When it comes to shipping a car that perhaps you just bought one online, are relocating, or simply need it shipped from point A to point B—the first question almost everyone asks is: what’s it going to cost me?
The truth is, there isn’t a flat number. Car shipping rates move up and down depending on several factors: how far the vehicle is going, the size and type of the car, whether you choose open or enclosed transport, and even the time of year. Fuel costs and overall market demand also play into it.
That’s why no two shipments are priced exactly the same. The smartest way to get a real number is by requesting a quote—or better yet, plugging your details into a car shipping calculator to get an accurate estimate before you book.
As 2025 moves forward to 2026, the auto transport industry is evolving at a fast pace. Fluctuating fuel prices, shifts in the economy, and better technology are all shaping how much it costs to ship a car. But one thing hasn’t changed: professional car shippers still provide the safest, most efficient way to move a vehicle across the country.
If you’re budgeting, knowing these pricing factors upfront gives you the edge.
Compare a few quotes, weigh your options, and always stick with a reputable company. The right car transport service doesn’t just move your vehicle—it gives you peace of mind knowing the job will be handled correctly.
At the end of the day, car shipping is about trust, transparency, and value. The companies that deliver on all three are the ones worth booking.
A car shipping company will come up with an average cost per mile that is calculated in cents-per-mile, generally. However the final price depends on various important factors which have a bearing on how much more or less you will end up paying for auto transport.
Although our car shipping cost calculator gives you an instant quote that adjusts for these on the fly (for both open transport and enclosed transport) , there are those that want an explanation on these factors come together to create car shipping prices. Here you will find how we generate a quote for you. All these factors will show the overall cost. You will see all that goes in to generating auto shipping quotes and the answer to the number one question everyone wants to know: How much does it cost?
When it comes time to compare quotes, is it the right choice to ship your car? Is it better to drive, 1,000 miles, over 2,000 miles, even it is cross country? Auto shipping is a popular option and many agree it's the best way to relocate a vehicle across the country or to another state. Having your car picked up on a carrier is safe, fast, and efficient. But having your vehicle picked up needs to fit your needs. Most people will weigh the cost to transport versus distance traveled by driving. Is it indeed the cheaper option?
Many factors affect your price and combine together to make the car shipping quote. But since you want to be as educated as possible when shipping a car, here's the breakdown. When getting multiple quotes all should be within a similar range of each other as they go by what we will now discuss.
Tip: Some of the car shipping quotes from some companies too low? There may be hidden fees which will not get the best result. Conversely, if they are too high they may be price gouging. Always to research! Our car shipping calculator will always give the lowest price that will successfully ship your vehicle. This is whether is is open or enclosed transport. That's the difference between our best price and those of other shipping companies.
Generally, the main factors that influence the car shipping rates are:
Although our car shipping cost calculator takes all these into account, you may want to know all the factors involved in coming up with the car shipping costs. In auto transport, carriers take into account anything that affects their time and operating costs to ship a car which translates to the average cost you see in an area or route. It has to make sense car haulers. For example pickup trucks will cost more than sedans. Even when shipping multiple vehicles whether coming from one location or not. This includes both open transport and enclosed transport as well as shipping a car to another state or shipping a car across the country. The total price has to make sense for a car shipping company to haul a certain vehicle type on a certain route.
Car shipping prices are automatically generated with all this taken into account without any extra effort on your part. Please note, for international car shipping these rates are custom car shipping quotes.
The first and the biggest factor that an auto transport company looks at to give you a car shipping quote is the distance a vehicle needs to travel on the car carrier. Auto transport companies calculate this on a cost per mile basis to generate the average car shipping cost. However, for certain routes to ship a car the rules can change drastically. When demand spikes in an area with little to no carriers, car shipping rates coincide with the rate of demand and literally what people are willing to pay. Calculating open transport car shipping costs per mile here does not make sense. However on a normal, steady route the cost per mile will drop the longer the trip. So for example, it can be $1 a mile when shipping cars 500 miles but it can be $0.30 cents a mile for 2000 miles for car carriers to ship a car for you. This is the reason why the average transportation cost over longer distances is actually cheaper on the per mile basis. Regardless of distance this is a door to door service and to almost any chosen pick up and delivery locations that the truck can fit into. (Car transporters offer door to door service unless they cannot physically fit or it's not safe to navigate. This is typical for residential car delivery.) Again, our car transport cost calculator does all this for you.
In 2022 and beyond things have permanently changed with how car transport rates for a route are generated. With our car shipping cost calculator, this is all taken into account. So what has changed? As technology and the sharing of information have progressed, auto transport companies are coming away from "the cost per mile" method to ship a car, but rather compare what other shipping companies in their area have been able to charge for a route.
The next biggest factor that impacts a car shipping quote will be the type of carrier you chose to for car transport. A car shipping company gives you is the selection of what car shipping company meets your needs best. In other words if you are looking for an open carrier or enclosed car shipping. Generally, in auto transport the open carrier / trailer is the most commonly used transport type with the least cost to ship a car. It is the cheapest way to ship a car. It is the most popular option, regardless of the other factors that affect the price.
What type of car can go open? Almost any make and model can. Think of your daily driver, etc. By far it is the most requested car transport quote as it is the cheapest way to ship a car whether it's one car or multiple car shipping. Enclosed transport is a 40-60% increase on the cost to ship over the open car transport cost. This is a great option for a classic car, exotic car, or other vehicle that needs to be kept out away from the outside elements. The best auto transport companies offer this enclosed car shipping service. Our car shipping calculator does do all the hard work needed to find out what these car shipping rates as well.
If you’ve ever come across a double-decker kind of vehicle carrying 8 to 10 cars or other vehicles, it is likely to be an open carrier hired by car shipping companies. A standard sized auto transport trailer has the capacity to carry 8 to 10 cars on long haul trips. In car transport there are also shorter car shipping trailers with carrying capacity of 3 to 4 cars and they generally ship on shorter routes. A majority of the customers prefer this method of auto transport mainly because it has the lowest cost to ship a vehicle. Hands down, it is the cheapest option. After all who doesn't want to save money on their car shipment?
When it comes to enclosed shipping carriers, they are comparatively smaller than open car transport trailers and have the capacity to hold just 2 to 6 vehicles at a time. It is mostly recommended for covering the longer distances as it is more safe and secure form of car transport. But because it holds fewer vehicles, give superior protection, cost more to maintain, and take the same time to reach the destination, there will be around a 40-60% increase over the standard open car shipping costs. So definitely the safest way but not the cheapest way.
Here, the most common question asked by the customers is which carrier to choose. Which is a better, open or enclosed? The simple answer is it depends if you will benefit from enclosed transport. If you are just worried about car shipping costs only, then open will be less every time and there's your answer. However, if you are considering better protection, the go ahead and read on.
Both types of car carrier have their own set of characteristics to consider when deciding to ship a car. With auto transporters, if you’re looking for the lowest possible car shipping cost and have a simple car or SUV then most will ship a car with open carrier. Or if you’re the owner of a luxury car or classic car that needs extra care, then an enclosed carrier will be the best option when getting a car transport quote although it comes with a higher cost to ship.
The next question would be if you should ship your car direct with enclosed transport. Meaning, the company you call has their own truck to move the vehicle. The answer to that will have to do with your expected timeline. Unlike open transport where there are far fewer willing to work outside of the broker eco system, some enclosed transporters do indeed work direct. But there is a problem with this most of the time. If you are calling a single direct carrier they may not be passing by your area for days or even weeks. They may not even come by your location and you may have called many already. Their car shipping quotes may also be very expensive. Overall all-in-one enclosed transporters have a much higher average car shipping cost. In those cases, you have to go with someone that has a carrier network and also works with competing carriers.
The vehicle size and the weight plays an important role in auto transport while estimating the price with our car shipping cost calculator automatically. But why does this get taken to account? This is because the trailers come with a maximum hold capacity. A car carrier can legally hold a certain weight. That's why the heavier the vehicle is , the more it takes to have the car shipped and travel to its destination on the car carrier. This is the reason why you’re asked about the type of your vehicle at the time of getting quotes. Generally, heavy vehicles such as a cargo van or a truck and large /small SUVs take up the maximum loading capacity of the trailer which results in higher cost. Similarly, if the vehicle is longer, it will take a bigger spot in a trailer, hence, it will be charged more to ship a car. Moreover, there is another concern that confuses many customers as to whether or not they can ship their personal belongings inside the car? Does it really change car transport costs? It generally depends on the transportation company and its rules.
Because size and weight impacts how much it is to ship your car, these car transport rates will be higher. An auto transport company also takes in to account add-ons like bike racks, luggage holders etc. These will all influence the cost to ship. So, be aware of this. And if you want to save some money, then don’t ship your belongings when planning to ship a car. Many auto transport companies may not remember to mention this, causing the driver to assess an overweight vehicle fee. Most companies that are reputable and know what they are doing will absolutely make sure they take into account additional fees for extra weight and add ons that increase the vehicle dimensions.
Our car shipping calculator gives you a rate based on what is a normal amount of items (100 lbs or less) inside and vehicles that are of stock configuration. Meaning the price you get for car transport is not for overly modified vehicles which will pack a premium. In those cases you can use our calculator for an average car shipping cost only.
Tip: packing a few personal items? Let the auto transport carrier know you made sure there's less fuel in the gas tank, each gallon of fuel weighs 6.3 pounds. Note: Enclosed transport may be a little more lenient with items. Ask our staff.
The next factor is the condition of your vehicle. Is the vehicle operable? (Does it run and drive?) Usually, an inoperable car requires extra care, time, and effort from the carrier. The driver will ask you for an extra fee (usually about $150.00-200 added to the final cost) for the efforts the driver has to make in order to winch, push, or pull the car on and off the truck. Depending on the position of the vehicle and the course of shipment, your car will be moved frequently and hence, it will incur additional cost. However, if your car is in running condition, it will not require any additional efforts of the truck driver can drive the car to load it on or off the trailer. Hence, it will not require any additional cost. Moreover, the additional charges for an inoperable vehicle varies from company to company, so make sure to question your company well and check out their terms and conditions to save yourself from paying extra unnecessarily.
As a matter of fact, pick-up and delivery in the rural areas will be more costly than the same in urban areas or in the popular routes. If it's going to a destination port, that can incur an additional cost for the extra time. NX does not hide any additional fees.
The same cost scale of auto transport above can be used to see how the time of year pushes the costs. If you’re shipping your vehicle during the holidays or festive season, then the shipping charges will be definitely high. In the summer months you will see prices move up as well due to demand. This includes cross country car shipping. This is because the routes are busy during this time thanks to seasonal shippers such as snowbirds, and drivers also need some holiday time! Open air carriers are used the most.
The east coast has some of the craziest shifts in pricing. Snowbird routes like New York to Florida double in price during at their peak. These increases begin in early fall. With some careful planning, being given time, you can make the best of the time of year you will be ready to ship. It's important to understand, the total mileage isn't the most prevalent in pricing.
Some customers can save a little by sending multiple cars on open air transport, with discounts being around $100 or so. Moreover, certain conditions like hurricanes and floods also impacts the transportation cost. Especially if you are shipping a car across the country there's a lot more of a chance something can get in the way.
When it comes to holidays, if you request transportation during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Labor Day, New Year, Memorial Day etc., you will have pay additional costs. If you are transporting during either snowbird season like September to February, or April to June, expect to pay more. So, if you can be a little flexible and don’t have any urgency, then plan your shipping in the off seasons and away from holidays. This will help you in lowering the overall shipping cost.
If you’re looking for expedited or fast pickup, then be ready to pay a bit more. Most pickups take 1-3 days on average. It's also possible your vehicle takes more time to get loaded not because its crossing state lines but if the vehicle is in a rural area. By paying a premium you could get a carrier there faster. Depending upon the delivery location, auto transport companies charge up to 30% more. Further, if you are in a need of having your car delivered urgently then most of the car shipping companies will allow you to select your pick up and delivery dates according to your needs.
Here is a bit of advice on choosing the express shipping with a car transport company: Always request a written contract or agreement from the company for the delivery dates just in case they fail to meet the decided delivery schedule. In such cases, you can ask for the compensation or even the entire refund. These days most car shipping companies readily offer such agreements and offer huge discounts if they fail to meet the schedule. So, make sure to check out the agreement.
With expedited / express shipping always keep in mind that you can get faster pickup dates, but the time it takes to arrive to the final destination is usually the about the same as carriers can only travel 300-500 miles a day. Just like in other forms of trucking such as that of aa moving company, there are also strict laws regarding hours on the road to limit excess fatigue.
Your vehicle condition also has much to do with how fast pick up will be. Inoperable vehicles also will require equipment like a winch or lift. Fewer carriers will have this equipment which can limit availability.
Heavier vehicles such as oversized trucks can take longer as less carriers will have room for them as they take more space. This (expedited pick up or not) can add the time it takes to ship your car.
Finally, the cost of fuel can also affect the overall shipping cost. And the fact is, the cost of fuel is fluctuating all the time in auto shipping and there is nothing that can be done to save on this aspect. So, depending on the place where you live and the current prices of the fuel in your region, that will be one of the strongest factors to determine the final cost. This one reason why car shipping quotes will vary for similar distances. This is also why you will hear a lot about the "average cost to ship". Because without at least having a few other factors considered, car hauling rates are estimated based on general info. Speaking of fuel, it's good courtesy to ship your vehicle with less than a quarter tank.
As of 2024, the current national average is $3.75 per gallon of diesel. But in places like California, it can be over $5.00 per gallon, easily.
First of all, here is the good news. Sedan and small car shipping is more affordable than most other kinds of shipping when it comes to weight and size. If you are moving multiple vehicles, even more so to have a car shipped. This is mainly because of the smaller footprint of cars as opposed to larger vehicles creates a lower average price. They don’t take as much space on the trailer and they also have less weight as compared to something big. Remember to add 40-60% for enclosed auto transport. For the most accurate information, get a car shipping quote instantly.
The cost to ship a regular sedan will cost anywhere from $450 to $2100 throughout the continental U.S. NX provides a car shipping service that suits vehicles of all shapes and sizes with an instant quote from our calculator. The larger and heavier the car or sedan will take a larger spot in the truck and carry more weight than smaller vehicles.
| Distance | Cost Per mile | Sample Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 300 Miles | $1.50 | $450 |
| 1000 Miles | $0.90 | $900 |
| 2000 Miles | $0.80 | $1,600 |
| 2,500 Miles | $0.70 | $1,750 |
| Type of Car | Examples | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | Focus, Cvic, Fiat | +$0 |
| Mid Size Sedan | Altima, Accord, E-Class | +$50-60 |
| Large Sedan | S500, Crown Victoria, 7-Series | $100 |
| Extra Large Sedan | Classic Impala, El Dorado, Rolls Royce | $150 |
These vehicles are generally bigger and slightly heavier than most of the cars, hence the car shipping cost for an SUV is a bit higher than that of a sedan or sports car. So naturally, the bigger the SUV, the more it costs to ship your car. The common SUVs that fall under this category include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4, or Kia Niro. A medium SUV would be a Chevy Trailblazer, Ford Explorer, Toyota 4runner, or Honda Pilot.
The increase isn't a lot as they don't take too much room to fill up the car transporter. Enclosed is 40-60% more should you want that option. For the most accurate information, get a car shipping quote instantly.
The cost to ship a standard SUV will cost anywhere from $450 to $2250 throughout the continental U.S A small SUV may not seem much larger than a sedan, however when it comes to vehicle transport they usually carry a little more weight and require more height clearance. It increases the rate to ship a car for both enclosed car transport and open transport.
| Type of SUV | Examples | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Small SUV | CRV, Compass, Sidekick | +$75-80 |
| Mid Size SUV | 4Runner, Pilot, Cherokee | +$125-150 |
Obviously, large SUVs are bigger and heavier than their smaller counterparts. Hence, their shipping quotes are higher. Moreover, SUV's that are modified with oversized tires and other accessories take more space on the carrier leaving no room for other vehicles, hence they cost even more. Large SUV's can also take advantage of the safest way to ship a car. So they can ride enclosed but will have a 40-60% more average cost to ship. Use are calculator to get a car shipping quote instantly.
The cost to ship a Large SUV will cost anywhere from $450 to $2300 throughout the continental US. A large SUV is naturally taller, wider, and heavier. Therefore vehicle shipping rates will be higher. An extra large SUV is significantly bigger and longer which could result in taking up two spots a small car normally would.
| Type of SUV | Examples | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Large SUV | Tahoe, Yukon, Expedition | +$150-175 |
| Extra Large SUV | Suburban, Expedition L, Escalade ESV, Modified | +$175-200 |
Trucks are bigger in general and extra large trucks like dually trucks are the biggest and the heaviest type of vehicles, hence they naturally incurs the highest costs to ship. Moreover, both of these vehicles have extended parts which again adds to the shipping cost. Large Dually's and Hummers may not fit in an enclosed car transport because of vehicle size therefore in some cases be only suited for open transport.
We do see that fewer customers request enclosed auto transport quotes for this transport type and as they are usually meant to go off road etc. Either way, these samples help you determine the average car shipping cost. Please note if the vehicle is modified, lifted, has a camper top - All will affect the average cost to ship above the extra 40-60% for enclosed services.
The cost to ship a regular truck will cost anywhere from $475 to $2400 throughout the continental U.S. Transporting Trucks can also vary in size and configuration when using the calculator to get a price. You could have a small first generation Ranger, or an F-350 Dually. Both are totally different and will pull a totally different shipping quote. A very large truck will have the steepest increase for size and weight, as they are very heavy and long. How much it will cost you will vary greatly from small to big. Save money by disclosing extra hardware like racks, tall light bars, and extended bumpers.
| Type of Truck | Examples | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Small Truck | Ranger, B2000, Syclone | +$100-150 |
| Mid Size Truck | Ridgeline, Frontier, Tacoma | +$150-200 |
| Large Truck | Silverado, Ram, Sierra | +$200-250 |
| Extra Large Truck / Modified | F350, Sierra 3500, RAM 3500 | +$250-300 |
The cost to ship a regular truck will cost anywhere from $475 to $2400 throughout the continental U.S. Transporting Trucks can also vary in size and configuration when using the calculator to get a price. You could have a small first generation Ranger, or an F-350 Dually. Both are totally different and will pull a totally different shipping quote. A very large truck will have the steepest increase for size and weight, as they are very heavy and long. How much it will cost you will vary greatly from small to big. Save money by disclosing extra hardware like racks, tall light bars, and extended bumpers.
| Type of Truck | Examples | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Small Truck | Ranger, B2000, Syclone | +$100-150 |
| Mid Size Truck | Ridgeline, Frontier, Tacoma | +$150-200 |
| Large Truck | Silverado, Ram, Sierra | +$200-250 |
| Extra Large Truck / Modified | F350, Sierra 3500, RAM 3500 | +$250-300 |
Trucks can be tricky because they come in all shapes and sizes. However, the average cost to ship trucks and large SUVs ranges between $1,700 – $2,000 from coast to coast. Further, transporting from North to South (say Minnesota to Arizona) will cost around $1500 to $1700. If your truck has additional accessories such as heavy tires, lifts, suspensions etc., then add $200 to $300 extra. On an average, the cost of shipping an XL truck or a cargo van ranges around $2500 to $3000. This is an approximate cost, so take at least 2-3 quotes to get the best price.
Car shipping is the process of transporting or otherwise relocating a vehicle from one place to another by a third party. The need one to find out how to ship a car can be because of many circumstances. Buying a car from a distant place, relocating for work permanently and temporarily, or sending a car to a vacation home are all common reasons people need car shipping.
Car shipping can be local, to another state, or all the way across country. There round trip auto transport such as those used by snowbirds.
You will hear the terms open transport and enclosed transport used very frequently when it comes to how to ship a car. This because these are the two common services auto shipping providers use. Open transport is the most common shipping method used by 90% of individuals hiring car shipping companies.
What is open car transport? Open car transport is he most common way to ship a car. It is the cheapest way to ship a car. Most typically open transport refers to the two level trailers on the road, hauling a number of vehicles that are traveling from one place to another.
Auto transport companies also have smaller configurations that can be pulled by a diesel truck that hold just 2-3 vehicles. A flatbed that takes one or two cars is still considered open transport.
It is suitable for all kinds of cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and more. Unless your vehicle is a show car or does not ever see rain and snow, then open trailer is the safest most cost effective shipping method used by nearly every shipping company
For those looking to have a car shipped with the best protection possible, then enclosed car transport is the best choice. Enclosed carrier transport is the safest way to ship a car.
Your car will be loaded in an enclosed trailer which is basically a rolling shipping container that has a roof and all four walls. These carriers also have additional coverage for high value cars.
You will not have to worry about your car getting scratched or dented if the shipping truck happens to encounter, rocks, road debris in the air. Then enclosed may be your best choice.
Also, enclosed is the safest way to protect a car from bad weather like snow, rain, hail, and (for some delicate vehicles) sun's damaging UV rays. For this reason enclosed is the choice for classic cars, exotics, and high end luxury vehicles.
In these cases, enclosed transport with a quality car shipping company might be a worthwhile investment if the car you are shipping has a high value or is a high end vehicle, or new car. That value can be monetary or just sentimental.
If you you would like to avoid any risk of slightest damage because of road debris or any other external damage, enclosed carriers are the choice for you. As a bonus, since enclosed auto transport takes fewer cars, in some cases your car arrives faster.
Most companies serious about enclosed transport will use hard side enclosed trucks whenever possible to ship valuable cars.
The most common service is the door to door shipping method. Although it sounds clear as to how it works, it does have restrictions depending on the pickup and delivery locations. For example, if narrow roads or low trees impede the carrier form entering, they will have to meet at the nearest safe location.
Additionally, there is what is known as "drive-away", where you hire someone to drive your car, usually a professional. This can be a dedicated service or provided by an auto transport company but also by a dedicated company that only provides that service. They can drive your car across the country or to another state. Although the vehicle is not "shipped" in the sense of it being done on a carrier, the service will have it driven for you to the destination.
Basically, the farther the vehicle has to travel, the more it will cost. However, the cost of shipping a vehicle can vary greatly, influenced by several factors that come together on the cost to ship a car.
The cost of shipping a vehicle can vary greatly, influenced by several determining factors. Thee factors will be all tied in when you begin to receive quotes and start to see what car shipping costs are like.
As mentioned, the primary factor weighted in to determine the cost is the distance between the pickup and delivery locations. Naturally, longer distances incur higher costs. However, location when it comes to car shipping quotes matters too. If you're shipping to or from remote or hard-to-reach areas, expect higher costs due to the added time and fuel consumption for the driver to go out of their normal route.
The vehicle size and weight of your car will have an impact on your car shipping quote. For example oversized truck shipping will greatly increase the price due to the space and fuel needed. The price as larger, heavier vehicles occupy more space on the carrier and add to the fuel cost.
Similarly, if your vehicle is inoperable, it may require special equipment for loading and unloading, adding to the expense.
As mentioned earlier, there are two main methods used by the car shipping industry: open and enclosed transport. Open transport is the cheaper option, while enclosed transport, offering more protection, comes at a premium for the extra layer of protection. If you choose enclosed transport, these costs can be up to 60% higher. Bear in mind that these are rough estimates and actual costs can vary depending on the specific variables involved in your shipment.
The time of year can affect the cost. For instance, shipping costs with just about any car transport company often increase in summer due to higher demand nationwide.
If you are a snowbird, the winter rate is high going south to warm states while cheaper going north to the cold ones. It then reverses in the spring.
If you need expedited shipping, it will likely increase the cost due to the special arrangements necessary by the car shipping company to make sure you have a faster pickup.
Given the variability of the factors above, it's challenging to pin down a precise cost for shipping a car without specific details.
However, as a general range, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,350 for open transport across several states with a car shipping company. For cross-country shipping, the cost can range from $1,750 to $2100. This is done by taking the average cost to ship a car per mile.
Once you have a clear idea of your needs, the next step is to research and identify reputable auto shipping companies. Look for companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured. Online reviews, customer testimonials, and ratings from organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help you gauge a company's reputation.
Once you've identified potential companies, you can request quotes. This can usually be done online through the company's website, by phone, or by email. Provide as much detail as possible about your needs to get the most accurate car shipping prices.
Remember, quotes can fluctuate based on various factors, including fuel prices, seasonality, and the current demand for car shipping services. Therefore, a quote is often time-sensitive and might change if not confirmed within a specified period.
When you've gathered a few quotes, it's time to analyze and compare each auto shipper. Keep in mind shipping vehicles with the cheapest quote is not always the best. Look at what each quote includes and excludes with each transport service. For instance, some companies might offer door-to-door delivery within their standard quote, while others may charge extra for this service.
Also, look at the terms and conditions tied to each quote. If you plan to carry personal belongings, make sure you are aware of those policies. Some companies might require a deposit, while others may offer a 'pay upon delivery' service.
Be sure you understand what happens if the delivery is delayed or if your vehicle incurs damage during shipping. Will the vehicle shipping company cover repair costs? Do they offer a guarantee?
Once you've compared your quotes, and you're satisfied with the balance of cost, services, and terms, it's time to make your choice for which reputable company you want to go with. However, before you confirm, ensure you've asked any lingering questions about your auto shipment that you might have and that you fully understand what you're agreeing to.
How to ship a car on the cheap is a big deal for nearly everyone. Nobody wants to overpay!
It's advisable to schedule your car shipment as early as possible. The more notice you can provide, the greater your chances of securing an advantageous rate. Ideally, try to book your vehicle shipment at least a fortnight prior to your intended move date.
Being flexible with your pickup and delivery dates can potentially lower your shipping costs. Most transport carriers prioritize jobs that seamlessly integrate into their existing schedules. If you're able to be flexible with your shipping dates, the carrier can accommodate you more easily. While expedited shipping is an option, it usually comes with a higher price tag.
Open car carrier shipping is the most economical method of transporting your vehicle. These trucks typically accommodate between eight to ten cars, meaning shipping routes incorporate multiple stops for loading and unloading.
However, if you own a classic car or one with low clearance, you might want to consider enclosed auto carrier shipping. Although more expensive, this method provides better protection from road debris and inclement weather for your classic car, exotic, or other high value vehicle.
Ship More Than One Vehicle
If you are looking to ship more one or two cars, then you can save money as the driver only has to go to once to both the pickup and delivery locations. Less stops means saving time and fuel.
If feasible considering your location and shipping provider, to opt for terminal to terminal transport. This involves having your car transported to and from a designated shipping terminal or yard, a choice that can result in substantial savings over other auto shippers that do no do this. However, as of 2023 it has been harder to find due to lack of popularity since most prefer to door to door shipping with auto carriers as they go to and from each delivery location.
Now that you understand what to look for in Auto transport companies You can begin the car shipping process and take steps to booking transport. It's only takes 3 steps to get your vehicle picked up, and 2 more to receive. The whole process in five easy steps!
You will begin a recent and accurate quote to ship your car. Most legitimate car shipping companies will not require personal information.
Most established auto shipping companies will have automated shipping quotes. This makes it easy if you want to get multiple quotes to see what type of transport you want to use.
Secure your vehicle transportation by phone or online selecting a the first available day they we can come get the vehicle.
You will need all this set up for when we set up the carrier to come get you.Remember, the great thing about working with a company that does not have upfront charges is that you never get charged a penny until we they a carrier scheduled to come get you.
Then comes the part you’ve been waiting for! When we schedule your pickup. Once your vehicle is assigned a carrier, we’ll send you a dispatch notice.
This is an email with important information such as the date of pickup, expected delivery, and the driver’s contact information.
The driver will then reach out to you to confirm dates and times. When they show up they will perform a pick up inspection with the bill of lading.
Most auto shipping is organized on to large car transport carriers like the one pictured above. Usually for local and shorter distance (especially those traveling under 500 miles) a smaller carrier is used to transport your vehicle, as also pictured above.
There are many configurations, makes, and models for both the larger and smaller carriers, however the examples above are representative of what is most typical.
All transporters are required by the FMCSA to be licensed, bonded, and insured. The average insurance for our carriers is a million dollars. Carriers are required to maintain licensing and insurance or could face civil, even criminal penalties.
Shipping a car does not happen overnight. The average car transport carrier can cover around 300-500 miles a day on a full load and if the route is planned efficiently. This can fluctuate based on road conditions, road closures, and more. Read about all this in detail over at how long it takes.
Some east coast to west coast (and vice-versa) auto transports occur very quickly because there are no pickups or drop-offs in areas between both locations. The same goes for transport up and down the east coast.
A great example would be shipping a car on a route going from Los Angeles to Miami or West Palm Beach to New York City. There are safety rules that each carrier must abide to when shipping a car across the country.
An auto transport driver can only drive a total of 11 consecutive hours if they have rested 10 before that run. He or she may not be on duty more than 14 hours.
These hours can include driving or other tasks having to do with the transport. Again they must have rested 10 hours to work the maximum of 14.
The driver of the carrier must stop driving after 8 hours since the last sleeper berth break of at least 30 minutes. (Berth means on a bed or bunk that can be on in the transporter’s cabin.) Most driving is limited by the 60/70-hour limit.
Driving time is to be no more than 60 hours within seven back to back days, or can drive up to 70 hours if working 8 days nonstop. See https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov for more details on hours.
Carl brings over a decade of proven expertise in the auto shipping industry, with hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of the business since 2014. From dispatching and sales to customer service and operations, he has built a 360° understanding of how vehicle transport truly works.
As the driving force behind NX Automotive Transport’s website, Carl is both the author and strategist behind the educational content and guides that thousands of customers rely on to make informed shipping decisions. His mission is to raise the standard of honesty and transparency in auto transport, not only by leading NX’s content and customer education, but also by mentoring and training others in the industry.
Carl’s unmatched depth of knowledge, combined with his dedication to fair and straightforward practices, makes him one of the most trusted voices in auto transport today.
4360 Peters Rd Suite 9
Plantation, FL 33317
Email:
sales@nxat.com
Toll Free Phone:
(844) 444-4177
Company Hours
Monday-Friday:
8am to 8pm EST
Saturdays
10am -2pm EST
There isn't insider pricing or special deals others get that we cannot.
We believe in giving jobs to our community. All sales staff is here in the USA.
