Relocating or shipping a car is one of the easiest ways to handle a difficult problem. You may want to move to another country, state, or city, but having a professional do the job is better than doing it yourself. However, the service usually doesn’t come cheap. You must consider a few things to determine the price before making a decision.
Therefore, it is important to know what these factors are to help you create a workable budget. Let’s dive into it to understand these factors and see how to cut costs if possible.
How Much It Costs to Ship a Car
Having a clear guide on how much it costs to ship a car is crucial if you are to make the most of the market and opportunity. There are many shipping services to consider, so there is no one size fits all in this situation. You will have to contact your chosen options and get quotes you can compare. However, there are average prices you can work with to enable you to create a budget.
The cost is calculated based on some factors, and distance plays a significant role in it. A general estimate for 0-500 miles is approximately $1.60 to $2.60 per mile. For 501-1,500 miles, the estimate is approximately $0.85 to $1.25 per mile. Any distance above this mark is approximately $0.60 to $0.95 per mile.
As you can see, the cost per mile drops the longer the distance is. This estimate is a good one to work with, but consider adding a few dollars to increase it and create wiggle room in the event of an unprecedented increment. Click here to find out more about the costs.
Determining Factors for the Cost of Car Shipping
Let’s look at some factors that can make or mar your experience in this regard. Remember they should be a significant part of creating a budget, so you must carefully calculate how each will increase or lower the price before making any decisions.
Distance and Location
As mentioned, the distance of travel is a key factor that affects the cost. The costs mentioned above show how it affects how much you pay. If you plan to move the car to another country, be prepared to pay a good sum to cover the expenses. If it is to another state, it might not cost as much as moving it to another city, depending on where you live. If you can, calculate the distance yourself and get the cost from the quotes given by the chosen shipping companies.
Then, you will know if you are on the right track. Another consideration is your current location. Some places are considered remote and will attract more charges than others. If you live in the city center, chances are your fees will be lower than someone living in the suburbs or out in the country.
However, this depends on the location of the company’s offices and how they operate. Still, it helps to calculate how much you will pay based on where you live, the destination, and the type of delivery you want. We will talk more about the delivery in a little while.
Carrier Type
This is another important consideration. The type of carrier you choose can significantly affect the costs. There are 2 main carrier types: open and enclosed. An open carrier has no covering to protect the cargo from the elements.
In other words, they are stacked on the bed of the truck and left open to the elements while in transit. Is this bad? Not exactly since it serves its purpose.
Moreover, it is the more affordable option. However, there is always the risk of the weather and flying debris causing damage, although this is hardly ever the case. So, it is an excellent option if you want to save some money. An enclosed carrier, on the other hand, provides extra protection by covering the cars while in transit. This ensures the elements and any flying debris does not damage the cargo.
It is an efficient way to ship a car, but this efficiency and convenience come at an extra cost. If you choose this carrier type, it will increase what you pay. Weigh the pros and cons of each type and pick what suits your needs and budget. To learn more about shipping vessels, follow this resource: https://www.wartsila.com/
Delivery Option
Most car shipping companies offer you the option of picking the cargo up from their offices or having it delivered at home. If you pick the former, it will come at no extra cost. But if you choose the latter option, you may have to pay extra to cover the expense of bringing the car to your location. This brings us back to the location.
If you live in a remote area, the company will calculate the cost of fuel to the area and the driver who will bring it. This will be added to your final bill. Consider the convenience of picking it up yourself vs. having it delivered to your doorstep.
Season of the Year
Certain seasons of the year see an increase in demand for car shipping services. And with this increase in demand comes an increase in price. Summer is the peak season, and prices are high, so try to avoid this time of the year if you are looking to cut costs. Apart from that, you might not get the best service, although this is hardly the case.
Off-peak seasons like late fall or early winter might be your best choice if you are flexible with dates. Consider taking the opportunity of reduced costs and high attention to detail to get the best results, although you must be ready to handle the issues that might come with those periods of the year.
Size and Weight
The weight of a vehicle can add to the cost of shipping it. In other words, the heavier a car is, the more it will take to move it from one place to another. The same is true about the size. A car that is bigger than the average sedan or motorbike will take up more floor and air space, reducing the amount of cars the shipping vessel can carry per time. This applies to SUVs, trucks, and modified vehicles.
How to Save Costs
The following are a few tips and tricks to save some money when you plan to ship a car:
Avoid Peak Periods: If you are sure about dates, you can avoid making shipping plans that coincide with peak seasons. This will make it easier to save money.
Be Flexible with Dates: If your plan must work, work around dates and be sure to fix the shipment within a period that favors your budget. Otherwise, work with what is convenient.
Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t rely on only one quote. Get three or four from reliable companies, with no deposit required, and compare them. That way, you get an idea of what is obtainable in that market and budget according to the best one.
Book on Time: Prepare yourself and book early to save costs. Trying to ship too close to the date you need it will mean expedited or express services, which is considered premium and will take more money from you.
Conclusion
Taking the time to research and understand what it takes to ship your car. The factors and cost per mile are important to keep in mind when creating a budget. Consider the distance, season of the year, type of carrier, and location when planning. Remember to prepare your vehicle for transport to save time and prevent losing anything valuable.
