The cost of shipping a car doesn’t depend on a single factor. It relies on the distance covered, vehicle type, and shipping method. Here’s a general breakdown for 2024 rates: Short Distances (1–500 miles): It includes about $1.85/mile (e.g., $555 for 300 miles). Medium Distances (500–1,500 miles): It includes about $0.91/mile (e.g., $910 for 1,000 miles). Long Distances (1,500+ miles): It includes about $0.59/mile (e.g., $1,180 for 2,000 miles). The costs of enclosed transport are 10–40% more than open transport due to the protection. For the most accurate quote, you can try our free calculator or call us at +1 (888) 807-4249.
Car transport is a service that deals with the task of moving vehicles from one location to another by professionals in this field. This exists in two main forms: Open Transport: This is the most economical option for the majority of cars and is usually used by automobile dealers. Enclosed Transport: This is for high-class, exotic, or classic cars needing extra protection.
You can get a car shipment quote instantly and accurately at the calculator available on our website. Or you can consult with a Premium Auto Transportation expert. Do not forget to specify any special requirements that could affect the price, such as expedited pickup, vehicle modifications, or damaged vehicles. For the most accurate quote, please prepare the following pieces of information: pickup and delivery locations (preferably zip codes), transport preference (open or enclosed), vehicle year, make, and model, operational status (can it drive forward and reverse with basic steering?), and earliest pickup date.
The car shipping quote you receive is influenced by a few factors including the distance to be covered, vehicle dimension, state (operable or not), type of transport (open or enclosed), locality (rural vs urban), and the shipping season. The calculator from Premium Auto Transportation allows for data entry of all these details and efficiently prepares your accurate and economic quote—without hidden charges!
The car shipping process involves three main players: the lead providers, the carriers, and the brokers. Lead providers will be the ones giving you the list of possible carriers that you might need, but further research will be needed on your end. Carriers are the ones who will be doing the actual transportation of your car, but inexperience can make it difficult for you to pick the right one. This is the point where brokers come in, they make a link between you and the best carriers according to your needs and budget, to ensure a stress-free and effective process.
Distance is the primary factor that affects shipping costs the most. Mileage from pickup to delivery points has a direct relationship with pricing. Long routes may be costlier in general but lower costs per mile are generally offered. To explain, a 300-mile trip will cost approximately $1.85 per mile whereas 2,000 miles will be around $0.59. If it is about shipping to international destinations, it will be different because they involve logistics and regulatory processes.
The distance planned for taking the car is another cause of the car shipping price increase or decrease. Things such as road conditions, traffic, bad weather and road construction along the path can increase costs. Transporting through urbanized areas could cost more because of possible delays, whereas smoother roads could facilitate cheaper transport.
The date of car shipment matters a lot since it is a key factor in determining cost. If you book in advance, you will get lower prices so you better be flexible with your dates for pickup and delivery to decrease even more. Furthermore, the season affects prices; for example, due to high demand in the winter when a lot of customers ship cars to the southern states, prices might go up then.
Your car's features affect the shipping cost. If it's a larger or taller vehicle, it will take more space and hence may need adjustments that increase the price. For example, if there are custom modifications, such as larger wheels or roof racks, costs may go even higher because of required additional handling.
The manner of transportation which is either open or enclosed greatly impacts the cost of shipping. The standard and noticed way to go in the automobile transportation industry is open transport in which you are more likely to deliver at a cheaper cost. Then you have the enclosed transport which is safer and it protects the cars from both weather and road debris. This shipping is suitable for exotic, luxury and classic cars. But this option is more expensive, usually by 10-40% compared to the open one.
Is the car operable or inoperable? This is also a factor considered while discussing the shipping cost. It's simpler to load and off-load the operable vehicles thus the cost will be lower for that. But for the inoperable vehicles, they need other equipment, for example, winches, and they require special handling, so the total cost will be higher.
Taller, longer and heavier vehicles may require a specific trailer or trailer type to support the length and/or added weight. They may also need certain accommodations, like being transported in a specific place within the trailer. Both of these situations could require the driver to take fewer or smaller vehicles to accommodate special requests and manage total allowable weight limits.
Bigger and heavier cars might require a different type of trailer or setup so this affects prices. For cars with low ground clearance (four inches or less), enclosed trailers will lift the gate which is usually required, thus adding to the costs. This is simply to ensure safe and damage-free transport for the cars that need special handling.
The cost of shipping will not always be the same as it heavily relies on the exact location of the pickup and delivery point. Most carriers tend to be in the urban areas which means that the services there are competitive and thus cheaper. The situation is quite the reverse for remote and rural areas where the costs could be higher due to the limited number of available carriers and more miles driven by the truckers.
The season of the year plays a huge role in determining the rate you will be charged for shipping. For example, the price of transporting cars to warmer places during the winter could be higher due to the high season of travelers. Shifting your shipping dates to a more convenient time or scheduling your shipment in the off-peak season may help you get lower rates.
Are you ready to transport your vehicle with ease? At Premium Auto Transportations, we are committed to providing you with the best shipping experience in the industry.
We understand that entrusting your vehicle to someone else is a significant decision.
We believe that convenience should extend beyond just our transportation services.
Your satisfaction is our top priority. We are committed to providing exceptional transport services that meet your expectations.
We understand that transporting your vehicle can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why we prioritize approachable and helpful.
Premium Auto Transportation, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Here’s what they have to say about their experience with us:
Our team is here to handle all the details, so you can sit back and relax while we get your vehicle where it needs to go. Reach out today and let’s get moving!
We understand that auto transportation comes with a lot of questions.
Transit time varies based on distance, location, and route. Most cross-country shipments take 7–10 days, while shorter routes may only take 2–5 days. Our team provides an estimated delivery window upon booking.
We transport all types of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, luxury, classic, and even oversized vehicles. Our fleet is equipped to handle various sizes and types, ensuring safe and reliable transport.
Pricing depends on factors like the distance, vehicle type, season, and type of transport (open vs. enclosed). Contact us for a custom quote based on your unique requirements.
Open transport is the most common and affordable option. Enclosed transport provides extra protection, making it ideal for luxury or classic cars, as it shields them from weather and road debris.
Yes, all shipments are fully insured. Our insurance coverage ensures your vehicle is protected against any potential damages during transportation.
While some carriers allow a small amount of personal items (usually under 100 lbs), it’s generally discouraged for insurance and safety reasons. Speak with our team if you have specific needs regarding personal items.
Clean your vehicle inside and out, remove any personal belongings, and ensure the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full. Also, make sure the battery is charged, and tires are properly inflated.
Yes, we provide convenient door-to-door service, where we pick up and deliver your vehicle at specified locations. If your location is inaccessible to our trucks, we arrange for the closest safe meeting point.
Absolutely! We offer real-time GPS tracking so you can monitor your vehicle’s location and stay informed throughout the entire journey.
Though rare, if any damage occurs, our insurance covers it. Our team will guide you through the claims process and assist in making any necessary arrangements.
Experience the highest standard of vehicle transportation with our premium auto transport services. We specialize in secure, door-to-door delivery for all types of vehicles, from luxury cars and classic models to everyday vehicles and commercial fleets.
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