For motorists and car enthusiasts, knowing car shipping costs can be vitally important. No one wants to bid and win on a steal, only to be hit with unexpected and pricey transport fees. It is therefore essential for buyers to be aware of such car shipping costs so that they can plan accordingly, especially when planning to ship a vehicle across the country or internationally. A variety of factors influence vehicle shipping rates, of which we will explore in this blog, and thankfully there are tools which can help demystify car shipping rates.

What Factors Influence Car Shipping Costs?

You are probably asking yourself why the cost to ship a car can vary so dramatically? One would think distance alone influences the kinds of expenses one can expect, but truthfully the reality is far more complex. A range of factors can influence automobile shipping rates. Let’s break these down:

1. Distance and Destination: This is probably one of the most important aspects that can influence the price of shipping a car. As you might expect, cars shipped over longer distances tend to fetch a higher shipping cost, but it can be the case that the per-mile rate decreases across extended journeys. It’s also worth remembering that shipping cars to urban areas can end up costing less than to remote areas.
2. Vehicle Type: Another crucial factor affecting car shipping cost is the vehicle type. The year, make, model, condition, modifications etc. are all relevant features that can directly affect your car transport rates. It is therefore important to check vehicle shipping prices before you buy, as while you may seem to have got a bargain on a luxury vehicle, the car transport rates may end up setting you back more than you might have expected.
3. Shipping Method: The cost of shipping a car can also be influenced by the shipping method. There are two main methods to choose from:
   • Open Transport: This is the most often used and cheaper of the two methods. Cars transported this way are open to the elements, so there is some minor risk involved.
   • Enclosed Transport: Less commonly chosen and more expensive compared to open transport. This is ideal for luxury cars, but it’s worth remembering that this method of shipping can cost up to 50% more than open transport.
4. Time of Year: Time of year can often be a factor which influences car shipping costs. For example, transport during the summer can incur higher fees as this is the time of the year with the highest demand. Conversely, winter transport can tend to be cheaper, except during holidays such as Christmas or when extreme weather conditions make shipping difficult.
5. Additional Fees: The additional fees you may choose to opt for (or avoid) can heavily influence shipping costs too. For example, expeditated shipping may mean your car reaches you sooner, but the shipping costs are often quite a bit higher.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across Country?

For those who have recently purchased a car, or are looking to bid on one, you might be wondering how much it will cost to ship a car across the country. Ultimately, it can vary, but it tends to not cost much over $2000. For example, according to EasyHaul’s domestic car shipping cost calculator, the average cost of shipping a 2020 Ford Escape from Wisconsin to Florida comes to $1538 for 5-6 days of transport time. In contrast, shipping from Wisconsin to California will set you back $2053 for a total of 7-10 days of transport time. It’s always worth checking in advance with a car shipping costs calculator, so that you aren’t surprised by hefty fees.

Disclaimer: listed prices are valid as of 13^th December 2024 and are subject to change.

Car Shipping: What To Expect

As previously mentioned, the distance between the sending location and receiving location of the car can influence the overall auto shipping cost. Shipping from one US state to another, in general, will incur less fees than shipping across greater distances internationally. However, it can sometimes be that case that distance is not such a crucial factor, but destination, based on factors such as supply and demand. For example, according to our car shipping cost calculator, shipping from Wisconsin to the Wyoming comes in at $1295 with 5-6 days shipping, while Wisconsin to Maine costs a markedly more costly $1741, despite the comparable 5-6 days shipping time. Ultimately, it’s always worth checking a car shipping cost calculator to see how far expenses will set you back.

Tips For Reducing Your Auto Shipping Costs

You might be feeling overwhelmed by the costs involved with shipping vehicles across the US. Thankfully, there are several ways in which you can ensure low-cost car shipping, avoiding unnecessary fees on your new car purchase. Let’s explore them:

1. Open Transport: Choose open transport to reduce of shipping your car. While it will mean your new car will be open to the elements, it is a handy way to reduce your automobile shipping costs.
2. Shipping Times: Schedule your car shipping during off-peak times to avoid seasonal price hikes and to keep your car shipping price low.
3. Use a Car Shipping Calculator: Compare prices with a car shipping costs calculator – this will ensure you are able to get yourself the best deals on auto shipping prices.
4. Consolidate Transport: When shipping multiple vehicles, consolidate transport under one order. This way, you will avoid having to pay multiple times for shipping car costs.

Using a Car Shipping Cost Estimator to Budget

A good way to plan for the cost of shipping your car is to utilize a car ship cost calculator. With these handy online tools, you can instantly get results, with the calculator factoring in various factors such as distance, vehicle type, and shipping method. EasyHaul’s car shipping cost calculator is a great simple to use estimator that will allow you to calculate shipping costs with all the above aspects factored in, so you can be sure to know what kind of costs to expect.

Finding a Reliable Car Shipping Company

When it comes to finding a company that can ship your car domestically or internationally, reliability should be your number one priority. There are several things to be aware of when looking for a car shipping company that meets such an expectation:

1. Check Reviews and Testimonials: Make sure to do due diligence in vetting carriers by checking available reviews platforms like Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, or Google Maps. Look for feedback on punctuality, customer service, and vehicle handling. Companies that have many positive reviews are more likely to be reliable, so it is worth checking this in advance.
2. Verify Licensing and Insurance: Be sure to check whether the car shipping company is licensed and registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This body is responsible for monitoring interstate car transport in the US. The FMCSA website lists verified companies, so its good to check there. It’s also worth checking that the shipping company is adequately insured, to make sure in the case of damage your car is fully protected.
3. Avoid Hidden Fees: Always ask for a quote upfront, avoiding any hidden fees that you could be surprised by. Reputable shipping companies should always do this by providing a transparent quote which details all expected costs, but it’s always worth asking for a comprehensive quote breakdown to avoid any surprises.
4. Compare Quotes from Multiple Carriers: A good way to get a clear picture of typical shipping rates is to get quotes from a few different carriers. Look for ones that use car shipping cost calculators, like we do at EasyHaul, to make this process easier.
5. Check for Accreditations: Some carriers choose to exceed the minimum legal requirements and obtain special accreditations from bodies such as the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC). These are the shipping providers to look out for, as such accreditations often indicate a commitment to customer service, often translating to reasonable prices overall.
6. Contact Customer Service Support: When acquiring shipping with a reliable company, live and knowledgeable support can make all the difference. So if there is the ability to converse with support in real-time and not with a bot, you can feel more confident with such a carrier.

Conclusion

Ultimately, having a clear understanding of the ways in which car shipping costs can be affected and being equipped with the tools to navigate the world of car shipping carriers can save you both time and money. Whether you intend to ship a car domestically or internationally, planning ahead can spare you unnecessary stress in the long run, ensuring that your experience buying and shipping a car is a smooth one.

Car Shipping Costs Q&A

1. Q: How much does it cost to ship a car?
   A: Car shipping prices varies based on distance, transport method, and vehicle size, ranging from $500 to $2,000 for domestic shipping.
2. Q: Is open or enclosed transport better?
   A: Open is more affordable; enclosed offers extra protection.
3. Q: Can I estimate car shipping costs in advance?
   A: Use a car shipping cost estimator to get a precise estimate.