Shipping a car can be an expensive endeavor and it may not always be clear on the customer side how the cost breaks down. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the contributing factors to the cost shipping a vehicle, as well as some strategies you can use to minimize costs.
Most people have an understanding of some of the basic fees that contribute to the cost of shipping a car. This includes costs that cover things like fuel, equipment, and of course, driver pay. The cost of gas can be an important factor since it fluctuates quite a bit: when gas prices go up, so too does the cost of transporting a vehicle.
Equipment costs and repairs also eat up a sizable chunk of what you’ll pay to have a car shipped. Multi-car transport carriers are expensive, both in terms of the initial purchase and the necessary repairs that come with logging so many miles.
Car Shipping Costs | Type Of Service & Other Factors.
The type of service you request can also have an impact on the cost of shipping an automobile. For example, if you want a vehicle delivered to your house (or a specific address), that can be accommodated, but it does come with an additional charge. This goes for other types of services that are considered “premium” or above and beyond the standard level of service.
Most vehicles are transported aboard an open-air multi-car carrier. They can haul several vehicles at once, thus reducing the overall cost of delivering a load and reducing the cost for the customers. Alternately, a vehicle can be transported inside of an enclosed carrier, which typically handles only one or two cars at a time. An enclosed carrier also completely encases the vehicle for the duration of the shipment, reducing the likelihood of damage from weather, dirt, and debris. As you might expect, shipping a car in an enclosed carrier will generally cost more.
Another example of a service that will run you a few extra dollars is expedited transport. Time is a definite ally of an auto shipper since it’s not easy coordinating pickup and delivery of so many vehicles while meeting all the scheduling needs. Rush jobs and last minute car transport are an option through many companies, but you’ll pay more for the service than you would with more lead time.
Part of what you pay to ship a car includes the insurance provided by the carrier. By law, any person or entity that transports vehicles must have a minimum amount of insurance that covers potential damage. The amount of insurance that must be carried depends on the type of operating authority is granted, and what type of cargo is being transported. For more information, you can visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s insurance information page.
The insurance limits required by the FMCSA are plenty for most vehicles, though some customers with high-end, luxury, or exotic cars may consider purchasing an supplemental policy. This additional policy can be done either through the carrier directly or in some cases, through your existing auto insurance carrier.
Have questions about the cost of transporting a vehicle? Call us today at the number at the top of the page and we’ll give you a FREE estimate for your car shipping needs! We can also be reached through our online contact form and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have!
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