1971 Chevrolet Malibu

Shipping a 1971 Chevrolet Malibu from Michigan to Texas

Our latest load included a 1971 Chevrolet Malibu transported from Westland, MI to DeSoto, TX by open trailer transportation. The Malibu was covered 1194 miles at the cost of $1,200.00, i.e., $1.01 per mile.

This Malibu was transported as non-functional, which means that this car could not be started or driven independently. This has a significant impact on the loading process itself.

malibu_overview

The Route

Westland, MI, 48186 to DeSoto, TX, 75115
Westland, MI, 48186 to DeSoto, TX, 75115

The 1194 miles of Westland to DeSoto route starts from Detroit and continues southward all the way down the center of the country. Transport trucks leave Westland via I-275 south and connect through I-75 via Ohio to Kentucky.

From here, the route continues south through Louisville and Nashville to I-40 westbound towards Memphis. The last leg of the route is on I-30 west to Dallas-Fort Worth and terminates at DeSoto south of Dallas.

malibu_route

Why an Inoperable Malibu Needs a Winch

1971 Chevrolet Malibu 2

The car that doesn’t start or drive itself cannot be simply loaded using the ramps just like other cars do. The whole process of loading will require the use of the winch of the carrier because there is no self-propelled movement to assist in getting the car up the deck.

It is important to understand that there is nothing about such car which could help in controlling it while it is being loaded. The power steering system cannot function properly when the engine is off, and the brakes cannot lock. The car must be loaded completely by the winch.

malibu_winch_diagram

Why Open Transport Still Works for This Classic

1971 Chevrolet Malibu open

Despite the car being non-operational, it is not an issue of loading but the type of trailer to be used. Open transport is still very common and affordable option for such an antique, because the state of the car determines the need for additional care during pick-up and delivery and not necessarily the age of the car.

1971 Chevrolet Malibu on trailer

Upon loading, the car will then be tied using the conventional four-point system that is used for all cars and this ensures stability for the whole duration of the 1194 miles.

1971 Chevrolet Malibu trailer

Transport Summary

  • Origin: Westland, MI 48186
  • Destination: DeSoto, TX 75115
  • Distance: 1194 miles
  • Service cost: $1,200.00
  • Cost per mile: $1.01
  • Vehicle: 1971 Chevrolet Malibu
  • Condition: Inoperable
  • Trailer type: Open
  • Route: I-75 south through Ohio and Kentucky, I-40 west through Nashville and Memphis, then I-30 into DeSoto


2017 Porsche Macan

Shipping a 2017 Porsche Macan from Washington to California

Our last consignment involved transporting a 2017 Porsche Macan from Vancouver, WA to Irvine, CA using an open trailer trucking service. This was a journey of 1020 miles, costing us $1,079.00 and making $1.06 per mile.

This particular car arrived operational, meaning it was able to start up, run, and drive itself at the time of pickup. This is a good example of how a high-mileage route with only one highway works to keep prices efficient.

macan_overview

The Route

Vancouver, WA, 98660 to Irvine, CA, 92614
Vancouver, WA, 98660 to Irvine, CA, 92614

Vancouver to Irvine’s 1,020-mile journey mostly lies along I-5 heading southward. Freight carriers generally start their journey from Vancouver, which is just a few miles away from Portland on the other side of the Columbia River.

From there, the journey takes you south towards Redding, and then onto the Northern Californian cities of Sacramento and finally into Central Valley. Finally, the journey continues all the way down into the Los Angeles region and into Orange County, where it ends at Irvine.

Since the journey is mostly limited to a single interstate, the corridor becomes easier to predict and organize in terms of the flow of carriers.

macan_route

Why This West Coast Corridor Keeps Pricing Efficient

2017 Porsche Macan 2

I-5 happens to be among the busiest highways for long-haul transportation services on the west coast, running through the Pacific Northwest and Southern California with steady freight movement.
The constant traffic of trucks ensures the availability of carriers and, thus, keeps the cost per mile of transport relatively low than a similar distance on an alternative highway.

Given the fact that at a cost of $1.06 per mile for 1020 miles of transport, this transport falls into a good medium point due to its relatively moderate distance.

Open Transport

2017 Porsche Macan open

In terms of ground clearance, the 2017 Porsche Macan has the average ground clearance, just as other compact luxury SUVs. The vehicle was therefore loaded onto the multi-car open transporter just as any other vehicle is loaded. Since the shipment was to be done when the vehicle was working, the vehicle was driven directly into the ramp during loading at pick-up. The tie down used was the conventional four-point wheel strap tie-down at each corner.

2017 Porsche Macan trailer

Using open transport will keep the price of the shipment reasonable. It is a normal choice when dealing with an SUV that does not have the low clearance problem of a sports car.

macan_open_transport

Transport Summary

  • Origin: Vancouver, WA 98660
  • Destination: Irvine, CA 92614
  • Distance: 1020 miles
  • Service cost: $1,079.00
  • Cost per mile: $1.06
  • Vehicle: 2017 Porsche Macan
  • Condition: Operable
  • Trailer type: Open
  • Route: I-5 south through Oregon, Redding, and Sacramento into Irvine


2017 Honda Civic 1

Shipping a 2017 Honda Civic from Northern California to New Jersey

In our last shipping cycle, we transported the 2017 Honda Civic that originated from Elk Grove, California and had been transported to Marlboro, New Jersey using an open trailer service over a distance of 2860 miles at a cost of $1,975.00 or $0.69 per mile.

The Civic was delivered “operable,” meaning that it could be started and driven on its own. This made the loading process relatively easy for the vehicle.

civic_overview

The Route

Elk Grove, CA, 95757 to Marlboro, NJ, 07746
Elk Grove, CA, 95757 to Marlboro, NJ, 07746

The 2860 mile-long journey starts at Elk Grove and ends at Marlboro, following almost entirely I-80. Normally, carriers start their journey from Elk Grove, which lies to the south of Sacramento, moving east through Sierra Nevada, then Reno and continue through Nevada and Utah.

After that, the road takes the route through Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, then Chicago. Afterwards, the carriers move further east along I-80 through Ohio and Pennsylvania. At last, they enter New Jersey, reaching Marlboro.

This route being considered among the most developed routes for freight transportation between coasts, carriers’ availability remains high during such long journey covering as much as eight states.

civic_route

Why This Long Haul Comes at a Lower Per-Mile Rate

2017 Honda Civic

A delivery that covers a distance of almost 2,900 miles enjoys the same cost structure that applies to any long haul auto delivery. The cost per mile reduces with increase in distance because of the spreading effect of the fixed cost associated with positioning and route planning across many miles. This is one reason why the cost of this delivery works out to be $0.69 per mile.

civic_cost_per_mile

What Loading an Operable Civic Looks Like

Ground clearance is standard for a 2017 Civic because it’s a compact sedan and is loaded to the multi-car open carrier in the usual manner that regular cars are loaded. Because the car was functional upon receipt, the owner was able to drive the car right into the ramps used for pick-up. The car was strapped down by wheel straps at all four corners.

Open Transport

2017 Honda Civic open

The reason why the auto transport industry consists of mostly open carriers is that they are cheaper to operate and more available compared to the closed ones. It is reasonable to choose open car transport for such small everyday cars as the Honda Civic on the way across the country, where the price difference would add up for many miles.

2017 Honda Civic open trailer

Transport Summary

  • Origin: Elk Grove, CA 95757
  • Destination: Marlboro, NJ 07746
  • Distance: 2860 miles
  • Service cost: $1,975.00
  • Cost per mile: $0.69
  • Vehicle: 2017 Honda Civic
  • Condition: Operable
  • Trailer type: Open
  • Route: I-80 east through Reno, Salt Lake City, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Chicago, and Pennsylvania into Marlboro


2025 BMW F 900 GS

Shipping a 2025 BMW F 900 GS from Southern California to Utah

For our most recent delivery, we have successfully delivered 2025 BMW F 900 GS from Long Beach, CA to Hyde Park, UT using the enclosed trailer shipping method. The motorcycle has been transported for 785 miles at a cost of $1,060.00, with $1.35 per mile charged.

Shipment of one motorcycle at a time provides a clear example of how carriers handle the safety and security of motorcycles by themselves, without having any other vehicles on the same deck. It also explains why enclosed shipping method is used mostly for new motorcycles.

f900gs_overview

The Route

Long Beach, CA, 90806 to Hyde Park, UT, 84318
Long Beach, CA, 90806 to Hyde Park, UT, 84318

The 785-mile route starts from Long Beach and goes up north into the desert Southwest via Utah all the way to Hyde Park. The carriers generally start their journey from Long Beach and move eastwards to merge onto the I-15 going north, traveling via Barstow and Las Vegas and moving further into Utah via St. George and Cedar City.

After this, the route moves further north via Provo and Salt Lake City and merges onto US-91 heading north into Cache Valley, where the destination city of Hyde Park is located north of Logan. As this particular route mostly travels on major interstates, a cargo shipment of this kind normally travels in one or two days’ time after collection.

f900gs_route

How a Single Motorcycle Gets Secured for Transport

2025 BMW F 900 GS 1

As opposed to the car, the motorcycle cannot stand independently on the ground; therefore, securing begins with locking the front wheel in a wheel chock, which will support the bike and prevent it from rolling while driving. Then the straps are applied with a four-point technique, two straps going forward from the handlebars or triple tree and two backward straps coming from the back of the motorcycle’s frame.

2025 BMW F 900 GS MB

This particular design will allow keeping the F 900 GS standing straight during the whole drive without the need for the kickstand because the latter was not made to support the bike and to withstand the vibrations on the highway. The straps are adjusted with some flexibility to allow the front forks to move due to road vibrations and prevent the damage to the forks’ seals.

f900gs_tiedown

Enclosed Transport

2025 BMW F 900 GS enclosed

A motorcycle of model 2025 in excellent condition and having either zero or very minimal mileage is precisely the type of shipment that makes the cost of enclosure worth it. The closed trailer will ensure that the motorcycle is kept safe from road debris, water, and all the dirt that will be gathered by the open trailer as it covers long distances.

In a motorcycle of this type which has not even been subjected to actual riding conditions, it becomes quite easy to safeguard the paint, plastics, and factory finishes before it is taken out on the road for the first time.

2025 BMW F 900 GS trailer

Transport Summary

  • Origin: Long Beach, CA 90806
  • Destination: Hyde Park, UT 84318
  • Distance: 785 miles
  • Service cost: $1,060.00
  • Cost per mile: $1.35
  • Vehicle: 2025 BMW F 900 GS
  • Trailer type: Enclosed
  • Route: I-15 north through Las Vegas, St. George, and Salt Lake City, then US-91 north into Hyde Park


2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 1

Shipping a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid from Connecticut to Washington

With our most recent transport process, we have transported a Toyota Highlander Hybrid of 2020 from New Haven, CT to Seattle, WA via open trailer transportation. This SUV was driven 2933 miles for $2,800.00, which is the equivalent of $0.95 per mile.

This SUV was moved operational, meaning that it was able to start, operate, and drive on its own power upon pickup. There was also a guarantee of the date of pick up on July 2 and booking on the same date of July 2.

highlander_overview

The Route

New Haven, CT, 06511 to Seattle, WA, 98112
New Haven, CT, 06511 to Seattle, WA, 98112

The journey of 2933 miles from New Haven to Seattle is done almost entirely by I-90, which is one of the longest interstates in the nation. Trucks depart from New Haven and travel toward the northwest direction to join the interstate near Albany, following I-90 until they reach Chicago via New York, Ohio, and Indiana.

From there, the journey continues through Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Dakota. From there, the route passes through Montana and Idaho before the interstate ends in Seattle. Due to the fact that this route follows only one interstate most of the way, this route can be said to be easier to plan than most others.

highlander_route

Why This Long Haul Comes at a Lower Per-Mile Rate

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybridd

This shipment, which spans almost 2,900 miles, is subject to the same rate structure that applies on any long-distance car transport. This is because the rate per mile decreases as total distance increases due to spreading out the fixed cost incurred in positioning the vehicle over many more miles. It costs $0.95 per mile in this shipment due to long distance transportation, even with the cost of scheduling a pickup date included.

Guaranteed Pickup: Booked and Picked Up the Same Day

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trailer

A guarantee pickup date means that the carrier guarantees to pick up the vehicle on a predetermined date in comparison to a typical pickup of a period of several days in standard booking. The delivery has been scheduled for July 2 and picked up on the same date, which suggests good availability of the carrier along the I-90 corridor.

One of the busiest long-haul corridors in the United States is the I-90 Corridor connecting the Northeast with the Pacific Northwest, where trucks travel through regularly in either direction. Such a reliable stream makes same day pickup significantly more likely in comparison with other route running between less connected markets in almost 3000 miles distance.

highlander_timeline

Why Open Transport Fits a Hybrid SUV

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid open trailer

A 2020 Highlander Hybrid has standard ground clearance for a midsize SUV, so it loads onto a multi-car open carrier the same way most daily-driven vehicles do, without needing approach ramps or specialized equipment. Since the vehicle shipped operable, the driver drove it straight up the ramps at pickup. It then got secured using the standard four-point wheel strap tie-down at each corner.

Open transport also keeps the cost more manageable on a trip this long, which matters even more on a shipment already carrying the added cost of a guaranteed pickup date.

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Transport Summary

  • Origin: New Haven, CT 06511
  • Destination: Seattle, WA 98112
  • Distance: 2933 miles
  • Service cost: $2,800.00
  • Cost per mile: $0.95
  • Vehicle: 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  • Condition: Operable
  • Trailer type: Open
  • Pickup: Guaranteed for 07/02, booked and picked up same day
  • Route: I-90 west through New York, Ohio, Indiana, Chicago, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, and Idaho into Seattle


2003 Chevrolet SSR pic

Shipping a 2003 Chevrolet SSR from Southern California to New York

In our recent shipment, a 2003 Chevrolet SSR was transported from San Dimas, CA to Bedford Hills, NY using the open trailer method of shipping. The truck covered 2797 miles at a price of $2,100.00, which is $0.75 per mile.

This vehicle was shipped operable in that it starts, runs, and drives under its own power when it leaves our lot. This shipment represents a coast-to-coast shipment, which provides a great opportunity to examine the pricing involved in a long-distance haul and the loading issues associated with this highly unusual vehicle.

ssr_overview

The Route

San Dimas, CA, 91773 to Bedford Hills, NY, 10507
San Dimas, CA, 91773 to Bedford Hills, NY, 10507

The 2797 mile distance from San Dimas to Bedford Hills passes through the heart of America. Normally, carriers depart from the San Dimas vicinity, which is to the east of Los Angeles, and travel towards the North to reach the I-40 towards Flagstaff and Albuquerque.

Then, the corridor travels further across the Texas panhandle at Amarillo. Further, the route travels eastward via Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Tennessee and finally at Memphis and Nashville. Finally, the corridor continues with I-81 towards north and passes via Virginia to join the New York Thruway and I-684 to Bedford Hills in the northern part of Westchester County.

This corridor traverses through ten states via the oldest and most reliable trans continental freight corridor ensuring constant carrier availability through this route.

ssr_route

Why This Long Haul Comes at a Lower Per-Mile Rate

2003 Chevrolet SSR 2

This journey of about 2,800 miles enjoys the same price trend that is common in any lengthy auto transport trip. This is because the cost per mile decreases as the distance increases owing to the distribution of a carrier’s costs of positioning and routing across a much larger mileage. This is mainly the reason behind the relatively cheap cost of this trip, at $0.75 per mile, compared to what a short trip costs per mile.

However, the total cost of $2,100.00 is an indication of true time and fuel consumption in the journey. Yet, the price per mile makes this trip among the most economical ones in the long-distance category discussed in other parts of this paper.

What Makes an SSR a Unique Shipment

2003 Chevrolet SSR 1

The Chevrolet SSR is an example of a retractable hardtop convertible made on a pickup truck platform manufactured for just a short period of time ranging from 2003 to 2006. This makes the model truly desirable for collectors despite the fact that the vehicle lacks low ground clearance found in other vehicles, such as the Corvette.

Because this is a vehicle on a truck platform, it will be loaded on the standard car trailer using the usual ramp angle without the need for approach ramps and spotters needed by a lower vehicle. The retractable hardtop itself does not have an effect on loading; however, carriers still verify whether the top is properly fastened before loading it.

ssr_unique

Open Transport

2003 Chevrolet SSR 4

This made using open transport a simple solution for the move that was economical for the SSR, given that it arrived ready to be driven and can be loaded like an ordinary car. This is more significant in this case than in a shorter local move.

Upon loading, the SSR was strapped to the flatbed with four-wheel strap tie-downs. This is the usual procedure done to a car with no peculiarities in the body or frame.

Transport Summary

  • Origin: San Dimas, CA 91773
  • Destination: Bedford Hills, NY 10507
  • Distance: 2797 miles
  • Service cost: $2,100.00
  • Cost per mile: $0.75
  • Vehicle: 2003 Chevrolet SSR
  • Condition: Operable
  • Trailer type: Open
  • Route: I-40 east through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee, then I-81 and the NY Thruway into Bedford Hills


    See also: Door-to-Door Car Shipping Guide
2025 Toyota Tundra pic

Shipping a 2025 Toyota Tundra from California to North Carolina

For our recent shipment, we had a 2025 Toyota Tundra from San Clemente, CA to Camp Lejeune, NC using an open trailer service that cost us $1,950.00 for the transportation, which took 2644 miles at a rate of $0.74 per mile.

Our Toyota Tundra was shipped operational, which means that the vehicle was able to start and run on its own at pick-up point. Shipment to a military base is common in the moving industry, where it is linked with the transfer of duty posts by a service member and has certain logistics considerations not present in a typical residential move.

tundra_overview

The Route

San Clemente, CA, 92672 to Camp Lejeune, NC, 28547
San Clemente, CA, 92672 to Camp Lejeune, NC, 28547

The 2644 miles distance from San Clemente to Camp Lejeune is located at the southern part of the nation. The carriers start their journeys from San Clemente at Orange County and travel eastwards on I-10 through Arizona including Phoenix and Tucson. From Arizona, they cross New Mexico to reach Texas by traveling through El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston.

Then they move further to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama while following I-95 through Georgia and South Carolina, finally reaching Jacksonville, North Carolina, which houses Camp Lejeune.

The path passes through eight states using established long-distance freights routes that ensure availability of carriers.

tundra_route

Why This Long Haul Comes at a Lower Per-Mile Rate

2025 Toyota Tundra USAA

In a transportation job that covers 2,600+ miles, one can expect the same pricing structure as would apply in any long-distance move for auto transportation. The per-mile cost decreases with an increase in distance due to the fact that the overhead costs of positioning and routing will now be allocated over more miles. This is the major reason why this job ends up at only $0.74 per mile.

What Delivery to a Military Base Involves

2025 Toyota Tundra back

The dropping off of a car on a military base such as Camp Lejeune generally implies that the carrier cannot just drive right into the base unless prior arrangements are made. The majority of the military bases have the requirement of having a sponsor or the car’s owner to meet up with the carrier either at the entrance or close to the gate because the driver does not have the ability to enter without having a military ID or a vehicle pass.

Therefore, the drop off of the car is usually planned at a nearby place or around a convenient time for the owner to meet the carrier at the entrance.

2025 Toyota Tundra 1

Open Transport

2025 Toyota Tundra open

Since the 2025 Tundra has ground clearance appropriate for a full-sized pickup, it is loaded onto an open multi-car carrier just like regular passenger cars by simply driving the truck up the ramp without the use of special equipment. Because the truck was sent operable, the driver simply drove the truck up the ramp. It was then secured with the standard four-wheel tie-down system.

Using the open transporter saves money on a transport this far.

2025 Toyota Tundra

Transport Summary

  • Origin: San Clemente, CA 92672
  • Destination: Camp Lejeune, NC 28547
  • Distance: 2644 miles
  • Service cost: $1,950.00
  • Cost per mile: $0.74
  • Vehicle: 2025 Toyota Tundra
  • Condition: Operable
  • Trailer type: Open
  • Route: I-10 east through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, then I-95 north into Camp Lejeune


2019 Chrysler 300 1

Shipping a 2019 Chrysler 300 from Texas to South Carolina

Our most recent haul was a delivery of a 2019 Chrysler 300 transported via open trucking from Grand Prairie, Texas to Greenville, South Carolina. The vehicle traveled 942 miles at a cost of $1,060.00 for $.113 per mile.

The vehicle was described as operating upon pick-up – which means that the vehicle was able to start and drive under its own power. This shipment had a guaranteed pick-up date of July 6th, with the booking taking place on July 6th.

c300_overview

The Route

Grand Prairie, TX, 75052 to Greenville, SC, 29606
Grand Prairie, TX, 75052 to Greenville, SC, 29606

This 942-mile path from Grand Prairie to Greenville goes eastward in the Southern states. Most carriers take off from the Dallas/Fort Worth area using I-30 and then connect to I-20 east to Shreveport, then on to Jackson, Mississippi.

Further on, the path continues east to Birmingham and Atlanta, and then takes the I-85 northeast towards Greenville, South Carolina. This particular path is along the busiest freight paths in the Southeast region, which is one reason why a delivery via this route can be done quickly.

c300_route

Guaranteed Pickup

2019 Chrysler 300

A guaranteed pickup date is the assurance by the carrier that the vehicle will be collected on a particular date and not a window of some days that is common in most bookings. Such a service normally attracts a little extra cost compared to a non-guaranteed pickup date because in order for the booking to be done; it has to be matched to a driver with a route schedule for that particular date.

For someone who requires his/her vehicle to be collected on a guaranteed date for whatever reason such as relocation, selling, or delivering something somewhere else, then it offers certainty.

Why This Shipment Booked and Picked Up the Same Day

The above cargo was shipped on July 6 and was picked up on the very same date, indicating the excellent availability of carriers along the I-20 and I-85 routes taken by this shipment. These routes are major East-West and Southeast lanes with heavy traffic of trucks; therefore, the shipment could be picked up immediately due to the availability of a carrier who was moving in the same direction.

A same-day pick-up cannot be guaranteed for all the routes because it is contingent on whether the carrier is available near that route on the day of booking or not. An extensively traveled route makes that possibility much more likely than in the case of a small market-to-market shipment.

c300_timeline

Open Transport

2019 Chrysler 300 open

However, the 2019 Chrysler 300 comes equipped with regular ground clearance suitable for a full-size sedan, and thus, loading of the car into an open multi-car carrier is done as usual and not through any special approach ramp. The car was received as an operational vehicle, and hence, the driver drove the vehicle up the ramps during pickup. This was followed by tying down the vehicle using the regular four-point wheel strap tie-down on each corner of the car.

Transport through an open carrier ensures that the cost of transportation remains relatively low for a trip such as the one mentioned above.

2019 Chrysler 300 open trailer

Transport Summary

  • Origin: Grand Prairie, TX 75052
  • Destination: Greenville, SC 29606
  • Distance: 942 miles
  • Service cost: $1,060.00
  • Cost per mile: $1.13
  • Vehicle: 2019 Chrysler 300
  • Condition: Operable
  • Trailer type: Open
  • Pickup: Guaranteed for 07/06, booked and picked up same day
  • Route: I-30 to I-20 east through Shreveport, Jackson, Birmingham, and Atlanta, then I-85 into Greenville


2017 Audi A3 3

Shipping a 2017 Audi A3 from Arizona to Florida

Our most recent relocation entailed transporting a 2017 Audi A3 from Tempe, Arizona to Orlando, Florida through open trailer transport. The automobile was relocated over 2142 miles at a cost of $1,328.00, which is $0.62 per mile.

The Audi was operable upon shipment, i.e., it could start, run and drive under its own power when picked up. There were a few personal items packed by the owner in the vehicle too. This was a very common request in a relocation of this nature.

a3_overview

The Route

Tempe, AZ, 85280 to Orlando, FL, 32815
Tempe, AZ, 85280 to Orlando, FL, 32815

The 2142-mile journey begins at Tempe and ends in Orlando and cuts across the southern United States right from one side to another. In general, the carriers normally travel from the Phoenix region and travel east via Interstate 10, passing through New Mexico and all through Texas using such cities as El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston.

The journey continues moving eastwards using Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama before getting into the Florida panhandle. From here, the journey takes the carriers on Interstate 75 to the South close to Lake City and then onto the Florida turnpike and I-4 east to Orlando.

This corridor is along one of the most busy routes for freight transport and thus keeps the availability of the carriers high throughout.

a3_route

Why This Long Haul Comes at a Lower Per-Mile Rate

2017 Audi A3 1

A shipment that travels more than 2,100 miles can take advantage of the same pricing structure as any other lengthy auto transport process. This is due to the fact that as mileage increases, the cost per mile decreases because the fixed costs incurred by the transporter in terms of planning the route become more spread out over a greater number of miles.

At a price of $1,328.00, this represents the actual costs incurred in terms of time and fuel over the entire distance. However, the cost per mile makes this a rather economical one among other long-haul shipments.

Extra Items

2017 Audi A3 extra items 2

In addition to the automobile itself, some personal belongings were included in the shipment as well, all of which was maintained within the customary 100 pounds limit that most carriers allow for free. This is a regular request for long-distance transportation as it allows for the owner to include some boxes or other personal property alongside the vehicle as opposed to sending it separately.

2017 Audi A3 extra items 1

As per the requirements of the carriers, everything that goes inside should remain under the aforementioned limit as well as out of sight, being packed inside the trunk or storage compartment of the automobile. Weight in particular plays an important role in this situation because the handling of the vehicle is affected by it in the process of loading and securing it on the deck.

2017 Audi A3 extra items

Why Open Transport Suits an Operable A3

2017 Audi A3

The Audi A3 model from 2017 comes with standard ground clearance, making it load on an open multi-car carrier in the usual manner that other regular cars are loaded without the use of approach ramps. The reason why this was done is because the vehicle was delivered in working condition and the driver simply drove the car up the ramps. It was tied down using the standard wheel strap tie-down system.

Using open transport lowers the cost of the service, especially since it will travel a long distance.

Transport Summary

  • Origin: Tempe, AZ 85280
  • Destination: Orlando, FL 32815
  • Distance: 2142 miles
  • Service cost: $1,328.00
  • Cost per mile: $0.62
  • Vehicle: 2017 Audi A3
  • Condition: Operable
  • Trailer type: Open
  • Extra cargo: Personal items, under 100 lbs
  • Route: I-10 east through New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, then I-75 and I-4 into Orlando


2016 Chevrolet Corvette 1

Shipping a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette from Texas to Illinois

For our most recent shipment, we transported a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette from Houston, TX to Princeville, IL via an enclosed trailer shipping method. The Corvette was shipped for 978 miles, costing $1,430.00 total, or $1.46 per mile.

Our most recent shipment included a fully functional car, which means that it had the ability to start up, run, and drive itself during pickup. This particular shipment is representative of a good portion of the country, as it goes from the Gulf Coast all the way up to the Midwest.

c7b_overview

The Route

Houston, TX, 77041 to Princeville, IL, 61559
Houston, TX, 77041 to Princeville, IL, 61559

The 1,573-kilometer route from Houston to Princeville is almost due north right through the center of the country. Shippers normally depart from Houston via Interstate Highway 45 northbound to Dallas and continue to Interstate Highway 35 northbound via Oklahoma City and Wichita.

From there the route continues north to Kansas City and connects to Interstate Highway 80 eastbound towards Des Moines and finally to Interstate Highway 74 eastbound to central Illinois, where Princeville is situated northwest of Peoria. With such a route that follows major interstates all the way through, a shipment of this kind would normally take two to three days to deliver after pickup.

c7b_route

Low Ground Clearance

2016 Chevrolet Corvette low

The 7th generation Chevrolet Corvette which was manufactured between 2014 and 2019 features a front splitter which is too low to allow clearance from a standard car hauler ramp that has an elevation of 14 to 18 degrees. In general, it is the same issue that occurs with practically all generations of Corvettes, therefore, its transportation requires careful preparation and planning compared to ordinary sedans or SUVs.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette

In most cases, carriers of this generation of Corvettes use approach ramps that are shorter and positioned before the regular ramp in order to reduce the loading angle to 6-10 degrees. Moreover, there is always a spotter who stays outside the car while the loading process is going on, he or she controls the front end of the car and makes sure that the wheels enter the transition ramp in a straight line to avoid any contacts. It does not influence the performance of the car on the road.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette low ground

Enclosed Transport

2016 Chevrolet Corvette enclosed

Enclosed trailers shield a vehicle from road debris, weather, and the general wear that comes with hundreds of miles on the highway. That matters for a car with the kind of paint and trim a Corvette owner tends to care about. Crossing from the Gulf Coast up into the Midwest also means the car passes through a range of weather conditions along the way, which enclosed transport protects against better than an open carrier would.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette enclosed 1

Once loaded, the Corvette gets secured using four-point wheel strap tie-downs rather than chains attached to the frame. That keeps pressure off the suspension and steering components for the full 978 miles.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette enclosed trailer

Transport Summary

  • Origin: Houston, TX 77041
  • Destination: Princeville, IL 61559
  • Distance: 978 miles
  • Service cost: $1,430.00
  • Cost per mile: $1.46
  • Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  • Condition: Operable
  • Trailer type: Enclosed
  • Route: I-45 north to Dallas, I-35 north through Oklahoma City and Kansas City, then I-80 east and I-74 east into Princeville