How Your Quote Is Calculated
Getting an accurate car shipping quote isn't one-size-fits-all. To give you the most accurate rate possible, we evaluate a few key factors about your vehicle, route, and preferences. Here is everything that goes into determining your auto transport quote.
Vehicle Specifications: Size, Weight & Condition
The Weight Factor: Every carrier has a strict Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Heavier vehicles (EVs, full-size SUVs, and heavy-duty trucks) consume more fuel and limit the total number of cars a driver can legally carry.
Dimensions & Space: A compact sedan takes up "one slot" on a trailer. A lifted truck or a van with a roof rack may take up "one and a half" slots, or require the top deck for clearance, which increases the price.
Modifications: If your car is lowered (less than 5" clearance) or lifted, it requires specialized loading ramps or a specific trailer type to prevent damage.
Vehicle Condition: Running vs. Non-Running
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Operable: The standard rate. The car can be driven onto the trailer.
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Inoperable: If your vehicle doesn't start, steer, or roll, we must dispatch a carrier equipped with a winch or forklift. This requires extra labor and specialized equipment, typically adding a surcharge of $150–$400.
Distance & Route Accessibility:
Total Mileage & Route Efficiency: Long-distance shipments naturally require more fuel and driver time. However, shipping along heavily traveled interstate corridors (like I-10 or I-95) often costs less per mile than shorter trips along remote or less-traveled routes.
Urban vs. Rural Locations: Major metro areas with easy highway access allow carriers to pick up and drop off vehicles quickly. Shipping to or from rural, mountainous, or off-the-beaten-path locations requires extra transit time and detour fuel, which can adjust the final rate.
Physical Site Accessibility: Auto haulers are massive rigs (up to 80 feet long) that cannot safely navigate narrow city streets, low-hanging trees, residential cul-de-sacs, or strict HOA zones. If your exact address isn't accessible for a large truck, arranging to meet nearby at a spacious parking lot (like a local shopping center) keeps your move safe and cost-effective.
Seasonal & Regional Demand: Shipping costs fluctuate based on regional demand, seasonal weather conditions, and snowbird migration patterns. Peak routes during high-demand seasons naturally impact carrier availability and pricing.
Type of Trailer
Open Auto Transport (Most Popular & Cost-Effective)
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Best For: Standard daily drivers, sedans, SUVs, trucks, and multi-vehicle moves.
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How It Works: Your car is safely secured on an open, multi-car carrier—the same type used by auto dealerships across the country.
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Why Choose Open: It is the most economical and widely available option, making scheduling fast and flexible. While exposed to weather and standard road dust, your vehicle is fully secured throughout transit.
Enclosed Auto Transport (Maximum Protection)
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Best For: Classic cars, luxury vehicles, exotic sports cars, high-value investments, or custom builds.
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How It Works: Your vehicle is loaded inside a completely covered trailer equipped with soft-tie straps, climate protection, and low-angle hydraulic ramps.
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Why Choose Enclosed: It provides 100% protection against road debris, weather elements, and tree branches during transport. Ideal for low-clearance cars or owners who want maximum peace of mind.
Unsure which option fits your vehicle? Select "Quote both options" on our form above, and we’ll provide a side-by-side price comparison!
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