Contrary to what we are all used to, the auto shipping industry does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no line to get into. No waiting list. Instead, carriers prioritize vehicles based on the carrier fee they are offered. A fresh shipping order placed today with a higher carrier fee will secure a spot on a transport trailer faster than one placed earlier at a lower rate. That will frustrate the organized customer who plans ahead and books their order well in advance. The reality is, higher paying orders ship before lower paying orders, regardless of when either was booked.

That is why Direct Express Auto Transport offers three distinct auto shipping price tiers.

1. Distance and Route

The distance between the pickup and delivery points directly affects the cost. Think about it. Will a flight to Chicago cost the same as one to Paris? Not likely, or it shouldn’t. The same holds true in the auto transport industry. A car shipment from Detroit to Los Angeles will likely cost a lot more than to Chicago. Two thousand miles costs more than two hundred miles.

2. Vehicle Size and Weight

Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks are heavier and occupy more space on the car transport trailer, which turns into higher shipping costs compared to compact cars. A heavy Chevy pickup truck takes up more space than a Mini Cooper, right? It costs the carrier more to transport and he needs to recoup that.

3. Type of Transport

• Open Transport: The most common and cost-effective option. Vehicles are shipped on open trailers, exposing them to sometimes inclement weather and dirty road conditions.
• Enclosed Transport: Offers added protection for luxury or classic cars but at a higher cost, oftentimes 30-50% more than open transport. Think of it as insurance.

4. Delivery Speed

Your timeline plays a crucial role in determining costs:

• Standard Service: More affordable but it may take up to 8 days for a carrier assignment.
• Expedited Service: Balances cost with delivery speed. Usually a carrier is assigned in about 4 days. A popular option with our customers.
• Rush Service: The fastest option, with usually a 2-day carrier assignment window, but at a premium price. If you’re renting a car, the Rush option is well worth it and pays for itself.

5. Seasonal Demand

Auto shipping costs fluctuate throughout the year. For example:

• Summer: High demand due to family relocations, college students, typically increases costs.
• Winter: Snowbird routes to warmer climates result in price surges.

6. Pickup and Delivery Locations

Urban areas with greater access to major highways often cost less. Remote or rural locations may require carriers to travel off-route, leading to additional fees. They will do that for a price.

7. Operational Condition (Running or Not) Delivery

A non-running vehicle will usually cost $200 more than a running vehicle. And the number of car transporters are fewer because not all of them have a wench.

Direct Express Auto Transport created the following three pricing and service options:

1. Our Standard Tier

• Cost: Lowest market rate available.
• Carrier Assignment: Average of 8 days to get assigned a carrier.
• Best For: Customers with flexible timelines.
• Works Well For: Low carrier space demand periods in the year.
• Doesn’t Work Well For: High carrier space demand periods in the year. Like snowbird season. Standard orders will get routinely beat by higher paying loads (orders).

2. Our Expedited Tier

• Cost: Slightly higher than the Standard tier. It’s amazing what a couple hundred extra dollars will do.
• Carrier Assignment: Average of 4 days to get assigned a carrier. Getting assigned is the hard part, folks.
• Best For: Those seeking faster service without incurring rush fees. And tends to reduce the stress level for everybody.

3. Our Rush Tier

• Cost: Premium rate for top priority hurry up orders.
• Carrier Assignment: Average of 2 days to get assigned a carrier.
• Best For: Customers needing urgent shipping. By selecting a higher-tier service, you effectively outbid other orders, securing a spot on a transport trailer sooner. It’s all about getting assigned. Because they actual transit time is governed by DOT rules. But a customer can save time by getting assigned sooner. Rush tier does that … usually.

Carriers consider the fee offered for each vehicle when planning their routes. Higher-paying shipments are prioritized, regardless of how long other vehicles have been waiting. This is why paying a competitive carrier rate is critical for timely service. You are competing with other customers for a spot, whether you realize it or not. Well, I guess now you realize it. Good!

While rates can vary, the following estimates provide a general idea:

1. Be Flexible with Your Shipping Dates

Allowing flexibility in your pickup and delivery dates can help get a lower price.

2. Choose Open-Air Transport

If your vehicle doesn’t require special handling, open transport is the most cost-effective option. Just be prepared to hose the dirt off when you receive your vehicle.

3. Meet The Carrier Driver Near A Big City

Though less convenient than door-to-door service, meeting near a larger population center often reduces costs.

Like everything else in America, the auto shipping market operates on supply and demand principles. Carriers prioritize vehicles offering higher fees, which maximizes their profit per route. Even a modest increase in your auto shipping cost can make your vehicle shipment more attractive, speeding up the process.

Shipping an automobile means you should think about several factors, including the distance (short, medium or long), type of vehicle (Sedan, SUV, Pickup Truck, Van), and the level of service desired (slow, quick or fast).

By understanding what is going on with the auto shipping industry, that it’s not really scientific, but rather, a series of estimations, you can figure out what to do. Just remember that the vehicle shipping industry prioritizes higher-paying orders over the first-come, first-served business model.

1. How much does it cost to ship your car across the country?

Shipping your car across the U.S. typically costs between $1,200 and $2,000 for open transport, depending on the distance and many other factors.

2. Is enclosed transport worth the extra 50% cost?

Yes, if you are shipping a luxury, classic, or high-value car that requires protection from weather and road debris. It’s kind of a sudo-insurance. An ounce of prevention.

3. Can I ship my personal items in my car?

Most carriers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk. However, it’s best to confirm with your shipping company. Some may be more lenient, and others not at all.

4. How long does it take to ship a car?

Delivery times range from 2 to 10 days, depending on the distance. But that’s just transit time. It can also be 2 to 10 days just to get it assigned a carrier. That’s why our tiers are so ideal.

5. How do I track my vehicle during transport?

Many auto transport companies offer real-time tracking updates through online portals or mobile apps. Some are old school and you have to call for an update.

Direct Express Auto Transport originated the instant car shipping costs calculator in 2004. It is still the best, most sophisticated, reliable tool available online. We offer three options, that we call tiers, of vehicle shipping quote prices to and from anywhere in the continental USA.

The Standard rate, or tier, is the cheapest auto shipping quote. Use the Standard Tier if you can be somewhat patient. Average 8 days for carrier assignment from the date you make it available.

The Expedited rate, or tier as we call them, is the most recommended and best auto transport quote. We have countless satisfied Expedited Tier customers because the vehicle shipping process tends to go quicker. Average 4 days for carrier assignment from the date you make it available.

The Rush rate is our highest level of car transport quotes and service, and many customers are very happy they went with that method too. If in a hurry, go Rush Tier. Average 2 days for carrier assignment from the date you make it available.