How Much is it to Ship a Car Across Country?
Shipping a car across country is the simplest way to get it from point A to point B. Whether you’re making a trek south across several states or relocating from the West Coast to the East Coast, shipping your vehicle can help reduce your stress.
Auto transport made easy:
Let’s put it this way. You’re considering shipping a car across country because you want to make the move easier. Luckily, finding a car shipping company can be easy as well. Sure, there are factors to consider, but as long as a car shipping company provides free quotes, then you’re off to a good start.
Auto transport cost:
But if you’re checking out car transport service costs, you’re likely curious about where these costs come from. Specifically, what factors make up the total car shipping cost? And how much is it to ship a car across country?
Cost can vary:
It’s important to note that the cost of shipping your car is dependent on your unique situation. With that in mind, here are some of the national average costs to ship a car.
National Averages for Car Shipping Costs
The national average rate to ship a car across country is around $1,650. If you were to consider shipping your vehicle in an enclosed carrier, and requesting a rush delivery, the average cost is closer to $2,100. On the other hand, the cost of shipping a car across country in an open carrier on a normal timetable averages to around $1,200.
Cross country car shipping averages:
Again, these numbers are averages, and don’t take all of your unique factors into account. But, they’re a good starting spot for you to set expectations.
Average car shipping cost:
A big factor in setting vehicle transport costs is total mileage. It’s common to see auto shipping rates of more than $2.00 per mile for journeys of fewer than 200 miles. If the distance from the pickup and delivery locations are longer, it’s common for the per-mile price to drop. For example, the average per-mile cost for a long-distance ship of more than 1,500 miles is around $0.58.
What Type of Car?
Mileage is a good indicator of cost because distance is a big part of the equation. But another factor to consider is the type of car. How big is it, for example? The bigger the car, the more space it takes up on the carrier, which can increase the price.
The larger vehicle, the higher the car transport cost:
Additionally, a larger car weighs more than a smaller car. This plays a role in fuel economy, as a heavier carrier is going to use more gas on the trip.
Consider enclosed auto transport:
But regardless of the size, other details play a role. Is the car a convertible? If so, then perhaps it should be transported in an enclosed carrier. It’s true the enclosed carriers come with higher price tags, but they also provide added protection.
Enclosed shipping has less space:
However, the reason that enclosed car carriers tend to cost more is because they can transport fewer vehicles than an open carrier. This extra bit of protection takes up more space in the carrier, which means the carrier’s real estate is more valuable.
Select a collector car auto transport company:
You probably need an enclosed carrier if you have a classic car. Whether shipping a car across country for a summer getaway, or getting it to a classic car dealer to sell, an enclosed carrier provides the protection and peace of mind you want when transporting a vintage vehicle.
What Time of Year?
If the season is busier, it is likely to be costlier. This is true with many auto transport companies as it is in any industry. There is less demand for shipping vehicles in the winter, for instance, and so the car shipping prices tend to drop.
Know when to save money when shipping cars across the country:
April through October are generally considered the peak time of the year for auto shipping, so this is worth thinking about if you’re flexible. Shipping a car across country when demand is lower means you are likely to spend less overall.
What Type of Shipping Service?
Car shipping services are not one size fits all. For example, if you’re considering door-to-door service, you can expect to pay a bit more than if you were to choose terminal-to-terminal. But just because it might come with a higher price tag doesn’t mean it isn’t the best option.
Auto transport companies – Door or Terminal services:
For example, if you were to utilize a terminal-to-terminal shipping service, then at least one of your trips will be in a taxi, or perhaps public transportation. This can mean additional costs as well as time. Therefore, don’t be intimidated by the price tag until you understand all the considerations that come with it.
Other Considerations to Think About
The importance of getting a free car shipping quote stems from the many variables unique to your situation. Time is a big one. Are you in a hurry? Do you need your car shipped from Florida to California immediately, or are you somewhat flexible?
Car shipping companies have to navigate many types of roads:
These time constraints impact the cost and might reveal what is more important in your final decision. The type of terrain will play a role as well. After all, shipping a car on straight wide highways is simpler than shipping it across narrow mountain roads.
Ship Your Car!
The simplicity of shipping a car across country makes it an easy decision. Whether you’re heading from Chicago to Los Angeles for work, or moving from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast to start school, shipping your car shouldn’t hold you back. In fact, it should make the move less stressful.
Reach out to the professionals at National Transport Services today, and get a free quote to see how much it’ll cost you to ship a car across country.
