Auto Transport Pricing: Factors that Calculate the Total Cost

Before you hire the first company you find with the lowest quote or price, there are a few little details you should know about the auto transport pricing factors.

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How Auto Transport Prices Work

Knowing these little facts of information will help you understand how to calculate the price for auto transport, helping you to find the lowest rate when shipping a car from state to state.

Explaining how auto transport pricing works when calculated for quotes.

Auto Transport Price Factors: Calculating Car Shipping Cost

Understanding how auto transport prices are determined is crucial when you're seeking a car shipping quote or estimating vehicle hauling costs. At Viceroy, we believe in transparency and accuracy. That's why we break down all the factors involved in pricing, ensuring our customers receive clear and reliable estimates.

Top Price Factors that are Calculated

These are the main factors that calculate your car transport cost:

Everything is based on availability

Availability Date

Availability can significantly impact auto transport prices. When there's high demand and limited space on carriers, the cost tends to rise. This scarcity of available spots means carriers can charge more for their services. When there's lower demand or more carrier availability, prices may decrease as competition among carriers increases. Understanding the availability of carriers and the current market conditions is crucial in estimating auto transport prices accurately.

Is fast pickup and delivery possible?

Yes it is possible. In some cases, the sooner it needs to be moved may increase cost due to priority level. This is known as Expedited Auto Transport service. This can add an additional fee ranging anywhere from $100-500 depending on the route and locations for pickup and delivery. This is also based on availability, depending on many of the factors listed on this page.

Does rescheduling affect the car shipping price?

If schedules need to be altered to accommodate your needs, you may expect a slight increase depending on the situation. All we require is you keep an open mind and allow us at least a 2 to 4 day pickup window to allow our staff to coordinate your move and prepare the driver for dispatch. All details would be sent to you by email. We remind you that communication is key for a successful transport.

how much does it cost to have a car shipped

The bigger the unit, the bigger the hauler

Type of Vehicle

The size and type of vehicle you need to transport can affect the cost. Bigger vehicles like pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, and cargo vans often come with extra fees because they take up more space and weigh more, which means it costs more to move them. When you ask for a quote, we consider these details based on the size and weight of your vehicle. That's why transporting a large pickup truck along a route will cost more than moving a regular-sized car along the same route. Really big vehicles might even need a special flatbed car carrier to carry them because of their size.

What is the cost to transport large vehicles?

The size and weight of the vehicle play a crucial role in determining transport costs. Larger and heavier vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks, and vans, require more space and resources to transport compared to compact cars. As a result, transporting a larger vehicle can cost significantly more.

Here’s a general idea:

Small cars: Base rate
Mid-sized cars: Base rate + $50-$100
SUVs and trucks: Base rate + $150-$300

Do larger cars cost more to transport?

Cars sized up to full-size sedans are subject to oversize and overweight car shipping fees. Cars that are standard size will have standard rates. If the vehicle is too wide or

If it doesnt run, it will need a winch

Condition of Vehicle

The condition of your vehicle is a significant factor in determining the cost of shipping. If your vehicle is inoperable, meaning it can't be driven onto the carrier, there will be an additional fee. This fee covers the use of special equipment like a winch and the extra labor required from the driver. However, not all carriers have winches, so availability plays a role here. Carriers equipped with winches will charge for this service due to the added expense of the equipment and labor involved. As long as your vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, a winch can be used to load it onto the carrier.

Can the auto transport driver do mechanic work?

It's important to note that car carrier drivers are not mechanics and won't perform any repairs or modifications to your vehicle. It's important to ensure your vehicle is in a condition where it can be loaded onto the carrier under its own power. Any necessary preparations or repairs must be completed before loading. If your vehicle is unable to load under its own power, then the use of a winch will be necessary.

Enclosed is the safest way to transport a car

Auto Carrier Type

When it comes to shipping your vehicle, you have the option to choose between:

Opting for an enclosed auto transport carrier provides your vehicle with complete protection from external elements throughout the journey. Enclosed transport is typically reserved for higher-end cars such as exotics, luxury vehicles, or antique and classic cars.

Is enclosed transport better than open transport?

While using a specialized car transport service like enclosed transport may come at a higher cost, it's often considered worthwhile in the long run. This is because your vehicle is delivered in the same pristine condition as when it was picked up – free from dirt or blemishes. On the other hand, open car transport offers a more budget-friendly option for shipping your car. Vehicles transported via open carriers are exposed to the elements of the air and road debris during transit.

Does auto transport insurance coverage cost more?

No. Insurance coverage should be included in your total cost. Both open auto transport and enclosed auto transport should provide the legal requirement enforced by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) in providing insurance coverage. This coverage is vital for safeguarding your vehicle throughout its journey, ensuring protection against any potential damage or incidents during transit. Whether you choose open-air exposure of standard transport or the added security of enclosed shipping, rest assured that your vehicle is covered against unforeseen circumstances, meeting regulatory standards and ensuring a safe and worry-free transportation experience.

Rates depend on mileage from pickup to delivery

Pickup and Delivery Points

Your pickup and delivery points play an important role in determining the cost of your auto transport, making them essential considerations when receiving a quote. These points mark the beginning and end of your vehicle's journey and are the primary reasons for hiring an auto transport service, perhaps you prefer not to drive the distance yourself or have other commitments. Regardless of the reason, the distance between these points is a key factor influencing the fuel consumption per mile during transportation. Most routes offer door to door auto transport service, ensuring convenience and ease of delivery.

What affect does mileage and distance have on auto transportation cost?

The distance between the pickup and delivery points is a straightforward factor that directly influences the transport cost. Generally, the cost per mile decreases as the distance increases due to economies of scale. Transport companies often have a tiered pricing structure where:

Short distances (up to 500 miles) might cost around $1 per mile.
Medium distances (500 to 1,500 miles) might cost around $0.75 per mile.
Long distances (over 1,500 miles) might cost around $0.50 per mile.

When compiling your estimate, your car transport company should evaluate the origin and destination locations, along with the mileage between them, serving as a fundamental baseline for pricing your transport service accurately.

Fuel is a main factor in car shipping cost

Diesel Fuel Rates

One crucial factor that cannot be overlooked when calculating the cost of shipping a car is the fluctuating rate of diesel fuel. Diesel serves as the primary energy source for the car carrier trucks required to operate and complete the transportation job. It's imperative to note that highs and lows in diesel fuel prices directly impact the overall cost of car transport. When gasoline prices rise, it's reasonable to expect an increase in the cost of car transport services. On the other hand, when gasoline prices drop, the cost of car hauling tends to decrease as well. Understanding these dynamics provides a real insight into how car shipping rates are determined, with diesel fuel rates serving as a cornerstone in the calculation process.

Nat Avg Diesel Fuel Rate

How do I calculate my auto shipping cost?

Transport carriers rely heavily on diesel, and fluctuations in fuel prices can significantly impact transportation costs. The national average diesel fuel cost is often used as a baseline for calculating these expenses.

To estimate the impact of fuel costs:
Fuel Cost = Total Miles/Miles per Gallon X Average Diesel Fuel Price

For instance, if a carrier travels 1,200 miles at 6 miles per gallon, and the average diesel fuel price is $4 per gallon, the fuel cost would be:
Fuel Cost = 1200/6 X 4 = 200 × 4 = $800

Taking these car transport pricing factors into consideration will give you a better understanding of how the cost to ship a car is determined when calculating the total expense of shipping your vehicle from one state to another.

Frequently Asked Questions: Auto Transport Price Factors

Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions with Answers on Price Factors that Calculate Cost.

What are the main factors that affect auto transport pricing?

Key factors include vehicle size and type, the condition of the vehicle, transport distance, pickup and delivery locations, carrier availability, diesel fuel rates, and the type of transport service (open or enclosed).

How does vehicle size impact shipping costs?

Larger and heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs take up more space and add extra weight to the carrier, resulting in higher costs. For example, shipping an SUV may cost $150–$300 more than a standard sedan.

Does the condition of the vehicle affect the price?

Yes. Inoperable vehicles require special equipment like a winch to load onto the carrier, adding to the cost. Vehicles that can roll, steer, and brake are generally less expensive to ship.

How do pickup and delivery locations influence cost?

Shipping to or from rural or hard-to-access areas can cost more due to limited carrier availability. Urban routes with higher demand tend to be more affordable.

What role does distance play in pricing?

Longer distances reduce the cost per mile but result in higher overall costs. For example, short trips (up to 500 miles) may cost $1 per mile, while long trips (over 1,500 miles) may cost $0.50 per mile.

What is the difference in cost between open and enclosed transport?

Enclosed transport, which protects vehicles from weather and debris, typically costs 30%–50% more than open transport. It’s ideal for luxury, exotic, or classic cars.

How does carrier availability affect prices?

When demand for carriers is high, such as during peak seasons, prices increase due to limited availability. During periods of low demand, prices may decrease as carriers compete for business.

What impact do fuel prices have on car shipping costs?

Fluctuating diesel fuel prices directly affect transport costs. Higher fuel prices increase overall shipping costs, while lower fuel prices reduce them.

Can expedited shipping increase the price?

Yes, expedited shipping prioritizes your vehicle for faster pickup and delivery, which can add $100–$500 or more to the total cost, depending on the route and urgency.

Are there additional fees for rescheduling or modifying the transport?

Yes, changes to pickup or delivery schedules may result in additional costs. Companies usually require a 2–4 day window for adjustments, with fees varying based on the situation.