If you are planning a cross-country move from California to New York, you might need to consider how you will get your car from one state to another. While driving your car might sound exciting, in many cases, it’s too time consuming and exhausting. Long-distance drives put an enormous amount of wear and tear on your car, not to mention a strain on your finances. Things like gas, food, and lodging can quickly add up and that cross-country drive could end up costing far more than you expected. For this reason, it is advisable to hire an auto transport company to assist you with moving your car. This is much more convenient, and in some cases more affordable, than driving yourself. Before you hire a car transport company, here are a few factors to keep in mind that will determine your shipping cost. 

Size of the Car

The size and weight of your car matters when it comes to shipping.Due to weight limitations, heavier cars mean the carrier can haul fewer vehicles which is why the more space your vehicle takes up, the more it will cost you. You can expect to pay more for trucks, full size SUV’s, and vans than you would a smaller car. 

Distance and Location

As you would expect, the farther you have to ship your car, the more it will cost. The pick-up and drop-off location can also impact the price. If you live in a rural area, it will cost more than it would if you are located in a major city. The mode of delivery is also a factor. Door-to-door delivery is more expensive than terminal-to-terminal. 

The Condition of the Car

The condition of your car can also affect the shipping cost. If the car is not operable, the carrier will charge you extra for hauling an inoperable vehicle. Generally, this can raise the price quite a bit because it requires special equipment to load and unload an inoperable car. 

Time and Season

If you want your car shipped within a certain time frame, this can put your carrier on a tighter schedule and can cost you more. If you are flexible with your delivery date, you can save some money. The time of year also affects the price. Summer is peak season for auto shipping, so you will notice the rates being higher during this time. The rates will be cheapest during the winter months. 

While the average cost for shipping a car within the continental U.S. ranges from about $900-$1200, you can see that there are a number of factors that can affect your final price. It is advisable to shop around and compare prices. Any reputable auto shipping company should be happy to provide you with a free quote. In addition to looking at the prices, be sure and check the company’s customer reviews, history, and credentials to ensure you are working with a reliable company.