A practical guide from the vehicle shipping specialists at Gech Inc.
Why does shipping the same car cost $800 in October and $1,400 in February? Auto transport pricing is more dynamic than most people realize. Here are the main factors that drive your quote.
Mileage is the single biggest factor. But per-mile rates aren't linear: short routes (under 500 miles) cost more per mile because the carrier still incurs loading, paperwork and dispatch costs. Long routes (over 2,000 miles) cost less per mile but more in total.
A Mini Cooper takes up half a slot on a car carrier; a lifted Ford F-350 takes up two. Bigger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship because they reduce how many cars the carrier can fit on a load.
Enclosed shipping costs 30–60% more than open. Read more about the difference.
Spring and summer (April–September) are peak season for relocations and bring higher demand and prices. Fall (October–November) is often the cheapest time to ship. Winter snowbird season (December–March) spikes northbound-to-Florida and southbound-from-Florida routes.
Major lanes (LA to NY, SF to Seattle, Chicago to Miami) have the most carrier supply and the most competitive pricing. Rural pickups or deliveries far from interstates cost more because carriers detour for them.
Running vehicles cost less than non-running ones. Inop vehicles require a carrier with a winch and special equipment, which limits supply.
Flexible dates almost always cost less than firm date requirements. If you need expedited or guaranteed-date pickup, expect a 15–30% premium.
Diesel costs feed directly into carrier pricing. Quotes you got six months ago aren't valid today.
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