Understanding the costs involved when shipping a car, whether for a short-distance move or a cross-country journey, is crucial. A car shipping cost calculator is a valuable tool that helps you easily estimate these expenses by providing a comprehensive overview of auto shipping services and pricing structures.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to use a car shipping calculator to get an accurate, hassle-free estimate and confidently plan your transport.
Key Takeaways:
- Car shipping calculators are online tools that help you see the shipment cost based on your transport needs.
- The cost to ship a car depends on several factors, including the route, vehicle, and shipment needs. Understanding the logistics and costs associated with vehicle shipping is crucial. The time of year, gas prices, and market demand also influence the price.
- While many auto transport companies provide an estimate for your car shipping cost, Sherpa’s quotes are backed by our exclusive Price Lock Promise.
In This Review:
- What is a Car Shipping Calculator?
- How Does a Car Shipping Calculator Work?
- Is a Car Shipping Quote the Final Price?
- Average Auto Transport Costs
- Popular Auto Transport Routes
- Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs
- Car Shipping Services and Options
- Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
- Car Shipping Calculator FAQs
What is a Car Shipping Calculator?
A car shipping calculator is an online tool available on many car shipping companies’ websites, designed to provide users with quick and easy quotes for vehicle transport. These calculators can offer instant quotes based on the details you provide, or they may collect your information to be reviewed by a company representative.
After processing your details, the vehicle shipping company typically delivers a customized quote to ship your car within minutes.
At Sherpa Auto Transport, we offer free instant quotes through our online car shipping cost calculator. Would you prefer to speak to an expert? No problem. Call our team at (877) 850-1231.
How Does a Car Shipping Calculator Work?
Car shipping estimate calculators are built into the websites of vehicle transport companies, enabling customers to obtain free, no-obligation quotes.
To generate an estimate, the tool requires specific details about your vehicle and shipping needs, including:
- Vehicle type, make, model, and operability
- Desired pickup window
- Pickup and drop-off locations
- Transport trailer type (open vs enclosed transport)
- Your contact information (name, email, phone number)
Once this information is entered, the calculator produces the car shipping cost for your shipment.
Is a Car Shipping Quote the Final Price?
A car shipping quote should be viewed as an estimate rather than the final price. While the quote approximates your shipping costs, additional fees, such as service charges and extra insurance, may be added later. However, some car transport companies, like Sherpa Auto Transport, strive to offer more certainty in pricing.
With our exclusive Price Lock Promise, the price you’re quoted is the price you’ll pay. If the initial quote isn’t sufficient to secure a carrier, Sherpa will cover up to $300 of the difference, ensuring no surprises on your final bill.
Average Auto Transport Costs
To help you understand how a car shipping calculator estimates the price for an auto transport, we’ve provided ranges of the average cost per mile. To get a baseline cost for your car shipment, multiply the distance of your shipment by the cost per mile.
| Shipment Mileage | Est. Price per Mile |
|---|---|
| 0 to 500 miles | $1.55 to $2.50 |
| 501 to 1,000 miles | $1.00 to $1.45 |
| 1,001 to 1,500 miles | $0.80 to $1.10 |
| 1,501 to 2,000 miles | $0.65 to $0.90 |
| 2,001 to 2,500 miles | $0.55 to $0.75 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.50 to $0.65 |
This is only the first step for calculating your car shipping cost. Other factors, such as your route, vehicle, and shipment timeline, will impact the price of your shipment.
Popular Auto Transport Routes
Here are the average costs for some of our most popular vehicle shipping routes:
| Route | Est. Price |
|---|---|
| New York City to Miami | $1,100 to $1,400 |
| New York City to Los Angeles | $1,325 to $1,625 |
| Los Angeles to New York City | $1,350 to $1,925 |
| Miami to New York City | $1,000 to $1,525 |
| Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles | $1,225 to $1,475 |
| Los Angeles to Dallas | $1,025 to $1,375 |
| San Francisco to New York City | $1,425 to $1,875 |
| Chicago to Phoenix | $1,050 to $1,225 |
| Atlanta to Los Angeles | $1,100 to $1,475 |
| San Francisco to Washington, D.C. | $1,225 to $1,650 |
Remember that while these prices per mile provide a baseline cost, what you’ll pay when shipping along these routes may change. For instance, if you choose enclosed transport over an open carrier, your car shipping costs will increase by at least 50%. Your auto transport may cost more if you live in a rural area outside one of these major cities.
Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs
Several factors can influence the final price of your car shipment, and understanding them can help you estimate its cost. Selecting a reliable auto transport company is crucial to ensure you receive quality service, competitive pricing, and proper insurance coverage during the vehicle shipping process.
Here are key factors that are factored into the cost of your shipment:
- Shipping Distance: While long-distance shipments cost less per mile, they are more expensive than shorter-distance moves.
- Vehicle Size: Larger, heavier vehicles like pickup trucks and vans are more costly to ship than standard sedans due to the increased space and weight.
- Vehicle Condition: Shipping an inoperable vehicle requires extra labor to load it onto the carrier, leading to higher costs. Operable vehicles that can roll, brake, and steer are cheaper to ship.
- Pickup and Drop-Off Locations: Shipping to and from rural areas can be more expensive due to the additional travel time and fuel required.
- Time Frame: Expedited shipping is expensive. Sherpa’s most cost-effective option is a five-business-day window. We also offer two and three-business-day windows for those in a hurry but expect to pay a premium for this service.
- Transport Type: Open transport is the most economical option, but enclosed transport, which provides extra protection for classic cars and luxury vehicles, can cost around 50% more.
- Time of Year: Car shipping rates tend to rise in January and during the summer months when demand increases. Your specific route may have other seasonal considerations. For example, when shipping to or from a college town, Back to School Season and the end of the semester are busier and, therefore, more expensive.
- Gas Prices: Higher fuel costs directly impact shipping prices, making auto transport more expensive when gas prices are up.
Definition of Car Shipping
Car shipping, also known as auto transport, is a service that facilitates the transportation of vehicles from one location to another. This service is commonly used by individuals relocating to a new area, car dealers transferring inventory, or owners of luxury or classic cars who need to move their vehicles safely.
Whether moving across the country or purchasing a vehicle from a distant seller, car shipping provides a reliable solution to get your vehicle anywhere without the hassle of driving it yourself.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
Open vs enclosed transport pertains to the type of car shipping trailer selected for your shipment. Open trailers are the large, open-air trucks you typically see on the highway. Open car transport is the most popular vehicle shipping service, with over 90% of customers opting for an open trailer.
Enclosed transport provides additional security and protection from the elements. Because there are fewer enclosed transport carriers available, the car shipping costs associated are higher. Enclosed transport is typically a good option when shipping a classic car or high-end vehicle. In addition, motorcycles are shipped in an enclosed trailer.
Operable vs Inoperable Vehicle Shipping
The operability of your vehicle is also a key factor in determining your car shipping cost. Operable vehicles that can roll, brake, and steer are less expensive to ship. Inoperable or salvaged vehicles are those that cannot role, brake, or steer on their own. Salvaged vehicle shipping is more expensive since the carrier typically needs additional equipment to load, unload, and transport the car properly.
Importance of Car Shipping
Car shipping is an essential service that provides a convenient and stress-free way to transport vehicles over long distances. It saves time and effort and reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle. With the rise of online car buying and selling, car shipping has become a crucial service for individuals and businesses.
By using professional auto transport services, you can ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time, allowing you to focus on other essential aspects of your move or purchase.
Tips for Reducing Your Car Shipping Cost
At Sherpa, we understand the importance of shipping your car safely and affordably.
Here are some tips to reduce your car shipping cost:
- Book in Advance: We recommend contacting auto transport companies at least two weeks before your shipment to receive the best price.
- Choose Open Transport: Over 90% of Sherpa Auto Transport customers opt for an open trailer for their vehicle shipment. Open trailers are affordable and the best choice for transporting everyday vehicles. Enclosed transport will typically increase your car shipping cost by 50% or more.
- Be Flexible: If you are in a more remote or rural area, flexibility in your pickup or dropoff locations can often save money. Opt to meet the carrier near a highway or in a more populated metro area to save on your shipment.
We recommend speaking to an auto transport expert to receive customized advice for reducing your auto transport costs.
Car Shipping Services and Options
Types of Car Shipping Services
There are several types of car shipping services available, each catering to different needs and preferences:
- Open Car Transport: This is the most common and cost-effective method of car shipping with over 90% of Sherpa customers opting for an open trailer. Vehicles are transported on an open trailer, exposed to the elements. It’s a popular choice for standard vehicles and balances affordability and convenience.
- Enclosed Car Transport: This method protects high-value vehicles from weather and road debris. Vehicles are transported in a fully enclosed trailer, making it ideal for luxury, classic, or exotic cars that require extra care.
- Door-to-Door Car Shipping: This service involves picking up the vehicle from the customer’s location and delivering it to the desired destination. It offers maximum convenience as the vehicle is handled directly from your doorstep to the delivery point. At Sherpa, all shipments are door-to-door, which means the carrier will pick up and deliver as close to your specified addresses as possible.
- Expedited Car Shipping: This service provides faster pickup times, often within two to three business days. It’s perfect for those who need their vehicle transported urgently and are willing to pay a premium for the expedited service.
By understanding the different car shipping services available, you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget, ensuring a smooth and efficient vehicle shipment process.
Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa is a transport broker with a stellar reputation in the auto transport industry. We hold accolades across the industry, including an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which is the highest accreditation possible.
We have thousands of satisfied customers with five-star reviews to prove it. We boast a Total Review Score of 4.9 stars out of five, encompassing customer feedback across the leading review sites.
Price Lock Promise
We believe in straightforward and transparent pricing. After using the car shipping calculator on our website, you’ll find peace of mind knowing the quote provided is locked in. Our exclusive Price Lock Promise backs every quote you receive from Sherpa. That means that our quote is your all-in cost—no hidden fees or bait-and-switch tactics.
Through their car shipping calculators, other auto transport companies will provide you with a non-binding quote that is a guess at what it will take to secure a carrier for your transport. Because this quote is just an estimate, they may contact you to ask you to contribute more money towards your shipment.
We do things differently at Sherpa. Our pricing reflects your shipment’s final price, including all fees and insurance. Unlike our competitors, when you lock in your shipment, you lock in the amount you’ll pay to ship your vehicle.
Car Shipping Calculator FAQs
What information is needed to use a car shipping calculator?
Auto transport companies will ask for details about your shipment to provide the estimated cost for your vehicle shipment. To use a car shipping calculator, you will be asked to provide your route, vehicle information, and shipment preferences. You will also typically provide your contact information to receive your quote.
How do I prepare my car for shipping?
To prepare your car for shipping, remove any valuable items and limit personal items to 100lbs stored in the trunk. You will also want to remove any toll responders. Ensure you thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s condition and have a spare key ready for the carrier.
What is the average cost to ship a car per mile?
The average per-mile shipment cost will vary significantly based on the distance of your auto transport. Shipments under 1.000 miles typically cost between $1.00 and $2.50 per mile. Long-distance shipments over 2,000 miles typically cost $0.55 per mile or more.
How can I get the best quote?
To get the best quote for your vehicle shipment, book in advance. We also recommend being flexible and speaking to an auto transport expert for a customized quote.