How much is Vehicle shipping Costs?
Get your vehicle shipping quote in seconds with Capstone Auto Trans—simply fill out the form to request your quote.
How much does vehicle shipping cost?
Vehicle shipping costs are not fixed and depend on several key factors such as the total distance, the size and weight of your vehicle, and the type of transport (Open or Enclosed) you choose. Generally, while longer routes have a higher total price, the cost per mile is more economical compared to shorter trips. Market demand and seasonal trends also play a role in final pricing. To ensure you get the most accurate and competitive rate for your specific move, we recommend requesting a customized quote. Our team analyzes current market data to provide you with an all-inclusive price that covers all transport fees and insurance, ensuring there are no hidden surprises.
What is Vehicle transport?
Vehicle transport is a specialized logistics service designed to move automobiles safely from one location to another using professional carriers. This service eliminates the need for long-distance driving, saving you time and preventing unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Depending on your needs, we offer two primary solutions:
Open-Air Transport: The most common and cost-effective method, where vehicles are transported on an open trailer. It is the standard choice for daily drivers and fleet vehicles.
Enclosed Transport: A premium service where your vehicle is carried in a fully protected, walled trailer. This shields the vehicle from weather, road debris, and dust—making it the ideal choice for luxury, classic, or high-value exotic vehicles.
While Enclosed transport provides a higher level of protection and typically involves a higher service fee, both methods are managed by expert carriers to ensure a safe and efficient delivery.
How do I get a Vehicle transport quote?
Getting an accurate quote with Capstone Auto Trans is fast and transparent. You can get an instant estimate through our website or by calling our advisors directly. To ensure we provide the most precise and all-inclusive price, please have the following details ready:
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: Zip codes are preferred for the most accurate routing.
- Vehicle Details: Year, Make, and Model (this helps us secure a carrier with the right trailer capacity).
- Operational Status: Please specify if the vehicle is Operable (runs/drives) or Inoperable (requires a winch for loading).
- Transport Method: Choose between Open-Air (standard) or Enclosed (premium protection).
- Available Date: Your earliest preferred date for the carrier to pick up the vehicle.
Note: All quotes are based on the information provided. Once you book, Capstone Auto Trans will finalize the dispatch details with the assigned carrier to ensure a smooth pickup
What factors are used to calculate cost of vehicle shipping?
Distance
Total distance is the primary factor in determining your vehicle shipping quote. While longer distances increase the overall price, they often provide a more economical cost per mile.
Route
Beyond distance, the specific route matters. High-traffic areas or routes through major highways generally allow for faster scheduling, as they are more accessible for carrier.
Shipping date
Our preferred date significantly impacts the cost. We recommend booking your vehicle shipment as far in advance as possible to secure the best available rates from our carriers.
Vehicle make & model
Exact specifications are required so the carrier can properly plan trailer space. This ensures there is enough height and side clearance to secure your vehicle safely during transit.
Auto transport type
You can choose between Open-Air transport, which is the most cost-effective and common method, or Enclosed transport, which provides extra protection from weather and road debris.
Vehicle condition
Running vehicles are easier to load and cost less. If your vehicle is inoperable but can still roll, steer, and brake, the carrier will use a winch and special equipment to load it.
Vehicle details
The specific dimensions of your vehicle, including its height, length, curb weight, and ground clearance, are used to calculate an accurate quote and ensure the right equipment is assigned.
Location
Metropolitan areas usually have a high density of available trucks, which can lead to more competitive pricing. For small towns or remote areas, we work hard to find the best possible deal with local carriers.
Seasonality
Shipping costs can change based on the time of year. For example, during peak "snowbird" seasons, demand for certain routes increases, which may impact the current market rate.
Auto transport insurance
Every assigned carrier is legally required by federal law to maintain active liability and cargo insurance. At Capstone Auto Trans, we only dispatch carriers who have a verified insurance policy on file.
What You Need to Know:
Primary Coverage: The carrier’s cargo insurance is the primary coverage for your vehicle during transit. Capstone Auto Trans, as a broker, does not provide direct insurance but verifies the carrier’s coverage limits prior to dispatch.
Coverage Limits: Standard Open Transport carriers typically provide $100,000 in cargo insurance, while Enclosed Transport carriers often provide up to $250,000.
Client’s Duty to Verify: We provide you with the carrier’s details (MC number) on your Dispatch Sheet. We strongly advise clients to ask the driver for their Certificate of Insurance (COI) at the time of pickup to verify the specific terms, such as:
- What is the maximum coverage limit?
- What is the deductible amount?
- Are there any exclusions (e.g., loose items inside the car)?
Direct Claims: In the event of an incident, all claims are filed directly with the carrier’s insurance company. Your signed Bill of Lading (BOL) is the primary document required to process these claims.