Cross Country Car Shipping
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How much does it cost to ship a car across country?
“How much does car shipping cost?” is an often asked question when it comes to cross country auto transport. Whether you’re moving, temporarily relocating, or buying a vehicle from out-of-state. It is important to know what factors go into car shipping rates.
- Date
- Distance
- Vehicle make & model
- Open vs. enclosed
- Standard vs. expedited
- Vehicle condition
- Location
- Seasonality
Average cost per mile
How long does shipping a car across country take?
When planning on shipping your vehicle cross country, it is perfectly normal to wonder how long it is going to take. By knowing your estimated pick up and delivery time frame, it makes it easier for you to make the necessary arrangements and plan everything around the move. The auto transport process is fairly predictable when everything goes as planned. There are several factors that impact pick up, shipping, and delivery times.
- Season
- Demand
- Traffic
- Weather
- Location
- Price
- Vehicle Size
Transit Time
Factors that determine cross country shipping rates
Date
Expect to pay less if you are flexible about when your vehicle will be picked up and delivered. If you need your vehicle picked up by a certain date or need expedited delivery, expect your rate to be higher. The typical flexible pick up window is 2-7 days after booking shipment.
Distance
Distance is the biggest factor when calculating a car shipping quote. Longer distances equate to a higher auto transport rate, but lower cost per mile. While shorter distances will cost you less, the cost per mile is more.
Vehicle Make & Model
We ask the exact specifications of your vehicle to arrange the right car carrier for you and to ensure the truck driver will have enough space. Taller, longer, and heavier cars require additional adjustments, therefore the auto transport price will be slightly higher. Modifications such as lower clearance, larger tires, or roof racks will increase the shipping cost.
Vehicle Condition
Shipping inoperable cars will cost more as it requires extra time, effort and equipment from the transport driver. If your car can run, steer, brake, and roll you will get a better shipping price.
Location
When shipping between metropolitan locations where there are many trucks available to carry out auto shipping orders from auto shippers, the transport price is lower. In comparison to a rural area, where the route might be not as popular and requiring the carrier to move away from their main route, costs may vary.
Seasonality
Auto shipping costs more during winters due to the snowbird season when the road conditions are harsh and driving can be dangerous. In comparison, driving in summers is safer which results in a lower cost for auto transport.
