2023 Car Shipping Quotes: Auto-Transport Calculator

In one year about 69 million cars break down in the United States. When you're moving to another state you don't want to have to worry about your vehicle malfunctioning.

Your car is a big investment and you want it to stay in working condition for as long as possible. Driving it thousands or even hundreds of miles can be damaging.

Having your vehicle shipped will not only reduce the number of miles you put on your car; it will also save you time. You're probably wondering how much car transportation costs and how to get car shipping quotes.

In this article, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about car transport prices and how to know if you're getting a good deal.

What Affects the Price

It's important to know that there is no set price when it comes to car shipping. There are many factors that determine the final cost. Prices tend to fluctuate depending on demand. 

Distance

The further your car needs to be transported, the more expensive it's going to be. While the price per mile decreases the longer the trip is, there are more miles that have to be traveled. 

Pick Up / Drop Off Location

Where you're car is located and where it's going also affect the price. You can have the company come and pick up your vehicle from your home and deliver it to your new home address.

If you're trying to save money and you have the time, you may want to meet the driver at a central location or drop it off at the truck's location. The same goes for delivery.

If you're moving to a rural location, the driver will likely have to drive further than if you lived in a busy city. You can choose to meet the driver instead of them coming to your property. 

Size and Weight

The bigger your car the more expensive it's going to be to ship. A compact vehicle is going to be easier to transport than a large SUV or truck.

It's crucial that you empty your vehicle before shipping it. Car carriers are not licensed to transport personal goods and items stored in the vehicle increase the weight of the vehicle. It will also ensure the inside of your car is protected. 

Time of the Year

The time of year and the weather also make a difference. Busy season is always going to be more.

Summertime is typically when everyone travels and moves. You'll also need to consider people who travel south for the winter and go back north in the springtime.

If you need to ship during the holidays, you can expect the price to increase. Don't be surprised if it costs you several hundred dollars more. If the driver has to travel through harsh conditions, the risk is higher and the price will increase too.

While we have seen things open up more, COVID-19 is still affecting many businesses. Restrictions and precautions from the pandemic continue, and you may see that reflected in the final bill.

Fuel Costs

If you're driving around town and fuel prices are high, it'll cost you more to get to the store and then back to your home. Well, the same concept applies to shipping a car. If fuel prices are higher than normal, you'll see that reflected in the cost to ship your car. 

How To Get a Quote

Now that you know what affects the price, you need to know how to get a quote. There are a few ways to do it and they don't take much time.

You can call the company directly and ask about their pricing or you can get a quote from their website. You'll be asked for your name and contact information. Typically they will want to have your email and phone number.

They will then need to know the drop-off and pick-up locations. It may be possible that you don't know the exact drop-off yet, especially if you're in the process of looking for a house or apartment. If you're scheduling in advance, you can put in a zip code or city and give them the address later.

Next comes the type of transport. If you own a custom or luxury car, you might want to consider a closed transport. Otherwise, you'll likely prefer an open carrier as it is much more affordable.

You'll type in the make, model, and year of your car. The driver will also need to know if the car is operable. Your preferred transportation dates will be next.

If you have multiple cars, be sure to enter that into the quote too. Typically it's cheaper to ship more than one car.

After you've input all the information you'll get an instant quote. A salesman will likely follow up with you and ask if you have any questions.

If the website asks for a credit card number, do not complete the form. Quotes are free and you should only pay for the service when a carrier is booked for your vehicle.

Final Price

It's important to remember that a quote is an estimate and the final price may vary. There are some companies that "guarantee" the quote will be the final amount, but you'll want to confirm that with someone from the company. 

Take the time to get a few different quotes. If you have questions about the estimate, contact the company and they should be able to walk you through the pricing. 

The company you decide to work with should guarantee the carrier's insurance. It's not common for cars to be damaged during transport, but accidents do happen. It's important that the car carrier company has basic coverage. You may even have the option to purchase extra in case of emergencies or for coverage beyond traditional ones (including gap warranties). 

Average Price

As mentioned above, a large part of the price is the distance traveled. Here is what you can expect to pay per mile. Keep in mind this doesn't include any other factors.

As of summer of 2022, if you need your car transported less than 500 miles, you'll likely pay $1.00 per mile. For 500-mile transportation, you can expect to pay between $500 and $650 for carrier pay. If you're moving between 500 and 1,000 miles away, the price per mile decreases to $0.75.

The trend continues, and if you want your car shipped more than 1,000, it'll be around $0.60. Anything over 2,000 will be about $0.40.

Popular Routes

Popular routes are going to be less expensive and the price from company to company probably won't change much. If the route is common, the majority of businesses will offer services to and from the area. This creates competition between companies which will decrease prices.

A few popular routes include Los Angeles to Miami, which will be around $1,000. Many people also ship their cars from New York to Florida. This will be between $700 and $800. The estimated amount to ship a car from Philadelphia to San Francisco is $1,100.

Shipping from a major city is key. While companies will come to you, it's much cheaper to ship from larger cities. Rural areas are typically harder to get to. There may even be city restrictions.

If you think the driver will have difficulties accessing your driveway or home, be sure to let them know. If you live on a narrow street they may have some issues as the transport is large and has other vehicles on it.

How to Save 

If you're looking to save, there are a few things you can do. Be as flexible as possible with the dates and schedule in advance. You don't have to schedule months before, but 48 hours prior to the pickup date is helpful. Expedited shipping ensures you get your vehicle picked up faster, but you'll be paying more for it.

If your car is inoperable, you should plan to pay $100 to $300 more. The company will have to use extra tools and resources to get your vehicle onto the trailer.

A closed transport will increase the price between 60% and 80%. For example, if you're shipping your car 1,000 miles, in open transport, the cost is about $750 carrier pay. If you opt for a closed container, the price will be anywhere from $1,200 to $1,350.

Many people use open transport and while the risk is slightly greater, it's unlikely your car will be damaged during the drive. You could potentially spend less money shipping your car a further distance in an open carrier than if you sent your vehicle in a closed carrier, a shorter distance.

Expedited Quote

The type of car you have will directly impact the amount you'll pay for expedited shipping. If you have a car or sedan, you can add about $400 to the quote if you need your car shipped quickly. If you have an SUV, it'll be around $450 more and a truck will cost about $500 extra for expedited shipping. 

Third-Party Quotes

During your research, you may find a third party that will transport your car across the country. They may even provide car shipping quotes that are significantly less than others you've gotten. However, there is a reason the estimate is so low.

They may not have insurance or provide the important services that you need. When you have your car transported, you want to know it's safe and it's going to make it to you in one piece. Working with a reputable company is going to be your best bet, even if you have to pay a little more. 

Finding a Reputable Company

Working with a good company can make all the difference. You won't want to be bombarded with emails and calls after you request a quote. You also don't want to feel pressured to work with them.

A reputable company will want your business, but they will understand that you're looking for the best price. If you have concerns about budgeting talk to them. They may be able to give you some tips on how to decrease the price. Some companies offer discounts to military personnel.

While cost is important, it's not the only crucial factor. The best company may not have the lowest price. You get what you pay for. If a company has a higher price, it's typically because the demand in the industry is higher.

Keep in mind the lowest quote isn't always the best.

Sign a Contract

Before you send your car out on the road, be sure you sign a contract. Everything should be in writing, including the final price.

Once the car gets to its final destination, you'll pick it up and pay the carrier. If the driver asks for a different amount than the one you previously agreed on, be sure to call the company before paying.

You'll want to be present when your car is delivered so you can sign off on the bill of lading. You'll be able to inspect your car and ensure there's no damage to it.

You may be wondering if you should tip your delivery driver. This will not be included in your quote and it's completely up to you. Tipping is not a standard industry practice, but some people choose to tip extra if the delivery was early or on time.

Some companies will provide you with updates about your car and where it's located. If the company or driver provides great communication during the process, you may choose to tip as well.

Car Shipping Quotes

Moving can be a stressful and expensive process. There are many things you need to think about and prepare for. Knowing how to get a quote and how much it's going to cost to ship your car can be helpful. 

Let us take a little off your plate and deliver your vehicle. You can contact us for car shipping quotes and we'll answer any questions you may have about the process.