The cost of shipping your vehicle is just one of the many questions you may have right away. What are the cost divides involved when it comes to transporting a vehicle? Without a doubt, there are many determining factors that influence the cost of car shipping. One such cost is the per mile charge, which can vary. The average cost of shipping a car per mile and the factors influencing it. Also, we will discuss how you can ensure that you are getting a fair price to move your car.
How is the Average Car Shipping Price Per Mile Calculated?
The cost of car shipping per mile is not the same for everyone. Vehicle shipping per mile generally has a price range, but there is no correct price as it depends on various engine types, weight, and more. Typically, car shipping costs vary from $0.50 to $2.00 per mile and depends on the following factors.
1. Space
Transportation distance is one of the most important factors that affect car shipping cost per mile. The greater the distance, the lower the cost per mile, but the actual transport cost will still be high due to the distance involved in the trip.
- When it comes to short-distance local or regional shipping generally under 500 miles the cost per mile can be more expensive ranging from $1.00 to $2.00 per mile.
- The longer the distance, the cheaper the cost per mile is often the case, generally between $0.50 and $1.00 per mile. The overall expense of transferring a vehicle across the country could be more expensive yet the per-mile cost is typically less because of the distance.
- When moving cross-country or shipping your car a long distance, expect the per-mile rate to be cheaper than local transport.
2. Vehicle Type and Size
The shipping rate can depend on the type of vehicle you want to ship with us. Movements of larger or heavier vehicles often require more space and requires more resource, which increases cost per mile.
- Standard vehicles: The shipping cost per mile for standard cars, sedans, and smaller SUVs is typically within the average range above.
- If you’re shipping either a pickup truck or another larger vehicle, special fees may apply. Transporting these vehicles generally requires specialized carriers or equipment that can increase the per mile cost.
The cost to ship a vehicle will increase if the vehicle is customized or oversized and requires special shipping, for example, flatbed.
3. Mode of Transportation
Your choice of transport also affects the cost per mile. The two main types of car shipping are open and enclosed carrier shipping.
- Open carrier shipping is the most frequent and cheapest kind of transportation. It generally costs a lot less per mile, so average cars are commonly used.
- For cars that need additional protection like luxury cars or classic cars, enclosed shipping is the best option. The additional security and protection offered make this method quite costly. You’ll pay more per mile for enclosed shipping.
Typically, the cost of open carrier shipping for long distances will average somewhere between $0.50 to $1.00 per mile. On the other hand, enclosed shipping prices can range from $1.00 to $2.00 per mile depending on the vehicle and distance.
4. Seasonality
The cost per mile will change based on the season you choose to ship your vehicle. The prices for vehicle shipping vary with the season due to the demand, weather conditions, overall shipments, etc.
- During the summer months, there is a peak in demand for vehicle shipping services as many people move and buy cars. As a rule, this increases shipping costs.
- During fall and winter, the demand for car shipping services is less compared to the rest of the year. The per-mile price rates can benefit greatly so if you are looking for cost savings on your car shipping, now’s the time!
- During the off season, transport companies cut down their rates to maintain competitiveness in the marketplace. So, you can save money in that case.
5. Place of Pickup and Delivery
The cost-per-mile may also be affected by where your pickup and delivery destinations are. In case your vehicle is picked up or dropped off in a remote area or remote location, the cost may be higher.
- Shipping a vehicle to or from a major city to anywhere with heavy population can mean greater frequency along very drive-able routes. So your per-mile cost may be less.
- Shipping to or from a rural area may incur extra fees or costs per mile. This is because it takes extra effort to get the vehicle to a less accessible location.
- Choose your pickup and delivery locations, keeping in mind the factors mentioned above as they can affect the shipping cost.
How to Save on Car Shipping Costs
If you’re looking to reduce the cost of vehicle transport, here are some tips to help you save on the average car shipping cost per mile:
1. Book in Advance
When you book your car shipping service ahead of time, you can lock in a better rate. Last-minute booking with early planning have similar costing in peak seasons.
2. Choose open carrier shipping.
If you don’t require more protection for your vehicle, you can choose open carrier shipping. Standard vehicles have the most common and affordable option.
3. Sending During Off-Time.
As indicated, shipping your vehicle at the off-season (fall and winter) can result in lower prices. Keep from shipping in summer or holidays, as the prices rise due to demand.
4. Merge shipments together
If shipping multiple vehicles, try to schedule them in a single shipment. Shipping several vehicles at once often costs you less per mile per car because the price is shared between the cars you are shipping.
Conclusion: Knowing The Price Of Car Shipping Per Mile.
The car shipping cost per mile varies based on distance, vehicle, transport method, and time of year. Let’s take a closer look at these factors. You can estimate the price of shipping your vehicle and decide accordingly by understanding these factors.
At 1st Car Shipping, we have competitive prices for all types of vehicle shipping whether it’s an open carrier or an enclosed shipping service. Get in touch with us today for a free quote to help you with all your car shipping needs!
