A Guide to Enclosed Car Transport Cost Per Mile

You're looking to ship your beloved car, and you're looking into enclosed transport. You recognize all the benefits it has over traditional open transport, and you think it might be a worthwhile expense. But what is the enclosed car transport cost per mile?

Today we're diving into this topic, including the many variables that affect the price. That way you'll get a better sense of what the move might cost you!

Understanding Enclosed Car Transport

When shipping your vehicle over a long distance, choosing the right transport is important. Enclosed car transport is one option that offers a lot of benefits.

This method uses a fully covered trailer to move your car. The trailer shields your car from weather, dirt, and anything else that might happen on the road. It's like giving your car a safe room while it travels.

People choose enclosed transport for a variety of reasons. First, it provides top-notch protection for long-distance shipping. Whether it's a classic car, a luxury vehicle, or just a car you care deeply about, keeping it safe is a priority.

Enclosed transport helps prevent any potential harm to your car during its journey.

Second, this option offers privacy. Your vehicle is not visible to others while it's being moved. This is especially useful for high-value cars that you might not want everyone to see.

If you have a very valuable car, a classic model, or simply one that you want extra care for, this is the way to go. The cost might be higher than other methods, but the peace of mind and the level of protection it offers are often worth the extra expense.

Factors Influencing Enclosed Car Transport Costs

One of the biggest factors is how far your car needs to go. Generally, the longer the distance, the higher the overall cost.

But the cost per mile might decrease for longer trips. This means that shipping your car across the country might not be as costly per mile as shipping it to a neighboring state, but the total cost will be higher.

The kind of vehicle you're shipping plays a big part in determining the price. Larger cars take up more space in the transport trailer and heavier vehicles add more weight. Both of these factors can increase the price.

So, a compact car will usually be cheaper to ship than a large SUV.

Seasonality and Its Effect on Shipping Quotes

The time of year can also change the cost of shipping. Demand for car shipping services goes up and down. It's often higher in the summer and lower in the winter.

When more people want to ship their cars, prices go up. Planning your car shipment during a less busy time can help you get a better rate.

Pickup and Delivery Locations

Where your car is being picked up from and delivered to can affect the price. If your car is in a major city along common shipping routes, it might cost less to ship because it's easier for transport companies to arrange.

But if your car needs to be picked up or delivered to a remote location, it might cost more. This is because the transporter has to go out of its way, which adds to the distance and the cost.

Enclosed Car Transport Cost Per Mile

Figuring out the cost per mile for shipping your car in an enclosed trailer involves a few key steps. Companies usually start with a base rate and then add charges based on how far the vehicle will travel. This might sound straightforward, but there's a bit more to it when you look closer.

The base rate is what you pay for the service before adding the distance your car needs to go. This rate covers the basic costs of operating the transport service.

After the base rate, the company adds a charge for each mile the vehicle is shipped. However, this per-mile rate can change.

It often gets lower as the distance increases. This means that while shipping your car a longer distance costs more in total, the amount you pay per mile can drop.

Short-distance shipments have a higher cost per mile compared to long-distance ones. This is because the transport company still needs to cover its basic costs, like the driver's time and fuel, even for short trips.

These fixed costs make short trips seem more expensive when you break them down into a per-mile cost.

Shipping your car for a short distance, like 100 miles, might cost you $2 per mile, totaling $200. But if you're shipping your car 1000 miles, the cost per mile could drop to $1.50, making the total $1500.

While the total cost is higher for the longer trip, the cost per mile is less.

Getting Accurate Shipping Quotes

When you're ready to ship your car using an enclosed trailer, getting an accurate quote is an important step. This quote will tell you how much it's going to cost to get your vehicle from point A to point B safely.

To start, you'll need to provide some details about your car and the shipping details. These include the make and model of your car, where it's currently located, and where you want it to go.

Companies that offer enclosed car shipping will ask for this information to give you a quote. They use it to figure out how much space your car will take up and how much the trip will cost them. Then they give you a price.

It's important to mention that you want enclosed transport. This type of shipping is different from open transport, which is usually cheaper but doesn't offer the same level of protection for your car.

When you get your quotes, take the time to look at them closely. The cheapest option might not always be the best one.

Check what the quote includes. Does it cover insurance? Are there any extra fees that might pop up later?

Sometimes companies offer a low base rate but then add on fees for services you thought were included.

Additional Costs and Fees in Enclosed Car Transport

Insurance is a key part of shipping your car. It protects you in case something happens to your vehicle during transport.

Most companies include a basic level of insurance in their quote. But, it's often a good idea to check what it covers.

Sometimes, basic insurance might not cover everything. You might need to pay extra for more comprehensive coverage. This extra cost can be worth it, especially for high-value or classic cars.

Additional Services

Some services can make shipping your car easier or faster but add to the cost. Door-to-door shipping means the company picks up and delivers your car as close to your specified locations as possible.

It's more convenient than terminal-to-terminal shipping, where you have to take your car to a specific location.

Expedited shipping is another service where you pay extra to have your car shipped faster. These services are great but they'll also increase the total cost.

Hidden Fees

Hidden fees can catch you by surprise. Some companies might not include all costs in the initial quote.

For example, there could be fees for extra insurance, fuel surcharges, or for using certain pickup or delivery locations. To avoid these, ask the company to list all possible fees before you agree to the service.

Paying for Car Shipping

When it's time to pay for shipping your car, you have a few options. Each shipping company has its own way of handling payments, so it's good to know what to expect.

Many companies ask for a deposit when you book your shipment. This deposit goes toward the total cost of shipping your car.

The rest of the payment is usually due when your car is delivered. Some companies might allow you to pay the full amount upfront if you prefer.

This can be convenient, but make sure you're comfortable with the company and its services before paying everything in advance.

Methods of payment can vary. Most companies accept credit cards, which can offer you some protection and rewards. Others might also accept checks or cash.

If you're looking for ways to save money, ask if there are any discounts for certain payment methods. Some companies might charge less if you pay with cash or check instead of a credit card because it saves them processing fees.

Choosing the right payment option for you involves balancing convenience, cost, and your own financial situation. If paying the full amount upfront makes you uneasy, using a credit card can give you an extra layer of security.

Just be sure to check for any additional fees that might apply.

The Value of Enclosed Car Transport

Understanding the enclosed car transport cost per mile is vital for anyone looking to ship their vehicle safely and efficiently.

At Amerifreight, our goal is your complete satisfaction. We ensure that the carrier companies we present to you are compliant with the U.S. Department of Transportation, and are insured to cover your vehicle for possible damage during transport. And we offer customized car transport services at the best rate possible.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help you!