Shipping a 1949 Buick Super from Upstate New York to North Carolina

In our latest shipment, we had a 1949 Buick Super transferred from Lockport, NY to Lawndale, NC through an enclosed trailer transport service. In total, the automobile travelled 695 miles for a fee of $1,471.00, making $2.12 per mile.

Old automobiles have a number of things to take into consideration when it comes to loading and securing them, beyond those that need to be considered for modern cars. Our shipment serves as a perfect example.

The Route

The 1118 km journey from Lockport to Lawndale travels south from the western state of New York and down the Appalachian corridor. Haulers generally depart Lockport, north of Buffalo, close to the falls, then travel south towards Erie, Pennsylvania on I-79.

From there, the journey continues to travel south through West Virginia. This trip goes past Charleston before entering North Carolina along I-77. The last leg is a westward journey from the interstate to Lawndale, a small town in Cleveland County near Shelby, close to Charlotte.

The journey involves four states and a good deal of mountainous country in West Virginia, thus weather and grade become additional factors in time calculation, which wouldn’t have been the case in a more typical eastern coast route. The $2.12 per mile rate accounts for both the distance and special care taken by the hauler when transporting such an old vehicle.

Why a 1949 Buick Super Needs a Different Approach at Loading

The automobiles of that time carry narrower and higher tires than those produced over the past few decades. It is worth noting that the side walls of the tire of that age may be rated differently when compared to a contemporary radial. Carriers conduct an inspection of tires carefully before proceeding with the ramp loading of cars, as the bias-ply tires may break under pressure due to the strain of driving the car onto the truck.

Furthermore, there are differences between the structure of the frame and suspension in 1949 model and those in newer models, as solid axles and leaf springs are used instead of the current unibody and independent suspensions. It means that the carrier should use different spots for attaching a strap, as the frame of the older car has fewer anchor points than that of the modern car. The wheel straps, which are placed on the tire instead of the frame, are still used.

Why Enclosed Transport Suits a Car This Old

Chrome pieces, windows, and bodywork on a 1949 Buick Super are much more difficult to find than parts for any car made in the ’90s, because the company produced this model only for a couple of years before switching to another body design. The car is protected from road and weather hazards thanks to transportation by the enclosed truck throughout all 695 miles, which is crucial in the case of the antique vehicle.

Finally, the mountain route through West Virginia involves more variations in weather conditions than a coastal route. Therefore, the use of an enclosed truck helps to avoid precipitation and fluctuations in temperature.

Transport Summary

• Origin: Lockport, NY 14094

• Destination: Lawndale, NC 28090

• Distance: 695 miles

• Service cost: $1,471.00

• Cost per mile: $2.12

• Vehicle: 1949 Buick Super

• Trailer type: Enclosed

• Route: I-79 south through Erie, PA and West Virginia, then I-77 south into North Carolina
  
  
  

Shipping Two Vintage Harley-Davidson Electra Glides from Ohio to New Jersey

The latest shipment we did was that of two vintage Harley Davidson FLH 1200 Electra Glides from Crestline, Ohio to Linden, New Jersey on the same enclosed trailer. Both models were made in 1968 and 1980 respectively, having travelled 514 miles at $925.00 total, which makes it $1.80 per mile per motorcycle.Shipment of two motorcycles in one trip is fairly common in case both the motorcycles are being sent to the same destination. This is because, the cost of the trip, which forms the base rate is shared by two motorcycles.

This shipment provides an insight into how vintage motorcycles are transported.

The Route

The route is a 514 mile distance from Crestline to Linden and lies mainly through the northern interstates’ corridor. Motorcycles will be loaded in Crestline which is situated in north-central Ohio near Mansfield then travel east through the Ohio Turnpike.

The route will continue moving eastward through Pennsylvania in the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The destination will move south of Pittsburgh then make a turn towards Harrisburg and finally to Philadelphia region and end up crossing over to New Jersey through I-78 and ending up in Linden, Union County south of Newark.

This corridor is a busy freight route all throughout the year and therefore the two-motorcycle load in such a corridor should not wait for long to get a carrier. The $1.80 per mile price is based on the enclosed trailer plus the additional loading time of two vintage motorcycles instead of one.

Why Two Vintage Bikes Ship Well Together

The process of loading two motorcycles to one trailer will require less space compared to one car. This is another factor that ensures that the cost is kept low when putting them together. Every motorcycle has its own wheel chock and its own tie-down straps, which means that any change made to one does not affect the other.

Two different motorcycles of models from 1968 and 1980 can have different information concerning the construction of the frame, the position of the kickstand, and the point at which the frame can be tied up by the strap. The carrier takes note of every bike individually and does not assume that they secure in the same manner.

Why Motorcycle Tie-Down Differs from Car Securing

As motorcycles cannot support themselves like cars, tie-downs must serve other purposes as well. The front wheel must be positioned in a wheel chock that allows the wheel to be upright and prevents it from moving. Then, four-point strap system is used to secure the motorcycle where there are two straps coming forward from the handlebars or the triple tree and two from the rear of the frame.

Such a crossing strap system prevents the motorcycle from falling during transportation as the kickstand alone does not have such a capacity to stabilize the motorcycle against the vibration and the braking forces on highways. In addition, there should be some slack in the straps to allow movement in the front forks due to road vibrations as otherwise the seals might get damaged.

Why Enclosed Transport Fits Vintage Motorcycles

The chrome, paint, and trim of motorcycles produced in 1968 and 1980 are not as easily available for replacement as parts for a modern motorcycle, and thus enclosed transportation is the standard mode of transport for this type of shipment. With enclosed transportation, both bikes are kept away from any debris, water, and the dirt accumulated in open transportation through hundreds of miles.

In a case of a 514 mile journey spanning across three states, such care is more necessary compared to when transporting a motorcycle for only a few miles. Along with individual wheel chocks and tie-downs for each bike, enclosed transportation completes the process of transportation of two classic motorcycles as they were originally packed.

Transport Summary

• Origin: Crestline, OH 44827

• Destination: Linden, NJ 07036

• Distance: 514 miles

• Service cost: $925.00

• Cost per mile: $1.80

• Vehicles: 1968 Harley-Davidson FLH 1200 Electra Glide; 1980 Harley-Davidson FLH 1200 Electra Glide

• Trailer type: Enclosed

• Route: Ohio Turnpike east, Pennsylvania Turnpike through Harrisburg, I-78 into Linden
  
  
  

Shipping a 2015 7×16 Dump Trailer from North Carolina to New York

The latest shipment was a 2015 7×16 dump trailer, bumper pull, which was shipped from Wake Forest, North Carolina to East Islip, New York. The trailer was shipped 522 miles away at the price of $966.00. So the average price was $1.85 per mile.

This trailer was shipped in road worthy condition. It means that the tires, brakes, lights and coupler were all in good shape required to tow the trailer down the road. This example will show you the process of shipping towable equipment, such as a dump trailer, which differs from shipping passenger vehicles in some aspects.

The Route

The trucking route from Wake Forest to East Islip is basically covered by I-95. The trucks will leave near Raleigh and drive to the north through Virginia, passing Richmond and then Washington DC beltway.

From there, the way leads further north through Baltimore and Philadelphia and on I-95 all through New Jersey, entering NYC and continuing east on the Long Island Expressway to East Islip (located in Suffolk County).

As this is one of the busiest corridors on the eastern coast, looking for a trucking company that can cover such a freight delivery shouldn’t be difficult. $1.85/mile price takes into account the average length of the trip and the extra caution needed in hauling the equipment through NYC.

The walk-around that protects both sides of the deal

Before departure from Wake Forest, the trailer was videotaped by the driver on its entire circumference in one single pass without just taking some still shots. The recording passed the sides of the trailer, the back gate and its hinges, all of the tires on different axles, and even the coupling point, where the bumper pull hitch connects with the tow vehicle.

This sort of unbroken video is becoming the standard procedure when dealing with towable equipment as there will be no breaks between perspectives that you would see in stills. This type of walk-around recording takes place once again at the time of delivery, providing both parties with a before and after record for the distance between Wake Forest and East Islip – 522 miles.

Why a Bumper Pull Trailer Changes the Transport Method

Unlike sedans and trucks, a dump trailer such as this one is not loaded into a car carrier but is towed by the carrier’s tow vehicle itself. This method of transportation is known as tow-away transport.

Bumper pull means the attachment between the trailer and the tow vehicle. Bumper pulls use hitch balls located on the back of the tow vehicle, as opposed to goosenecks that have connections mounted in the bed of the truck over the rear axle. Bumper pulls are typical of utility and dump trailers of this size category because they are fast and do not require any special truck equipped with gooseneck trailer connector.

The carrier performs inspections of the coupler, safety chains, tires, and trailer brakes in order to ensure compliance with the roadworthy standards established for the particular shipment. A 7×16 dump trailer is one of the types of trailers that can be towed by an ordinary pickup truck without requiring a CDL because of its size category.

Why Roadworthy Condition Matters Here

The requirement for roadworthiness for a trailer is similar to the operable requirement for a car. The unit is capable of moving under its own power without requiring any lifting, pulling, or loading onto a deck.

This is important because an unroadworthy trailer cannot just be hitched up and towed by the carrier. Picture a flat tire, broken brakes, or a damaged coupler. It would require being moved using a flatbed or RGN trailer, thus increasing the price exponentially because this type of equipment is not as readily available as standard tow-away equipment.

Because this dump trailer was roadworthy, the carrier was able to hook up and transport the shipment as a hotshot, reducing the price to more normal levels for towing a light trailer 522 miles.

Transport Summary

• Origin: Wake Forest, NC 27587

• Destination: East Islip, NY 11730

• Distance: 522 miles

• Service cost: $966.00

• Cost per mile: $1.85

• Equipment: 2015 7×16 dump trailer, bumper pull

• Condition: Roadworthy

• Transport method: Tow-away

• Route: I-95 north through Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey, then east on the Long Island Expressway into Suffolk County

Shipping a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette C5 from Alabama to Michigan

Our last shipping job involved shipping a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette C5 from Rainbow City, Alabama to Waterford, Michigan. The car traveled 735 miles in an enclosed hard side trailer for $1,189.00, which amounts to an average price of $1.62 per mile.

The car shipped as operable, as in drivable and running well; however, this didn’t stop the carrier from loading the low-slung car with some special attention.

This is a classic example of how low clearance cars get transported in an enclosed trailer, especially when it is a vintage sports car that does not simply drive up onto a conventional loading ramp.

The Route

The journey from Rainbow City to Waterford is from northeastern Alabama all the way up through the heartland of the country to southeastern Michigan. The carriers begin their journey from Gadsden, which is near Interstate 59, and proceed to go north to Tennessee until Chattanooga.

From there, the journey normally continues north through Kentucky through I-75 corridor. After passing through Lexington and Cincinnati, they continue on to Ohio. The last part of the journey is through Dayton and Toledo until they reach Michigan at Waterford, which is a suburb of Detroit near Pontiac.

Since the entire journey takes place along interstates all the way through, the journey usually takes about two to three days. Both the starting point and destination are along busy freight corridors; therefore, there were no extra costs incurred due to remoteness of the locations.

Why the C5’s Low Clearance Changes the Loading Process

The Chevrolet Corvette C5, manufactured between 1997 and 2004, has a very low ground clearance due to the front air dam. The standard angle of a car hauler ramp is 14 to 18 degrees, which is too steep for a car that is designed to be this low.

To deal with the issue of the excessive height of the ramps, carriers of this type of vehicle employ approach ramps. They consist of smaller ramps installed in front of the standard ones to decrease the angle of loading to 6 to 10 degrees, which is enough to avoid contact with the front splitter of the vehicle.

The spotter remains outside the vehicle to help the wheels move and warn about approaching the front of the vehicle to the deck of the truck. It requires additional time to load a vehicle with such ground clearance compared to the standard one.

Why an Operable Vehicle Still Needed Special Handling

Operable status implies that the car should be able to move using its own power and normally results in a faster loading process because the car will drive straight into the trailer. However, while the car in question was operable, its clearance problem prevented it from using the conventional ramp system designed for most operable cars.

This is a common problem associated with vintage sports cars. The car can operate properly, however, the car’s body height causes it to require the same loading approach and assistance that would normally be provided when loading a non-operable car with lower clearance height. The car was then tied using four soft points on the wheels instead of using chains on the frame of the vehicle.

Enclosed Transport Fits This Shipment

The enclosures of the hard side trailers shield the automobiles from road dust, climatic conditions, and general wear-and-tear experienced by the automobiles on a long distance highway travel. In the case of a 1998 vehicle in its original state of painting and trimming, such form of transport becomes even more valuable due to the increasing difficulty of acquiring matching replacement parts.

Open transport is generally cheaper compared to enclosed transport as not as many vehicles can be transported on one trailer. In the case of low clearance vehicle and 735 mile journey, however, the protection offered becomes the key factor why owners opt for such mode of transport.

Transport Summary

• Origin: Rainbow City, AL 35906

• Destination: Waterford, MI 48327

• Distance: 735 miles

• Service cost: $1,189.00

• Cost per mile: $1.62

• Vehicle: 1998 Chevrolet Corvette C5

• Vehicle condition: Operable

• Trailer type: Enclosed, hard side

• Route: I-59 north through Tennessee, I-75 through Kentucky and Ohio, into southeastern Michigan

Shipping a 2023 Ford F-150 from Texas to New Jersey

The most recent relocation was a relocation of a 2023 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck from Houston, Texas to Woodstown, New Jersey. The two door truck was transported over 1,544 miles on an open trailer for $1,250.00. That is an average cost of $0.81 per mile.

The vehicle was shipped operable, which means that it is drivable and ran fine, so the vehicle was loaded under its own power.

Full-size pickups are one of the most common types of cars that are shipped via auto transport service. This gives us insight into how the price of such a transportation comes together and what affects the price. If you are moving a full-size pickup, this is a great example.

The Route

The route between Houston and Woodstown begins from the southern corridor and then continues north along the East Coast. Carriers begin their journey in Houston and travel eastward along I-10 corridor through the Gulf states. The carriers then travel through Beaumont, pass through Louisiana near Baton Rouge, and travel through Mississippi and Alabama near Mobile.

Once the carriers enter the Southeast region, the route turns northeast. Typically, carriers connect from the Gulf area to Atlanta and then take the I-85 corridor through the Carolinas and Virginia. After that, the carriers follow the path of I-95, which is the major road along the Eastern Seaboard, traveling north to Richmond, Washington, and Baltimore.

The last stretch ends in southwest New Jersey. Woodstown is located in Salem County and lies next to Delaware Memorial Bridge, which is situated at the intersection of I-295 and Route 40 below the Turnpike corridor. Because the route goes along major interstate highways all the way, the typical duration of transit for such a trip is four to six days. Moreover, the low-elevation southern route remains free of winter weather conditions.

Why Truck Size Affects the Cost

F-150 is a full-size truck and therefore the size and weight affect the shipping rate. The auto shipping rate is based on the amount of space taken by the automobile on the trailer and the full-size truck takes up more space length-wise and height-wise compared to a sedan. This is the reason for the number of automobiles the carrier can fit on one trailer.

The two-door F-150 truck is a heavy vehicle, and its height plays a significant role in increasing its fuel consumption during the long haul and in positioning the vehicle on the multi-level trailer. Both factors play a role in the quoted pickup rate by the carrier.

However, even with all the additional factors mentioned above, the $0.81/mile rate is still a competitive one, considering that it is a long-distance pickup and therefore the distance affects the auto shipping cost positively. Short hauls cost more per mile compared to long ones since the fixed expenses get divided among many miles. Both locations have access to the freight network, and therefore there was no remote area charge.

Why an Operable Vehicle Ships Easily

It arrived in operable condition, meaning it is capable of moving without any help from an external source. It matters because it influences how the carrier loads the vehicle. An operable vehicle is loaded in drive-on manner, which makes it possible to load a truck within minutes and without any equipment at all.

An inoperable vehicle is a vehicle that is not able to move by itself. These types of trucks have to be loaded with the use of a winch, which takes additional time. Carriers may require a higher price for inoperable vehicles due to the fact that loading such vehicles takes longer and requires equipment that not all carriers have. Operability keeps the process easy and the price low.

In case of a 2023 F-150 in running condition, operable condition is obvious.

Why Open Transport Works Well for This Shipment

It is customary to choose open transport for shipping any vehicle, and this case is no exception. The truck will travel via an open multi-car hauler. It is the same type of trailer that one can observe on the highway carrying vehicles from one destination to another. Several vehicles share one trailer, which leads to splitting the cost of shipping and making it cheaper than enclosed transportation.

The downside is that such transport provides no protection during shipping, which means that the vehicle will be exposed to all the elements while traveling. But in the case of a pickup that is designed for everyday road use, it does not matter much. This is the reason why open transportation is utilized for the majority of trucks shipped from one location to another.

There is a lot of sense in using open transport for shipping a 2023 F-150. A truck is made for being driven, and the open transport will expose the vehicle to a lot less during shipping than driving for 1,544 miles.

Transport Summary

• Origin: Houston, TX 77041

• Destination: Woodstown, NJ 08098

• Distance: 1,544 miles

• Service Cost: $1,250.00

• Cost Per Mile: $0.81

• Vehicle: 2023 Ford F-150 (2-door pickup)

• Vehicle Condition: Operable

• Trailer Type: Open

• Route: I-10 east through the Gulf states, northeast through Atlanta, I-95 north into southwest New Jersey

Shipping an Inoperable 2023 Tesla Model 3 from California to Texas

We have just shipped a 2023 Tesla Model 3 from Santa Ana, CA, to Dallas, TX. This electric sedan has covered 1,433 miles on an open trailer. Everything cost us $1,250.00, or $0.87 per mile. There is one particular feature that defined the whole shipping process; Tesla is not operable and could not be transported in any other way except being towed by a winch.

It is a combination of two aspects that make the transportation of a non-operable EV require some special attention and planning. The described shipping experience will help you to get an understanding of how the pricing and additional procedures are applied to this kind of shipment.

The Route

The shipping path from Santa Ana to Dallas largely takes the Southern Route. The carrier picks up from Santa Ana, Orange County and connects onto I-10 East out of the Los Angeles region. The Southern Route moves through the desert Southwest from California to Arizona, passing by Phoenix and Tucson, before going further into the state of New Mexico, close to Las Cruces.

The route uses a different highway in West Texas. Once I-10 enters Texas at the El Paso area, the carriers move onto I-20 northeast, which takes the cargo closer to the Dallas/Fort Worth region. This interstate transports the cargo through Midland, Abilene and into Dallas. Thus, the truck reaches the destination point through the direct freight corridor.

As the Southern Route is at a lower elevation, it avoids much of the bad weather experienced by the Northern Routes during winter time. The transit time for this route ranges from three to five days. I-10 and I-20 freight corridors attract a lot of freight traffic, thus carriers are readily available on this route throughout the year.

Why Inoperable Vehicles Cost More to Ship

The fact that the Tesla is shipped as inoperable makes it non-starting, driving, or rolling. It is important to note that this factor impacts the way in which the vehicle is loaded and influences the cost. Inoperable cars cannot be loaded by driving them up on the trailer; therefore, a winch needs to be used for loading an inoperable car.

Some carriers might not accept inoperable cars due to the winching procedure requiring specific equipment and a driver with necessary experience in performing such operations. These factors make inoperable vehicles harder to transport than operable ones, which explains why the cost is higher in this case. The quoted price of $0.87 per mile is the rate for this particular type of shipment.

For the process of winching to be successful, the carrier needs to be aware of the actual condition of the vehicle prior to the shipment. Inoperable cars that still roll and steer are much easier to load than cars with locked wheels or a stuck brake system.

What Makes an Inoperable Tesla Different

An electric car that is inoperable involves the addition of yet another aspect of handling apart from a conventional gas-powered vehicle that doesn’t start. For example, the failure of a Tesla to power on requires unique procedures to tow it as Tesla automobiles depend on electronic means of engaging gears, locking the steering and activating the parking brake.

However, Tesla has a transportation mode feature specifically meant for such an eventuality though it requires a bit of power in the battery to work. If there is sufficient power in the vehicle, transport mode will automatically release the parking brake and allow wheels to be winched. In case of a completely discharged battery, the transport vehicle may require wheel dolly or skate placement under wheels.

There are some aspects one should consider while transporting an inoperable Tesla. Inform the carrier about the condition of the vehicle, such as its power supply and whether the wheels turn easily. Clarify whether transport mode is available since it will affect the way the vehicle is loaded onto the trailer. Also, give all the necessary cards the driver might need to handle the vehicle during loading and unloading. In addition, be prepared for the loading process to take more time than the regular drive-on loading.

If the carrier is aware of all the aspects in advance, an inoperable Tesla can be loaded safely despite the additional procedures.

Why Open Transport Still Fits

As even an inoperable EV, the Model 3 was transported using an open trailer that remains a popular choice for this type of transport. Once the car is hoisted onto the trailer and secured, it is transported in the same manner as any other car that uses an open trailer. The advantage of an open trailer is that it allows for multiple vehicles to be hauled simultaneously, keeping the total cost low.

The downside of this choice of equipment is the lack of protection from precipitation, road dust, and other potential hazards while in transit due to an uncovered deck. While the risk of exposing a vehicle that needs to get to either a repair shop or a purchaser is rather small compared to the expenses of an enclosed haul, the former remains a preferred method of transporting the bulk of cars across the country, both operable and inoperable.

The condition of the vehicle affected the loading procedure and the price but not the equipment choice.

Transport Summary

• Origin: Santa Ana, CA 92704

• Destination: Dallas, TX 75219

• Distance: 1,433 miles

• Service Cost: $1,250.00

• Cost Per Mile: $0.87

• Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model 3

• Vehicle Condition: Inoperable

• Trailer Type: Open

• Route: I-10 east through Phoenix and El Paso, then I-20 northeast into Dallas

Shipping a 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross from Arizona to Florida

Our recent delivery was a 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross that we shipped from Glendale, AZ to Pensacola, FL. The small crossover covered 1,732 miles in an open trailer. Our total was $1,403.00, or roughly $0.81 per mile. It shipped in operable condition, which means that it is running and driveable, and so it simply drove itself onto the trailer.

A long-distance move through the southern states operates on one of the most reliable routes in the US. So this is a good example of how much a trip between Arizona and Florida would cost and why.

The Route

The Glendale to Pensacola delivery is almost all along the southern transcontinental corridor. The transporter starts off in Glendale, which is located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and heads south to connect with I-10. This is the primary route running east-to-west across the southern United States. Then the transporter travels along this interstate route for the majority of the haul.

The delivery crosses the desert Southwest region from Tucson all the way to New Mexico and to the long Texas route passing through El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston. After Texas, the delivery moves through Louisiana near New Orleans and Mississippi and Alabama near Mobile and eventually reaches the Florida Panhandle. Since Pensacola is located directly on I-10, the transporter finishes at its destination without ever leaving the transcontinental corridor.

Since the I-10 route stays at a low altitude across the southern states, the transport delivery can avoid the mountains’ weather conditions affecting other northern routes. Transfers of hauls this distance generally take four to six days since the transporter takes a consistent interstate drive while stopping periodically.

Why an Operable Vehicle Ships Easily

The Corolla Cross was delivered operable, meaning it had the capacity to run, steer, and brake on its own. This is important information, since it impacts how the carrier will deliver the vehicle. A vehicle that is operable will be driven onto the trailer by itself, making loading quick and easy.

In comparison, an inoperable vehicle lacks the ability to be moved on its own and requires winching to move the car onto the trailer, requiring additional time and resources. Inoperable cars tend to be more expensive to transport since they require special equipment to be moved and cannot be transported using quick drive-on procedures.

For this shipment, the operable status of the new 2025 Corolla Cross was a certainty. As a current model compact crossover that is functioning properly, this was a normal drive-on load for the carrier.

Why Long-Distance Shipping Costs Less Per Mile

It is important to note that this price per mile of $0.81 for the current shipment is an illustration of auto transport pricing in relation to distance. While the long-distance shipment costs higher in total, its cost per mile is lower compared to short-distance shipments since the cost per mile is spread over more miles.

While a short shipment of 300 miles could be priced at about $1.00 per mile or even higher, 1,732-mile shipment is priced at about $0.81 per mile. This particular shipment benefits from the fact that the driver is covering consistent interstate miles using a well-known I-10 route, making it easier to load the trailer and keeping the cost competitive. In addition, the volume of cargo originating from Phoenix metro area also contributes to efficient pricing in this lane.

The size of the car being moved also adds to this benefit since being a compact crossover, it does not require additional deck space. The Pensacola metro area is considered a medium-sized metro area, so there were no remote area fees charged.

Open Transport

The typical method of transport is known as open transport, and it worked well with this Corolla Cross. The car travels via an open multi-car transporter trailer. This is the same type of trailer seen moving cars around the highway each day. The trailers have multiple cars on them, and thus the cost is split between them all.

The downside is that they are exposed to the elements. While being shipped, they will be exposed to the rain, dust from the road, and other objects due to the lack of coverage on the trailer. This really does not affect too many people because the cost of protection would outweigh the amount of time being exposed.

When it comes to shipping an all-new 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross as a commuter vehicle, open shipping is just what the doctor ordered. In other words, since this particular car is made for driving on public roads, it will be subjected to much less stress through open shipping than it would through the 1,732 miles driven.

Transport Summary

• Origin: Glendale, AZ 85302

• Destination: Pensacola, FL 32508

• Distance: 1,732 miles

• Service Cost: $1,403.00

• Cost Per Mile: $0.81

• Vehicle: 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross

• Vehicle Condition: Operable

• Trailer Type: Open

• Route: South to I-10, then east through Texas and the Gulf states into Pensacola

Shipping a 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport from California to Maryland

Recently, we transported a 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport from Arcadia, CA to Baltimore, MD. This luxury SUV covered a distance of 2,635 miles via an open trailer transport. The total cost of this move came to $2,270.00, which comes to $0.86/mile. In comparison to a compact sedan, the cost is higher due to the fact that the luxury SUV is a bigger vehicle compared to other cars.

Coast-to-coast transport is one of the longest domestic transports in the auto shipping industry. Hence, through this move, it becomes clear how the cost of a cross-country transport will be calculated for a bigger vehicle. This can provide an idea for anyone who is planning on moving between two opposite ends of the country.

The Route

Arcadia to Baltimore transportation is based on the typical west-east connection that involves two main interstates. Generally, the carriers start traveling from the LA area towards the east, taking the I-40 route near Barstow. It runs from the desert southwest via Flagstaff, Albuquerque, and Amarillo. It is one of the most traveled routes for freight transportation.

Once the carriers are in the central part of the United States, the direction of travel becomes northeast. At first, they take the I-40 interstate to Oklahoma, and then connect via Missouri to the St. Louis area and then continue along the I-70. This interstate covers the remaining distance to Baltimore via Indianapolis, Columbus, and through the Appalachians.

As it takes more than 2,600 miles to go from west to east along the described route and the route passes through quite diverse terrain, it takes around six to eight days to complete such transportation. The I-40 route is available all year round under any weather conditions, except for Flagstaff area and Appalachians stretch of I-70 during winter period.

Why Vehicle Size Affects the Cost

This is why the price tag of $2,270 for this run is as high as it is; auto transport rates are determined by the size and weight of the vehicle to be transported just as much as by the distance. A mid-size luxury SUV takes up more deck space and weighs more than a normal car, which makes transporting it more expensive on the same route.

Large vehicles influence the carrier’s load capacity in two aspects; they occupy the deck space where other vehicles could have been loaded, and their weight will consume more fuel over the long-haul distance. This factor is included in the rate when calculating the transportation of any vehicle over a distance greater than 2,600 miles.

All things considered, the cost per mile ($0.86/mile) for transporting this vehicle is still quite reasonable for a cross-country trip for such a vehicle. Longer distances tend to cost less per mile than shorter distances since the fixed cost is divided among many miles of travel. Thus, transporting a mid-size luxury SUV across the country is still a moderate charge and not a premium one. Neither Baltimore nor Arcadia in LA are remote areas.

Open Transport

Open transport is the most common type of vehicle transportation, and it proved to be appropriate for this Discovery Sport. Open multi-car transporter will be used to ship the SUV. This vehicle transporter is exactly the one that you usually see on the roads while driving along the highways transporting cars. Several vehicles can fit into this transporter, thus making the price per each smaller.

But one should take into account that there is risk involved in such kind of transportations because all the automobiles in the transporter will get exposed to rain, dust from the road and other elements of the weather. But this is not the case for most vehicles because the price for enclosed transport is too high for this short exposure period.

Open transport is used for the majority of cars and SUVs transported across the country every year. There are more disadvantages than advantages of using open transport for a 2016 Discovery Sport. SUV is intended to drive on the roads, thus being transported across the country using open transporter will expose the vehicle to much less damage than driving it for 2,635 miles.

Transport Summary

• Origin: Arcadia, CA 91006

• Destination: Baltimore, MD 21205

• Vehicle: 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport

• Distance: 2,635 miles

• Service Cost: $2,270.00

• Cost Per Mile: $0.86

• Trailer Type: Open

• Route: I-40 east across the Southwest, up to St. Louis, then I-70 east into Baltimore

Shipping a 2024 Moto Guzzi V7 Special from Florida to Virginia

The latest transportation involved the shipping of a 2024 Moto Guzzi V7 Special from Melbourne, Florida to Henrico, Virginia for a distance of 787 miles at a total cost of $785.00 or roughly $1.00 per mile. The shipment of motorcycles differs from that of cars in several aspects. This is a typical case of how a middle-range motorcycle shipment can be done and what will ensure its protection through the journey.

Motorcycle transport should always be done using enclosed trailers as the bikes lack any exterior body panels to protect the frame, gas tank, and finish from damage due to the road. To motorcycle owners who want to ship their bikes, this should serve as a good reference point.

The Route

The route from Melbourne to Henrico passes through one of the straightest routes on the east coast. The carrier collects the freight in Melbourne, on the Space Coast of Florida, and moves on the north direction of I-95 highway. As mentioned above, I-95 is the major route along the eastern seaboard, so there is always a good availability of carriers.

The route goes in the northern direction from Jacksonville through the state border crossing, Georgia, Savannah, South Carolina, North Carolina, and ends in Henrico, which is located right beside Richmond on I-95. In addition, due to the straightness of this route, the shipment does not experience delays because there is no complicated connection point between routes.

As the route of I-95 is situated at lower elevations of the southeast region, it avoids the mountain climatic conditions. Usually, the shipment takes two to three days to transit this distance; however, motorcycles often need some extra time due to coordination by the carrier.

Enclosed Transport

Motorcycles travel by enclosed trailers much more frequently compared to cars since the risk of exposure is higher. The motorcycle lacks doors, a roof and other body parts to protect the components from all kinds of elements, and therefore they are exposed to any and everything from the road. Enclosed trailers create an entirely enclosed area where nothing like rain, debris and dust would affect the paint during transportation.

The $1.00 charge per mile is a reflection of enclosed trailer service on an intermediate-length ride. Motorcycle transportation is cheaper overall compared to automobile shipping since motorcycles take up less space. However, the mileage charge is usually higher than that of open car transportation since the motorcycle requires special handling. In case of 787 miles delivery of a motorcycle, $785 is a reasonable price.

Moto Guzzi V7 Special motorcycle is the machine, which deserves such kind of shipping since it is an attractive one and has Italian style along with chrome parts and painted gas tank.

How a Motorcycle Gets Loaded and Secured

Shipping a motorcycle requires greater caution compared to loading a car onto a trailer, because a bike cannot maintain balance on its own. Loading the motorcycle onto the enclosed trailer involves the carrier walking the bike up a ramp and standing the bike upright. Most carriers use the wheel chock which locks the front wheel of the bike.

However, securitization is where there are major differences between shipping motorcycles and cars. The motorcycle will require soft straps that should be placed in many spots so that the tie-down straps can grip onto the rigid frame of the bike and not its vulnerable parts. The compression of the suspension system ensures that the motorcycle maintains stability in case the bike is able to move due to bouncing of the springs.

There are a number of precautions to take when shipping your motorcycle enclosed. Firstly, place the front wheel chock in order to help support and balance the bike during loading and transportation. Place the soft straps on the firm points on the motorcycle frame and not the bars and mirrors. Place some tension on the front wheel of the motorcycle using the tie-down straps in order to compress the suspension.

If there is an accurate alignment of the loading and securing process, then an enclosed motorcycle transport reaches its destination without any changes in form from the origin point.

Transport Summary

• Origin: Melbourne, FL 32904

• Destination: Henrico, VA 23229

• Distance: 787 miles

• Service Cost: $785.00

• Vehicle: 2024 Moto Guzzi V7 Special

• Trailer Type: Enclosed

• Route: I-95 north through Jacksonville, Savannah, and the Carolinas into Henrico
  
  
  

Shipping a 2023 Honda HR-V from KY to AZ

A recent transport saw a 2023 Honda HR-V transported from Lexington, Kentucky, to Phoenix, Arizona. It took the compact SUV on an open truck for 1,796 miles costing a total of $1,250.00. This means that the price per mile was about $0.70. The price is fairly efficient for a long-distance delivery because the costs of delivering goods across states are usually spread over more miles than those of short distance.

One of the most common cross-state transports in the US is that which takes place through the I-40 corridor. Through this transport, you can get an idea of how much it costs to transport items between these states and the factors that influence that price. Here’s how the whole process looks like.

The Route

The route from Lexington to Phoenix is based on the Interstate 40 route, one of the major north-south routes in the country. Shippers tend to go in a westerly direction towards Nashville and the Midwest. They will then connect through Missouri and Oklahoma and get to the I-40 route somewhere around Oklahoma City. After that they will travel west on the long Interstate 40 route from Amarillo, New Mexico, to Albuquerque and then through Arizona.

The last leg will take them south to Phoenix. The I-40 will be going through Flagstaff and then the carriers switch to the I-17 and take the road south through the mountains down to the Valley of the Sun, where Phoenix is located. There will be quite an elevation change, since Flagstaff is at a fairly high elevation and Phoenix is down in the lowlands.

Transit time on this route will usually be four to six days, because all the highways are major interstates that are open year round. However, the fact that the end point is at the elevation change and the weather can affect the I-40 route in winter should be taken into account.

Why Long-Distance Shipping Costs Less Per Mile

At a price of $0.70 for each mile on this trip, it shows that auto transport pricing depends on the distance of the run. While long runs cost higher overall, shorter ones cost more per mile because fixed costs such as loading time and routing get spread out over many miles.

Short-distance transportation, for example 300 miles, can cost over $1.00 per mile, whereas a long-distance one like the present case, at 1,796 miles, comes in at about $0.70. This is due to the fact that there is an interstate journey that is easy to load with many trailers, keeping the cost low. Both the pickup point, Lexington, and the drop-off location, Phoenix, are located near or within urban areas, hence no remote area fee was charged.

Another reason is the smaller size of the HR-V. Being a compact-sized vehicle means that it fits on the open hauler well without using any extra deck space.

Open Transport

Open transportation is the default option when it comes to the transportation of vehicles, and it is perfect for Honda HR-V in particular. The vehicle will be transported in an open multi-car trailer, which is the type that we see transporting cars on the highways on a daily basis. Open multi-car trailers can load up to nine or ten cars at once, spreading out the expenses and making them lower than those of enclosed vehicles.

However, such transportation means some exposure to elements on the way since cars are not protected and exposed to any weather conditions like rain or road debris while sitting on an open deck. However, this is not really much of an issue for most cars since the exposure is minimal compared to the cost of enclosed transportation.

For a 2023 Honda HR-V that will be driven around everyday, it makes logical sense that open transport should be utilized. The SUV is designed for normal road driving, which means that by transporting it across the country through open transport, it gets exposed to far less than what it would experience while driving the 1,796 miles.

Transport Summary

• Origin: Lexington, KY 40504

• Destination: Phoenix, AZ 85019

• Distance: 1,796 miles

• Service Cost: $1,250.00

• Cost Per Mile: $0.70

• Vehicle: 2023 Honda HR-V

• Trailer Type: Open

• Route: West to Oklahoma City, I-40 west, then I-17 south into Phoenix