How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?

Real talk: shipping a car across the US involves lots of factors that play into the costs such as distance traveled, type of transport, and the condition and make of your vehicle.

Here’s a breakdown of costs and our pro tips about how to make it happen:

Here is a small breakdown of the costs involved:

• Distance: The main factor influencing cost is the distance your car needs to actually travel of course. Longer distances typically mean higher costs but short travels can also add up quickly. If the distance is very short many times you should just drive your car there yourself or pay a student to do so.
• Type of Transport:
• Open: This is the most common and cheaper way to ship your car when your car is moved on an open trailer. Costs range from $500 to $1,500 depending on distance. They usually move multiple cars at once and deliver to one central area.
• Enclosed: This offers more protection as your car is transported in an enclosed trailer and not exposed to the elements This is usually done for classic or luxury cars, and costs range from $1,000 to $2,000 or more depending on the distance.

• Car Size and Weight: Larger or heavier vehicles cost more to ship due to their need for more space and they take up weight capacity on the truck that is carrying multiple cars.

• Demand: Prices vary depending on demand and the time of year. Summer tends to be the most expensive due to higher demand of families moving before the new school year.

1. Research and Choose a Carrier: Look for reputable auto transport companies, not just a guy who offers to drive for you. iMoving offers many reputable companies that will be happy to transport your car safely for you.
2. Get Multiple Quotes: Prices and services vary, so it's important to get quotes from multiple companies to compare. iMoving does the work for you giving you multiple quotes by only inputting your info one time.
3. Check The Paperwork: Ensure the company is licensed and insured as well as experienced. Verify their DOT mover’s registration number and check their reviews from past customers. If you book on iMoving you can skip this step as our professional teams do this for you.
4. Prep Your Car: Clean your car inside and out at a professional cleaner if you can. Document any damage with photos and written records after the car has been cleaned to show scratches. Remove all your personal items and don’t have more than a quarter tank of gas if possible.
5. Book Your Company: Once you’ve chosen a moving company on iMoving, book your in advance. Confirm dates, costs, and any special instructions. It is simple to book on our platform and can be done faster than you even read this article.
6. Insurance: Make sure that the mover’s insurance covers your car during transport. Check what happens for certain small damage versus total loss costs. Consider additional insurance if needed or if the premiums are extremely high.
7. Pickup and Delivery: You or a family member need to be present physically at both pickup and delivery to inspect your car and ensure everything is in order on the spot to claim damages. Note any new damage upon delivery asap and don’t drive off until it is documented or you won’t have a way to prove the damage isn’t your fault.
8. Pay Up: Payment is often done partially when booked to lock in your date and the rest is paid upon delivery. Verify accepted payment methods with your mover beforehand so things will go smoothly.

• Create a timeline mapping out your main moving-related tasks to shipping your car
• Estimate your moving expenses, including the car move, packing supplies, moving services, and any unknown costs. 
• Before packing up your car, sort through your things and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
• Book your mover in advance with iMoving. Booking early can lower costs and ensure the availability of your favorite vendor. 
• Update your car registration in time
• Stay organized during the move: Keep important documents easily accessible throughout the move.
• Understand terms and conditions before signing any contract. Pay attention to cancellation policies, and down payments for damage and liability.

Shipping your car across the USA can be a simple process when you understand the steps and book with iMoving. By understanding the costs and following the simple steps, you can lock down great and safe transport for your car. Don’t stress, iMoving has your back for every single type of move out there, no matter the location.