Cost to ship a car

How much does it cost to ship a car? Find out by using our easy-to-use calculator.

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See reviews given to us for our auto shipping quotes



How much does car shipping cost?

The cost to ship a car may range from $500 to $1,500+ based on the service offered by the shipping company. Shipping costs are higher for larger vehicles, expensive sports cars, and classic cars, whereas smaller sedans that are not expensive fall on the lower end. You also need to be ready to pay more if its same day pickup or any other special requirement, such as remote location pickup. Storing a car at the pickup or drop-off location with increase the price as well.

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car shipping cost

How is a car shipping price estimated and calculated online?

The cost to ship a car is estimated based on the distance that your car needs to be transported, the make and model, seasonality, demand for car shipping, pickup and drop off location, current fuel costs, operable vs. inoperable, open vs. enclosed transport, and other variable market factors. The best solution to discovering the cost of shipping any type of vehicle is by using our instant car shipping calculator. It’s an intelligent tool that factors in every detail to give you the most accurate estimate possible in real time.

How do I get a car transport quote?

You can get a car transport quote from several different sources. Broker companies that manage the end-to-end shipping needs provide an online instant quote, some of them are reliable based on current market prices. You can also get a car transport quote directly from an owner operator or individual truck driver that has his own truck. Often finding individual truck driver is difficult and can be risky. Although this method is usually the cheapest car shipping cost, but at the same time not the most reliable car shipping. Finally, you can get a quote from a lead generator website that in turn sells these leads to brokers. With lead generators you get many brokers to choose from. However, get ready to receive many phone calls and emails.


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How much will It cost
to ship your car?

How is your vehicle transport fee calculated?

Detroit, Michigan > Buffalo, New York
Salt Lake City, Utah > Denver, Colorado
Kansas City, Missouri > Houston, Texas
Boston, Massachusetts > Louisville, Kentucky
El Paso County, Texas > Jefferson County, Alabama
how much does it cost to ship a vehicle
2018 Toyota Corolla
Open
$465
$495
$625
$935
$805
Enclosed
$635
$695
$885
$1395
$1175
2017 Ford F-150
Open
$525
$565
$715
$1095
$935
Enclosed
$735
$795
$1035
$1645
$1385
2022 Kia Soul
Open
$485
$525
$665
$1035
$875
Enclosed
$675
$725
$955
$1505
$1255

How to get a vehicle transportation quote?

The easiest way to get an auto transport quote is by using our car shipping cost calculator above. The price is always accurate based on the information you provided and the current rates from each carrier. With the correct information, we can quickly and accurately provide you with an affordable auto shipping quote. If you don’t want to use our car shipping quote calculator, you can also call or message us directly to understand your car shipping cost. Follow the criteria below when providing your details:

Destination and pick-up location

Zip codes provide the most accurate quote

Vehicle transportation preference

Open trailer, closed trailer, etc.

The year, make, and model of your vehicle

To determine dimensions and the price of your vehicle

Vehicle condition

Is it totaled, can it be driven forward/in reverse?

Preferred pick-up date

This helps us determine the availability of our carriers

What you can expect when shipping your car with SAKAEM

You can expect the following things from SAKAEM:

1.    A reliable car shipping cost from SAKAEM’s car shipping quote calculator. You can instantly determine how much to transport a car on the website itself. 

2.    Price is fixed after a price to ship a car is provided in a car transport quote unless requirements or market conditions are changed.

3.    SAKAEM has access to a broad network of auto carriers, allowing them to find drivers at the given car transport cost.

SAKAEM draws on its experience providing shipping services to prominent brands such as Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz to provide relocating individuals with great service.

Factors that impact car shipping cost

Distance

Total distance is one of the most defining factors when calculating the cost to ship a car. The further your vehicle needs shipping, the higher the price will be Keep in mind that longer distances often cost less per mile. Our car shipping calculator uses distance as a key factor in determining the price for shipping your vehicle, no matter how far it has to travel. The calculator works on any car, any size, and any location.

Please note that the price for ground transportation (if applicable) will likely differ greatly in comparison to overseas and international shipping.

Course

Not counting distance, the course your carrier chooses to take plays a key role in how much it would cost to ship a car. The roads and highways a driver take may not seem as important as distance when determining price, but it does have an effect on price. Populated areas, especially ones with highly congested traffic, will affect not only the price, but also the delivery time.

Weather, road conditions, and construction along the course are factored in, as well. Choose a time of year that fits your schedule but also avoids adverse weather.

Door-to-Port

When you choose our door-to-port service your vehicle is picked up right at the designated pickup location. From there, your car is delivered directly to the port of loading where it will go through customs and wait to be loaded onto the carrier. Simply let us know where to pick up the car and we’ll be there, right on time. We take care of the customs paperwork needed to export your vehicle.

Door-to-poor service is the most convenient way to set up your shipping when you plan to ship international. By letting us take care of everything, from the moment it leaves your hands to the instant it arrives at its destination, you get a fully hands-off experience. To get an all-inclusive international shipping service please visit one of our partner vendors Auto Export Shipping Inc.

Shipping Date

Believe it or not, the date on which you choose to ship your vehicle to be shipped can significantly affect the price. The first piece to note is that you should schedule your car shipping as far in advance as possible to lower the cost. However, flexibility around the previously specified date can also help lower the car shipping cost.

Time of year factors into the cost due to fluctuations in carrier pricing, fuel pricing, and weather conditions.

Make & Model

The more specific you are with providing the make and model of your vehicle, the more accurate your estimate will be. The make and model are used to identify exactly how much space is needed to ship your vehicle. It helps carriers choose trailers with enough height to clear your car and the right equipment to load it.

Also include whether you’ve modified your vehicle, like adding a roof rack, as the price to ship a car will change based on these factors.

Auto Transport Type

Let us know whether you’d like open or enclosed transport. Open transport is the more economical way of car shipping and is generally safe way of transport, while enclosed transport offers additional protection. That’s because open transport exposes your vehicle to the elements, including road debris, dirt, and dust. Enclosed transport might be more expensive form or vehicle shipping, but it encloses your vehicle entirely in a closed truck for full protection. We recommend classic car and luxury car owners consider using the enclosed car shipping for their vehicle transport needs.

Open transport may also arrive faster as there are more open trailers and drivers available on the road.

Vehicle Condition

Believe it or not, non-running/totaled cars are often more expensive to ship. That’s because a non-running vehicle may pose a danger to others during transit, but also it will require larger equipment to load with. Many totaled vehicles require heavy machinery to properly load them onto the trailer since the vehicle cannot be maneuvered on its own thus increasing the cost to ship a car.

The price for running vehicles also varies based on a variety of other factors, including the value of the car.


Location

Bigger cities and more populated areas are more likely to have trucks and drivers available, at least nearby if not in the city. Because the truck supply is widely available, the cost to ship a car decreases significantly. In more rural areas, the price is higher because the driver likely needs to be scheduled to pick-up the vehicle or add your area to their course. Driver often ends up driving extra miles that are usually out of the way of the main route. This adds to the overall vehicle shipping costs. Don’t forget to ask the driver how much it costs to ship a car when you provide uber service to the driver instead of having to drive the trailer. Also, consider driving the car yourself to a popular location for the pickup.

Rest assured that with our car shipping calculator we scan nearby areas to compare pricing, so you’ll get the best price possible no matter where you live.

Insurance for Auto Transport

Carriers for automobiles are required by law to provide liability insurance but many do not offer additional insurance. Brokers for instance can help you acquire the insurance that fits your budget and situation best. Some questions you should ask include deductibles; extent of damage covered; coverage for the entire vehicle; and additional coverage options. Look for brokers such as SAKAEM, that provide additional insurance for free.

The more you ask, the better we can assist you. We want to make sure you feel safe and that your car is protected for the entirety of its journey.

Season

Just like the weather, the cost to ship a car fluctuates throughout the year due to seasonality. Car shipping to the south or west where it’s warmer, is more popular in colder months, thus hiking up the cost to ship a car. Likewise, during spring and early summer car shipping costs are usually higher when many snowbirds migrate to the North. Keep seasonality in mind when planning your auto shipping and compare prices for different times of year if getting the best price is important to you.

Our car shipping calculator factors in seasonality when you enter your preferred pickup date. If you’re flexible with your dates, it might be a great way toward impacting the auto transport price you end up paying.


Flexibility

Being flexible with your pickup and delivery times can see reduction of the vehicle shipping cost. Combining flexibility with price changes related to other conditions can help reduce price hikes related to seasonal changes, weather, gas, and other aspects.

Please remember to book as far in advance as possible. Even if your dates are flexible, if you schedule your delivery right before your pickup date, then you could see a huge increase in the price.

Insurance costs for shipping a car

There is a limited liability insurance included with the carrier services that covers damage done to your vehicle while in transit. You may also purchase additional insurance through us for better protection. The insurance cost to ship a car depends on vehicle attributes and preferred method of shipping.

Insurance for open trailer shipping is much more expensive than insurance for enclosed shipping. However, if you decide on enclosed shipping, then you’ve already added full physical protection for your vehicle. Consider this benefit while making a choice of preferred car shipping method

International car shipping costs


The cost to ship a car internationally varies even more greatly than domestic shipping. The type of vehicle you have (e.g., SUV, sedan, minivan, coupe) changes the price. The season, chosen international port, and customs fees all play a role in the final cost of shipping your vehicle overseas.

For international shipping, A.E.S. Inc is your preferred broker. Their expertise in the international shipping landscape and worldwide connections keep costs down with every delivery.

Vehicle Details

Providing details like height, weight, and length of your vehicle ensures that we give you a proper car shipping cost estimate. These are required information to plug into the car shipping quote calculator to generate an auto shipping quote. It also helps prepare the carriers with what type of trailer and equipment is needed for shipping your car. Depending on the dimensions and weight of your shipped vehicle the driver will be more selective with where your vehicle is loaded on the trailer and how many vehicles travel with it.

We need to ensure the trailer used when delivering your car can properly handle its weight and size. Please provide as much detail as possible.

How much will It cost
to ship your car?

What Unexpected Factors Determine The Cost To Ship A Car?

Find out what unforeseen circumstances can influence how much does it cost to ship a car

car shipping
car shipping company

Shipping household goods in the trunk or inside the car but failing to mention this to your agent will result in changing the price of the car shipment.

car shipping cost

Rescheduling too many times will result in additional fees.

sakaem logistics

A natural disaster will result in changes to the vehicle shipping cost and delivery time.

car transport company

Make minor auto repairs prior to shipping a car to make it operable. Otherwise, it may increase car transport cost.

How To Get The Best Car Shipping Rates Possible?

Using our car shipping cost calculator properly will give you the best possible prices for shipping your vehicle. Enter your details accurately and stay flexible with your dates, so that the best rates will appear.

car shipping cost
car transport company

Booking in advance

Booking well in advance will grant you the flexibility of dates, which in turn gives the best rates and more options for shipping, so don’t wait. Start the shipping process as soon as possible.

sakaem logistics

Receive multiple auto transport quotes

Use our car shipping cost calculator, as well as others you can find online to receive multiple car transport quotes that will let you compare the prices of features of various carriers and reduce your cost to ship a car. One piece of advice is never to go for the cheapest one!

cost to ship a car

Have flexible pickup/delivery locations

Location plays a big factor in the cost of delivery. If you’re flexible with your locations, the cost to ship a car can lower significantly while remaining close to your original location.

car transport

Consider terminal-to-terminal carriers

A terminal in this case refers to a storage facility where your vehicle can be stored and accessed easily. Using these terminals can greatly reduce the cost to ship a car.

car shipping quote calculator

Hire your own carrier

You are free to negotiate with carriers on your own, and sometimes that leads to successfully lowering costs.

car shipping calculator

Purchase your own insurance

If you shop around on your own, you can find vehicle transportation insurance that covers what you want for less. Let your auto transport broker know about the insurance you’ve purchased.

car transport company

If you are trading in your vehicle

When trading in, you can negotiate so that the dealer will pay for your vehicle’s transportation, instead. There’s nothing better than free.

car shipping calculator

Shipping cars in bulk

If you're moving multiple cars, the cost of shipping them altogether is less compared to when they are shipped separately.

Are you shipping your car from any of the below locations?

Our Auto Transport Services

Find out about the different options you have that determine how much does it cost to ship a car

Benefits of Using SAKAEM’S Instant Car Shipping Quote Calculator

Use SAKAEM'S car shipping quote calculator to find out how much does it cost to ship a car

Competitive prices

We offer exact market prices to provide affordable car shipping services. There’s always an opportunity to learn more and adapt pricing to your needs, so please don’t hesitate to contact us to consult about your auto shipping quote. Our expert agents are available to guide you in choosing the best car shipping service for you.

Established network of carriers and auto hauling drivers

SAKAEM uses a network of domestic and international carriers of all sizes and shapes, to provide you with a variety of services. This gives us an option to find an optimal carrier and substantially reduce the cost to ship a car.

Full transparency

We can deliver all vehicle types, from small sedans to towering forklifts. Whatever the vehicle, whatever its size, we can accommodate it through services like open transportation with a clear pricing structure and no hidden fees.

In-ops/Forklift

We can transport inoperable vehicles or vehicles that cannot be driven. This type of shipment requires a forklift to load and unload. For the general safety of the working staff or the operating driver, we use specialized equipment which adds to your cost to ship a car.

Shipping payment process

We require zero down payment, so you pay nothing upfront with no hidden fees or surprise costs. The quote you receive is as accurate as the information you provide, so please inform us properly so we can help you get the most accurate cost to ship a car and make payments go smoothly. We offer cash on delivery as well as credit card payments. Discuss the best option for you with our dedicated customer service agent.

Years of experience

We have been working in this industry for over 20 years, providing customer service to countless clients with affordable car shipping. With those 20 years of experience, we’ve adjusted to the changing transportation landscape to better accommodate your needs and exceed your car shipment expectations.

Insured shipping

Insurance is included with every booking, so you can rest assured that your car is safe and in good hands with us and carrier partners. We’ll cover any damage that occurs to your vehicle while in transit for total peace of mind.

Door-to-port shipping

Door-to-port service is used when you are doing international car shipping, shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, or other islands. Our team will pick-up your vehicle from the location you specified and bring it to the port on your behalf. This way, you can relax and focus on the more important things in life while we handle your automobiles using car shipping experts.

Discount at scale

The more you auto ship with us, the better your price will be. That could be price per vehicle or price per mile. But no matter what, we guarantee discounts as you scale your deliveries with us substantially reducing the cost to ship a car.

Work with rentals

We specialize in build shipments and provide you with the most economical pricing at a high-quality service level. Timely pickup and drop off and continuous tracking of the shipped fleet are some of the benefits we provide. Because rental companies ship several vehicles at once, the cost to ship a car is significantly lower than when individuals ship just one car. We’re happy to help you scale your business, and with that comes better pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

We ship our cars together to reduce the cost to ship a car and ensure a timely delivery.

Yes, technically you can, but there is a limit of 50lbs. The driver must be notified of every item loaded in the vehicle, otherwise you could be in for a surprise price increase by the driver, as well as the risk of damaging your goods. Please also keep in mind that not all carriers offer this service, and we can help identify trucks drivers who provide this option.

Yes, the higher the value of the vehicle the more expensive the cost to ship a car. These vehicles are a higher risk. Thus, the higher risk equates to a greater cost to ship a car to the customer.

You can arrange for a different person at the drop off location to that of the pickup contact person. Make sure authorized people are present so that they can sign off on the pickup checklist and drop off verification and BOL (bill of lading)

Driver is provided your contact information immediately after a driver is assigned and after your payment is processed for the car shipping price. Driver will contact you a day before your scheduled pickup date to finalize pickup time.

Our customer service agents are constantly monitoring driver status and will have all the information to guide you. Please call our agents to discuss options.

We always recommend that you don’t drive your car, especially if it’s a long-distance drive. As you already know, there are many risks associated with driving long distances. You also incur significant mileage thus reducing the resale value of the car. Gas prices, cost of boarding and lodging will make it far more expensive than letting your car safely moved by your friendly auto transport experts at SAKAEM.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mission is to reduce crashes, damages, injuries etc., during transportation using trucks. These guidelines are applied when shipping your vehicle.

How much will It cost
to ship your car?