Before booking an auto transport service, it’s essential to get car shipping quotes online. When you get quotes from more than one auto shipping company, you can compare prices for services and then choose the best for your budget.
We’ll explain how the auto transport process works, what affects the price you pay, and how you can find instant car shipping quotes that suit your auto transport needs.
In This Review:
What are Car Shipping Quotes?
A car shipping quote is an estimate of how much a company will charge you to transport your vehicle. Getting car shipping quotes online from reputable companies is the best way to explore your shipping options and learn how much you can expect to pay. Car shipping rates vary significantly, so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from multiple companies before you make any arrangements.
Many auto transport brokers offer car shipping calculators, but the quote you receive may not tell the whole story. There could be other costs not included in that quote, or pricing could change by the time you book your shipment.
However, some auto transport quotes include all taxes and fees, and some are locked in and won’t change. When you choose Sherpa Auto Transport, our Price Lock Promise means you get an all-inclusive quote that’s locked in.
How to Get Car Shipping Quotes
When you visit some transport companies’ websites, you’ll find car shipping calculators. These tools produce quotes for your car delivery by taking market conditions and your shipment details into account.
Whether you get an instant car shipping quote online, fill out a form, or request a quote over the phone, you’ll usually need to provide these details to get the most accurate pricing:
- Vehicle make, model, and VIN
- Vehicle condition (operability)
- Desired ship date
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Transport type (open vs. enclosed carrier)
- Type of delivery service (door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal)
- Phone number and other contact information
What Determines Car Shipping Costs
The price for your car shipment depends on several factors. Here are a few key drivers of auto transport rates:
- Vehicle size: The height and weight of a vehicle have significant impacts on car shipping costs. SUVs and full-size pickups are typically more expensive to ship.
- Shipping distance: Cross-country hauling costs less on a per-mile basis, but its overall cost will be significantly higher than the price for a shorter trip.
- Time of year: Certain months, especially January and the summer, see higher shipping rates from greater demand.
- Transport type: Open car transport is more common and more cost-effective than enclosed auto transport because more open trailers are available. But for owners of classic cars and motorcycles, the extra protection of an enclosed trailer is worth the higher price.
- Delivery location: Door-to-door transport is more expensive since the carrier brings your vehicle as close to your home as possible, but it’s hassle-free. Terminal-to-terminal shipping saves money but requires you to travel to and from secure locations to have your car picked up and later delivered.
When you work with Sherpa for your car shipping, you’ll get door-to-door delivery service because we find it’s the easiest method for customers.
To get the best price, book your shipment as early as possible. Opting for open auto transport will also help reduce car shipping costs.
Typical Car Shipping Rates
Getting online car shipping quotes gives you a better idea of what you’ll pay for your shipment. But before you request quotes, you might be interested in knowing typical prices for vehicle shipping.
The table below shows sample shipping rate ranges from Sherpa Auto Transport. These ranges are estimates for an operable vehicle using open transport. Your cost might look different depending on shipment details and market conditions.
| Shipment Mileage | Price per Mile |
|---|---|
| 0 to 500 miles | $1.32 to $2.75 |
| 501 to 1,000 miles | $0.88 to $1.55 |
| 1,001 to 1,500 miles | $0.70 to $1.23 |
| 1,501 to 2,000 miles | $0.60 to $1 |
| 2,001 to 2,500 miles | $0.53 to $0.84 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.48 to $0.74 |
Popular Auto Transport Routes
Our team has also gathered common shipping routes to help you estimate how much you might pay for your vehicle shipment. Again, your price could look different because of shipment details and market conditions.
| Route | Price per Mile |
|---|---|
| New York City to Los Angeles | $0.56 to $0.72 |
| New York City to Miami | $0.98 to $1.20 |
| Los Angeles to Miami | $0.48 to $0.66 |
| Los Angeles to New York City | $0.48 to $0.71 |
| Miami to New York City | $0.65 to $1.20 |
| Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles | $0.49 to $0.69 |
| Chicago to Los Angeles | $0.61 to $0.88 |
| New York City to Houston | $0.80 to $1 |
| Los Angeles to Atlanta | $0.48 to $0.74 |
| Chicago to Phoenix | $0.68 to $0.92 |
Keep in mind that enclosed car shipping, expedited service, and any other extra features will increase your car shipping cost.
How the Car Shipping Process Works
Knowing how the auto transport industry works can help you compare providers and make a decision once you’ve gotten quotes. Some car shipping companies directly service transport requests and move customers’ vehicles with their own trucks. Others, known as brokers, place shipping requests on industry boards where independent auto transport companies choose jobs to take.
Once you choose a carrier, you’ll arrange a pickup date with your transport driver. On that date, you and the driver will thoroughly inspect your vehicle for existing damage before it’s loaded onto the trailer. When your car reaches the delivery location, you and the driver will inspect it again and sign a bill of lading.
Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
There are a few reasons why Sherpa Auto Transport is a great transport broker for your car shipping needs. Our industry standing is one of those reasons. We’re accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have an A+ rating from the organization. Customer reviews on the BBB’s website rate us a near-perfect 4.9 out of 5 stars on average.
Price Lock Promise
Our Price Lock Promise means the auto shipping quote we give you is the amount you’ll pay when your car is delivered. We give you a locked-in price up front for added peace of mind. If we can’t find you a car carrier for your original quoted price, we’ll cover up to $300 of the difference.
Clean Car Guarantee
If your car arrives dirty after shipping with Sherpa, we’ll reimburse you up to $20 for your car wash. Just mail your car wash receipt and bill of lading to us and we’ll reimburse you through your payment method.
Wide Network of Trusted Carriers
We only work with the best transport drivers, using an extensive vetting process. Our customers receive excellent service from reputable auto transport carriers that are registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Car Shipping Quotes Online FAQs
What’s the cheapest way to ship a car?
Open vehicle transport is the cheapest way to ship a car. You can also reduce auto transport prices by making a reservation as early as possible and being flexible with shipping dates and pickup and delivery locations.
How long does it take to ship a car?
Cross-country car transport service can take 10 days or more. For shorter routes, you can expect your car shipment to take three or four days. You can pay extra for expedited service from many car shipping companies.
Can you put things in your car when you ship it?
It’s best not to put your possessions in your vehicle when you ship it since they won’t be covered by the transport company’s insurance policy. Personal items also add extra weight to your car, which can raise shipping prices.
Are car haulers safe?
Car haulers are definitely safe, as your vehicle is secured with chains and locking mechanisms on a trailer. Sherpa Auto Transport’s thorough vetting process also ensures your vehicle will only be shipped by a reputable carrier with a track record of safety.