There are two main factors that contribute to the actual amount you pay for auto transport: the actual cost of moving your car and the overhead of the auto transport company . The largest proportion of the cost is the actual moving of the vehicle by the auto hauler. The auto hauler’s costs include:
Fuel – Since car carriers only get around 5-7 miles per gallon when hauling a trailer loaded with vehicles, the cost of diesel fuel has a big impact on the total cost of shipping. With current prices rising, this is causing total auto transport prices to increase.
Truck Payments – Car carriers can cost $150,000 or more for a new truck and trailer. Auto haulers need to make their monthly payments on the loans that most take to purchase their car carriers.
Truck Maintenance – Most trucks are driven over 100,000 miles per year. To keep these trucks running in good condition, regular maintenance is required. This includes tune-ups, oil changes and tire replacements.
Insurance – Auto haulers pay to insure their vehicles, just like you do your car. In addition, they are required to carry insurance to cover the value of the vehicles they are transporting.
Driver Pay and Benefits – Whether they own their own truck or are employees, driver’s need to be paid for their time. Plus there are benefits (e.g. health insurance and retirement) to pay as well.
In addition, auto transport companies have overhead expenses, such as customer service, marketing, rent and more. However, the overhead is typically only a small portion of the total cost of transport.