Average Car Shipping Cost Per Mile: Understanding Vehicle Transport Pricing

Average Car Shipping Cost Per Mile

Of course, the very first thing most people want to find out before delivering their car should be the price. How much, in fact, does this service come to if you measure it per mile? Well, first of all, the cost of a car shipment per mile can fluctuate greatly depending on a lot of different things such as the length of the journey and the kind of the vehicle. So, reading the article you’ll get to know tailgating price per mile and deciding expression as well as how to be sure that you will get a good deal for the transport of your car.

What Factors Determine the Average Car Shipping Cost Per Mile?

The average price of shipping a car per mile depends on differing factors. The average price range for vehicle shipping per mile can give you a clue about the price you will pay to ship your vehicle.  Car shipping costs on average can range anywhere between $0.50 to $2.00 per mile depending on the following.

Average Car Shipping Cost Per Mile

1. Distance

The distance of the transport is one of the most important factors affecting car shipping cost per mile. The greater the distance transported, the lower the cost per mile of movement. The overall cost of the movement will still be higher as the movement is over a longer distance.

If the distance for your shipping is under 500 miles, the price per mile rate can be on the higher side of the spectrum costing somewhere $1.00 to $2.00 per mile.

For long distances, the cost per mile gets lower. Long distance tend to be in the bracket of $0.50 to $1.00 per mile. When shipping a car across the country, the total cost may be more but the price per mile is usually less.

When you’re moving across the country and transporting your car several states away, the per mile cost is a far cheaper way to go than local transport.

2. Make and Model of Car

The shipping cost will depend on the type of vehicle being ship, as well. Shipping costs per mile can increase as the size and weight of a vehicle increases due to greater space requirements.

For standard cars, sedans, and smaller SUVs, the cost to ship per mile is usually within the average range stated above.

Ships oversized vehicles like pickup trucks, bigger SUVs, or customized ones require higher charges. Special equipment or special carriers to transport such vehicles increases their per-mile cost.

Shipping costs increase the more customize or oversized a vehicle is, particularly if flatbed truck service or other special accommodations are required.

3. Mode of Transport

The cost per mile is also affected by the mode of transport. Car shipping primarily involves two types: open carrier shipping and enclosed carrier shipping.

The most commonly used and least expensive alternative is open carrier transportation.  It usually costs less per mile, and the common choice for standard cars.

Mostly rich people ship their vehicles like luxury cars, classic cars, exotic cars in enclosed carrier shipping. It offers the best protection. Still, this method is rather expensive due to the more security and protection that it is given. Enclosed shipping will cost you more per mile.

Most often, open carrier shipping will cost between $0.50 to $1.00 per mile for long distances. Enclosed shipping on the other hand will fall between $1.00 to $2.00 per mile.  The type of vehicle you are transporting and the distance will affect the final price.

4. Seasonal Variations

The season in which you ship your vehicle affects the vehicle shipping cost per mile. The price to ship a vehicle varies according to seasons because of demand, weather conditions, and volume of shipments.

In summer months, many people like to either move or buy car. Demand for vehicle shipping services peaks in this period. This usually results in increased shipping costs.

During the autumn months, the demand for car shipment services decreases, with fall and winter being categorize as the off-peak season. The per mile rates can lead to lower price. Through this reason, if you are looking for cost-effective shipping, then it is the best time to ship your car.

There may be savings made if you ship outside of peak season as transport companies can lower their rates.

5. Locations for Pickup and Delivery

The locations of the pickup and delivery points can also affect the cost per mile. For example, if your car is being load or unloaded in an area that is difficult to access, then it may be more expensive for you.

Taking a vehicle to or from a big city or a metropolitan area usually costs less than to a small town or a rural area as the routes are well, travelled and easy access is provided. It may cost more per mile to ship a car to or from a rural area because the vehicle has transported to a less accessible location, which means more work. Besides, charges may be incurred if only a remote car shipping service is available.

Therefore, when you decide on your pickup and delivery locations, you should consider these factors as they affect the total cost of shipping your car.

Cutting Down On Car Shipping Prices

If you want to cut down on the expenses pertaining to vehicle transport, these tricks will help lower your average car shipping cost per mile.

1. Book a Room Early

If you book your car shipping service in advance, it will help you get better rates. Last-second booking ensures you’ll pay a premium, especially during peak season.

2. Choose open carrier shipping

Choosing open carrier ship is cost effective method if extra protection is not require for vehicle. This is the cheapest and most common option for regular cars.

3. Send When Business Is Slow

As mentioned earlier, you can ship your vehicle during the off-peak season, which is during the fall and winter, for lower prices. Never ship during summer time or the holidays as prices are always higher then.

4. Combine packages together

Consolidating your vehicles into one shipment can be best if you need multiple shipments. When cars are transported more than one at a time, then the cost per mile per car is reduce as the incurred cost is shared.

Cost of Car Shipping Per Mile

The average cost to ship a car per mile varies depending on various factors like distance, type of vehicle, method of transport, and time of year. When you know of these factors, it helps you in estimating the cost of shipping the vehicle as well as proceeding with it.

At 1st Car Shipping, our prices for all types of vehicle shipping is competitive. We can ship your vehicle on open carrier or enclosed shipping. Get in touch with us today and request a free quote for your car shipping needs!