From 2020 to 2022, more Americans than ever relocated. And yet, major metropolitan areas recorded their slowest population growth numbers and some even had their largest declines.
Remote work has made it possible for the average Joe to make a good salary while living somewhere with a lower cost of living. As a result, there’s been a mass migration from big cities to smaller urban cities.
Are you following the crowd and are planning on moving long-distance for a better quality of life? Then you’ll want to keep reading, especially if you’re wondering about your car shipping cost.
This article discusses what you should know about long-distance hauling and the cost to ship a car.
The Price to Ship a Car by Mile
You might be worried about the cost because the farther you go, the more you’ll be charged. While that’s technically true, the good news is, “buying in bulk” will save you money here.
Most auto transport companies will have a scale of how much they charge per bracket for moves (per mile). Here’s an example so you can get a rough idea:
- Up to 500 miles: $1.25
- 500 to 1,000 miles: $0.75
- 1,000 to 2,000 miles: $0.50
- Over 2,000 miles: $0.55
As you can see, you’ll pay less than half the price per mile for a cross-country move vs a short-distanced one!
Types of Haulers
Regardless of how far you’re going, you’ll have to choose between open and enclosed haulers.
Most people go with open car shipping since there are more truckers available. Not only does this mean they don’t have to compromise on shipping dates and times, but it also means prices are more competitive.
However, open haulers do leave the vehicles vulnerable to the elements and thieves. So if you have a more expensive or classic car, it might not be a good idea to go this route.
Enclosed car shipping is more expensive, but it’s worth it since it’ll safeguard your precious vehicle. Depending on when you want it shipped, you might have to compromise on the dates/times, especially since there are fewer drivers available already.
The Seasons
Speaking of seasons, prices can vary drastically just based on when you need shipping services.
For example, you should avoid the summer since it’s peak times. Everyone’s out of school and work is more relaxed, so more families choose to relocate during this season. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a trucker and even if you do, the price will be jaw-droppingly high.
If possible, you should wait until the off-season to relocate, or at least to ship your car. Typically, this is in the spring and the fall. It’ll be easier to find a driver and prices will be just a fraction of those in the summer.
Winter’s another season to avoid. Roads are more treacherous due to bad weather and there aren’t many hours of daylight, which means transport services will be significantly slower.
Drivers will also take the holidays off, so it’ll be rare to find one during Christmas time. After the holidays, they’ll have to deal with the backlog for at least a few weeks before things return back to normal.
The Route
Not only do auto transport companies charge by the mile, but they also charge more or less depending on the route.
Typically, they’ll charge less if you choose major metropolitan cities as the pickup and dropoff points. This is because most other vehicles are located there, or at least on the way, so they don’t have to make any major detours. But if you put down rural areas, they’ll have to go out of their way, which wastes both time and money.
Many people don’t realize this, but you can save hundreds on car shipping by driving out to the meetup areas yourself. So play around with the start and end locations and you’ll have more money in your pocket!
The Speed of Shipping
If you’re making a cross-country move, then chances are, you won’t have a car at your new location. Because your car is of utmost importance, you’ll probably think that expedited shipping is a must.
However, there are 2 other choices to consider: economy or standard. If you already know you’re moving in a few months, be quick and book auto transport services ASAP. That way, you can select either of these options and save some money, rather than paying an arm and leg to get your car fast.
Figure Out Your Car Shipping Cost by Asking
The biggest favor you can do for yourself is to just ask about car shipping costs! Call or email auto shippers with your needs and they’ll be more than happy to respond with a ballpark number.
It’s always a good idea to request quotes from several companies instead of just 1 or 2. This is especially true if you’re picky about the ship date and time.
Speaking with multiple businesses ensures that you not only get a great price, but also ideal pickup and delivery dates. Your wallet and schedule will thank you for taking the extra time to do so.
Prepare Your Car for Shipping
You can’t just hand over your vehicle as-is for shipping. You’ll need to prep it first.
Make sure you give it a good clean, both on the outside and inside. This will make it easier to spot preexisting damage, as well as any that’s sustained in transit.
You’ll also want to remove all personal belongings, including loose items like change, sunglasses, GPS devices, etc. You should remove aftermarket parts on the exterior as well.
Bring your car to the auto shop to get a “clean bill of health”, so to speak. Get any necessary fixes while you’re there so you don’t have to worry about things like your vehicle leaking in the hauler.
Lastly, leave just 1/4th of a tank of gas in your car. That’s enough to get to and from the trucker and won’t weigh down the hauler too much.
Have an Easier Time Moving
Without having a game plan, a long-distance move can be hectic and stressful. But worry no more, as our article should’ve helped you manage your expectations for car shipping.
Not only do you know what to expect for your car shipping cost, but you also know some inside info to get the best prices and availability.
Want to learn more? Then keep reading our blog page now for additional articles!