As we have posted about computing
car shipping costs , as recently as last week gas prices are up. When
gas prices are up the cost of
auto transport goes up because of the fuel costs to
auto carriers. However driving your car to its destination could cost you more. Lets calculate an example to compare auto transport costs. We will use a typical transport from Florida to New York in our example.
1.
Mileage distance calculated = 1,222
2. As of writing this post
average gas prices = $2.89
3. Lets use a small suv or sedan (small 8 cylinder = 21 hwy MPG)
4. Average tank of gas will get you 400 miles
Now, lets do the math figuring how many gallons of gasoline @ $2.89 it will cost Lets use 25 gallons per tank for examples sake. You would need to fill up 3.5x @ $58 per fill up = $252.87
in gas charges. Now incorporate 1 hotel room and food. We will call it $225 (for 2). Plus the 18 hours of your time in driving. The total = $477.87.
We will use an average of what
auto transport company charge for that particular route:
Lets use .55 cents per mile on a 11 car carrier = $611 bucks.
For a difference of $134, to have it professioanly transported.
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Auto Transport:
We are often asked how much to ship a car before we have all the proper information. Since there are several factors that will determine
auto transport rates their is no "instant answer". If there is be forwarned.
Factors that can effect auto shipping price our things like;
1. What are
gas prices like right now. (remember the majority of
auto transport is done by
auto carriers - trucks, not rail)
2. Do I need it shipped right away (express auto transport) or am I flexible. (
auto shippers and any
auto transport company charge an addtiional for this service)If flexible they can work into their
carriers schedule keeping the cost lower for you.
3. Will I be using an
enclosed auto transporter or
standard auto shipping? (enclosed trucks cover cars from possible damage more like weather and road debris.)
Keep all these factors in mind when transporting your vehicle and watch out for any prices that seem too low or "instant"
Are you shipping your car in the same state or looking for a nationwide auto transport company? There is a difference. In most states
auto transport brokers do not have the licenses or
proper operating authority to
move cars in the same state. In most cases consumers should look to a towing service or a wrecker service. Some larger states like
California and Texas or
Florida that may be costly and the rules may differ. (
canada movers to).
For out of interstate transports or cross country however contact an
car shipping service. Obviously its a lot cheaper and they do have the proper interstate authority to transport cars. Please also keep in mind the condition of the vehicle when requesting an auto transporter quote. Different equipment is needed for non operating or non rolling vehicles.
There are many grey areas in all contracts in all industries. In auto transport this is definitely one. @
Auto Transport & Car Shipping 101 we cannot stress enough to always read your contract and get all guarantees and promises in writing before making payment. You will save your self many headaches.
Remember in many cases the
auto transport company you book your transport outsourcing to an
auto carrier to actually
move the car. This can cause confusion and some instability sometimes. In some instances the driver may be delayed for many reasons which are out of the transport brokers control. Things like traffic,
weather, truck breakdowns and others. If you read your
bill of laiden and refund on deposit terms than you will know where you stand in order to get a refund and will have the option to use another auto transport company.
So again always read your contract, know the terms and
refund policies about shipping your vehicle!
