Why Car Shipping Prices Fluctuate: A Complete Guide

Summary:

• Introduction to fluctuating car shipping prices

• Impact of fuel prices on transportation costs

• Seasonal demand and its effect on pricing

• Distance and route considerations

• How vehicle type affects shipping rates

• Carrier availability and shipping costs

• Differences between open and enclosed shipping

• Other factors 

• Conclusion with tips on finding the best shipping rates

• FAQs about car shipping costs and price fluctuations

Introduction

It’s frustrating to get a quote for car shipping only to find out later that the price has changed. Many consumers wonder why car shipping prices fluctuate so much. The answer lies in the dynamic nature of the shipping industry, where multiple factors—ranging from fuel prices to seasonal demand—impact the final cost. Understanding these variables can help you better anticipate changes and make more informed decisions when shipping your car.

In this guide, we’ll explore the primary reasons why car shipping prices fluctuate and how you can plan around them to avoid paying more than necessary.

Fuel Prices

Fuel is one of the most significant contributors to the overall cost of car shipping. As fuel prices rise or fall, so does the cost of transporting vehicles.

• Why it Matters: The trucks that carry vehicles over long distances are fuel-intensive, and even small fluctuations in fuel prices can have a noticeable impact on shipping rates. When fuel prices go up, transportation companies adjust their rates to cover the additional cost.

• Historical Example: For instance, during periods of high fuel prices, such as when oil prices spiked globally in 2022, car shipping rates across the country saw significant increases. Conversely, when fuel prices dropped in early 2023, shipping rates became slightly more affordable.

• Current Trends: As fuel prices remain unpredictable due to global supply and demand, you may see frequent adjustments in shipping quotes depending on when you book.

Takeaway: Fuel price fluctuations are largely out of the control of both the shipping company and the customer, but keeping an eye on current fuel trends can help you gauge when prices might rise or fall.

Seasonal Demand

Just like airlines and hotels, car shipping experiences peak and off-peak seasons. When demand is high, prices tend to go up.

• High-Demand Seasons: Summer is the busiest time for car shipping, particularly between May and August. This is when people relocate, take extended vacations, or ship vehicles to college campuses. The holiday season from November through January also sees a surge in car shipping due to people moving for the winter months or returning home after the holidays.

• Impact on Prices: During these high-demand periods, there are fewer carriers available to handle the increased volume of shipments, leading to higher prices. Carriers can charge more because consumers are competing for a limited number of slots.

• Off-Peak Benefits: If your schedule is flexible, booking during off-peak months, such as February or October, may result in lower shipping costs. The demand for carriers is lower during these periods, giving you a better chance of locking in a favorable rate.

Takeaway: If you can plan your car shipment outside of peak times, you’re more likely to get a better deal. However, if you need to ship during busy seasons, booking early can sometimes secure a lower price.

Distance and Route

The distance your car needs to travel is a major factor in determining the shipping cost. However, it’s not just the mileage that matters; the specific route your vehicle will take plays an important role too.

• Longer Distance, Higher Costs: Naturally, longer distances will cost more due to the higher fuel consumption, driver hours, and wear-and-tear on the transport truck. Shipping a car across state lines or from coast to coast will be significantly more expensive than a short interstate trip.

• Remote Areas: Shipping to or from rural or less-traveled locations will typically be more expensive. This is because trucks have to deviate from major highways or take longer routes to reach these areas, using up more fuel and time.

• Popular Routes: Shipping along common routes, such as between major cities (e.g., Los Angeles to New York), may be less expensive since carriers are more likely to find return loads, lowering the per-car cost.

Takeaway: While you can’t control the distance your car needs to travel, selecting popular routes or flexible pick-up/drop-off points in major cities can sometimes reduce your overall shipping costs.

Type of Vehicle

The type of vehicle you’re shipping also plays a crucial role in determining the price.

• Size and Weight: Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are more expensive to ship because they take up more space and add weight to the carrier. Heavier loads mean higher fuel consumption for the transport truck, which drives up the cost. Compact cars, on the other hand, are cheaper to ship due to their smaller size and lighter weight.

• Inoperable Vehicles: If your vehicle isn’t running, you can expect to pay more. Inoperable cars require special equipment like winches to load and unload the vehicle onto the carrier. This extra effort and equipment come at an additional cost.

• Specialty and Luxury Cars: If you’re shipping a luxury or vintage car, you may need to opt for enclosed transport (more on this later), which adds to the overall price. Enclosed transport provides more protection but costs more than standard open transport.

Takeaway: The bigger, heavier, or more delicate the vehicle, the higher the shipping cost. Ensuring your car is operable and choosing standard transport for regular cars can help save money.

Carrier Availability

Like any market-driven service, supply and demand heavily influence car shipping prices. Carrier availability is one such factor that directly impacts what you’ll pay.

• Limited Carrier Supply: During busy seasons or in certain regions, there may be fewer carriers available to transport vehicles. When supply is low, carriers can charge a premium for their services.

• Weather Conditions: Severe weather, such as hurricanes, snowstorms, or flooding, can reduce the number of available carriers in affected areas. This limited availability drives up prices as fewer transport trucks can operate.

• Holiday Constraints: Around major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the 4th of July, many carriers take time off, leading to fewer trucks on the road and higher prices for those that are still working.

Takeaway: Carrier availability can fluctuate due to factors like weather and holidays, so if possible, book your shipment when more trucks are available to avoid inflated prices.

Shipping Method (Open vs. Enclosed Transport)

When it comes to car shipping, you typically have two main options: open transport and enclosed transport. The method you choose significantly affects the price.

• Open Transport: This is the most common and affordable method. Cars are loaded onto an open carrier, which can transport multiple vehicles at once. It’s safe for most standard vehicles but does expose them to weather conditions and road debris.

• Enclosed Transport: For those shipping luxury, classic, or high-value cars, enclosed transport is a premium option. The vehicle is shipped in a fully enclosed trailer, providing extra protection from the elements and road hazards. While it offers peace of mind, it’s typically 30% to 50% more expensive than open transport.

Takeaway: Choose open transport if cost is a concern and your car is a standard vehicle. Opt for enclosed transport if you’re shipping a high-value car and need extra protection.

Additional Factors

In addition to the main factors above, there are several other variables that can affect car shipping prices:

• Expedited Shipping: If you need your car shipped urgently, you’ll likely have to pay a premium for expedited service. Carriers prioritize your shipment, often moving it ahead of other scheduled deliveries, which increases the cost.

• Market Conditions: Economic factors such as labor shortages, rising operational costs, and inflation can also drive up the cost of shipping. During periods of economic uncertainty, prices may become more volatile.

Takeaway: Be mindful of additional costs such as expedited shipping, and stay aware of broader economic trends that might influence shipping prices.

Conclusion

Car shipping prices fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including fuel costs, seasonal demand, the distance and route of your shipment, vehicle type, and carrier availability. While some of these factors are out of your control, understanding them can help you better plan your shipment and avoid unnecessary costs.

When looking for a reliable and affordable car shipping service, it’s important to compare quotes and book early, especially during high-demand periods. AmeriFreight offers transparent pricing and flexible options to fit your needs. Get an instant quote today to find out how much it will cost to ship your vehicle.

FAQs

Q: What time of year is the cheapest for car shipping?
A: The cheapest times are typically during off-peak seasons like February and October, when there’s less demand for car shipping services.

Q: How can I save money on car shipping?
A: You can save money by booking in advance, choosing open transport, and shipping during off-peak times. It also helps to be flexible with pick-up and delivery locations.

Q: Do fuel prices always affect car shipping costs?
A: Yes, fuel prices are a significant factor in car shipping costs. While they may not cause dramatic price swings daily, consistent increases in fuel prices will typically result in higher shipping costs to cover the additional expense for carriers.

Q: Is it cheaper to ship a car if I choose terminal-to-terminal shipping instead of door-to-door?
A: Yes, terminal-to-terminal shipping can be cheaper than door-to-door because it is more convenient for carriers to pick up and drop off vehicles at central locations. However, this method may require more effort on your part to drop off and retrieve your vehicle from the terminal.

Q: Does the condition of my car affect the shipping cost?
A: Yes, if your car is inoperable, it will usually cost more to ship. Special equipment is needed to load and unload inoperable vehicles, which increases the labor and equipment costs for the carrier.

Q: How far in advance should I book my car shipment?
A: It's best to book your car shipment at least two weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons. This gives you a better chance of securing a carrier at a reasonable price.

Q: What’s the difference between open and enclosed transport?
A: Open transport is the standard method where cars are shipped on an open trailer. It’s cheaper but exposes vehicles to the elements. Enclosed transport provides full protection in a covered trailer, making it ideal for luxury or vintage cars, though it’s more expensive.

By understanding the factors that cause car shipping prices to fluctuate, you can plan ahead and make decisions that save you both time and money. Whether you're shipping across the country or a few states over, consider using AmeriFreight to ensure that you get a reliable, cost-effective service every time.