In 2024, shipping your vehicle is more straightforward than ever. These costs can vary depending on the type of vehicle, the transport method, and current market conditions.
Use our free instant quote calculator or chat with a friendly Cayad Auto Transport expert today! We're just a click or call away at (469) 619-0747. We'll ensure your rate reflects factors like distance, seasonal demand, and any additional services you may require.
| Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|
| 1-500 miles | $1.85/mile | $2.53/mile |
| 501-1,500 miles | $.91/mile | $1.25/mile |
| 1,500+ miles | $.59/mile | $.84/mile |
Car transport, or car shipping, is the easiest way to move your vehicle safely from one place to another, handled by licensed professionals who have the expertise and equipment to get the job done right.
When choosing a transport method, you have two options: open transport , which is the most common and cost-effective, or enclosed transport for added protection. Open transport is used by most customers, including dealerships, and is ideal for everyday vehicles.
On the other hand, if you're shipping a luxury, exotic, or collector car, enclosed transport offers the peace of mind that comes with added protection, typically costing 10-40% more.
Getting a car transport quote is simple and fast. You can use our instant quote calculator for a quick estimate, or chat with a Cayad representative via live chat to discuss the details of your shipment.
For the most accurate and up-to-date quote, have the following information ready:
There are three types of companies you might work with to ship your vehicle: lead providers, carriers and brokers. Here’s what you need to know about each.
Lead Providers gather your contact information and give you a list of potential carriers that fit your needs. From there, it’s up to you to research, compare, and contact the carriers directly. Be prepared for follow-up calls and emails, as your contact info is often shared with their network of companies.
Carriers are the companies that physically transport your car, employing the drivers and handling pick-up and delivery. While you can work directly with a carrier, finding the right one can be tricky without insider knowledge of the industry. This is where brokers come in.
Brokers act as your personal guide, connecting you with the best carriers for your specific needs. They handle the legwork—sourcing quotes, managing logistics, and ensuring you get the best value. By tapping into their network of trusted carriers, brokers make the shipping process smoother and more efficient.
Our free instant quote calculator provides accurate car shipping costs for your vehicle shipment in just a few clicks. Complete the steps below and instantly receive your quote, no credit card or upfront payment is required. Provide as much detail about your vehicle and shipping needs for the most accurate estimate.
Step 1
Quote and book your order
Step 2
We pick up your vehicle
Step 3
Receive your vehicle
Total distance is the main component used in calculating a quote for car shipping. Longer distances generally lead to a higher overall car shipping price, but also include a discounted cost per mile. With our car shipping calculator, you can get the best auto transport quote for any car shipment. It’s important to note that international car shipping prices might differ from ground vehicle transport.
When you book a car transport service, the shipment date often plays a role in the cost. It’s best to book your car shipment as far in advance as possible. As soon as you know you’ll need to ship your vehicle, begin researching an auto transport company to request a car shipping quote. Additionally, increased flexibility around car pickup dates will often result in car transport quote savings.
Different from distance, route refers to what highways and other roads will be traveled to transport the vehicle. Routes in highly populated areas may have increased traffic congestion, which could impact transport time and shipping costs. Additional route considerations that can be factored into shipping costs include: physical road conditions, adverse weather and road construction.
When planning your auto transport, we ask for the exact vehicle specifications, because the truck driver must know how much space is required to safely secure your automobile and ensure proper trailer height and side clearance. Longer and taller cars require additional vehicle transport adjustments, which may slightly increase car shipping costs. Vehicle modifications like larger tires and roof racks can also increase the cost.
Taller, longer and heavier vehicles may require a specific trailer or trailer type to support the length and/or added weight. They may also need certain accommodations, like being transported in a specific place within the trailer. Both of these situations could require the driver to take fewer or smaller vehicles to accommodate special requests and manage total allowable weight limits.
Metropolitan areas usually have plenty of trucks available to carry out car shipping orders for auto shippers, which lowers the car transport price. When transporting cars, we strive to find the best deal for residents of small towns.
If your car is running, you will get a better auto shipping price from car shippers for the allotted distance. If your car is inoperable, but maintains the ability to roll, steer and brake, it will require a winch and other accommodations to be loaded onto the carrier trailer, which will increase the cost of shipment. To request a quote or to arrange shipment for an inoperable vehicle, please contact a Cayad representative at (469) 619-0747
Ground clearance, also called ride height, is the distance between the bottom of the vehicle’s body and the road or driving surface. Low vehicle ground clearance requires special attention and accommodation, such as a specialized ramp. If ground clearance is four inches or less, the vehicle must be shipped in an enclosed trailer equipped with a lift gate, which open trailers do not have.
Most people shipping a car select open car transport, as it is the industry standard and cheapest way for car shippers to move your vehicle. For extra car shipment protection, we recommend using enclosed car transportation services that shield vehicles from weather and debris. Enclosed auto transport can increase the cost of car shipping, but is worth the peace of mind for delicate, exotic or luxury car transportation.
Car shipping costs vary greatly based on the time of year. For example, auto transport services to warmer states are very popular during the winter travel season, so the cost for transporting a car to those destinations may be higher. Use Cayad’s car shipping calculator to get the price for shipping a car. Depending on your scheduling flexibility, we recommend trying different shipping dates to see rate impact for choosing the best price.
Auto transport companies are held to stringent insurance requirements. Carrier companies are legally required to carry liability insurance and a minimal level of cargo insurance. Auto transport brokers can inform you of your carrier’s amount of coverage. When determining insurance coverage, ask your Cayad representative these questions:
Provided the addresses and the surrounding streets have sufficient space and are legally accessible for the trucker to park and load/unload vehicles, the driver can come right to you! Make sure to have the correct addresses handy when you place a car shipping order. Keep in mind door-to-door shipping is not always possible, depending on the locations.
Open transport is the best option for affordable auto transport and can save you between 10% to 25% on average compared to other shipping methods. Selecting a top-loaded spot or flatbed trailer for added protection will require an extra fee. For luxury, vintage, or high-value vehicles, we recommend enclosed trailer transport.
With expedited car shipping, your vehicle can be picked up as soon as 24 to 48 hours after placing an order. This premium service comes with an additional cost.
Call us at (469) 619-0747 to schedule car pickup exactly when you need it.
Covered car shipping provides extra protection from road debris and weather, a great option for transporting vintage or exotic cars. Remember, the cost will be slightly higher for enclosed shipping.
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