When you’re shipping a car, one of the first things you may wonder is how much it will cost. The cost of car shipping can fluctuate depending on several factors, but two major considerations that can significantly influence your quote are the car model and size. Understanding how these factors play a role in your shipping quote can help you make more informed decisions when selecting an auto transport service.
In this blog post, we’ll explore whether car shipping quotes vary by car model and size, and what other factors may influence your shipping cost. We’ll also guide you on how to get the best deal based on your specific vehicle.
How Car Model Affects Shipping Quotes
Yes, quotes can indeed vary based on your car model. Different types of cars have different shipping requirements, and these differences impact the overall cost.
- Luxury and Exotic Cars
Luxury and exotic cars are more expensive to ship than standard vehicles. These cars are usually high-value items that require extra care during transport. Carriers may use enclosed transport to provide additional protection from weather, road debris, and potential damage.
Enclosed transport is more expensive than open transport, which is the typical method used for standard cars.
Luxury and exotic cars may also require special handling or equipment for loading and unloading, contributing to higher costs.
- Classic and Vintage Cars
Classic cars or vintage vehicles may also have higher shipping quotes. These cars are often more valuable, harder to replace, and require special care during transport. Often, these vehicles are shipped in enclosed carriers to protect them from potential damage.
Special insurance may be needed to cover the value of the car during transit, which can increase the overall shipping cost.
The age and condition of the car may also affect the price, especially if it requires any specific shipping protocols.
- Sports Cars and Modified Vehicles
Sports cars, especially those with low ground clearance or custom modifications, can also impact your shipping quote. These vehicles may need special equipment or a more careful approach to ensure safe transport, which can result in higher costs.
Custom modifications might make the vehicle taller, wider, or more delicate than a standard vehicle, and this needs to be taken into account during shipping.
If the car is low to the ground, special loading ramps or techniques might be required, further increasing the cost.
- Standard Cars
Standard cars, such as sedans and compact vehicles, typically have the most affordable shipping rates. Since these vehicles are common, carriers can easily fit them on their open carriers, which helps lower the price of shipping.
These vehicles are less likely to require special accommodations, making them easier to transport.
The cost of shipping a standard car depends more on other factors like distance, location, and season rather than the model itself.
How Car Size Influences Shipping Costs
In addition to the car model, the size of your vehicle plays a critical role in determining the shipping cost. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks, or vans, will almost always cost more to ship than smaller cars. Here’s why:
- Space Requirements
The larger the vehicle, the more space it occupies on the transport truck. Transport carriers are typically designed to carry a set number of vehicles, so when a larger vehicle is involved, fewer cars can be loaded onto the truck. This reduces the carrier’s capacity and increases the cost per vehicle.
Larger vehicles: Trucks, SUVs, and vans take up more space and are typically charged at a higher rate.
Smaller vehicles: Sedans and hatchbacks fit easily into smaller spaces, which means lower costs for the consumer.
- Weight of the Vehicle
The weight of your car directly impacts the transport cost. Heavier vehicles require more fuel to transport and may require extra handling during loading and unloading. Heavier cars such as trucks and full-size SUVs will generally cost more to ship than smaller, lighter sedans.
Heavier vehicles require more power to transport and could raise the shipping cost due to increased fuel consumption and the potential for requiring additional equipment.
- Height and Ground Clearance
The height of your car also affects the price. Vehicles with higher ground clearance (such as pickup trucks and SUVs) may require special loading equipment to ensure the car is loaded and unloaded without any damage. On the other hand, vehicles with low ground clearance (like sports cars) may need special handling to avoid scraping or damage during transit.
Taller vehicles: May need special loading ramps or equipment.
Lower vehicles: Often require customized loading techniques to avoid scraping.
Other Factors That Affect Car Shipping Rates
While the car model and size are key considerations in determining shipping costs, several other factors can influence your quote.
- Distance
The distance between the pickup and delivery locations is one of the most significant cost factors. The farther your vehicle needs to travel, the higher the shipping price is likely to be. This is because carriers will incur more fuel and labor costs as the distance increases.
- Transport Method (Open vs. Enclosed)
As mentioned, enclosed transport is typically more expensive than open transport. If you’re shipping a luxury or classic car, you may prefer the added protection of an enclosed carrier. However, for standard vehicles, open transport is a more cost-effective option.
Enclosed transport: Ideal for high-value vehicles but comes with a higher price.
Open transport: More affordable and commonly used for everyday vehicles.
- Pickup and Delivery Location
Shipping costs can vary depending on whether your vehicle is picked up and delivered in urban or rural areas. Urban areas typically have better access for transport carriers, making it easier and more affordable to pick up and deliver vehicles. On the other hand, rural locations may require additional time, effort, and cost to get the vehicle to and from a carrier’s route.
- Seasonality
Car shipping rates tend to fluctuate based on the time of year. During peak seasons, such as summer or the holidays, shipping demand increases, which can drive up prices. Off-peak times like winter typically offer lower rates.
- Timeframe
If you need your vehicle shipped quickly, expedited services are available, but they come at a higher cost. Flexible timing can help reduce your shipping price.
Conclusion
Yes, car shipping quotes do vary by car model and size, and understanding these factors can help you get the best deal when shipping your vehicle. Larger and heavier vehicles, luxury or modified cars, and vehicles requiring special handling will typically incur higher shipping costs.
Using a reliable auto transport service like Car Shipping Instant Quotes
ensures you get accurate pricing based on your vehicle’s specifications. Our platform allows you to get multiple quotes and compare different shipping options, helping you choose the best transport method for your car, at the best price. Get your quote today and start planning your car shipment with confidence!
