Why Do SUVs Cost More to Ship Than Sedans?
SUVs cost more to ship than sedans. Simple as that. Size matters. Weight counts. Space on the truck is limited. As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., an auto transport broker in Texas, I've booked thousands of loads. Nationwide vehicle shipping door to door shows the pattern clear. Sedans slide in easy. SUVs demand more. Expect 20-50% higher costs for SUVs on the same route. Like shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles. A sedan might run $1,200 open carrier. An SUV? $1,600 or more. Here's the breakdown.
Why Do SUVs Generally Cost More to Ship Than Sedans?
Carriers price by reality. Not wishes. SUVs are bigger. Heavier. They eat trailer space and fuel.
How Does Vehicle Size and Weight Affect Carrier Pricing?
Size and weight drive costs. Carriers pay for diesel. Overweight loads mean permits. Extra fees.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Factor | Typical Sedan | Typical SUV | Cost Impact |
|-----------------|------------------------|-------------------------|------------------------------|
| Length | 15-16 ft | 17-20 ft | +10-20% more space used |
| Width | 5.8-6.2 ft | 6.5-7 ft | Fits fewer per truck |
| Height | 4.5-5 ft | 5.5-6.5 ft | Limits stacking |
| Curb Weight | 3,000-3,500 lbs | 4,000-5,500 lbs | Higher fuel, axle strain |
| Typical Cost (1,000 miles, open) | $1,000-$1,300 | $1,300-$1,800 | 20-40% premium |
Data from our Texas-based auto transport broker logs. What affects car shipping cost per mile? Fuel burn. Tires wear. Brakes stress. A non-running SUV adds even more. Dead batteries don't push weight around.
What Impact Does an SUV Have on Truck Loading and Capacity?
Trailers hold 8-10 sedans. SUVs? 6-8 max. Open car carrier transport cost rises when loads thin out. Carriers hate empty spots. They pass it on.
I've seen 53-foot flats. Sedans stack two high sometimes. SUVs? One level mostly. Doors swing wider too. Loading takes time. Risk of dings goes up. Multi-car transport for families favors sedans. Single SUVs pay the solo premium.
Are Pickup and Delivery Challenges Worse for Larger Vehicles?
Roads suck for big rigs. Narrow streets. Low branches. Tight turns. SUVs make it worse.
Why Might Residential Access Add Extra Fees for SUVs?
Door-to-door car shipping how it works: Driver gets close. Not always to your driveway. SUVs turn radius? Poor. Length? Trouble. Gravel lots? Sink in.
Residential access fees hit SUVs hard. $100-300 extra. Why? Driver scouts first. Calls you. Might need winch or tow dolly. Our 72-hour pickup windows help. But prep your spot. Trim trees. Clear 12-foot width. 14-foot height clearance. Or pay up.
Relocating to Florida ship car from Texas? Suburbs complicate it. Best auto transport company for out-of-state moves plans ahead.
How Can Open vs Enclosed Transport Change Costs for SUVs?
Open saves cash. Exposed to elements. Enclosed protects. Doubles the price.
SUVs shift the math. Open car carrier transport cost: Fine for daily drivers. But scratched paint on a lifted SUV? Buyer notices.
When Does Enclosed Make Sense for Larger or Luxury SUVs?
Luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open: Enclosed for high-end. Think Range Rover. Escalade. Classic SUVs too. Dust, rocks, rain wreck finishes.
Enclosed auto transport for luxury cars adds $500-1,000. Worth it? If resale matters. Our vetted insured carriers handle both. Open pros: Cheap. Fast. Cons: Weather risk.
Shipping a non-running vehicle what to know: Enclosed ramps better for low clearance SUVs.
How Do I Get an Accurate Quote Accounting for My Vehicle Type?
Quotes guess without details. Give VIN. Exact model. We scan VINs upfront. Honest quotes. No games.
Auto transport quotes how to compare: List size. Weight. Mods. Running status. Route. Timing.
Stripe deposits lock it. No chargebacks. How long does car shipping take cross country? 5-14 days coast to coast. SUVs might lag on full loads.
Texas based auto transport broker nationwide: We buffer carriers. They drive. We handle people. Fraud-free. Reasonable rates.
| Quote Tip | Do This | Avoid This |
|----------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Vehicle Specs | Send photos, VIN, dimensions | Guess "it's an SUV" |
| Access | Measure driveway, note obstacles | Assume easy pickup |
| Transport Type| Pick open/enclosed early | Switch last minute |
| Broker Choice | Check reviews, insurance | Cheapest bid wins |
In closing, SUVs cost more. Deal with it. But smart brokers cut the sting. AMG Transport Co. vets carriers. Full insurance. VIN verification. 72-hour pickups. No hidden fees. Trusted car shipping broker reviews back us. Parent carrier AMG Endeavors knows the roads.
Experienced car shipping broker you can trust. That's us. Get your quote now. Don't guess. Ship right.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.