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Issue: All date properties are empty. This means:
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Next Steps:
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If dates exist in DB but are empty in HubSpot, the sync logic needs to be fixed
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Direct Express Auto Transport
Choose The Best Car Shipping Quote For You
Ours is the original car shipping cost calculator providing accurate, competitive USA car transport quotes instantly, with only basic information. There are no hidden fees. Our customer reviews with the Better Business Bureau, Transport Reviews, and notably, Google Reviews, are top rated and speak to our over 20 years of experience shipping cars. Direct Express Auto Transport is the best company with the most accurate quotes.
Whether you are relocating to a new city, selling your car or buying one from out of state, we can explain how to choose the best car shipping quote for you. We especially can show you how to compare Standard, Expedited, and Rush vehicle shipping quotes for the best level of car transport service for your specific needs.
Car Transport Quote Factors
What Goes Into Car Shipping Cost?
There are several basic variables that go into every auto shipping quote. A properly programmed vehicle shipping calculator starts with a base assumption of a vehicle type average sedan, in running condition, in a normal non-fluctuating season, shipping Open Car Transport from one well populated city to another. It doesn’t get an easier than that and it becomes fairly simple to determine the median price per mile to ship a car in the auto transport industry.
Once the base car shipment cost per mile is established for every distance in the United States, our best price calculator can factor into the equation deviations from the norm.
Route Distance and Difficulty
The vehicle transport total cost goes up the farther the distance, though the price per mile will steadily go down. But not all long-distance origination and delivery locations are treated the same. If either of the shipping locations are away from densely populated urban areas or significantly removed from major highways, there are naturally higher costs associated with that. The car transport quote is higher as a result.
The farther the car moving distance, the higher the expense for car transport services in terms of fuel prices, wear and tear on the truck, and time. The price per mile goes down with longer distance, but the overall car shipping quote is higher.
Vehicle Curb Weight
The base factor for the automobile shipping cost calculator is an average sedan. But if the type of vehicle is much heavier, it will add to the transport truck expense, and because there are weight scale limitations along highways, a carrier might not be able to haul as many vehicles.
That is one reason why typically larger vehicles such as SUVs, Pickup Trucks, and Vans have higher average cost. And the heavier the vehicle, the greater the cost estimate.
Vehicles over 4,500 pounds often carry higher vehicle shipping costs due to these factors, which our car transport cost calculator adjusts for automatically.
Vehicle Length
Just as vehicle weight is an important car shipping cost calculation, so too is the vehicle length. Longer than average vehicles may limit the number of cars a carrier can haul because fewer will fit.
As a rule of thumb, once a vehicle approaches 200 inches or more in length, an accurate cost calculator will add more to the price. Vehicles that reach significantly higher than 200 inches in length become even more expensive to ship.
Vehicle Ground Clearance and Height
Vehicle height also affects auto transport quotes. Sedans are around 53-64 inches high, midsize SUVs average 67-75 inches, and larger SUVs are typically about 76 inches or taller. The taller vehicles may limit the chances of placing another vehicle above it on the carrier. The vehicle transport calculator adds more for that factor.
Vehicle ground clearance is a factor as well, particularly for Open transport. Lower-clearance vehicles (4.5 inches or less) are more vulnerable to damage and are usually best suited for Enclosed transport. The worry is scrapping the bottom of the car or the bumper. Enclosed carriers have the equipment to safely handle low-ground clearance vehicles. The car shipping calculator automatically adds more for low ground clearance vehicles.
Open-Air vs Enclosed Transport Rates
Historical data shows that well over 90% of all vehicle shipments are done via the Open Transport shipping method, sometimes referred to as Open-Air Transport. It is statistically safe with few insurance policy claims, which is why new cars are often delivered that way to dealerships. The car transport quote calculator assumes a base Open-Air type of trailer, and it is cheaper.
Enclosed Transport offers extra protection for classic cars, sports cars, luxury cars, and other vehicles from severe weather conditions and the elements. Enclosed transport reduces the risk of damage. Some auto shippers think of it as an extra insurance policy.
As a general rule, an Enclosed Transport carrier can haul about two-thirds the number of vehicles as on Open Car Shipping. Yet the auto transporters’ expense on the road is very similar between the two methods. Therefore, to make up the difference per vehicle, the vehicle shipping calculator will typically add 30-40% higher rates to the Enclosed Transport price.
Vehicle Condition
The vehicle shipping quote calculator assumes a base operational condition of running, rolls, brakes and steers. It is easier to drive onto and off the carrier. Most vehicles are repositioned on the carrier a few times once picked up. An operational vehicle condition makes that task for the truck driver quicker than a non-operational vehicle.
Non-running vehicles are difficult to load and unload onto a carrier. It takes considerably more time and effort, even with a winch, which not all carriers are equipped. If the non-running vehicle needs to be later repositioned on the carrier, it will slow down the car transport delivery even more. That is why an auto shipping calculator adds more for non-operational vehicles.
Time of Year and Seasonal Fluctuations
The base price calculator assumes parity in car transport carrier supply and demand. That there is an approximately even number of vehicles shipping back and forth on any particular route. Sometimes, however, the supply and demand is disrupted by peak seasons of high demand in one direction. When that happens, the elevated demand forces market car transport rates to climb, and the cost calculator adds more.
A good example of different seasons are vehicle shipments in December and January from the cold weather northern states in the Midwest and East Coast to Florida. They are called “Snowbirds” who flock to hibernate in Florida for the winter. The extremely high seasonal demand for auto shipping companies to Florida may force as much as 20-40% additional cost to the auto transport quote.
Interestingly, on the reverse route during a seasonal fluctuation, there is likely to be an oversupply of car transport space available which can have an opposite lower price effect. For those fewer customers leaving Florida in December and January, the car shipping quote calculator might reduce the door-to-door service cost 20-40%.
The Effect of a Car Shipping Calculator On Quotes (2025)
What Is a Vehicle Shipping Calculator?
A car shipping cost calculator is a very powerful online tool originated by Direct Express Auto Transport in 2004, that gives you an instant, automated car transport quote based upon your vehicle size and weight, shipping locations, operational condition and type of carrier (Open vs Enclosed trailer).
How to Use a Car Shipping Calculator
Start by entering the origin zip code. The city and state will auto-populate.
Do the same for the destination.
Choose the vehicle year, vehicle make and model you are shipping.
Choose whether your vehicle is operational (running or non-running).
Choose whether you wish to go Open-Air Transport (cheaper) or Enclosed Transport.
The instant car shipping quote calculator goes to work and you will see your transport options online. Later in the car shipping process, you can add to the vehicle details the first date available to ship, keeping in mind your preferred delivery dates.
Three-Tiered Car Shipping Calculator
Our vehicle shipping cost calculator produces three tiers, or options, every time: Standard, Expedited and Rush door-to-door delivery service.
It gives you three price quote choices on whether to ship a car at the Standard Tier, the cheapest way; or the Expedited Tier, a best value, to speed up the process; or the Rush Tier, which is the best way to hurry up.
If you like a modem of control, then you are going to love the Direct Express Auto Transport three-tiered vehicle shipping cost calculator. It gives you the best options and makes us the best car shipping company.
Three-Tiered Car Transport Quotes Explained
Option 1
Standard Rate
Most Affordable
Usually assigned to a carrier within 1-8 days from your first available date, with pickup typically occurring within one to two days after assignment.
This is the basic auto transport quote option, ideal for those looking to save on costs. With this rate, you’ll be competing for truck space with other vehicles on the transport carrier. Standard rates are a good fit when demand is low and the route is popular. However, if you’re aiming for quicker service or your route is less common, consider a higher tier to avoid delays.
Option 2
Expedited Rate
Recommended
Typically assigned to a carrier within 1-4 days from your first available date, with pickup usually occurring within one to two days after assignment.
A bit of an upgrade can make a big difference. With the Expedited tier, your vehicle stands out to transport carriers over other orders priced lower. The Expedited option is especially helpful on highly competitive car shipping routes or when pick-up locations are remote. The Expedited Rate is a popular choice among our customers and can be an excellent way to achieve faster vehicle transport delivery.
Option 3
Rush Rate
FASTEST
Often assigned to a carrier within 1-2 days from your first available date, with pickup typically occurring within one to two days after assignment.
For those in urgent need, the Rush Rate offers the fastest turnaround. The Rush option is the premium tier and tends to get the most attention from car transport carriers, meaning your vehicle is often assigned and picked up faster. While carrier availability depends on active shipping routes, Rush orders are designed to move cars quickly. If you are in a big hurry, choose the Rush Rate.
