How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
The car shipping cost could vary based on several factors. For open car shipping, the average usually ranges between 1.85$/mile for short distances, which are within 1-500 miles, or about $555 for a 300-mile trip. The medium distance, which is about 500-1500 miles, is quoted to cost about $0.91/mile, and this amounts to roughly $910 for a 1,000-mile trip. If your distance is 1500+ miles, then you will have to spend about $0.59/mile, which amounts to about $1,180 for 2,000 miles.
Prices will be determined by a host of factors, including the type of vehicle, mode used for shipment, and seasonal demand. In order to get a better idea of the current prices, our car shipping quote calculator is provided for you.
Average Car Shipping Cost Per Mile
Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
1-500 miles | $1.85 per mile | $2.53 per mile |
501-1500 miles | $0.91 per mile | $1.25 per mile |
1500+ miles | $0.59 per mile | $0.84 per mile |
What Is Car Transport?
Car transport or car shipping, is referred to as the movement or moving of a car from one place to another. With that said, the modes of transport vary from open car transport to enclosed car transport. That determines whether open car shipping is pricey or not, and several use open, which is more inexpensive; however, this mode is applied only for luxury or exotic cars because it is protected to some degree.
How to Get a Car Transport Quote
There are a number of ways you can get car transport quotes. Perhaps the easiest is to make use of our instant car shipping cost calculator, which will give you a pretty solid estimate for your shipment. If you would rather speak with an AG Car Shipping representative, then live chat is also available. Let them know if there’s anything special that might impact pricing such as needing an expedited pickup, a vehicle modified in some way, or it’s inoperable.
- Pick-up and drop-off information: including zip codes, will greatly increase the accuracy of car transport quotes.
- Preferred method of transport: Both open car shipping and enclosed transport vary drastically in terms of cost.
- Vehicle Information: Car transport doesn’t come cheap, so be prepared to confirm trailer availability with your year, make, and model.
- Vehicle condition: Let us know if you can have the vehicle moved in forward and reverse for easier loading.
- Earliest pickup date: Make sure that you know how soon your vehicle is ready to be transported.
By providing this information, our car shipping cost calculator will be able to provide you with an estimate that could help in making your shipping experience smooth and perfectly planned.
Overview of the Auto Transport Industry
Usually, you will deal with either lead providers, carrier companies, or auto transport brokers depending on your shipping need.
Lead providers gather your contact information and provide you with a list of possible car transporters given your criteria and preferences that you enter into your search. You’ll then do some leg work on and contact the car transporters for the ideal fit regarding price and service. Be aware that lead providers are set up to share your contact information with others in their network, so you might find a rash of emails and calls from several vehicle transport services.
Carriers are the companies that actually move your car and have a truck go pick it up and drop it off at your chosen destination. In most cases you can contact a carrier directly for a quote, information, and the actual movement; however, finding one that you can depend on can be a pain if you are not knowledgeable in the auto transport industry. Then there is the auto transport broker. The brokers act as a go-between for you and the other carriers, thereby enabling one to reach the best possible service for your shipment at the highest value.
The third is, of course, working with a broker. Comparing it to the other two choices, this has several benefits. Most importantly, brokers do not just deal with one carrier; they have an enormous network and can give you solutions tailored according to what you want. You are saved from the hustle of calling numerous carriers or surfing through thousands of websites. This broker takes care of all communications with your preferred carrier, thus leaving you free to engage in other things. They’ll quote you, order shipping on your behalf, and take care of everything else from there.
We are the largest car shipping company in the United States, and we’re here to help. Just call us at (800) 706-5914, where you will be directed to a specialist who will coordinate your vehicle transport through our network of 10,000 + trusted carriers.
Calculating Car Shipping Costs
Car shipping costs and rates are calculated based on specific factors for each client. There are several transport elements involved in the determination of your car shipping price. For example, it may be the distance to travel, your car size whether it is a sedan, SUV, or pickup truck type, and whether your car is operational or inoperable, and whether the transport is an open transport or an enclosed transport, location whether it’s rural or urban, and also its season. With AG Car Shipping quote calculator, you can input all relevant vehicle details to receive accurate car transport quotes—free from hidden fees.
How to Use the AG Car Shipping Cost Calculator
The AG car shipping cost calculator is extremely easy to use. All you need to do is input your vehicle’s specifications, the shipping type: open or enclosed, and where it shall be picked up and delivered. Seconds later, you get a personalized quote for the transportation of your car. No additional fees or hidden payments: clear pricing policy in auto transport services.
The Vehicle Transport Process
The car transport process can be classified best into three major steps.
- Quote & Book: Get an online quote from our car shipping quote calculator and book your order online.
- Vehicle Pick-up: Your vehicle is picked up by a vetted carrier contracted by one of our service providers.
- Vehicle Delivery: The shipping company will ensure that your car is delivered to the address specified.
What Factors Are Used to Calculate the Cost of Car Shipping?
Distance
Another important factor is the length of the journey for determining the cost of car shipping. The final bill is usually lengthier and often associated with higher costs, but the cost of each mile typically decreases. You can get the best quote for your vehicle transport needs with the car shipping calculator. Furthermore, it is also equally important to note that international car shipping charges may be different from normal ground transport charges.
Route
Distance apart is aside, the particular route involves highways and roads that will be used in shipping a car. Routes going through populated areas may face congested roads, which might affect the time and cost of shipping. Other cost determinants of shipping road conditions, unexpected weather, and ongoing road construction on the chosen way.
Shipping Date
The date you choose to drop the car may greatly influence the price of car shipping. One should book in advance to get a better rate. As soon as you confirm that you will ship the vehicle, the time is when you start looking for good companies offering auto transport and securing a quote for shipping the car. Another way by which you can save on the car shipping cost is by going for different pickup dates of your vehicle.
Vehicle Make and Model
We ask for some specific details while booking your car transport, so that the truck driver knows the space that is required to load your car safely and that it can be transported securely; bigger or taller vehicles may require more trailer height and side clearance that could add a few extra dollars to your car shipping price. Oversized tires or roof racks will also add to a car shipping price.
Auto Transport Type
Open car shipping is often the most common option for car shipping because it is an industry standard, as well as the cheapest way to move a car. Nonetheless, if one requires added protection of the car during shipment, then one must opt for enclosed transport, which shields the car from elements of weather and road debris. It is ideal for luxury, exotic, or delicate cars as it will require an overall more significant shipping cost, but it certainly gives one added peace of mind when dealing with valuable cars.
Vehicle Condition
If your car drives, you’ll pay less for the mileage when it’s transported. If it can roll, steer, and brake, you may need special equipment such as a winch to load it, thereby increasing the cost of transport. To get an estimate for car shipping or to arrange shipment for a non-running vehicle, you may call an AG Car Shipping representative at (800) 706-5914.
Vehicle Details
These greater, taller, and heavier vehicles sometimes require an increased type of trailer because of the additional size or weight they carry. The vehicles may also have a specific location on the carrier for safe travel. In these situations, the number of cars carried or use of smaller vehicles must be minimized to stay inside the legal weight bounds. Such factors may affect the final quotes that would be tendered by the transporters for the auto transport, particularly if special accommodations are necessary to make it safe and efficient.
Ground Clearance
Ground clearance, or ride height, is the gap between a vehicle’s underside and the road. Low ground-clearance vehicles require extra caution and can necessitate additional equipment for safe loading-specific ramps for example. If the clearance is four inches or less, the truck is to be shipped in an enclosed trailer featuring a lift gate, as open standard trailers do not feature such elements.
Location
It would be normal to find that large metropolitan areas have a surplus of trucks in handling car shipping orders, thus making low the total car transport costs. We have to put in extra effort in smaller or rural towns in trying to cover the most cost-effective options since availability by carriers within the area is limited.
Seasonality
The time of the year may also change much regarding the car shipping costs. For instance, during auto transport travel season in the winter months, auto transport quotes to warmer destinations increase more in price due to increased demand. To get an estimate that is as accurate as possible, use AG’s car shipping calculator to check today’s price for car shipping. Flexible scheduling will help you find a good price and avoid seasonality pricing impacts.
Why Choose AG Car Shipping?
AG Car Shipping offers you a hassle-free experience in solving all your vehicle transport needs. Combining honest pricing with a vetted network of carriers, our door-to-door service promises secure service every single time.
No Upfront Payments
No advance payments are made to help you move freely without any stress caused by cash advances until an assigned carrier takes over your orders.
Personalized Approach
Vehicles shipped with AG Car Shipping always have cargo insurance issued by an assigned carrier for uninterrupted transportation with no stress at all.
Insurance Coverage
All vehicles transported by AG Car Shipping are covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance, providing peace of mind.
10,000+ Professional Carriers
Our large network consists of over 10,000 prescreened carriers who are all fully licensed and insured.
Dedicated Advisors and Extended Hours
Our dedicated advisors will be here for you all year round for your car transport service.
Top-Rated in the Nation
AG Car Shipping is a top-rated company with thousands of satisfied customers across the nation.
Auto Transport Insurance
Auto transport companies have stringent insurance provisions. Carriers are legally obliged to have liability insurance, as well as a minimum form of cargo insurance. If you’re using an auto transport broker, they can give you specifics on the level of coverage that your carrier will provide. As you look at insurance, be sure to ask questions like:
- What kinds of damage are covered?
- Does the insurance policy cover the entire vehicle or just parts of it?
- Is the deductible applied?
- How much is the most coverage?
- Are there any special items such as accessories included in the policy, so that if stolen those are covered too?
- Can additional coverage be added if you want?
Our Auto Transport Services
Door-to-Door Car Shipping
Given that the pickup place and drop off destination are large and easily accessible, our trucking crew will come directly to your location for loading and delivery. Be sure to provide the exact addresses when ordering your car shipping service. Please note that in not every area is door-to-door service possible due to local restrictions or difficulty in reach.
Open Car Transport
This is perfect for an open car transport, given the affordable budget it will allow you to save 10% to 25% from any other shipping charges. Extra protection, like a spot at the top or on a flatbed trailer, can cost more. An enclosed transport is advisable for priceless cars, old, and luxury ones since it is more protected.
Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed transport is a good option if you have vintage or exotic cars because it will keep the car protected against all forms of road debris and weather conditions. However, this comes at an added cost above what the open transport would run you, but brings peace of mind you don't get otherwise.
Expedited Car Shipping
With our expedited car shipping service, your automobile is picked up as early as within 24 to 48 hours after you book. This premium feature costs extra but will surely have it delivered faster. Call us now at (800) 706-5914 to arrange a quick and hassle-free pickup for your car.
Ship Your Car Across the Country with AG Car Shipping
Frequently asked questions about car shipping costs and quotes
1. How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
The cost of car shipping will be primarily based on the distance, the type of vehicle, and the method of transport. You can use the following car shipping quote calculator to get an instant estimate.
2. Does Time of Year Affect Car Shipping Costs?
Yes, seasonal demand can impact pricing. Shipping during off-peak times may lower the car shipping costs.
3. Is There a Payment or Deposit for the Instant Quote Calculator?
No, our car shipping quote calculator is free to use, and no deposit is required to receive a quote.
4. What Information Do I Need to Use the Instant Quote Calculator?
You’ll need the vehicle make, model, pickup and delivery locations, and your preferred shipping method.
5. What Is the Best Way to Ship a Vehicle?
The best method depends on your specific needs. Open car shipping is more affordable, while enclosed shipping offers additional protection.
