Knowing what goes into a car shipping price estimate allows you to evaluate your needs more precisely, determining which expenses to prioritize and which services you can do without.
Several factors impact auto shipping quotes, and variance with a single detail, such as your desired timeline can make a significant difference in your transport’s cost. Like many services, higher convenience when shipping translates to greater costs.
Auto-hauling quotes originally come from carriers, meaning you’ll have to do more footwork to source estimates directly. In contrast, hiring a car shipping broker involves the broker negotiating with multiple carriers on your behalf to present a single “best” quote.
Keep reading to learn more about the different factors impacting car shipping quotes and strategies you can use to ensure you’re getting the most accurate estimates possible.
Distance and Route
The distance your car travels plays a central role in the amount you’ll pay for shipping since distance affects a hauler’s fuel consumption, wear-and-tear on equipment, and driver hours.
Your route is equally as important. Shipping to remote locations is often more expensive since it’s burdensome for haulers to deviate from major highways connecting cities to deliver your vehicle. Time spent delivering cars to remote destinations often reduces a carrier’s profits since popular routes to urban areas or off major highways are naturally more in demand.
While one carrier may not be able to complete a vehicle delivery to a remote area, brokers can coordinate more than one hauling company to fulfill your order’s remaining distance.
Vehicle Size, Weight, and Type
The size, weight, and type of car you’re shipping will affect your quote since larger, heavier vehicles, such as full-size SUVs, take up more space on a carrier, possibly leaving less room for other cars. A carrier will also consume more fuel transporting a large vehicle and may require additional handling techniques with specialized equipment for safe loading/unloading.
However, weight and dimensions aren’t the only factors affecting car shipping quotes. Drivers interested in shipping a specific type of vehicle, like a classic or high-value car, might pay more to receive more personalized care, like transportation via an enclosed single-car carrier.
Transport Type: Open vs. Enclosed
Open carrier auto transport involves storing customer cars on a truck trailer with exposure to outdoor elements. Enclosed auto transport is the opposite, providing stored cars with an external layer of protection.
While enclosed shipping protects vehicles from outdoor elements like bad weather or gravel, open carrier transport is more popular since it’s less expensive. Enclosed auto transport can be worth investing in if you’re shipping a luxury or classic car—especially if the route is long distance.
Drivers wanting a single carrier to transport their vehicle exclusively will typically order an enclosed transport service. Open carriers often haul an average of seven to 10 cars at a time, while enclosed carriers tend to have a more limited capacity of four to six vehicles.
Pickup and Delivery Locations
When selecting door-to-door transport vs. terminal-to-terminal, you’ll receive a higher car shipping quote. Door-to-door service involves giving a carrier custom pickup and drop-off locations, such as your old and new homes.
A carrier will provide you with pickup and drop-off sites for terminal-to-terminal shipping, which often includes lots or depots. Door-to-door shipping is more convenient since haulers come to you, and the service is faster on average.
Generally, if you’re considering dropping off and picking up your vehicle in more remote areas, ordering terminal-to-terminal service in more populated locations can help generate a lower quote.
Seasonal Factors and Timing
Weather isn’t the only seasonal factor affecting your auto-shipping quote. Demand for car transport fluctuates throughout the year, with the busiest times being late spring to early fall.
Shipping during mid-fall to winter can help save you money, but if you need a carrier during peak season, it’s helpful to book a month in advance of your drop-off. Booking over a month ahead isn’t advisable because of changing market conditions. You should book open carrier transport during the off-season at least two to three weeks in advance.
While shipping in the off-season during months like January will likely generate savings, you may pay more if your vehicle is traveling through areas with severe winter weather. Remaining flexible with pickup and delivery dates can lead to lower quotes.
Fuel Prices and Economic Factors
Earlier, we discussed how longer shipping routes result in higher quotes because of greater fuel consumption—but these estimates can grow even more if you’re ordering transport when fuel prices are higher.
Economic downturns can lower shipping costs since demand for hauling services may be lower, while currency exchange rates often impact international shipping.
Liability and Cargo Insurance
Auto haulers are required by law to have liability insurance, and most haulers carry at least $750,000 of coverage for freight over 10,000 pounds. Haulers also need cargo insurance, with the typical range equaling between $150,000 and $350,000.
Car shipping customers can often, but not always, purchase additional insurance coverage through a broker supplementing the carrier’s insurance. Brokers can also facilitate extra coverage through a third-party insurer.
Alternative options for additional insurance include going directly to a third-party insurer, using a personal policy if your policy allows it, and marine insurance for international shipments.
Those shipping luxury or classic vehicles tend to prioritize securing extra coverage.
Getting an Accurate Estimate and Additional Services
One of the most vital steps to getting an accurate car shipping estimate is correctly communicating your requirements. Miscommunication can result in a smaller initial quote that later grows in order to meet your needs.
When consulting with a broker or directly with a carrier, don’t forget to mention any additional services you might need beyond extra insurance, which can include but aren’t limited to:
GPS tracking
Handling of a non-running vehicle
Car loading position (top-loading gives for protection)
Consider your ability to be flexible in any of our guide’s mentioned areas to lower your quote while still maintaining the ability to meet your needs.
