There’s a difference in quality when getting car transport cheap vs regular prices because the carrier has to cut corners to accommodate lower pricing. Therefore, knowing when to stop finding cheaper quotes than a set range will help avoid disasters when moving your car.
There are already 7,800+ businesses in the US vehicle shipping space and hundreds of thousands of carriers, so they are always fighting for your business, which means there’s always space for negotiation. But knowing when and at which rates to stop and what value trade-off you’ll get is important. So let’s see that below:
How do Car Shipping Per Mile Costs Compare to National Flatbed Average Costs?
Flatbed carriers’ rates per mile are not cheap, and brokers like Easy Auto Ship hire these hauling carriers and negotiate bulk shipment rates to get more affordable auto shipping prices ranging from $0.5 to $1.2 per mile for you. We do this by consolidating multiple vehicles under a single carrier.
Since we offer them larger loads at once, they are more willing to decrease costs for us, which allows us to pass on these savings to our customers without compromising quality. To give you an idea of what the spot and contract rates for flatbed trucks across the whole logistics industry are, here is some flatbed rate data from DAT:
Some observations from the chart:
- The flatbed contract rate remains more stable, hovering around $3.00-$3.12 throughout 2024
- The flatbed spot rate shows more variation, ranging from about $2.37 to $2.52 throughout 2024
- Both rates show some decline towards the latter part of 2024, but since its seasonal downward trend, the rates may likely increase next year.
Seeing these costs, you can get an idea that the logistics market costs are going up. The reasons for this are the fluctuation in fuel prices and the shortage of truckers, which is projected to reach 160,000 drivers by 2028. So, if somebody offers you dirt cheap prices that are below the auto shipping industry average baseline costs we’ve mentioned in the next section, run the other way because they’ll likely scam you or cut corners.
What Does a Reasonable Car Transport Estimate Look Like?
Looking for car transportation services from state to state doesn’t have to be confusing. Let’s break down what you should expect to pay so you don’t overpay or fall for suspiciously cheap car transport quotes.
Auto Shipping Industry Average Baseline Costs
When searching for “car transportation services near me,” you’ll want to know the baseline costs first. Nationwide, most people spend around $1,200-$1,500 to ship their cars. But here’s the thing—distance changes everything.
| Distance | Average Cost | Cost per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Short (under 500 miles) | $600 | $1.00-1.20 |
| Medium (500-1500 miles) | $600-900 | $0.60-1.00 |
| Cross-country (1500+ miles) | $1,000-1,500 | $0.50-0.75 |
Before you jump into using a car transport cost calculator, keep in mind that big cities bump up prices significantly. Places like NYC, LA, or Chicago? You’re looking at paying 15-20% more. It’s not just about the traffic - getting trucks in and out of these areas is trickier than you’d think.
Standard Price Variations Based on Service Level
Getting a car transportation quote isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your final price depends on how fancy you want to get with the service. Want enclosed transport? That will add 30% to your bill, but you’re getting better insurance and handling in return.
Vehicle size matters, too. Moving from a regular car to an SUV adds about $150 to your car transport estimate. Got a big truck? That’s another $200 on top. If you need it there ASAP, express delivery (1-3 day pickup) will set you back an extra 25-35%.
Summer moves (June through August) cost 15-20% more because everyone’s doing it. December holidays aren’t much better - expect a 10-15% markup. Got a car that doesn’t run? That’ll be an extra $150-200 for special equipment such as forklifts or hydraulic gates. Modified vehicles? Add $100-200 because they need special handling.
Regional Price Fluctuations
Location and timing can shake up your costs. Northeast routes in winter? Add 10-15% because snow isn’t trucker-friendly. Florida-bound during snowbird season (October-April)? That’s a 20% premium right there.
If you’re out in the sticks (more than 50 miles from major highways), carriers charge an extra $100+ to reach you.
But here’s a pro tip: popular routes like LA to NYC often run cheaper because trucks always make those trips.
The kicker? These prices aren’t set in stone. They change based on fuel costs, carrier availability, and even which way the wind’s blowing (kidding about that last one). Your best bet is getting multiple quotes and watching out for anything that seems too good to be true.
4 Major Car Transport Cheap Quotes Red Flags
Super-low prices can be tempting when looking for car transportation services from state to state. But those cheap quotes might be hiding some nasty surprises. Before handing over your keys, let’s explore what you need to watch out for.
Deceptive Pricing Tactics to Watch For
Getting a car transportation quote shouldn’t feel like a shell game. Yet some companies play fast and loose with their numbers. Legit carriers rarely ask for deposits over $150. If someone’s demanding more upfront, that’s your first red flag.
| Warning Sign | What’s Normal | Red Flag Territory |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Amount | $100-150 | Anything over $200 |
| Price vs Market | Within 20% of average | 30%+ below average |
| Insurance Coverage | $100k cargo coverage | Under $500,000 |
| Broker Fee | $50-150 | Hidden or over $200 |
Hidden Cost Structures Commonly Used
Your car transport estimate might look great at first glance. But sneaky companies love hiding extra charges in the fine print. Fuel surcharges should be clear from the start - not sprung on you later.
Terminal fees can add up quickly. Some places charge $25 per day if you’re late for pickup. Weekend pickups? That can be an extra $50. And don’t get us started on those last-minute “expedited service” fees that magically appear.
Contract Red Flags
Before using any car transport cost calculator, read that contract carefully. Vague delivery windows are a huge no-no.
Good car shipping companies give you specific dates, not “sometime next month.” Watch out for damage claim procedures that make you jump through hoops.
Website Appearance
A company’s website can tell you a lot.
If it looks like it hasn’t been updated since 1999, run.
No USDOT number displayed? That’s a major red flag.
Check for these basics, too:
- A secure website (look for HTTPS in the search bar right before ‘www’ or website address, not HTTP)
- Clear contact information with an actual address
- Working live chat (not just a fake button)
- Professional design without spelling errors
- Google Maps showing their actual location
Remember, if someone offers prices that seem too good to believe, they probably are. A trustworthy car service won’t try hiding its real costs. Take time to verify everything—your vehicle’s worth it.
Here’s When Higher Car Transportation Quotes Are Justified
While hunting for car transportation services from state to state, you might wonder why some quotes are higher than others. Sometimes, those premium prices save you money and headaches in the long run. Let’s break down when spending more makes sense.
Premium Services Worth the Extra Cost
Skip those car transport cheap options when you need real peace of mind. A solid car transportation quote might cost more because it includes services that actually matter. Think about getting your car picked up exactly when promised, not “sometime next week.”
Your car transport estimate might jump significantly in certain situations. Use a car transport cost calculator as a starting point, but remember these exceptional cases need extra care.
Classic/Luxury Vehicles
Got a sweet ride worth more than a house? Regular transport won’t cut it. You’ll need enclosed carriers with air-ride suspension. That Ferrari deserves climate control and extra insurance coverage.
Remote Locations
Living off the beaten path means paying more for service. Carriers burn extra fuel reaching you, and fewer companies serve remote areas. But good companies make it worth the cost.
Time-Sensitive Deliveries
Need that car by a specific date? Premium services guarantee delivery windows. You’re paying for priority treatment and dedicated transport options that won’t leave you hanging.
Non-Running Vehicles
Dead cars require special equipment to load and unload, such as winches, forklifts, and extra labor. These services cost more because they require specialized skills and tools.
Multiple Vehicle Transport
Moving multiple cars? Premium services often make sense here. You’ll get better fleet rates, coordinated pickups, and package deals on insurance. Plus, they’ll handle all the scheduling headaches.
Remember, “premium” doesn’t always mean “overpriced.” When you need specialized handling or guaranteed service, paying more often means getting exactly what you need. The key is knowing when these extras actually matter for your situation.
5 Smart Ways to Save Money on Car Transportation Services From State To State
Looking to get car transport cheap without sacrificing quality? Smart planning can slash your costs significantly. Here’s how savvy customers save big when shipping their rides.
Advance Booking Benefits
Your car transport estimate can drop just by planning ahead. Book 2-3 weeks early, and you’re looking at saving 5-10% right off the bat. A car transportation quote during winter months could save you another 25% compared to peak summer rates.
Route Planning
Before you hit that car transport cost calculator, consider your location. Living near major highways? That’s an easy $100-200 saved. Terminal-to-terminal shipping might feel less convenient, but it’ll knock 15-20% off your bill.
Open Transport Options
Regular open car carriers offer the best baseline rates. Want extra protection? Top-load placement costs just $50-100 more but keeps your ride safe from drips. Multi-car carriers often cut better deals, too.
Backhaul Opportunities
Here’s an insider tip: carriers hate empty return trips. If you’re flexible with dates, you could save 10-20% by catching a truck heading back to its home base.
Multiple Car Shipping
Social media’s your friend here. Local Facebook groups and forums often have people shipping to the same places. Team up, and you could both save serious cash by sharing a carrier.
Remember, the key to saving isn’t just finding the lowest quote—it’s being smart about when and how you ship. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping more money in your pocket.
Do Car Transport Cost Calculators Offer Accurate Estimates?
You’ll probably use a car transport cost calculator when searching for car transportation services from state to state. But here’s the deal - these tools aren’t perfect, and that’s totally okay.
Think of your car transport estimate like checking the weather forecast a month ahead - it gives you a good idea, but don’t bet your house on it. These calculators provide solid baseline numbers to start your planning.
The calculator might show you one price, but real-world factors could swing it either way. Maybe there’s a major storm coming through your route, or gas prices just jumped. These things happen.
When you get a car transportation quote from actual companies’ agents, you’ll notice some differences from the calculator. That’s because they’re factoring in current conditions - like whether it’s peak moving season or if there’s high demand on your route.
The good news? These real-world adjustments are usually not deal-breakers. In most cases, we’re talking about variations of 5-15%, not double or triple the calculator’s estimate. That’s totally manageable if you plan ahead and are budget-savvy.
Pro tip: Use the calculator as your starting point, then add a 15-20% buffer to your budget. That way, you won’t get caught off guard if prices are running high when you’re ready to book.
Easy Auto Ship Offers The Right Balance of Affordability and Value For Money:
After being in the auto shipping industry for over a decade (since 2013), Easy Auto Ship has learned that the key to offering customers top value is not cutting corners. Therefore, our price is a combination of the best possible service and the lowest possible quote for the value.
We offer WYSIWYG pricing, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Call us today at (888) 687-3243 for free car transportation quotes, or use our free car transport cost calculator to find the shipping prices in minutes.
