Transporting a vehicle from one location to another is involved in car shipping. Transporting cars for clients can be challenging as a business owner, especially if you are new to the car shipping business. Several factors can affect your shipping: the cost to ship a car and your shipping method options.

The first step in finding a car shipping service is to find a car transport company that can safely ship your car at an affordable price.

In this article, you will learn how to choose the best shipping company, ship your car across the country, what it will cost you, and how to reduce the shipping cost.

What is Involved in Shipping a Car?

Shipping a car involves a more technical process due to the size of the car. Some companies specialize in shipping cars to any part of the world. However, the shipping cost is higher for cars than other shipping items. Most shipping companies generally use trailer trucks for their services. Additional shipping options, such as ocean freight and trains, are available. Going through a professional shipment service whenever you want to ship a car cross-country is recommended to save you a lot of time and stress.

Average Price of Car Shipping

The cost of car shipping depends on two main methods: Open Air and Enclosed Carriers.

Open carriers are the most popular, used by 75% of customers because they are more affordable. However, this method exposes your car to weather elements like dust, rain, and snow. Open carriers can transport up to six cars at a time.

Enclosed carriers provide better protection for your car from harsh weather. This method is the best option for high-end and luxury vehicles but is more expensive than open carriers. Enclosed carriers have four walls, carry fewer cars, and protect your car from damage.

Calculating the cost of car shipping is difficult because many factors influence the price. However, a rough estimate of the car transport cost can be calculated. The rough estimation of the cost to ship a car can be calculated by multiplying the distance your car will travel by the average price per mile. The transport fee for cross-country shipping may cost more, especially if shipped through a less-traveled route.

Why Car Shipping Costs Vary?

Car shipping prices vary from company to company. Different fees may be charged by a car shipping company based on various factors. Shipping prices fluctuate for two significant reasons. A bidding process involves many car shipping services, where different car companies bid on your job. Business owners should go through transport brokers to connect with car shipping carriers, as brokers will contact other companies. The broker will come to you with the car company that offers the best deal or lowest price after the company's bid.

An auto transport broker is found in the auto transport bidding, who then asks carriers to bid on your shipment. Different car carriers may decide to bid for different prices, and this bidding continues until the broker finds someone with the lowest price.

Factors like the size of the car, the location, and the season you are shipping also influence car shipping costs.

Factors that Determine Car Shipping Cost

Open or Enclosed Carrier

Enclosed carriers are more expensive than open carriers because enclosed carriers completely shield your car from different harsh elements and weather. They pay extra attention since they carry luxurious vehicles.

Delivery Preference

Your delivery preference will influence the shipping cost—for example, pick-up or terminal shipping costs less than home delivery. Delivering your car to a designated location where you will pick it up involves terminal-to-terminal shipping. In contrast, the car will be delivered right to your business or home in door-to-door delivery. You will have to pay less if you choose terminal shipping than someone who wants it delivered to their home.

Types of Vehicles

The type of vehicle you are shipping is another factor that will determine your car shipping cost. Smaller vehicles cost less than large ones, as they take up less space compared to larger vehicles like vans. Weight is another factor that affects the cost of shipping. You will have to pay extra for large cars as they increase fuel consumption and weigh more than small ones. Luxurious cars may also cost more because special attention is required during shipping.

Vehicle Condition

The car shipping cost also depends on the car's condition and whether your vehicle is operable or inoperable. Loading an operable car into a shipping truck requires less stress, while more effort and equipment are needed for a broken car. So, the car shipping company may charge more if your car isn't running. Therefore, always remember to include the working condition of your automobile when requesting a car shipping quote from a company.

Location/Distance

Car shipping costs are affected by location. It will cost more if you want to ship your car a long distance, as fuel consumption will be higher. Widely traveled routes for car transportation also cost less than unpopular routes. It will cost less for popular locations, cities, and countries where cars are regularly transported than in rural areas or unpopular countries.

Time Frame

Always remember to hire the services of auto transport companies weeks before the actual shipment. You will have to pay more for the car shipping service if you are shipping within a few days or on short notice than someone who booked a month prior.

Speed of Delivery

Fast car delivery may cost about 30% more than standard car delivery. You may have to pay more for express auto shipping when you want your car delivered quickly, as it costs more than standard car delivery.

Time of the Year

The cost of car shipping is affected by the season. For example, the most popular time for car shipping is summer, and prices may increase during this season. Shipping during holidays or celebration periods like Christmas, Memorial Day, New Year, and Labor Day will also affect the cost and availability of car transport services.

Size

The size of the car affects the cost of car shipping. It costs more to ship bigger cars. Shipping a bigger-sized vehicle costs more than the price tag for enclosed and open transport. The number of cars also determines the cost of shipping a car. You will have to pay more if shipping more than one car.

Insurance

Some companies offer insurance packages to cover potential damages during car shipping, as inherent risks are involved. Purchasing these insurance packages will increase the overall cost of shipping your car.

How to Reduce Car Shipping Costs?

Affordable shipping is possible by avoiding extra costs. Some tips to reduce your shipping cost include:

Compare Car Shipping Quotes

It's a good idea to request quotes from different car shipping companies to compare and weigh your options, as prices can vary. Here are some steps to help you choose the best company:

1. Research Companies: Ensure the company provides quality services, even with low prices. Read online reviews and check FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) recommendations.
2. Verify Licenses: Confirm the company's license is available on their website before booking.
3. Check Policies: Review the company's insurance policy, delay policy, and accident claim rates.

Try Open Shipping

Open car carriers can save money as open shipping is cheaper than enclosed shipping. However, enclosed carriers are the best option for transporting a luxury or classic car.

Pick Open Transports Over Scheduled Pick-up

Open transport can be chosen if you are not in a hurry to ship your car, as the auto transport company will let you know whenever they have an open slot going towards your destination. The shipping cost through open transport is less than if you do not have a specific pick-up date.

Generally, trucks are fully loaded when going to one location but will be less loaded while returning. So, booking with a company while returning from a destination for more affordable pricing will be better. Let the company know beforehand if you are considering open transport. They will inform you when goods are dropped off in your city or country and pick up your car when returning.

Book a Few Weeks Before the Shipment

There is a better chance you will get a cheaper deal when you reserve early than when you book a day before you need the shipping services. It is best to secure a spot for your car as soon as possible since there is a higher demand than supply for transport services.

Consider Multi-Car Shipping

You will have to pay more if you want your car shipped than when the company ships it with other vehicles. Therefore, the multi-car shipping option should be considered to save money. You can go with enclosed shipping if it is a classic or luxury car and you are afraid of exposure to climatic conditions and other factors.

Ship by Train

Although freight is the cheapest way to ship anything, including a car, it can be a lot slower and not a great idea if you want your vehicle transported quickly.

Look Out for Discounts

Some auto transport companies offer discounts to customers like first-time shippers, military members, seniors, early birds, etc. You must ask for any deals the car shipping company may offer and check to see if you are eligible for any discount.

FAQs on Shipping Costs

What is the cheapest way to ship my car?

Shipping by train is the cheapest option, but it has limitations regarding security, location, and pick-up dates. For truck shipping, using open carriers is more economical.

What is the cost to ship a car?

The cost varies based on several factors, leading to fluctuations in pricing.

What is the best company to ship your car with?

The best company depends on your specific delivery location and destination.

What is the option to ship a car across the ocean?

Ocean freight is a viable option for shipping a car internationally.

Can I put things in my car when I ship it?

Placing items in your car may increase shipping costs due to added weight. Some companies recommend reducing the gas in the tank to lower costs. Many auto transport companies are not licensed to ship personal belongings inside cars. If caught, both the company and you could face fines.

In conclusion, car shipping doesn't have to break the bank if you approach it strategically. By understanding the factors that influence shipping costs and implementing the tips we've shared, you can significantly reduce your expenses without compromising the safety of your vehicle. Remember to plan, compare quotes, and consider your options carefully. Don't hesitate to leverage discounts, opt for open transport when appropriate, and be flexible with your timing. With these insights, you're now equipped to navigate the car shipping world like a pro, ensuring your vehicle reaches its destination safely and cost-effectively.