Moving your vehicle long distances can be a hassle, which is why many people opt for door to door car transport services. In this article, we will explore the average costs, factors that influence pricing and tips to get the best deal on door to door car transport.
Cost Factors that Impact Pricing
- Distance: Distance is one of the biggest determinants of cost. The farther the transport, the higher the price will be. Short distance moves under 500 miles typically cost less than long distance moves over 1500 miles.
- Vehicle Size: Bigger vehicles like trucks and SUVs take up more space in the carrier and thus cost more to transport. Compact and mid-sized cars are cheaper options.
- Time of Year: Summer is peak moving season so demand is higher, leading to slightly inflated prices. Spring and fall generally offer better rates. Winter months see the lowest demand and pricing.
- Delivery Time: Choosing expedited delivery within 3-5 days costs more than standard 7-10 day delivery. Need it delivered even quicker? Overnight or 2-day delivery comes at a premium.
- Special Equipment: Cars with special hitches, lifts or extras may incur surcharges to accommodate them safely during transport.
- Origin/Destination Locations: Transporting to/from remote rural areas costs more than major city to city relocation. Mountainous or difficult terrain also drives up prices.
With these factors in mind, let’s dive deeper into average door to door car transport pricing expectations.
Average Door to Door Car Transport Costs
- Less than 500 miles: $600-1200
- 500-1000 miles: $800-1800
- 1000-1500 miles: $1200-2500
- 1500-2000 miles: $1600-3000
- Over 2000 miles: $2000-3500
While this gives a ballpark, there can be variance of +/− $500 depending on specific details. Let’s break these ranges down further:
- Compact car, <500 miles: $600-900
- Mid-size, 500-1000 miles: $800-1400
- SUV, 1000-1500 miles: $1400-2200
- Truck, 1500-2000 miles: $1800-2800
- Exotic car, >2000 miles: $2500-3500
Keep in mind door to door refers to loading/unloading at your home/destination. Terminal to terminal rates without the extra handling are marginally cheaper.
How to Find Affordable Door to Door Car Transport Quotes
Getting competitive quotes from 3-5 reputable companies is key to finding an affordable carrier. Here are some tips:
- Search online transport directories for local & national companies
- Read reviews and check the company’s credentials/insurances
- Ask for all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees
- Negotiate discounts for multi-vehicle transport
- Consider unloading yourself to save on fees
- Check for military, student or AARP member discounts
- Book in off-peak seasons for lower rates
Be wary of extremely low quotes that may not include critical coverage you need. Opt for full replacement value coverage if valuable.
How Long Does Door to Door Car Transport Take?
- Standard 7-10 business day delivery: Most common option with consistent weekly scheduled routes.
- Expedited 3-5 day delivery: 25-50% premium but get your car 1-2 weeks sooner.
- 2 day/overnight delivery: Nearly double standard rates but your car in 2 days max.
- Terminal-to-terminal is slightly faster as no home deliveries are involved.
Proper planning and communication allows staying on schedule. Factors beyond carriers’ control like weather, traffic or customs can affect timing slightly
Tips For Ensuring a Smooth Transport Experience
To avoid issues and retain your security deposit, here are some tips for a seamless experience:
- Remove all valuables from the vehicle and leave only a 1/4 tank of gas
- Provide thorough vehicle details and contact instructions in writing
- Take pictures of your car’s condition before and after transport
- Inspect for any damages as soon as it’s delivered and note them
- Understand the claims process clearly upfront just in case
- Consider installing a GPS tracker for added piece of mind
- Communicate proactively and address issues right away
- Leave positive reviews for good service you receive
In conclusion, with some research and planning, door to door car transport provides a hassle-free solution to relocating your vehicle long distances. Factoring in all options allows budgeting accurately and choosing the right carrier makes for a smooth experience. Let me know if you need any other automotive transportation tips!
