The actual cost to ship a vehicle depends on the type of vehicle, the distance it is being shipped, whether the origin and destination are along main shipping routes, and the time of year. Check out last week’s post to see the average auto transport costs between regions.
The best way to find out what it would cost to ship your car, truck, SUV or motorcycle is to request a quote from several auto transport companies . They can give you an accurate price based on your specific vehicle and shipping locations. To get comparable quotes from different auto transport companies, you need to make sure you are requesting the same options. The following three options are the most common you need to choose from:
For door-to-door shipping, the auto hauler picks-up your vehicle at your home or workplace and delivers your vehicle to your final destination. For *terminal-to-terminal *shipping, you deliver your vehicle to a vehicle storage location where the auto hauler picks up your vehicle. The auto hauler delivers it to a terminal near your final destination.
Door-to-door is usually more convenient for most shippers. However, there are situations where a terminal may be preferable. For example if you need use of your vehicle until the day of a scheduled flight, you can drop off your vehicle on a specific date even if the auto hauler will not pick it up for a day or two. Also, your vehicle can be delivered to a terminal near your final destination, even if you have not yet arrived.
Open transport is the less expensive and most common way to ship a vehicle — on open carriers like the ones that deliver vehicles to car dealerships. Enclosed transport is typically priced higher, because your vehicle is protected from dust, rain, snow and other elements by walls and a roof. High-end vehicles and antiques are sometimes shipped enclosed.
Operable vehicles can be driven onto the truck under their own power. *Inoperable *or non-running vehicles require the auto hauler to have special equipment to pull the vehicle onto the truck.
Not all auto haulers have equipment that allows them to load inoperable vehicles. So, if your vehicle is inoperable, let your auto transport company know when you are getting a quote, so they can make sure they quote you for using a truck that as the proper equipment.
When you understand your options for shipping a vehicle, you ensure you get an accurate quote and are able to compare quotes between companies.