The first thing that probably comes to mind is how much it is going to cost you. Auto transport isn’t a cheap service, and the wide range of pricing can sometimes leave you feeling puzzled.
So, let’s get into it.
There are several factors that determine how much you’re going to pay. The transportation industry made $9.9 billion in revenue in 2023, and understanding pricing gives you more power.
This article is going to explain what exactly affects auto transport prices.
Table of Contents
- How Distance Really Affects Your Quote
- Why Your Vehicle Size Matters More Than You Think
- Transport Method Price Differences Explained
- Location Impact On Final Costs
- Timing Your Shipment For Best Rates
How Distance Really Affects Your Quote
Distance is one of the factors that have the most significant impact on the final price.
But there’s one thing that you should know.
The cost per mile actually goes down as the distance increases. Short haul trips under 500 miles can cost up to $1.75 per mile, and cross-country shipments are as low as $0.55 per mile.
Doesn’t make sense, right?
For example, a 100 miles transport can cost $175 while a 2,000-miles move costs around $1,200.
So why does this happen?
When it comes to long distance auto transport, carriers split fuel and labor costs, which means you get better mileage. The longer distance also allows them to better bundle shipments together and squeeze more vehicles going the same way, maximizing their profit.
This is the reason why it makes sense to go with stress-free car shipping services when you plan on shipping your car. These companies have already established their own regular routes between locations and can combine shipments from multiple customers, thus making the per-mile rate lower.
Transporting from popular routes between big cities also costs less since carriers run them frequently. Routes from/to out-of-the-way places can be premium.
Why Your Vehicle Size Matters More Than You Think
Ever thought that your vehicle’s size and weight could greatly affect the shipping cost?
Turns out, this is one of those things you should know about if you want to get the best deal. SUVs, trucks, and vans can cost between $150 and $300 more to ship than a standard sedan.
The reason for this is simple:
Transport companies have certain weight restrictions. Truck that could haul nine compact cars may only accommodate six SUVs. That means lower capacity which means that these costs will be passed onto you.
Heavy vehicles also consume more fuel while being transported.
Transporting special vehicles like classic or luxury cars may require using enclosed transport (more on that later), which is more expensive.
Vehicles that are inoperable also cost more to transport as carriers need to use special equipment like a winch to load them.
Transport Method Price Differences Explained
There are two primary auto transport methods:
Open transport is when your vehicle rides on an open trailer. This option is typically cheaper since the vehicle is more exposed to the elements. About 95% of vehicles are transported this way.
Enclosed transport is the more expensive option. In this case, your vehicle is completely protected inside a closed trailer. On average, enclosed transport costs 30% to 60% more than open transport.
For example, let’s calculate prices for a 1,500-mile trip:
For open transport, the cost is around $0.82 per mile. Enclosed? The average rate is $1.25 per mile.
That’s a difference of $945 to $1,875 for the same trip.
When should you consider enclosed transport?
- Luxury vehicles
- Classic or vintage cars
- Exotic vehicles
- Any vehicle where it’s necessary to protect them from the elements
It’s a more expensive service, so if you are shipping your everyday sedan or pickup, you don’t have to worry about using enclosed transport.
Location Impact On Final Costs
Location is a big factor.
Shipping to and from urban areas is cheaper. Urban centers have a higher density, meaning there are more customers within a given radius, shorter distances between pickups and drops, and better infrastructure to operate from. Competition between carriers is also a factor.
Rural areas are a different story altogether. Transporting to/from remote areas require companies to extend outside their regular routes, and that costs them time and fuel. That’s why the cost is higher.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping is a cheaper alternative to door-to-door service. Instead of having your vehicle dropped off/picked up at your location, you drop off/pick it up at a terminal. It’s more inconvenient, but it also costs less.
Timing Your Shipment For Best Rates
Season is another cost driver.
Peak season typically lasts from May to September. This is the time when most moves and relocations take place. With a surge in demand, prices also increase.
Off-season shipping is done in late fall and winter. Demand during these months drops, and you can usually find some good deals. January, February, and March are the months with the lowest prices.
However, there is a little caveat to this. Shipping during winter months presents additional challenges caused by the weather conditions. Snow and ice can delay the shipments, which can impact their availability and increase the prices.
Fuel also plays a big role. According to the latest report, diesel has decreased 20.1% since October of last year. When diesel prices are down, auto transport costs are following.
Market conditions are also something to take into consideration. In October 2024, the average cost per mile was $1.05, down 5.4% year-over-year.
One last tip: it’s always a good idea to book your transport in advance. Last-minute shipping will almost certainly be more expensive.
Getting The Best Deal
By now you know what affects the auto transport service price.
Distance, vehicle size, transport method, pickup and drop-off location, and timing all play their part.
Knowing all the factors, you can make an informed decision when it comes to shipping your car.
Want to get the best deal? Here are some things you can do:
- Ship your vehicle off-season
- Consider terminal-to-terminal shipping over door-to-door
- Use open transport for everyday vehicles
- Book in advance
- Compare several auto transport companies
The lowest quote doesn’t always equate to the best value, though. Make sure you work with licensed and insured companies. Check their USDOT number and customer reviews.
Final Thoughts
The prices for auto transport services are not set in stone. There are several important factors that you should be aware of in order to budget properly and not be surprised by hidden costs.
Auto transport pricing works when it is finally explained. Longer distances mean lower per-mile cost. Larger vehicles and special cars are more expensive to transport. Enclosed transport is more pricey.
Pickup and drop-off location accessibility and seasonal demand cause fluctuation in prices throughout the year.
With a bit of planning and research, it is possible to find auto transport services that are affordable and meet your needs. The key is to focus on reputable carriers, know what your shipping requirements are, and time it strategically.
Your vehicle is an investment that needs to be treated as such. Understanding how auto transport services price their services is the key to getting the most value out of your money without sacrificing on the quality of the service.