If you’re considering shipping your car, you’d want to know how much to set aside for it. In this blog post, let’s break down the average costs for transporting a vehicle so you can budget accordingly. Whether you’re planning a long-distance move or want to send your car to another state, read on for helpful information like the average car shipping cost. Let’s also discuss some excellent auto shipping tips like reading uShip reviews and getting as many quotes as possible from various companies.
What Is Car Shipping?
Car shipping is transporting a vehicle from one location to another, whether across town, the country, or countries. There are a few different ways to ship a car, but the most common method is via an enclosed trailer. The trailer offers protection from the elements and potential damage while in transit.
Other methods of car shipping include open trailers, which are less expensive but don’t offer as much protection. There is also RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) shipping, the cheapest and most common method for international shipments.
How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
It will cost between $700 and $1,200 to ship a car within the United States. For international shipments, the average cost is $750 to ship a small vehicle using a boat to a whopping $40,000 to ship an SUV via an airplane. The cost of shipping a car will vary based on several factors, including the type of shipping service, size of your vehicle, the distance of the shipment, and whether you’re shipping to or from a rural area.
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
The most crucial factor that will affect your car shipping costs is the distance of the shipment. The farther you’re sending your vehicle, the more it will cost since long-distance shipments require more time and effort on the shipping company’s part.
Another essential factor to consider is the type of shipping service you choose. Enclosed trailers are more expensive than open trailers, but they offer more protection for your vehicle. If you’re shipping a prized classic or a sports car like a Toyota GR Supra, you might want to consider an enclosed trailer to avoid any potential damage.
The size of your vehicle is also a consideration. Larger vehicles will cost more to ship than smaller ones. They’ll involve more space for the shipping company to fill up, and it takes longer to transport larger cars.
Shipping your car during peak season can also increase the cost. Most car shipping companies charge more for their services during summer when demand is highest. If you’re flexible with your shipping dates, try to schedule your shipment during the off-season to get the best rates.
How to Save on Car Shipping Costs
There are a few ways to save on car shipping costs. Here are the best ones:
1. Get multiple quotes from different shipping companies
Don’t jump at the first offer you receive from the first company you inquired from. It’s essential to get multiple quotes from different companies to compare rates and services. Ensure you’re getting quotes for the same type of shipping service (enclosed, open, RoRo, etc.) to ensure an accurate comparison.
2. Schedule your shipment for the off-season
If you have some flexibility with your shipping dates, try to schedule your shipment for the winter months when demand is lower. You might be able to get a better rate this way.
3. Choose open transport
If you’re not too worried about the safety of your vehicle, choose open transport, which is the least expensive option and can save you a lot of money. As a matter of fact, enclosed transport can cost as much as 50% more than the open transport option.
4. Ship your car to or from a rural area
Rural areas usually have cheaper shipping rates than metropolitan areas. If you can find a shipping company that services your area, you can save a lot on your car shipping costs.
5. Choose terminal to terminal shipping
Terminal to terminal shipping is when your vehicle is dropped off and picked up at a designated transportation hub rather than delivered to your home. You’ll need to go to a set terminal, pick up your vehicle, and drive it back to your home. As inconvenient as this may be, it’s a great way to save on shipping costs.
6. Be flexible with departure and delivery schedule
If you can be flexible with your departure and delivery schedule, you might get a discounted rate. Most car shipping companies charge more for their services during the summer when demand is higher.
7. Get car shipping insurance
Even if you’re using an enclosed trailer, getting car shipping insurance is a good idea, protecting your vehicle in the event of any damage or accidents. In addition, you need to thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any nicks and scratches before you load it up on the truck. Any imperfections must be appropriately documented through photographs. Then, when your vehicle arrives, you must comb through it once again to check for any new damage. You can file a claim with the shipping company’s insurance if you find one.
8. Compare rates and services
When looking for a car shipping company, you’ll want to compare rates and services. Not all companies offer the same services, so ask about their policies and procedures. Ask questions such as:
- What type of shipping service do you offer?
- How long will it take for my car to arrive at its destination?
- Are your rates negotiable?
- What is your refund policy?
- Do you have any special promotions or discounts available?
By asking these questions and reading reviews online, you can better understand which company is right for you.
The Bottom Line
Shipping your car can be expensive, but there are ways to save on the costs. You can save a lot of money by getting multiple quotes from different companies, scheduling your shipment for the off-season, choosing open transport, and being flexible with your departure and delivery schedule. Shipping your car is a big decision, so do your research before selecting a shipping company.
