Uncover why larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks increase auto transport costs due to size, weight, and carrier limits. Compare quotes and plan accurately.

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Does Shipping an SUV or Truck Cost More Than a Sedan?

Yes. It does. Shipping an SUV or truck costs more than a sedan. Always. Don't let anyone tell you different.

I'm Mike, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co. We broker auto transport nationwide. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers. I see this daily. Larger vehicles mean higher prices. Size, weight, and carrier rules drive it. Let's break it down. No fluff.

Why Size Matters in Auto Transport Pricing

Car haulers aren't endless. Trailers hold 8-10 sedans. SUVs and trucks? Fewer spots. They stick out. Take up more space.

Standard sedan: 15-16 feet long. 6 feet wide. Fits easy. Full-size SUV like a Chevy Tahoe: 17-19 feet long. 7 feet wide with mirrors. Ford F-150 truck: 20 feet long. Wider too.

Carriers measure from bumper to bumper. Mirrors folded. Still, big rigs crowd the trailer. Drivers stack smart. Sedans go low. Trucks high. But space limits hit hard.

Result? Brokers like us pay carriers more per spot. That cost passes to you. Expect 20-40% higher for SUVs. 30-50% for trucks. Depends on model.

Weight: The Hidden Cost Killer

Weight adds up. Sedans average 3,000 pounds. Mid-size SUV: 4,500 pounds. Heavy-duty truck: 6,000+ pounds.

Trailers max at 80,000 pounds gross. Fuel economy drops with weight. Drivers burn more gas. Trips take longer. Insurance ticks up.

Carriers hate overloads. Fines kill profits. They charge extra for heavies. Non-running vehicles? Add ramps or winches. More cost.

At AMG, we vet carriers for heavy-duty hauls. Insured. Experienced. No surprises.

Carrier Limits and Trailer Types

Open carriers rule for most jobs. Cheap. Exposed. Sedans fine. SUVs okay if not luxury. Trucks? Watch height. Over 7 feet tall? Open might not work.

Enclosed trailers for classics or exotics. Tight fit. SUVs and trucks rarely qualify. Doors too narrow. Height caps at 6'6" inside.

Multi-car loads save money. Sedans pack tight. One truck bumps everyone. Brokers negotiate volume rates. But big vehicles disrupt loads.

Here's a quick comparison table for a 1,000-mile open transport from Texas to California. Real quotes we've seen. Prices vary by season, fuel, demand.

|--------------|-------------------|--------------|------------------|----------------------|

| Compact Sedan | 14-15 / 5.5-6 | 2,500-3,000 | $900-$1,200 | $1,400-$1,800 |

| Mid-Size Sedan| 15-16 / 6 | 3,000-3,500 | $950-$1,300 | $1,500-$2,000 |

| Mid-Size SUV | 16-18 / 6.5-7 | 4,000-4,800 | $1,200-$1,600 | $1,900-$2,500 |

| Full-Size SUV | 18-20 / 7-7.5 | 5,000-5,500 | $1,400-$1,900 | N/A or Custom |

| Pickup Truck | 19-22 / 7-8 | 4,500-6,500 | $1,500-$2,200 | N/A or Custom |

Numbers rough. Get quotes. But see the jump? Shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference hits quick.

Distance and Route Impact

Short hauls? Size hurts less. 500 miles, sedan $500. SUV $650. Truck $800.

Cross-country? Grows. How much does it cost to ship a car cross country? Sedan Dallas to LA: $1,100. SUV: $1,400. Truck: $1,700.

Roads matter. Mountains slow trucks. Fuel spikes. Brokers route smart.

Fuel, Season, and Demand

Fuel prices fluctuate. Heavies guzzle more. Summer heat? Demand up. Prices climb 10-20%.

Winter? Snow routes cost extra. Brokers lock rates early.

What affects car shipping cost per mile? Vehicle size tops the list. Then distance. Fuel. Type: open vs enclosed.

Tips for Shipping Larger Vehicles

1. Measure exact. Length, width, height. Include mods.

2. Empty fuel tank. Lightens load.

3. Fold mirrors. Remove antennas.

4. Non-op? Tell upfront. Fees apply.

5. Compare quotes. 3-5 brokers. Check carrier reviews.

6. Book early. 72-hour pickup windows standard at AMG.

Avoid scams. Fraud everywhere. Use brokers with VIN scans. Stripe deposits. No cash apps.

Why Brokers Beat Going Direct

Carriers skip people. Too many no-pays. They charge retail. Brokers bulk buy. Pass savings.

Most carriers won't touch retail anyway. No systems. No sales. We handle it.

AMG Transport Co. Texas-based auto transport broker nationwide. Door-to-door vehicle shipping. Vetted insured carriers. Honest quotes. No hidden fees.

Ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles? We got it. SUVs, trucks, sedans. All covered.

Multi-car for families? Discounts. Non-running? Handled.

Our edge: Parent carrier knows the game. We pick rigs that fit your truck. No backtracking.

Real Talk: Plan Your Budget Right

Don't lowball. Cheap brokers cut corners. Damaged rigs. Late pickups.

Expect the premium for size. Budget 25-50% more. Get pro quotes.

Auto transport pricing transparent here. No games.

In closing, yes, SUVs and trucks cost more. Physics and business demand it. Skip headaches. Choose experience.

AMG Transport Co. makes it simple. Trusted car shipping broker. Nationwide. Reliable. Your no-brainer pick.

Get your free quote now.

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