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Pricing Explained Demo
How much does car shipping cost?
Car shipping costs in 2024, specifically for open car shipping, are estimated around $1.85/mile for short distances (1-500 miles) or $555 for a 300-mile trip. Medium distances average about $.91/mile (500-1500 miles) or $910 for 1000 miles. Long distances (1500+ miles) are about $.59/mile or $1,180 for a 2000-mile trip. It’s important to note that car shipping costs may vary and the rates for enclosed car shipping will be higher.
When it comes to shipping your vehicle, there are several factors that come into play when determining the cost. Everything from the type of vehicle you’re shipping to the type of shipping method you choose will affect the price.
To get a clear idea of what your final cost will be, we recommend using our free instant quote calculator for an estimate. You can also speak with a Snowbird representative (888) 666-8929 to discuss your shipment and request a quote. This will give you the most accurate estimate possible, taking into account factors such as the distance of the shipment, seasonal demand, any additional services required and current market rates.
| Average car shipping cost per mile | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport | |
| 1-500 miles | $1.85/mile | $2.53/mile | |
| 501-1,500 miles | $.91/mile | $1.25/mile | |
| 1,500+ miles | $.59/mile | $.84/mile | |
What is car transport?
Car transport or car shipping, is a service that moves cars from one destination to another. The best car transport involves licensed professionals with the right experience and equipment to safely move your vehicle. The type of transport you choose will affect your car shipping cost. You can ship via open transport (more cost effective) or enclosed transport (more protection). Typically, enclosed auto transport will cost 10-40% more than open transport. Open transport is the most common type of transport, used by most customers, including car dealerships. Enclosed transport is the preferred method for anyone shipping luxury, exotic or collector vehicles that want added protection.
How to get a car transport quote
Car transport quotes can be calculated a few different ways. You can get an accurate estimate of your car shipping by using our instant quote calculator or speaking with a Montway representative via live chat. When discussing your shipment be sure to mention any special requirements you may have, as these could affect the price. Some examples of special requirements include expedited pickup, vehicle modifications or inoperable vehicles.
In order to get the most accurate and up-to-date car shipping quote, it’s important to know and have the following information available:
- Vehicle pickup and delivery destinations (zip codes are preferred for increased quoting accuracy)
- Car transport preference (open or enclosed trailer)
- Vehicle year, make and model (ensures availability of required transport trailer size)
- Operational status (can be driven forward and in reverse, with basic steering for truck loading and unloading)
- Earliest available pickup date
Auto transport industry overview
There are three types of companies you might work with to ship your vehicle: lead providers, carriers and brokers.
In exchange for providing your contact information, lead providers supply vehicle owners with a list of “leads” or potential carriers, based on the owner’s search criteria. The owner is responsible from there to further research or contact the carriers on the list to determine the best option for their needs and budget. Lead providers will typically share your contact information with their network, so you will likely receive phone calls and emails from the various transport companies.
Carriers employ the truckers who do the actual transportation of your car, picking it up and dropping it off at the designated locations. You can work directly with a carrier company—from requesting a quote for shipment, to working out details, to the actual transport—but without some industry knowledge it can be hard to identify the best carrier for your unique vehicle shipment. This is why you might choose to work with an auto transport broker. Brokers work as the middle man between vehicle owners and a network of carriers, finding the best-suited solution for the highest value.
Using a broker for your vehicle transport offers a number of advantages over the other two options. First and foremost, you aren’t limited to one carrier option; brokers have a network of thousands of carriers and can find you the best solution based on your needs and exact vehicle. You don’t need to make multiple calls or visit dozens of carrier websites to settle on an option. They also do the legwork of back-and-forth communication with the carrier you choose so you can rest easy and focus your time and attention elsewhere. Your broker will provide you a quote and help plan all details of your shipment, then handle the rest with the chosen carrier.
As the nation’s leader in auto transport, we can help. Give us a call at (888) 666-8929 to speak with an advisor who will schedule your shipment with one of our 30,000+ vetted and trusted carriers.
Calculating car shipping costs
Auto transport quotes and car shipment rates are calculated using unique considerations for each customer. Your car shipping estimate will be based on several different transport factors. This includes, but isn’t limited to: trip distance, car size (sedan, pickup truck, SUV, etc.), vehicle condition (operable or inoperable), transport type (open or enclosed), location (i.e. rural or urban) and the time of year you ship. Montway’s instant quote calculator lets you enter all the details about your vehicle, allowing us to generate the most accurate and cost-optimized price—without hidden fees.
Distance
Total distance is the main component used in calculating a quote for car shipping. Longer distances generally lead to a higher overall car shipping price, but also include a discounted cost per mile. With our car shipping calculator, you can get the best auto transport quote for any car shipment. It’s important to note that international car shipping prices might differ from ground vehicle transport.
Route
Different from distance, route refers to what highways and other roads will be traveled to transport the vehicle. Routes in highly populated areas may have increased traffic congestion, which could impact transport time and shipping costs. Additional route considerations that can be factored into shipping costs include: physical road conditions, adverse weather and road construction.
Shipping date
When you book a car transport service, the shipment date often plays a role in the cost. It’s best to book your car shipment as far in advance as possible. As soon as you know you’ll need to ship your vehicle, begin researching an auto transport company to request a car shipping quote. Additionally, increased flexibility around car pickup dates will often result in car transport quote savings.
Vehicle make and model
When planning your auto transport, we ask for the exact vehicle specifications, because the truck driver must know how much space is required to safely secure your automobile and ensure proper trailer height and side clearance. Longer and taller cars require additional vehicle transport adjustments, which may slightly increase car shipping costs. Vehicle modifications like larger tires and roof racks can also increase the cost.
Auto transport type
Most people shipping a car select open car transport, as it is the industry standard and cheapest way for car shippers to move your vehicle. For extra car shipment protection, we recommend using enclosed car transportation services that shield vehicles from weather and debris. Enclosed auto transport can increase the cost of car shipping, but is worth the peace of mind for delicate, exotic or luxury car transportation.
Vehicle condition
If your car is running, you will get a better auto shipping price from car shippers for the allotted distance. If your car is inoperable, but maintains the ability to roll, steer and brake, it will require a winch and other accommodations to be loaded onto the carrier trailer, which will increase the cost of shipment. To request a quote or to arrange shipment for an inoperable vehicle, please contact a Montway representative at (888) 666-8929.
Vehicle details
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.
Ground clearance
Ground clearance, also called ride height, is the distance between the bottom of the vehicle’s body and the road or driving surface. Low vehicle ground clearance requires special attention and accommodation, such as a specialized ramp. If ground clearance is four inches or less, the vehicle must be shipped in an enclosed trailer equipped with a lift gate, which open trailers do not have.
Location
Metropolitan areas usually have plenty of trucks available to carry out car shipping orders for auto shippers, which lowers the car transport price. When transporting cars, we strive to find the best deal for residents of small towns.
Seasonality
Car shipping costs vary greatly based on the time of year. For example, auto transport services to warmer states are very popular during the winter travel season, so the cost for transporting a car to those destinations may be higher. Use Montway’s car shipping calculator to get the price for shipping a car. Depending on your scheduling flexibility, we recommend trying different shipping dates to see rate impact for choosing the best price.
FAQ
What’s the average time from when I submit my order until I receive my car?
7-10 days.
Can I update my order after I submit it?
Submit your inquiry to customerservice@snowbirdship.com and we will let you know if the update is possible
How does car transporting work?
Snowbird Auto Shipping will ship your vehicle on a licensed, insured open car carrier. We will schedule your delivery as close as possible to the date(s) you request on your order form once it has been confirmed.
What types of vehicles does SnowBird auto shipping transport?
We transport all types of vehicles including family cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks. If you have questions about a specific make and model, please contact us for more information.
How will my vehicle be transported?
Generally, we transport vehicle(s) on an open car carrier (truck). This is the same type of truck used to deliver new vehicles from factories to local dealerships.
Can I include personal items in the vehicle?
You can include luggage and golfing items, which will be included in the final price. This has to be included in the order form. We do not accept larger items in this shipment, such as household items. In addition, if you do include such items in your vehicle during car shipment, they will not be covered by insurance. We do allow some personal belongings (not including luggage) up to 100lbs to be discreetly placed in the trunk.
How do I prepare my vehicle for shipping?
Please ensure there are no large items inside the vehicle, aside from those that were declared and included in the form. If you do have small personal items, they need to be stored discreetly in the trunk. Please be sure to properly secure your items to avoid damage to the vehicle or to the items themselves during transit. Please make sure to effectively winterize your vehicle and ensure there is a quarter of a tank of gas for use during loading and unloading of the vehicle. Please do not overfill your gas tank. Please wash your car prior to pick up so a full, detailed inspection of the vehicle can be performed before the vehicle is handed off.
Will my vehicle be used or driven?
Your vehicle will be driven for loading and unloading onto the truck carrier
Does anyone need to be present during pickup/delivery of my vehicle?
The owner of the vehicle or an appointed individual must be present to sign the vehicle over to SnowBird Auto Shipping upon pickup and delivery of the vehicle upon delivery. If you are electing someone, their contact information must be provided to SnowBird Auto Shipping prior to pickup/delivery. Ensure you have a valid form of ID (identification) available.
What data do you collect?
Ready the privacy policy here.
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