Wondering How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across States?

Did you know that over thirty-three million people move every year? Many of these individuals end up across the entire country. If you fall in this category, then you probably don’t want to put hundreds or even thousands of miles on your car.

The solution? Ship your car across the country instead of driving it. But, exactly how much does it usually cost to ship a car across multiple states? If you want to learn the answer to this question and more, then you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about long-distant car shipping, including how to find a dependable company. Let’s get started!

What’s the Average Cost to Ship a Car?

The average cost to ship a car across states can range between $600 to $1,600. Why such a discrepancy between the prices? Because a variety of factors can influence the final price of the shipment.

We’ll go more into these factors in the next section, however, some of the major ones include the distance traveled, the type of car, and the busyness of the season.

Because truck drivers bid on your transport, these factors can cause the price to either go up or down. It’s important to err on the higher side just to be safe. If you want to ship your car halfway across the country, or more, then you should expect to pay at least $1,000.

What Factors Influence the Price?

Odds are you’re scratching your head at the large price discrepancy in the average cost to ship a car. As we mentioned, the reason for this discrepancy is the many different factors that ultimately influence the price.

So, to give you a better ballpark for your specific car circumstance we’ll dive into these factors in more depth.

1. The Distanced You’re Shipping

It should come as no surprise that the further you ship your vehicle the more expensive the process will cost. This added price pays for things like fuel, tolls, and the driver’s salary.

As such, a one-state car shipping will cost a lot less than someone moving their vehicle from the east coast to the west coast. If you’re traveling under five hundred miles, then you should be able to keep your price below $1,000. However, anything that’s over one thousand miles is going to cost $1,000 and more.

2. The Type of Car You Drive

There are multiple reasons why the type of car that you dive into influences the price. First, there’s the size and weight. Carriers can only hold so many cars. So, a larger vehicle is going to take up space that could otherwise go to other cars. As such, it will be more expensive.

Many carriers also take the make and model into consideration. High-end luxury cars come with more risk. As such, they need special attention during shipping to ensure that they arrive in the same condition that they left. As such, if you drive a pricey car, then you should expect to pay more for shipping it.

3. The Transport Method You Choose

There are generally two types of transport options that you can choose from: open and enclosed carriers. Open carriers are more affordable. However, your vehicle is exposed to elements that might not be ideal for certain luxury cars.

Enclosed carriers, on the other hand, are more expensive but come with a bit more protection. If you aren’t sure which one is right for you, then make sure to check out this guide here.

4. The Time of Year

Just like moving prices, car shipping is influenced by the amount of demand. The more people that need their car shipped, the more expensive it will likely be.

As such, you can expect more expensive prices in the season when a lot of people move, like late Spring and Summer. Winter shipping can also be expensive if it forces the driver to drive in potentially dangerous road conditions.

5. Extra Services

Certain services, like door-to-door pickup, will likely cost you more. Some shipping companies also charge more for insurance add-ons.

How to Find a Good Car Shipping Company

The first place you should start looking for a good car shipping company is your network. Odds are one of your friends, family or acquaintances has shipped a car before and has someone they can recommend. However, if everyone comes up blank, then you can turn to online searches.

Look for shippers in your area and make a list of ones that seem like good options. Once you have a list you should begin to investigate them. One way to do this is to search for them on the Better Business Bureau.

It’s a good sign if they’re highly rated on the site. It’s an even better sign if they’re accredited, like AmeriFrieght. Once you’ve narrowed down your options you should call the company and give them your information.

They should be able to give you a more accurate quote. If you decide they’re the right option for you, then you can begin the process of shipping your vehicle.

Need Your Car Shipped? Let AmeriFreight Take Care of You

We hope this article helped you answer the question, How much does it cost to ship a car across states? As you can see, there are tons of factors that determine the final cost of this type of shipping.

And, while the average can change, the most important thing is to find a dependable car shipping company that won’t take advantage of you. So how do you find one? Simple: just go with AmeriFreight.

We know that moving is stressful, especially when you’re transporting a car you love. That’s why we do everything possible to put our customers at ease. So, if you’re ready to get a load off your mind, then contact AmeriFreight today and let us take care of your car needs.