up by 20% going to Florida during snowbird season from October to April. And let’s not forget those winter moves in the Northeast—prepare for a 10%-15% uptick in your bill..
Type of Transport (Open vs. Enclosed)
Choosing between open and enclosed transport affects the cost to ship a car. Open transport is cheaper, ranging from $700 to $1,500. It’s like taking the bus for cars; they’re out in the open, exposed to weather but it saves money.
Enclosed transport protects cars from the elements. Think of it as a VIP service for vehicles. This option costs more, typically between $1,200 and $3,000.
Enclosed transport isn’t just about peace of mind; it’s also about value for special cars. The price jump over open transport can be 50% or more because your car gets exclusive treatment.
For a long haul over 2,000 miles in an enclosed trailer, expect to pay anywhere from $1,300 to $2,500. It’s all about balancing what you’re willing to spend with how much protection you want for your vehicle during its journey.
Vehicle Size and Weight
Bigger cars such as SUVs and trucks consume more area on transport carriers. This increases the cost to transport a car. For instance, the cost to ship an SUV could range between $900 and $3,000.
If you possess a pickup truck, it could be even higher, varying from $1,000 to $3,500. The cause? Larger automobiles require more area which is scarce on these carriers. Moreover, if you’re moving a larger vehicle like an SUV or truck, it might increase your bill by about $150 to $200 since they’re weightier and bulkier.
Therefore, if you anticipate shipping something large, be ready for those additional charges. It’s primarily about how much space your vehicle consumes and how hefty it is – these factors increase the cost in car shipping.
Average Car Shipping Costs Based on Key Factors
When you’re eyeing the cost to ship your car, it’s like peeking into a kaleidoscope—every twist changes the picture. Distance, type of transport, and even your car’s size chip in to paint a unique price tag.
Cost Per Mile for Different Distances
Shipping a car doesn’t cost the same for every trip. The price changes depending on how far the car needs to go. For trips over 1,000 miles, it costs about $0.60 per mile. But if the journey is shorter, say below that magic number, the cost jumps up to around $1 for each mile traveled.
Let’s break it down with examples: sending your ride 1,200 miles could set you back $1,096—that’s roughly $0.91 for every mile under its wheels. Meanwhile, a shorter hop of 500 miles might pinch your wallet between $588 and $850, landing an average cost of about $745 or so—quick math tells us that’s hitting nearly $1.49 per mile.
Typical Price Ranges for Various Transport Methods
Jumping from how far a car travels to the cost of getting it there, let’s dive into what you might pay based on how you ship. Open transport, the most common choice, usually ranges between $700 and $1,500.
It’s cheaper because your car is out in the open, catching every bug and bit of dirt along the way. If you want to keep your ride clean and more protected, enclosed transport is for you but expect to shell out more—about $1,200 to $3,000.
This option is like giving your car a first-class ticket; it costs more but offers peace of mind over long distances like 2,000 miles which can run from $1,300 to as much as $2,500.
Conclusion
So, shipping a car has its costs but don’t let that scare you. There are deals out there waiting to be grabbed. Just keep your eyes open and be ready to compare those quotes. Also, timing is everything; play it smart with your scheduling.
Who knows? With a bit of flexibility and some savvy shopping, the price to ship might just surprise you on the low side.
