How Much Does Auto Transport Actually Cost for Different Vehicle Types?

When you're shipping a vehicle, one question always comes up. "How much will it cost?" There's no simple answer. The price changes a lot. It depends on what you're shipping. I'm Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co. I see these pricing shifts daily. Let me break down what you'll actually pay for different vehicle types. We're an auto transport broker. We work with carriers, including our parent company, AMG Endeavors. They drive the trucks. We handle the rest. This includes the planning and the paperwork.

Standard Sedans: The Baseline Cost

Most people think about standard sedans first. These are usually the cheapest to ship. They are common. Carriers handle them easily. They fit well on most haulers.

What You'll Typically Pay

For a standard sedan, expect the baseline rate. This is for open car carrier transport cost. These cars are simple for carriers. This keeps prices reasonable. Whether you're shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles or moving across Texas, sedans set the price standard.

SUVs and Larger Vehicles: The Size Premium

SUVs, crossovers, and bigger vehicles cost more. They take up more space. They add weight. This impacts fuel and cargo limits.

Why SUVs Cost More

• Space consumption: SUVs use more trailer room.
• Weight considerations: Heavier vehicles burn more fuel.
• Loading complexity: Larger vehicles can be harder to load.

When you're shipping an SUV vs sedan, expect to pay 15-25% more for an SUV. This higher price covers the carrier's real costs.

Luxury and Exotic Cars: The Protection Premium

Luxury cars need special care. Their owners usually choose enclosed auto transport for luxury cars. This protects their investment.

Enclosed Transport Costs

Enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars come at a higher price:

• 30-60% premium over open transport.
• Specialized equipment is often needed.
• Higher insurance coverage is a must.
• Expert handling is required.

For luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open, the cost difference is big. But it's needed to protect high-value cars.

Non-Running Vehicles: The Special Handling Fee

Shipping a non-running vehicle means extra costs. These cars need special gear and more labor.

Additional Costs for Non-Runners

• Winch fees: Expect $75-$250, depending on the job.
• Special loading equipment: Forklifts or other machines may be needed.
• Extra labor time: Loading takes much longer.
• Limited carrier availability: Fewer carriers handle these vehicles.

Modified and Oversized Vehicles

Custom cars, lifted trucks, or modified vehicles bring unique problems. These increase costs.

Common Modification Premiums

• Lifted vehicles: Might need special ramps.
• Lowered vehicles: Risk scraping during loading.
• Widebody kits: Can be wider than standard limits.
• Custom modifications: Often not covered by basic insurance.

Multi-Vehicle Discounts: The Volume Advantage

Multi-car transport for families can save you money per vehicle. Carriers like full loads. Shipping many cars together can cut costs by 10-20% per vehicle.

How Multi-Car Savings Work

• Efficient routing: One pickup and delivery stop.
• Better trailer use: Maximizes carrier space.
• Reduced empty miles: Carriers plan better routes.

Seasonal Price Variations

The time of year changes prices a lot. Peak moving times, like summer, can raise costs by 20-30%. This is due to high demand.

Peak Season Premiums

• Summer months: The busiest time.
• Winter holidays: Rates go up.
• Spring/fall: Moderate pricing.
• Winter (not holidays): Often the cheapest time to ship.

Distance and Route Factors

How much does it cost to ship a car cross country? It depends heavily on distance. Popular routes cost less. Remote spots cost more.

Route-Based Pricing

• Popular routes: Lower costs due to more carriers.
• Remote locations: Higher costs for specialized trips.
• Cross-country: Usually $800-$2,000, depending on the car.

Why Working With a Broker Saves You Money

At AMG Transport Co., we use our network of vetted insured carriers. We get you the best rates. Carriers prefer working with brokers because we handle a lot for them.

• We handle all customer service. They can focus on driving.
• We provide consistent business on many routes.
• We manage payments. We use secure systems like Stripe deposits.
• We coordinate complex logistics. This includes multi-car transport for families.

Most people can't work with carriers directly. Carriers aren't set up for individual customers. Those that do often charge top dollar. We are your guiding light in a fraud-filled industry. We give honest quotes without hidden fees. We do what carriers don't want to do. The frontend sales, coordination, and backend systems. All of the things outside of maintaining and driving the trucks. Carriers rely on brokers to solve their problems. They deal with enough on the road.

Getting Accurate Quotes for Your Specific Vehicle

The best way to know your real costs is to get a custom quote. It depends on these things:

1. Your vehicle's specific make, model, and year.

2. Current condition (running or not).

3. Any modifications or special needs.

4. Your specific route and desired timing.

5. Transport method (open vs. enclosed).

The AMG Transport Co. Difference

We provide transparent pricing for all vehicle types. We are an experienced car shipping broker you can trust. We offer nationwide vehicle shipping door to door.

• Standard sedans: Baseline competitive rates.
• SUVs and trucks: Fair premiums based on size.
• Luxury vehicles: Properly priced enclosed options.
• Non-running vehicles: Clear additional costs upfront.
• Multi-vehicle shipments: Volume discounts.

Our 72-hour pickup windows ensure timely service. VIN scan verification confirms professionalism. This is true no matter your vehicle type. We are a vehicle logistics company Texas based, serving nationwide.

Conclusion: Know Your Vehicle's True Shipping Cost

Understanding how different vehicle types affect shipping costs helps you. You can budget correctly. You can avoid surprises. Whether you're moving a standard car or a specialized one, work with a professional broker. This ensures fair pricing. No hidden fees. When it comes to auto transport quotes, how to compare them is simple. Choose honesty and reliability.

Ready to get an accurate quote for your specific vehicle? Contact AMG Transport Co. today for transparent pricing and professional service. We aim to be the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves and cross-country car transport from coast to coast.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.