What Is The Average Cost To Ship A Car? Breaking Down The Charges

By Author: Linda Townley
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A car is your significant investment, whether you are relocating, have purchased a vehicle from a different state, or are giving a car to your loved ones. Instead of driving and transporting, you can select a car shipping company. Understanding the average cost to ship a car and its factors will help you choose the shipping service that fits your budget. In this article, we will discuss various costs, including car shipping.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
If you want to know the auto transport cost, it is best to use a cost calculator on the shipping company's website. The average cost to ship a car ranges from $200 to $1200, and the price changes depending on several factors such as distance, vehicle type, shipping location, etc. It will give you an estimated car shipping cost, and you can plan accordingly.
Average Auto Transport Cost
The average car shipping cost in the USA is between $500 and $2000, and ...
... the shipping cost is based on several factors. The factors that affect the cost are the following: 

Distance: The distance between the pickup and the delivery location is the main factor determining the cost. Long-distance shipping costs more. 
Vehicle Type: The make, model, size, and weight of the vehicle affect the shipping cost. Large and heavy vehicles cost more to transport.
Transport Method: The two main and popular car transport methods are open and enclosed auto transport. Open transport is more cost-effective than enclosed transport because enclosed carriers provide high security and enhanced protection for their vehicles.
Pickup and Delivery Services: There are two main shipping services for the pickup and delivery of your vehicle: door to door auto transport and terminal to terminal shipping. Door to Door is more costly than terminal shipping.
Season of Shipping: Shipping prices fluctuate and increase during the peak season because of an increase in the demand for shipping. Shipping prices will be high during summer, public holidays, etc.
Route and Location of the Shipment:  Urban car shipping costs less than rural auto shipping because of the availability of shipping options.  

Breaking Down The Shipping Cost
Here, we have shared a breakdown of the shipping cost; let us understand it. 

Understand the Basic Car Shipping Price: This is the primary shipping cost, and it is affected by several factors. To calculate the cost, consider the above-mentioned factors and use a car shipping cost calculator.
Fuel Cost: Some of the auto transport companies add the fuel cost to the actual price of shipping. So look for this; this price is based on the market price. 
Insurance Coverage Cost: Auto transport companies offer basic insurance coverage, but if you need extra or high insurance coverage, then the price of the shipping may vary. 
Terminal Fees: If you selected terminal to terminal shipping methods instead of door to door shipping, then you must pay terminal shipping fees. These fees differ from terminal to terminal based on the pace and its guidelines.
Additional Shipping Cost: Additional shipping costs like insurance costs, expedited shipping, and the date and time of the shipping. If you are shipping premium vehicles, then it will cost more.

Steps To Save Money On Car Shipping
Car shipping is not as cheap, but you can save money while shipping a car. Just follow the below mentioned steps and get your car transported as per your budget. 

The first and best method to ship your car at a budget-friendly price is to do research about the company you have selected. Choose the trusted and experienced auto transport company.
Another money-saving pro tip is to select open car transport because it is the most cost-effective car shipping method and is easily available in the market.
Open transport with terminal auto shipping service will help you save extra money while transporting a vehicle. 
If you are about to transport multiple vehicles, then instead of shipping individual vehicles, ship all together in an open carrier.
If you want to get the best shipping deal and want to transport your car securely to your address, then book the shipment in advance and schedule it.
Be flexible with the date and time of the shipping; then, you must avoid transporting during the peak season.

Now that we know how to calculate the shipping cost, by understanding the average shipping cost and how to break down the cost, we will be able to transport vehicles at an affordable price.