You just bought a car from out of state and want to get it shipped to your home. Or maybe you’re moving across the country with all your belongings, including your car and household goods (HHG).
In other words, you need to ship your car, but you’re not sure how much it will cost!
In our experience, there are several key factors that affect the cost of auto shipping:
- Transportation options
- Distance
- Vehicle size and type
- Seasonal demand for carriers
Apart from keeping these factors in mind, you also need to make sure that your car arrives safely and on time.
In short, figuring out the car shipping cost can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with how carriers calculate shipping costs!
That is when a car shipping cost calculator comes into the picture. It’s a simple way to quickly calculate the cost of shipping your vehicle to any destination of your choice.
Seriously, no kidding!
So, how to calculate the cost of shipping with a calculator? What goes into the final price? And how can you avoid overpaying?
In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about factors that affect the shipping price and the best method for calculating shipping costs.
Let’s get started!
Article Contents
How to Use a Car Shipping Cost Calculator to Ship Your Car?
We agree that cost is a big concern if you are planning to ship your car.
However, a car shipping cost calculator simplifies the pricing process for you to make an estimate. It’s simple to use and helps you get an instant estimate.
You typically input the following information for it to work:
Step 1: Enter pickup and delivery location to determine the distance and route availability.
Step 2: Select your vehicle type by providing details about your car’s model, make and size.
Step 3: Choose a transport method, like open transport or enclosed transport.
Step 4: Indicate your vehicle’s condition, like if your car is operable or needs special handling.
Step 5: Specify your delivery preferences, for instance, you want a door-to-door delivery or terminal-based shipping.
Step 6: Adjust your timing and additional needs by considering factors such as expedited shipping, insurance and other services.
Once you fill in these details, the calculator will generate an estimated cost based on the real-time market data.
8 Key Factors that Affect Your Car Shipping Cost
Many customers tell us that when they’re thinking of shipping their vehicles, the cost of transportation is often their primary concern.
After all, you want reliable service at a reasonable price. However, many factors affect the price, which can make it tough to predict the final bill.
Plus, unexpected fees or last-minute price changes can make things even more frustrating!
So, to get a clear picture of what to expect, we have a list of primary elements that affect the total cost.
These factors include:
- Distance and Route
- Vehicle Type and Size
- Type of Transportation
- Pickup and Delivery Option
- Seasonal Demand
- Urgency and Shipping Speed
- Additional Cost and Fees
- Time of year
Understanding the above factors that influence the cost of car shipping can help you get a realistic estimate and avoid surprises.
Once you understand exactly what determines the cost of shipping, you can plan accordingly to get a fair deal.
Tips for Getting The Best Car Shipping Price
Now that we’ve explored the factors that affect your car shipping price, the next step you should know is how to get the best possible price.
It is true that a car shipping cost calculator gives you a solid estimate for shipping costs.
However, there are additional ways that you can use to lower your shipping expenses and avoid unnecessary charges!
Thus, to ensure you are getting the best deal possible:
- Compare multiple shipping quotes from different auto transport companies
- Book in advance to secure better pricing
- Be flexible with pickup and delivery dates to take advantage of lower shipping rates
- Look for hidden fees, like additional fuel surcharges or administrative fees
- Check for customer reviews to verify the carrier’s experience and service standards
- Always check if the carrier offers insurance options for any mishappenings during the transit
A car shipping cost calculator does provide you with a starting point for estimating the cost of shopping for your vehicle.
However, we recommend that you take all the extra steps, like the ones mentioned above, to secure the best deal.
Why Can HHG Shippers Use a Car Shipping Cost Calculator?
While car shipping can seem daunting, with the right shipping cost calculator and best practices, you can get a great deal from a reputed carrier.
But it gets even better:
If you are shipping your car as a part of a household goods (HHG) move, a car shipping cost calculator can be a game changer!
You can bundle vehicle transportation with your furniture and other belongings. Many shipping companies often use these tools to help you streamline your moving process.
Finally, a shipping calculator can be your best bet for estimating your move: trust us, it’s much better than relying on past prices or average estimates…
Happy shipping!
