Planning to ship your car across the country or overseas? Understanding car transport rates per mile is essential for budgeting. From domestic hauls to international shipping, this guide explains how pricing works, the factors that affect rates, and what you should watch out for when choosing a carrier.
12.1% of people relocated to a different residence in the US in the year 2023. In the event of such relocations, shipping of your car is a dire need, considering its utmost importance. For the shipping process, the foremost driving factor is the car transport rates per mile, whether it is domestic or international shipping.
If you are the one who wants to have a full grasp of these auto transport rates, stick till the end!
Car Transport Rates Per Mile
Domestic Auto Transport Rates Per Mile
Domestically, the average auto shipping rate is $1.15 per mile. However, this is an average rate and is influenced by multiple factors. For example, factors such as fuel price, mode of transport, distance, season, and vehicle size can lead to fluctuations in these rates.
In general, shorter hauls cost less in comparison to longer ones when it comes to rate per mile, owing to labor costs and fixed loading spread over a few miles. Inoperable or longer vehicles require more space, effort, and special equipment, leading to an increase in the transportation charges.
International Car Shipping Rates
International auto shipping rates on average range between $850–$4,500 without including the miscellaneous fee and customs duty. These rates are interlinked to numerous parameters such as:
- Shipping mode
- Regulatory costs
- Season of the year
- Expected time for delivery
- Port Handling Fee
- Custom duties
- Fuel Price Fluctuations
A Comparison of International Shipping Methods
| Mode of Shipping | Price Range | Estimated Time of Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Roll On/Roll Off | $1000–$3200 | 30 days |
| Sea Container | $1600–$4000 | 30–60 days |
| Air Freight | More than $5000 to as much as $50,000 under some circumstances | 14 days |
Car Transport Pricing Model
Base Rate Per Mile
Base rate is the standard rate that is fixed by carriers for shipping an auto over a certain distance. The base rate is mainly based on fuel costs, route popularity, or regularity expenses and doesn’t include add-ons, such as enclosed transport or expedited delivery.
Fuel Surcharge Adjustments
It is an additional charge that is applied to the initial base transportation rate to offset variations in fuel prices. As per the Motor Carrier Fuel Cost Equity Act (2000), a diesel price above the certified threshold will impose a surcharge that is supposed to be paid by the shipper in addition to the base rate.
Vehicle Size & Vehicle Type
Heavier and larger automobiles, such as vans or SUVs are more costly to ship as they increase the overall load weight and consume more space. Moreover, oversized vehicles have permit restrictions imposed by the US Department of Transportation, which impacts the shipping cost & feasibility. In contrast, Sedans and compact cars are economical to transport since they can be easily accommodated.
Economies of Scale & Distance Bands
Auto transport charges are also shaped by the principle of economies of scale. It implies that as the distance increases, the cost per mile decreases. Auto transport companies typically categorize mileage into set ranges/bands. For instance, for:
- 0–600 miles: higher per-mile charges as the expenses spread over fewer miles
- 600–1000 miles: moderate per-mile charges
- 1000–1600 miles: low transportation charge per mile owing to economies of scale
Regional & Seasonal Variations
Seasonal trends and regional demand also shape the pricing mechanism. Popular routes charge less per mile because of higher carrier availability. In contrast, rural or remote regions charge higher owing to limited return loads.
Additionally, demand spikes in summer and spring and peak relocation months (May–September), raising the charges. Weather disruption, such as snow, landslides or hurricanes, can also increase the expenses as they affect fuel consumption and route accessibility.
Mode of Transport
When it comes to mode of transport, an open carrier is economical due to higher vehicle capacity, but it doesn’t offer satisfactory protection, particularly for pristine vehicles. Enclosed carriers offer greater protection from the environment, but that comes with a higher cost. Roll-on/Roll-off option is cheaper compared to container shipping, which offers more security.
Pitfalls of Opting for Extremely Cheap Rates
It can be fascinating to go for auto transport services offering extremely cheap rates, but the fact is, it can translate into liability, greater cost, and stress, considering the following reasons.
- Carriers offering very cheap rates usually cut corners when it comes to insurance coverage. It will leave you financially exposed in the event of any mishap or damage.
- They may be involved in bait-and-switch tactics. By this, it means that they will quote an unrealistically low upfront price and will later add multiple hidden and unexpected charges.
- They may be compromising on certain aspects, such as service quality and reliability resulting in poor communication, cancellations or shipment delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I move my car to another country?
You can move your car to another country by booking an auto transport company that will arrange for all the shipping process.
What are the car shipping rates from New York to California?
The average car shipping rates from New York to California are $1.17 per mile. However, these aren’t fixed and can be impacted by a number of factors.
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