A Subaru Ascent that was manufactured in 2019 was transported from San Diego, California to Bellingham, Washington recently. 1,366 miles through open trailer cost $1,512. Since the automobile was in operational condition, there was no problem moving it by using its own power, which makes the process easy and inexpensive. It is a long journey from the southernmost part of California to the northernmost part of Washington State, and it covers almost the whole west coast.
The journey takes place through the interstate highway 5 for the majority of the way since it joins the two ends located close to each other at the opposite ends of the western border of America. The I-5 Corridor remains busy with carriers, hence the availability of an open carrier was easy to locate. Ascent is a 3-row SUV taking one slot in the trailer.
Open Transport
Open transport is the usual procedure in this industry. People usually choose open transport as it is cheaper than enclosed transport. 2019 Subaru Ascent is a family SUV, and therefore, open transport was chosen for this purpose. Open transport means that cars will travel exposed to the elements on the open trailer, however, in case of the family SUV, such price reduction is definitely worthwhile.
Enclosed transport is typically used when people have luxury, classic or valuable cars that they would like to have protected from the debris and weather conditions while being transported. In case of Ascent, which serves as a daily driver car, this additional protection is not really needed and open transport is definitely the easiest way to keep the cost of long-distance shipment affordable.
Ascent is a three-row SUV and this was another factor which determined the cost of transport. Larger vehicles take more deck space and weight; that is why transporting of such a car is more expensive than transporting of compact car. However, active I-5 corridor reduced this figure to a reasonable level.
Why “Operable” Keeps the Process Simple
The Ascent being operable helped in making the transport process simpler and the quote simpler as well. An operable vehicle is one that can be driven onto the truck through the use of its own power. It is the most convenient means of loading the vehicle.
The driver just drives the car up the ramp, secures it, and leaves. On the other hand, non-operable cars require special equipment for the loading process, adding to the expense and the time taken. In this case, the Ascent was operable as it was able to start, steer, and roll easily, thus saving the owner from those extra expenses. Working battery, proper tire inflation, and good brakes keep the car operable.
The Route
The carrier went up along the main corridor of the West Coast. Right after San Diego, the truck got onto Interstate 5, the main highway going across California, Oregon, and Washington states.
I-5 highway led the car further to the north through Los Angeles, through the Central Valley around Sacramento and Redding, and then into Oregon. Then came Eugene, Salem, Portland, Columbia River, and after that, the drive entered Washington state. Finally, from Seattle to Bellingham near the Canadian border, the driver kept going to the north.
Here’s the route in simple words:
San Diego, CA → I-5 North through Los Angeles
California → Central Valley around Sacramento and Redding
Oregon → Eugene, Salem, and Portland
Columbia River → into Washington
I-5 North from Seattle → Bellingham, WA
This corridor is constantly busy with carriers’ trucks, and the driver maintained a regular schedule all the time. Consistency is one of the factors that makes West Coast deliveries relatively easy, since the carriers know what to expect on the way and can maintain loaded trailers.
Transport Summary
- Origin: San Diego, CA, 92154
- Destination: Bellingham, WA, 98225
- Trailer type: Open
- Condition: Operable
- Distance: 1,366 miles
- Price: $1,512
- The route: San Diego, CA → I-5 North → Los Angeles → Sacramento → Redding → Oregon (Eugene, Salem, Portland) → Washington → Seattle → Bellingham, WA
