How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car? Understanding Car Shipping Expenses
Are you planning to move your car to a different location? The price of car shipping can vary significantly, influenced by numerous factors. Whether you’re moving house, selling a vehicle, or transporting a vintage car, grasping the intricacies of these expenses is essential. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of car shipping costs, equipping you with the knowledge necessary to make well-informed decisions.
What is Car Shipping?
Car shipping involves the transportation of vehicles from one location to another using specialized carriers. This service is commonly utilized by individuals or businesses when relocating vehicles over long distances, such as during a move to a new state or country. The expense of shipping a car can vary based on several factors.
Key Factors:
Distance:
Short Distance (e.g., 500 miles): $953
Medium Distance (e.g., 1,500 miles): $1,350
Long Distance (e.g., 2,000 miles or more): $1,836
Type of Vehicle:
- Sedans: Typically more affordable to ship compared to larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks.
- SUVs and Trucks: Larger vehicles may incur higher shipping costs due to their size and weight.
- Luxury or High-Value Vehicles: Specialized handling for high-value cars may come with additional costs.
Route:
- Metropolitan Areas: Shipping between major cities or metropolitan areas may have standard rates.
- Rural Areas: Shipping to remote or less accessible areas may incur additional fees due to logistical challenges.
Time of Year:
- Peak Season (e.g., Summer): Higher demand during summer months may lead to increased shipping costs.
- Off-Peak Season (e.g., Winter): Lower demand in winter may result in lower prices for car shipments.
Chosen Shipping Service:
- Open Transport: Generally more cost-effective as vehicles are transported on open trailers.
- Enclosed Transport: Offers greater protection but is usually more expensive due to added security and weatherproofing.
Average Cost per Mile:
The cost per mile generally decreases as the distance increases:
- Short distances (500 miles or less): $1.53 per mile
- Medium distances (between 500 and 1,500 miles): $0.97 per mile
- Long distances (2,000 miles or more): $0.78 per mile.
Average Car Shipping Rates by Company:
The cost of car shipping can vary depending on the chosen auto transport provider and services required:
- Autostar Transport Express: $1,433
- Montway Auto Transport: $1,557
- Sherpa Auto Transport: $1,434
- SGT Auto Transport: $1,463
- Easy Auto Ship: $1,433
Comparing Car Shipping Rates by Distance:
Short-Distance Car Shipping Costs:
For distances of 500 miles or less, car shipping costs range from $0.98 to $5.25 per mile, with an average of $1.37 per mile or $861 in total. Here’s a breakdown of the lowest, average, and highest costs based on different quotes obtained during our industry visit
- Lowest Cost: $0.98 per mile ($525 total)
- Average Cost: $1.57 per mile ($861 total)
- Highest Cost: $5.25 per mile ($2,910 total)
Medium-Distance Car Shipping Costs:
For distances between 500 and 1,500 miles, the average cost per mile is $0.91, ranging from $0.82 to $1.01. Most consumers pay around $1,473 for medium-distance car shipping services. Here are the lowest, average, and highest costs:
- Lowest Cost: $0.91 per mile ($1,419 total)
- Average Cost: $0.83 per mile ($1,473 total)
- Highest Cost: $1.01 per mile ($1,675 total)
Long-Distance Car Shipping Costs:
Shipping a car more than 2,500 miles typically costs consumers around $0.59 per mile or $1,935 in total. Here are the lowest, average, and highest costs for long-distance car shipping:
- Lowest Cost: $0.43 per mile ($1,225 total)
- Average Cost: $0.59 per mile ($1,910 total)
- Highest Cost: $1.11 per mile ($3,200 total)
Comparing Car Shipping Prices by Carrier Type:
When considering the cost of car shipping, the choice between open and enclosed transport plays a significant role. Let’s explore the average costs and popular routes for both options:
Open Car Transport:
- Average Cost: $1,534
- Open car transport is the more budget-friendly option for shipping vehicles.
Popular Routes:
- Coast-to-coast shipments within the United States.
- Interstate routes between major cities and metropolitan areas.
- Common routes such as Los Angeles to New York or Miami to Chicago.
Enclosed Car Transport:
- Average Cost: $1,882
- Enclosed car transport offers heightened security and protection for vehicles during transit.
Popular Routes:
- Specialized transportation for luxury cars, high-value vehicles, and classic automobiles.
- Preferred for cross-country journeys with valuable cargo.
- Routes involving transport to exclusive car shows or auctions.
When comparing open and enclosed transport prices, consider your vehicle’s needs. Open transport is economical for standard vehicles on common routes, while enclosed transport offers added security, ideal for valuable or delicate cars, especially on long or specialized journeys.
Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii:
Shipping a car to Hawaii involves additional considerations due to ocean transport between ports:
Long Beach, Calif to Honolulu (port to port): $1,889
Denver to Honolulu (door to port): $2,773.
Car Shipping Costs Based on Vehicle Size
The size of your vehicle significantly influences the shipping expenses. As the vehicle size increases, the shipping cost typically rises, with increments ranging from $150 to $250, depending on the shipping company. Here’s an estimate of shipping costs for various vehicle sizes over a 1,000-mile distance:
Keep in mind that the distance traveled significantly impacts these cost estimates. For instance, shipping your car 500 miles away may result in lower costs, even if the price per mile is higher. Conversely, shipping your car over 2,500 miles will likely incur higher expenses, despite lower prices per mile.
Conclusion:
While the cost of shipping a car can vary depending on various factors, it can be a worthwhile investment for long-distance relocations. However, for shorter distances, driving the car yourself or arranging alternative transportation methods may be more cost-effective. For peace of mind and to find the best car shipping service for your needs, consider comparing quotes from multiple providers. Some of the top-rated car shipping companies include Autostar Transport Express, Montway Auto Transport, and SGT Auto Transport.
