At Flat Rate Shipping, transparency and making auto transport as simple as possible is our mission. That’s why we’ve created this guide – to help you understand car shipping costs. From breaking down the factors that influence vehicle transport costs to unveiling our flat rate pricing model, we aim to eliminate surprises and provide you with the most cost-effective solution for your car shipping needs. We hope this guide will help you make an informed decision about your auto transport needs and expectations.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
On average, expect to pay between $500 to $2,500 for a coast-to-coast shipment. This average is based on open transport, the most common and cost-effective shipping method. However, this is just a broad estimate. Factors such as the weight and model of your vehicle, the distance of the shipment, and the type of transport can all influence the final cost.
At Flat Rate Shipping, we’re committed to providing transparent and competitive pricing for all your car shipping needs. So, request your free, no-obligation quote for more accurate pricing based on your needs.
Factors Influencing Car Shipping Costs
Car shipping costs involve more than just looking at the bottom line. To fully understand your final price, we’ve broken down the factors that influence the cost of shipping your car with Flat Rate Shipping.
Distance and Location
Generally, the further the distance between the pickup and delivery locations, the higher the cost. Short-distance shipping costs, on average, $1.10 to $1.70 per mile, while long-distance shipping can cost up to $0.60 to $1.30 per mile.
Additionally, the specific locations can also impact the price. Shipping to and from major cities is typically cheaper than shipping to more remote locations, which may incur additional costs due to the time and effort required for pickup and delivery.
Vehicle Make and Model
Larger vehicles, such as SUVs or trucks, cost more to ship than smaller sedans or compact cars. To give you an idea, here are some estimates for different types of vehicles based on a 1,000-mile trip:
Sedan: $600 – $1,700
Compact SUV: $750 – $1,950
SUV: $900 – $2,200
Truck: $1,050 – $2,450
Furthermore, luxury, exotic, or classic cars require special handling and enclosed transport for added protection, which can also increase the shipping cost.
Transport Type
The type of transport you choose for your vehicle is one of the most influential factors impacting shipping costs. The two most popular options are open and enclosed car transport.
- Open Transport: The most common and cost-effective method. With this method, your vehicle is shipped in an open-air carrier along with other cars or by itself. The only disadvantage is that your car is exposed to the elements and road debris during transit.
- Enclosed Transport: The preferred method for luxury, exotic, and vintage cars. With this method, your vehicle is shipped in an enclosed carrier along with other cars or by itself. While more expensive than other methods, this provides additional shielding from the elements and road debris since the carrier is fully covered.
Seasonality & Delivery Type
Summer is by far the most popular season to ship cars. Expect to pay about $300 more for shipping vehicles during this time of the year. Waiting for the fall or winter can help you save 15% of your shipping expenses.
The type of delivery you choose – door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal – can also affect the cost of shipping your car.
- Door-to-Door: Involves your vehicle being picked up from a location of your choice and delivered to your destination. This option offers great convenience but can be more expensive due to extra time and labor.
- Terminal-to-Terminal: Requires you to drop off your vehicle at a designated terminal and pick it up from a terminal near your destination. This option offers a more cost-effective solution; however, it requires more effort on your part.
Additional Shipping Costs
In addition to these main factors, additional charges can affect the final cost of shipping your car.
Insurance
Every reputable auto transport company, including Flat Rate Shipping, includes basic liability insurance in their quotes. However, more comprehensive coverage options are available to purchase at additional cost. Additional insurance coverage is good if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle or looking for added peace of mind.
Fuel Surcharge
While this is out of your control, most auto transport companies add fuel surcharges to account for fluctuations in fuel prices. At Flat Rate Shipping, we strive for transparency in all our fees, ensuring you understand every aspect of your quote, and we explain our fuel surcharge fees in detail.
Add-On Services
At Flat Rate Pricing, we go to great lengths to accommodate your needs. Add-on services are not included in the base price and will add to the overall cost of shipping your car. We offer add-on services, expedited shipping, top-load service to choose where your vehicle is placed in two-tier transport trucks, and additional white-glove concierge services.
How to Get a Car Shipping Quote
At Flat Rate Shipping, we make getting a quote easy. Simply fill out our online form or give us a call, and we’ll provide you with a transparent, flat-rate quote for your car shipping needs. Here’s how it works:
- Provide Information: We need basic information about your vehicle (make, model, and condition) and preferred shipping dates.
- Choose Services: Pick the type of transport (open or enclosed), delivery method (door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal), and any add-on services you need.
- Get Your Quote: We’ll provide a personalized quote over the phone or via email. This quote should include all costs of shipping your car, including insurance and any potential surcharges.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our customer service team is ready to help you with questions or your particular needs.
Why Choose Flat Rate Shipping for Your Auto Transport Needs
Choosing Flat Rate Shipping for your auto transport needs means choosing transparency, reliability, and exceptional service. We pride ourselves on a hassle-free car shipping experience and on providing our customers with peace of mind and quality services.
Flat Rate Pricing
We offer 100% transparent, no-obligation, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees or surprise charges. With us, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying upfront.
Nationwide and International Shipping
Whether you’re shipping your car across the state, across the country, or the globe, we’ve got you covered. Our extensive network in the continental US and across 150 destinations worldwide allows us to offer nationwide and international shipping services.
Concierge Services
We treat every vehicle as if it were our own. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the shipping process, all with white-glove services to ensure your car is handled carefully from pickup to delivery.
Hassle-Free Auto Transport at Your Fingertips. Get Started Now!
If you’re looking for reliable, transparent, and flat-fee pricing for your car shipping needs, contact Flat Rate Shipping today and get started with a free quote.
How much does a car carrying ship cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 on average. Always request a personalized quote for accurate pricing.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car in the USA?
The cheapest way to ship a car in the USA is typically via open transport, the most common method of auto transport.
How much does it cost to ship a car from NY to Florida?
Shipping a car from New York to Florida can range from $500 to $1,000 on average, depending on factors like the time of year, vehicle size, and transport type. Request a personalized quote for accurate pricing.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Texas?
Shipping a car from Florida to Texas costs between $500 and $800, depending on vehicle size, transport type, and seasonality.
How much does it cost to ship a car cross-country?
Shipping a car cross-country averages $1,650, depending on the shipment’s specifics. Factors influencing the price include distance, vehicle size, transport type, and specific pickup and delivery locations.
