Calculating the cost per mile for car shipping is an important step in determining the overall cost of transporting a vehicle. It is a key factor in helping you compare rates between different car shipping companies and choose the one that offers the best value for your money. In this blog post, we will explain how to calculate cost per mile for car shipping and provide some tips on how to get the best rate for your car transport needs.

To calculate the cost per mile for car shipping, you will need to know the distance that the car will be shipped and the total cost of the transport. The total cost includes any fees or charges, such as fuel surcharges or pick-up and delivery fees.

Shipping Distance is a Requirement before Calculating Cost Per Mile

calculating car distance


Calculating the distance for car shipping can seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite simple. Whether you’re shipping a car across the country or from California to Texas – for example, knowing the distance will help you get an accurate quote from a car shipping company and ensure that your car arrives at its destination safely and on time. Here’s a 3 step guide on how to calculate the distance for car shipping:

Step One: Determine the pickup and delivery Locations

The first step in calculating the distance for car shipping is to determine the pickup and delivery locations for your car. This will be the starting point and end point for your car’s journey.

Step Two: Use a Mapping Tool

There are several online mapping tools that can help you calculate the distance between two points. Some popular options include Google Maps, MapQuest, and Bing Maps. Simply enter the pickup and delivery locations into the tool and it will provide you with the distance in miles.

Step Three: Consider detours or route changes

If your car needs to be shipped to a location that is not directly on the route between the pickup and delivery locations, you’ll need to add extra miles to your calculation. For example, if your car needs to be shipped to a location that is a few miles off the main route, you’ll need to add those extra miles to your calculation.

Calculating the Car Shipping Cost Per Mile

To calculate the cost per mile, simply divide the total cost of the transport by the distance that the car will be shipped. For example, if the total cost of the transport is $1,000 and the distance is 1,000 miles, the cost per mile would be $1.00. Or you can simply use our car shipping data processing machine to find out how much would cost you to transport your vehicle to a different location.

There are several factors that can impact the cost per mile for car shipping, including:

#1 Type of transport:

There are two main types of car shipping: open transport and enclosed transport. Open transport is the most common and is typically less expensive than enclosed transport. Enclosed transport offers more protection for the car like weather and road debris but is generally more expensive.

#2 Distance:

The distance that the car will be shipped can have a big impact on the cost per mile. The longer the distance, the higher the cost per mile is likely to be.

#3 Type of vehicle:

The size and weight of the vehicle can also affect the cost per mile. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to transport than smaller and lighter ones. Some car shipping companies may charge extra for larger vehicles or vehicles that require special handling. Be sure to let the company know the make, model, and size of your vehicle when getting a quote to ensure an accurate price.

#4 Pick-up and delivery location:

The location where the car will be picked up and delivered can also impact the cost per mile. It is generally more expensive to ship a car to a remote location or one that is not easily accessible by truck.

#5 Time of year:

The time of year can also impact the cost per mile for car shipping. During peak shipping seasons, such as summer and winter, demand for car shipping services is typically higher and rates may be higher as a result.

Having your own route and research done will let you negotiate a better price with car shipping companies

To get the best rate for car shipping, it is important to shop around and compare rates from multiple companies. You can do this by requesting quotes from multiple car shipping companies and comparing the cost per mile and other fees.

Don’t forget about insurance: Make sure the car shipping company you choose has insurance to cover any damages that may occur during transport. It’s also a good idea to check with your own car insurance provider to see if your policy covers car shipping. Keep in mind this is usually covered in the quote they offer.

It is also a good idea to consider the reputation of the car shipping company you are considering. Look for companies that have a track record of delivering vehicles safely and on time. You can check reviews online or ask for references from the company. Do not skip this step! There are many car shipping companies that outsource third party drivers that can be more expensive and can damage your car.

Finally, be sure to read the fine print of any car shipping contract before agreeing to it. Make sure you understand all of the fees and charges that are included in the total cost and that you are comfortable with the terms and conditions of the contract.

In conclusion, calculating the cost per mile for car shipping is an important step in determining the overall cost of transporting a vehicle. By understanding how to calculate this cost and being aware of the factors that can impact it, you can get the best rate for your car transport needs.