Cross-country transport costs of a car vary based on a number of factors. Distance is one of the biggest factors in determining the overall transport cost of a car. The car’s size is also important. Transport type and season can also vary your transport costs. The distance of a transport service of a car from West Lafayette to San Diego is approximately 2,100 miles. Recently, it has actually cost $1,439 to transport a 2017 Ford C-Max Energi with open transport.
See Also: California to Indiana : Safe and Fast Auto Transport
How Much Would It Cost to Transport a Car Across the Country?
Cross-country car transport can cost anywhere from $1,100 to $1,600. The cost per mile can potentially decrease over longer distances. The cost per mile for shorter shipments, which are under 500 miles, can cost more than for shipments over 1,000 miles.
Open transport is the cheapest option. Approximately 90% of customers opt for this. Your car will be moved on a multi-level trailer with other cars. This option, which provides protection from the weather, costs between 40-60% higher than the above option. People shipping their personal cars normally go for the open transport option to cut costs.
The seasonal variation also impacts pricing. Peak seasons, between May and September, have a 10-15% surge in prices attributed to a high demand for vehicles during summer vacations. However, during winter, prices are cheaper, although flights may be prone to delays. Vehicle condition also plays an important factor. Inoperative vehicles require winches and equipment for lifting, increasing expenses by $100 to $300.
Price Estimate Through Auto Transport Calculators
Requesting a quote does not have to be a chore. Tempus Logix provides an online AI-Powered calculator tool that gives immediate quotes. You simply provide minimal information about your shipment. The calculator requires the pick-up and delivery zip codes. It also inquires about the vehicle make and model. The choice of transportation mode then follows.
These tools rely on data that is current in the market. They take into account the price of fuel and the availability of a carrier. The amount you are given will be a close estimate to the final price. Other companies may provide you with estimates that can change slightly if a carrier is assigned.
Pictures of your car also assist in the process. They indicate the condition prior to the time the shipping process begins. Photos also protect you as well as the shipping company. They eliminate potential disagreements about pre-existing damages.
How to Book Auto Transport in 5 Easy Steps
The booking process is quite fast if you are equipped with the necessary information.
- It begins with the quote request. Information on the vehicles and the route is provided. The company examines the points of pickup and delivery. They examine if there are any special handling requirements.
- Once you accept the quote, the process of booking is finalized. The firm locks in your pickup time. The firm assigns a driver based on route and timing. The type of trailer corresponds to your needs. The insurance coverage is also verified at this stage.
- Then follows the process of communication. You are provided with the carrier contact details. Your driver contacts them with regard to the details of picking them up. They agree on a particular time and place. It brings them on the same page.
- Pickup day arrives with a complete vehicle inspection. This involves assessing the state of the vehicle. The driver records the status of the vehicle. Photographs are taken from all angles. This is followed by the preparation of a Bill of Lading, after which the document is signed.
- Tracking continues all the way. Updates may be requested at any time. Support team members provide information about present location and estimated times of arrival. As delivery nears, the carrier will call to arrange dropoff. Final inspection checks the vehicle against information from pickup.
Transporting Cars from Midwest to West Coats
Winter in Indiana presents a number of challenges when shipping a car. Snow covered the ground at the time of pickup in West Lafayette. The carrier had to drive through icy parking lots to deliver the vehicle. Carriers must be properly equipped if they are going to ship in a winter environment.
It could not be more different in delivery. Sunny California weather awaited the car in San Diego. No ice to concern oneself with. No snow to plow through. The difference in temperature from pickup to delivery was over 50 degrees. Such is how one can see the effects of seasonal changes on delivery time, but not safety.
Interstate routes link the Midwest region to the West Coast efficiently. Truckers take interstate I-80 and I-70 routes wherever possible. Interstate routes are heavily traveled by trucks throughout the year. Delays caused by weather are rare, but professional truckers are well-prepared for such delays.
Why It Takes Longer to Ship a Car Compared to Driving It
It would take approximately 30 hours driving straight through. It could be accomplished in three days with overnight stops. The time involved for an auto ship would be 7-10 days. This basically has to do with how carriers function. Transport trucks do not drive straight to a particular destination. They carry loads picked up from other places along the route.
Every station increases their schedule duration. Deliveries also take place at different spots. A transport truck may carry between 8 and 10 cars per journey. Every car also follows a specific timeline. The government regulates driving hours. Drivers have to comply with regulations concerning resting hours. This is to prevent tiredness and ensure road safety. A personal driver can continue driving with less resting time.
A commercial vehicle driver cannot. Loading and unloading also take time. Securing vehicles is important to ensure they are moved safely. Inspections before and after delivery also take up time. Inclement weather and road traffic also cause delays that independent truckers could avoid.
Shipping Summary
Vehicle: 2017 Ford C-Max Energi
Route: West Lafayette, IN to San Diego, CA (2100 mile)
I-65 S toward Indianapolis → I-70 W through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado → I-40 W across the Southwest → I-15 S into San Diego, CA
Service: Multi Car Hauler | Open Trailer
Cost: $1,439.00 ($0.68 per mile)
Season: Winter
