Shipping a car across the country can feel exhausting, but with the correct information, it can be a smooth process. The transport company provides a Cross Country Car Shipping service for those who want to ship their car to a distant location. This article will guide you through the shipping options and cost of shipping a car cross country.
Understanding Cross Country Car Shipping
Cross country car shipping is a service of vehicle transportation from one side of the country to another. This type of service is provided by auto transport companies to move vehicles over long distances efficiently and safely. It involves several methods and services that customers are required to choose from according to their shipping requirements.
Options To Ship A Car Cross CountryÂ
Transport companies provide different methods and services to meet customer’s unique requirements. Understanding the options will help you make a better decision for deciding the most suitable options. Some of the most popular and commonly used shipping methods and services are mentioned below.
1. Open Car Transport
Open car transport is the most used and pocket-friendly car shipping method, where it transports cars on an open-air trailer. Open-air trailers are usually designed to haul multiple vehicles at once but do not have any cover protection from external elements. This method is suitable for transporting ordinary, non-expensive vehicles.
2. Enclosed Car Transport
Enclosed car transport is the most secure shipping method. Your vehicles will be transported on a trailer, which will be fully covered with solid walls and ceilings. If you are planning to transport a car that requires maximum care, then this method is the best option. With all these security measures, the cost of this method is higher than an open trailer.
3. Terminal to Terminal Car Shipping
If you are looking for a cheaper option to transport your car, then terminal to terminal car shipping is the best. For this service, you need to visit the terminal to leave and collect your car. In this transport service, vehicles transport only from one terminal to another terminal.
4. Door to Door Car ShippingÂ
Shipping a car with door to door car transport service is most convenient. You won’t need to send your car anywhere because it will be directly picked up and delivered to your address. The additional convenience also costs more than terminal shipping.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across the Country?
Shipping a car over such a long distance involves various factors, which is why transport companies offer an online tool named Car Shipping Cost Calculator to know the approximate cost. If you want to have an estimated average cost of shipping a car according to distance, the average estimated cost is mentioned below.
- Short Distance (e.g., 200–500 miles)
- Open Transport: $300 – $700
- Enclosed Transport: $600 – $1,200
- Medium Distance (e.g., 500-1,000 miles)
- Open Transport: $700 – $1,200
- Enclosed Transport: $1,200 – $1,800
- Long Distance (e.g., 1,000-2,000 miles)
- Open Transport: $1,200 – $1,800
- Enclosed Transport: $1,800 – $2,500.
Factors Affecting Car Shipping CostÂ
The cost of transporting vehicles from one location to another depends on many factors, such as distance, vehicle dimensions, shipping methods, etc. By understanding these factors, you can save yourself from overpaying. Some major factors are mentioned here.
Shipping Distance
Cross country shipping tends to be on longer routes, but the more distance that needs to be traveled, the costlier the transport gets. The higher the shipping distance, the more costly the car transportation.
Shipping Methods
If you are planning to ship your standard daily commuter vehicles, then open car shipping can be your choice at a lower price. If you are planning to ship your luxury vehicle, then enclosed transport is the one you can choose. You can rely on it for additional safety, but it’s costlier than open transport.
Vehicle’s Height & Weight
Shipping a bigger and heavier vehicle uses extra space and is harder to move, which is why they are costlier to ship compared to smaller and lighter vehicles.
Vehicle’s Condition
Shipping a vehicle that is somehow not operational or movable is expensive because it requires additional help of equipment and special handling, which increases the cost.
Time of the Shipping
Shipping your vehicles in a peak season, like summer, costs more than in peak season. The demand for car shipping fluctuates throughout the year, which makes the price difference.
Fuel Price
Fluctuations in fuel prices also affect the car shipping cost. Higher fuel prices directly impact the running cost of the carrier truck, which is why transport companies increase the shipping cost.
InsuranceÂ
Getting additional insurance can protect your luxury vehicles during transportation but it will cost you more.
Additional ServicesÂ
If you are shipping your car with door to door shipping service, then it will provide the most convenient shipping. The only thing is that it costs more compared to a terminal to terminal shipping service.
ConclusionÂ
There is no reason to be afraid of cross country car shipping. Knowing what’s in your options and the price will ensure that everything goes just as it should. With proper planning and a suitable shipping option, your vehicle will be delivered safely to its new destination.
