The base price on a car shipping quote usually increases for a few specific reasons: a car that doesn't run, a missed pickup, a rush delivery date, enclosed transport, or items left inside the vehicle. A reputable company explains each one before you book, so nothing is hidden. Below are the additional car shipping fees you may see, what a basic quote covers, and how to keep extras low.
What a Basic Car Shipping Quote Includes
Price is one of the biggest factors when you choose a car transport carrier, especially for a coast-to-coast move. Your initial quote covers:
- The distance your car is traveling
- The type of transport (open or enclosed)
- The fuel needed to move your vehicle.
- The service fee
Your total is split into two parts: our service fee and the carrier's fee, which is paid on or before delivery. To see a baseline number before you talk to anyone, try our car shipping cost calculator. It needs no personal info.
Deposits and Up-Front Fees
Many companies require an up-front deposit or “initiation fee” because they are brokering most of the deals they make. If you are asked for one, think twice. Why pay for a service that hasn't done anything for you yet?
At Ship a Car Direct, we don't charge a deposit until we assign and confirm a carrier. Once you have the carrier's information, the service fee or deposit is due. We also weed out over 80 percent of the 7,000 carriers in the United States, so you end up with only the best.
Extra Charges to Budget For
The more particular you are about dates and vehicle type, the more a quote can grow. These are the charges to plan for:
- A car that doesn't run: A non-operational vehicle is subject to a $150 fee under our terms. It must still roll, brake, and steer.
- Dry run fee: Failure to release the vehicle to the chosen carrier on or after the date given by you when placing your order may result in a “Dry Run” fee. The industry standard “Dry Run” fee is One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).
- Storage at delivery: If neither you nor your agent can accept and/or remit proper payment for the vehicle on delivery at the destination, the vehicle may be stored in a facility chosen by the carrier at your expense.
- Canceling after a carrier is assigned: A $100 cancellation fee applies once a carrier has been assigned. No cancellation fee applies before that point.
- Expedited delivery: Carrier dates are estimates, not guarantees. Carriers usually charge a premium to commit to a specific date.
- Enclosed transport: Enclosed car transport costs more than open transport because fuel costs are higher and fewer cars move in one job.
- Items inside the car: Carriers are not licensed to move household goods. Extra weight can cost more, and you are responsible for any damage or fines caused by items left in the car.
- Wrong vehicle details: Misstating your car's size or weight can add fees or cancel the order.
Timing changes the price too. Summer and snowbird seasons push rates up, so see our tips on shipping a car during peak season.
Flexibility keeps the total down. A rare vintage car that has to arrive by a set date can trigger rush and enclosed transport charges. A Toyota Camry going two states away with a flexible delivery date usually won't trigger them. The more flexible you are, the easier the process becomes.
Charges You Should Not Pay
Insurance coverage costs you nothing extra. The carrier's insurance is always primary, and our Damage Free Guarantee backs it up at no added cost.
How to Avoid Surprise Charges
Ask any company to list every possible charge before you book, and read the terms before you agree. We list ours on our terms and conditions page, including the fees above. Tell us up front if the car doesn't run, what its real size and weight are, and whether anything will be inside it. That way your quote is accurate the first time.
At Ship a Car Direct, we'd rather you know every charge now than find out at delivery. Call us at 866-221-1664, get a free car shipping quote, or read what customers say in our reviews.
