11 Critical Factors That Determine Enclosed Car Shipping Prices

Imagine you've just landed your dream job halfway across the country. Between the hassle of looking for a house and arranging for relocation, you may not have the time to drive there. And even if you do, you may not be looking forward to a long-distance drive.  

If that's the case, how will your car arrive at your new home?

This is where enclosed car shipping comes into play. Through these solutions, your car will be safely transported to your destination by professionals. However, you must understand the factors that influence enclosed car shipping quotes before looking for a provider.

So, keep reading to learn more about the cost of shipping your automobile and tips for making the right choice.

1. Route and Destination

The route and destination of your car shipment play a significant role in determining the enclosed shipping quote. Longer routes typically incur higher costs due to increased fuel charges, tolls, and labor expenses. However, while the shorter distances will be cheaper overall, the per-mile rate may be higher.

For instance, transporting a vehicle less than 100 miles may average around $2.70 per mile. Meanwhile, journeys exceeding 1,000 miles might cost approximately $0.70 per mile.

2. Vehicle Specifications

As you can expect, the type of vehicle you are shipping will have a significant impact on cost. So, when requesting a car shipping quote, it's important to provide detailed information about your vehicle. You should include details about:

• Make

• Model

• Condition

• Modifications

There are unique vehicle categories that incur higher hauling expenses due to their unique requirements. These include exotic cars and boats.

The same applies to longer or taller vehicles, as they'll require additional adjustments during transport. So, if you have modified your vehicle with oversized tires or roof racks, expect to receive higher enclosed car shipping quotes.

3. Vehicle Condition

The condition of your vehicle is another factor influencing car shipping costs. Inoperable vehicles typically incur higher costs due to the additional equipment and effort required to transport them safely.

Therefore, the extent of the vehicle's condition directly correlates with the additional fees you can expect to pay for the specialized services needed to accommodate it during transportation.

4. Location

Similar to real estate, location significantly affects the cost of shipping your automobile. When obtaining a quote, you must provide both pickup and delivery addresses. Generally, transporting vehicles to rural areas will cost more compared to urban routes.

Shipping to major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Houston often results in reduced quotes due to their accessibility. Conversely, transporting vehicles to remote locations requires carriers to deviate from main routes, driving up costs.

5. Season

Auto shipping rates fluctuate based on seasonal demand. Summer is typically the peak season, coinciding with a surge in household relocations. Consequently, rates are higher due to increased demand. On the other hand, winter rates may be lower overall, but holiday periods often see price hikes.

Additionally, snowbirds migrating to warmer climates in winter can drive up rates along southern routes. Understanding these seasonal trends can help you anticipate fluctuations in car shipping rates and plan accordingly for your transportation needs.

6. Insurance Coverage

Auto transport companies usually provide basic insurance coverage mandated by the Department of Transportation. While this coverage is required, it may not fully protect the value of your vehicle.

Therefore, it's crucial to inquire about the specifics. Understand the extent of damage covered, any limitations on the insurance, and whether deductibles apply.

Keep in mind that personal belongings inside the vehicle typically aren't covered. So, clear out any personal items before pickup to avoid complications.

7. Bulk Shipping Benefits

Transporting multiple vehicles at once is often more cost-effective than individual shipments. Whether you're a dealer or relocating with multiple vehicles, negotiating a bulk rate with the transport company can lead to significant savings.

Bulk shipping allows companies to optimize resources and streamline operations, resulting in lower per-vehicle costs for customers. By consolidating shipments, you can take advantage of economies of scale and secure a more favorable rate compared to single-vehicle transport options. If you have multiple vehicles to transport, exploring bulk shipping options can help maximize efficiency and minimize expenses.

8. Discounts

Numerous auto shipping companies, such as ours at AmeriFreight, provide various discounts to eligible customers. It's always advisable to inquire about available discounts and determine if you qualify when engaging with your auto transport provider.

At AmeriFreight, we extend discounts to:

• Military members

• First responders

• Students

• Senior citizens

• Early Birds who book within 48 hours of receiving a quote

• Returning customers

• Individuals shipping multiple vehicles

To take advantage of these discounts, communicate your eligibility to one of our car transport specialists. Ensure you have the necessary identification or documentation ready to submit and receive your discount promptly.

9. Weather

By nature, transporting a vehicle is not an easy task. From the challenge of loading to handling the weight and other safety factors on the road, there are numerous risks. When the weather is not conducive, as with storms and snow, these challenges significantly multiply.

Considering safety is a top priority, carriers may avoid transporting vehicles during hazardous weather like sleet or snow. But if that's not an option, additional precautions will be necessary. These include modifying trucks with tire chains to increase traction.

Therefore, when the weather is hazardous, your carrier will factor in potential delays, additional precautions, and equipment modifications when quoting rates during periods of challenging weather. Understanding these weather-related considerations can help you anticipate fluctuations in auto shipping costs and plan accordingly.

10. Delivery Flexibility

As mentioned, top shipping companies often try to align shipments to keep costs low. If you are flexible with pickup and delivery dates, you can capitalize on this to enjoy cost savings. You'll be surprised at how much you can save by giving your carrier more time to schedule transportation.

That being said, shipping companies are also able to accommodate rush orders. However, with such, they're not able to plan their routes meticulously, and deviations to accommodate. As a result, carriers may charge higher prices for rush deliveries, reflecting the additional time and effort required to adjust their schedules.

By aligning your timeline with carrier availability and avoiding urgent requests, you can potentially secure more competitive auto transport rates.

11. Economic Factors

Economic conditions can also impact auto shipping rates. During periods of economic downturn, such as recessions, demand for auto transportation services may decrease as people tighten their budgets. This reduced demand can lead to lower shipping rates as carriers compete for a smaller pool of customers.

Conversely, during periods of economic prosperity, increased consumer spending may drive up demand for auto shipping services. As a result, carriers may adjust their rates to reflect higher demand and capitalize on the growing market.

Additionally, fluctuations in fuel prices, inflation rates, and overall economic stability can influence operating costs for auto transport companies. Ultimately, these costs will be passed on to customers through adjusted shipping rates.

Tips When Shipping Your Car

As with most people, your car is one of your biggest and most prized investments. Therefore, along with getting the best long-distance car shipping quote, you need to safeguard your investment.

Here are some tips to help you do so and make the process as smooth as possible:

• Research Multiple Companies: Compare quotes and reviews from several auto transport companies to find the best fit for your needs

• Plan Ahead: Book your shipment in advance to secure better rates and ensure availability during peak seasons

• Prepare Your Vehicle: Clean your car thoroughly, document any existing damage, and ensure it meets the carrier's requirements for transport

• Remove Personal Belongings: Clear out your vehicle of any personal items, as carriers typically do not transport household goods

• Verify Insurance Coverage: Understand the insurance options provided by the carrier and consider purchasing additional coverage if needed

• Communicate Clearly: Provide accurate information about your vehicle and shipping preferences to avoid misunderstandings

• Be Flexible: Consider flexible pickup and delivery options to potentially reduce costs and increase efficiency

• Stay Informed: Stay updated on the progress of your shipment and communicate promptly with the carrier if any issues arise

• Inspect Upon Delivery: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage upon delivery and document any discrepancies immediately

Following these tips can help ensure a smooth and stress-free auto shipping experience, from booking your shipment to receiving your vehicle at its destination.

Start Your Journey With Unbeatable Enclosed Car Shipping Quotes

Enclosed car shipping quotes can vary significantly, along with the quality of services. Therefore, understanding the various factors influencing auto shipping rates is essential for making informed decisions and maximizing cost savings. From distance and vehicle specifications to delivery preferences and seasonal fluctuations, each element plays a role in determining the final shipping cost.

With AmeriFreight, you can get the best-enclosed car shipping quotes accompanied by great services and professionalism. Contact us today to discuss your auto shipping needs and take advantage of our competitive rates to kick off your journey in style.