It's been a while since we published this blog post. Some of the information may be outdated (for example, some images may be missing, and some links may not work anymore).
When planning to ship a car, the biggest concern for most people is the cost of shipping. So, what determines the cost of shipping a car?
Here are the factors that car shipping companies take into account when providing you with a price to ship your car:
Shipping distance – The biggest factor in determining the cost of shipping a vehicle is the total distance. Carriers typically get only $5-10 miles per gallon. So, the further they transport your vehicle, the higher the cost.
Type of car carrier – Most cars ship on open carriers. However, if you want your car shipped in an enclosed carrier, it typically costs 25-40% more.
Condition of vehicle – If you vehicle is not running, then a carrier needs special equipment to load it onto the car carrier.
Weight of vehicle – Weight affects how many vehicles a car carrier can transport. So, a larger, heavier vehicle typically cost more to ship.
Pick-up and drop-off locations – There may be a surcharge if either your pick-up or drop-off location is in a remote area.
Use of a terminal – If you use a terminal for pick-up or delivery, there may be a charge for each day it is stored at the terminal facility. (Learn more about using a terminal for car shipping.)
By combining all of these factors, a car shipping company can provide you with an accurate quote for shipping your car.
MoveCars.com is a directory of car shipping companies. Since 1997, MoveCars.com has been providing a comprehensive directory of car shipping companies, including international car shipping companies and enclosed car transporters, as well as car shipping tips for first-time car shippers.