How To Calculate Auto Transport Cost

You, like most people, want to know the price of a product before you purchase it. Most cases, upfront pricing can be found. One exception is auto transport. Car transport costs can be very variable due to many factors involved in shipping a vehicle. Car shipping companies must take many factors into account when calculating prices. They cannot publish price lists in advance. Although it may be annoying, it is actually a good thing. It means you don't have to pay more than you need. Many companies offer car shipping price calculators.

What Factors Are Considered When Calculating Car Transport Quotes

How do I calculate the cost of shipping a car?

You don't have to wait for your car to be shipped to find out how much it will cost. If that was the case, no one would want to ship their cars. Instead, you will be able to get a quote that will inform you of the cost of auto transport. These quotes can sometimes be generated within minutes. Sometimes, however, you may need to wait longer before receiving your auto shipping quotations. Below are the factors to be considered when calculating car shipping quotes.

Type of vehicle to be transported

Shipping costs for cars are affected by the vehicle being shipped. Because of the higher liability, more expensive vehicles will be more costly to ship. The auto transport company will be responsible for any damages if something goes wrong. Shipping classic and custom cars is more expensive.

Origin and Destination

Your car transport costs will go up the further your vehicle must be driven. This makes sense for many reasons. Long-distance delivery requires more fuel. Because drivers work longer hours, car transport companies must pay them more. Car shipping costs are more expensive because of the extra time involved. You can determine whether your car will cost more or less by considering the distance it must travel. You'll notice a drop in prices if vehicles are picked-up and delivered within major metropolitan areas. You will likely pay more if your vehicle must be picked up and delivered in an isolated location.

Shipping dates for cars

Auto transport costs are more expensive when there is a lot of work to do. These companies are busiest in summer, which means that rates tend to rise. You should wait to ship your vehicle until fall, winter, or spring if pricing is your main concern. These times of the year will see lower car transport quotes.

Auto shipping

The way you ship your vehicle will also affect the cost of auto transport. One of the large multilevel open-carrier trucks is the best and most economical way to ship your vehicle. These trucks are used by car dealerships and car companies to transport vehicles. These trucks are reliable but not suitable for every situation.

You will need enclosed auto shipping if you are sending a classic, custom, or luxury car. It will protect your vehicle from the elements and will give you peace-of-mind. While open car carrier trucks can be used in most cases, it is better to use enclosed trucks when dealing with more valuable or special cargo. Although this will increase your car shipping costs, you'll find it worth the extra expense. It is easy to calculate the car shipping cost online. You can also see what it would cost to ship your vehicle.

Drop-off or pick-up of your vehicle

Most people prefer to have their cars delivered to their homes when they need them. However, this is not always possible because trucks with large cargo cannot navigate narrow streets. Most shipping companies will arrange for customers to be met at their local locations. The cost of door-to-door delivery tends to be higher than the cost of having it delivered to a terminal. Although it may be cheaper to have your car delivered to the terminal, it is much less convenient.

How can you calculate the cost of auto transport?

Knowing the key factors to consider when calculating car transportation costs will make it easier for you to find a reliable auto transport company at a reasonable price. To get the best deal, take a bit more time.