When you want to ship your car to another state you need to know how much it costs. Not only that, but you need to know how much the process should cost to avoid overpaying for auto transport services. Unfortunately, shipping a car is complicated, and there are a lot of factors to consider before you start the process.
The good news is that we’re here to help. If you’re wondering – how much does it cost to ship your car to another state? We have all the answers. Read on to learn more about the process, how it can be done, and the factors that influence the cost.
How Much It Costs to Ship a Car to Another State
Shipping a car to another state can cost as little as $550 to well over $3,000 if you’re shipping it across the country. That said, the average cost to ship a car to another state in the United States comes in at around $1,150.
Pricing tends to be handled by the shipping method, the size of the vehicle, and the distance that it has to travel.
Shipping a car to states like Alaska or Hawaii can further drive up the price because boats might have to get involved, which can turn a four-figure delivery into a five-figure one in a hurry.
Factors That Influence How Much It Costs to Ship a Car to Another State
As we touched on earlier, several factors influence how much it costs to ship a car to another state. Learn more about these factors below.
Mileage
Mileage is one of the biggest factors that influence how much it costs to ship a car to another state. What makes this aspect interesting is the fact that the cost comes down per mile the further you send the car. For example, you might have to pay around $2 per mile if you’re only shipping a vehicle a few hundred miles.
On the other hand, if you’re shipping cross-country you might get a better deal on the per-mile rate, with some of the lowest options being around 50 cents per mile.
The Size of the Vehicle
The size of the vehicle you’re shipping also plays a role in the cost. For example, if your vehicle is on the smaller side, it might not add anything to the cost, but an SUV or heavy machinery can add hundreds or thousands to the cost.
To give you some perspective, you can compare how much it costs to ship a specific type of vehicle 1,000 miles based on the size below:
- Sedan: $500 to $1,500
- Compact SUV: $750 to $2,000
- SUV: $900 to $2,500
- Truck: $1,000 to $3,000
As you can see, the size of the vehicle plays a significant role in how much the shipping will cost, even if the mileage is consistent.
The Shipping Method
There are two primary ways to ship a vehicle to another state – open or enclosed.
Open shipping consists of transporting vehicles on the back of a truck without any protection from the elements – imagine those trucks you see with all the cars stacked on a few levels heading to the nearest dealership. This method is the most affordable but it does come with the most risks to your vehicle.
The other method, enclosed shipping, is more expensive but it does protect your vehicle. This will drive up the shipping cost so you have to weigh your options.
How to Ship a Car to Another State
When you want to ship a car to another state it’s important to go about the process correctly. There are a handful of steps you need to follow, but the good news is that they’re simple once you have them laid out.
To ship a car to another state you can follow the steps below:
- Compare the cost of shipping companies and choose the one that fits your shipping needs and budget.
- Ask for a quote.
- Prep your vehicle for shipping by cleaning the interior, exterior, and by removing valuables.
- Inspect the condition of your vehicle.
- Track your vehicle during the shipping process.
- Pick up your vehicle from the shipping company or wait for it to arrive in the next state.
- Inspect your vehicle for any signs of damage.
- Sign off on the delivery.
Following these steps and using them as a guide should help you ship your car to another state with ease.
Ship Your Car to Another State Today!
When you want to ship your car to another state it’s important to weigh your options and understand the cost. We always recommend comparing shipping costs and reading expert guides like FreightWave’s that outline the cost of interstate auto shipping to help you make an informed decision.
