Auto Transport
Price Factors:
Calculating 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. Knowing these little facts of information will help you understand how auto transport is priced when calculated, helping you to find the lowest rate when shipping a car from state to state.
How Pricing Works:
Car Shipping Cost Factors
That Determine What You Pay
Learn how auto transport prices are determined by the different factors involved and how it works when receiving a car shipping quote, auto transport rate or vehicle hauling estimate.
These are the main factors that calculate your car transport cost.
These are the main factors that calculate your car transport cost.
Everything is based on availability
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AVAILABILITY DATE
We can help you move your vehicle anywhere in the United States. The date it needs to be shipped is a very important factor in determining the cost for car shipping. In some cases, the sooner it needs to be moved may increase cost due to priority level. 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. |
The bigger the unit, the bigger the hauler
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TYPE OF VEHICLE
Larger vehicles cost more to transport. Many pickup trucks, SUV’s, minivans and cargo vans come with “oversized / overweight shipping fees.” This is of course due to the added weight & size when transporting. These details are gathered based on size and weight of the vehicle you are shipping, and should be included in the estimated quote. This is why shipping a large pickup truck along a route will cost more than a standard car on that same route. Some vehicles may even require a flat bed auto hauler due to size. Cars sized up to full-size sedans are not subject to oversize/overweight car shipping fees. Cars that are standard size will have standard rates. |
If it doesnt run, it will need a winch
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CONDITION OF VEHICLE
The condition of your vehicle will play a big factor in the quote. If the vehicle is inoperable, there will be an added fee due to the use of a winch and the drivers labor. Everything is based on availability. Not all drivers / trucks have a winch. Drivers that do will charge for that service as it requires extra usage of expensive equipment & labor. As long as the vehicle can roll, brake & steer, a winch can be used to load. Do not expect the car carrier driver to go under the hood to do anything mechanical for your downed vehicle. The driver will not attempt to repair, modify or charge / recharge anything within the car. All preparations must be made prior to loading to make sure the vehicle can load on its own power by driving it onto the carrier. If the vehicle is unable to load on its own power, a winch will be required. |
Enclosed is the safest way to transport a car
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AUTO CARRIER TYPE
You can request an open transport or an enclosed transport. An enclosed auto transport carrier provides complete protection from the outside world during shipment. The enclosed transporter is mainly reserved for higher-end cars such as Exotics, luxuries or Antiques and classics. Normally, the use of an enclosed car transport service does cost more but is worth it in the end as the vehicle is delivered the same way as picked up. No dirt. No blemishes. Open car transport will get your car shipped for a cheaper rate but will be exposed to the elements of the air and road debris while in transit. |
Rates depend on mileage from pickup to delivery
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PICKUP AND DELIVERY POINTS
This is very important as it is one of the main factors in generating your auto transport quote. The origin & destination zone is the reason why you're having your auto transported in the first place. For some reason, you don't want to drive it yourself. Whichever the case, one of the most important points in getting your vehicle from point A to B is the distance in between which would result in fuel spent per mile. Most customers prefer the vehicle be delivered from door to door service. Your car transport company should focus on where you are moving from and to and the mileage between the two and basically use that as a baseline when compiling your estimate when pricing. |
Fuel is a main factor in car shipping cost
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DIESEL FUEL RATES
Last but not least, the most important factor to measure when determining the cost to ship a car is the current rate of diesel fuel prices. Keep in mind, this is the main energy source for the car carrier trucks needed to begin and complete the job. If the prices for gasoline go up, we can all expect the cost of car transport to increase as well. When the cost of gasoline goes down, the cost of car hauling also goes down. These are the basics on how car shipping rates are calculated. |
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.