What are the logistics charging standards for car shipping?

[LeConnor]

There are generally two types of car shipping charging standards. The first is calculated based on mileage, and the second is calculated based on the route. For mileage-based calculation, the car shipping price consists of distance cost, vehicle model cost, and insurance cost. The distance cost needs to be inquired from local shipping companies, as it varies by company. Larger vehicles occupy more space in the shipping carrier, so additional fees may apply during shipping. For route-based calculation, the car shipping price also consists of distance cost, vehicle model cost, and insurance cost. The distance cost is fixed for a specific route. For example, the cost from Guangzhou to Changsha remains the same regardless of the specific locations within these cities. The insurance and vehicle model costs are calculated similarly to the mileage-based method. When arranging car shipping, owners must ensure that flammable, explosive, valuable, or illegal items are not left in the vehicle. In winter, it is necessary to add sufficient coolant and antifreeze. Additionally, the ETC card on the front windshield should be removed to avoid duplicate charges during transit.

[LauraAnn]

I've shipped cars several times, and the cost mainly depends on distance, vehicle size, and transport method. Naturally, longer distances cost more—for example, cross-state transport is several times pricier than within the same city. Vehicle type makes a big difference; SUVs or trucks cost about 20% more than compact cars because they take up more trailer space. There are two transport methods: open and enclosed. Open is cheaper but leaves the car exposed to the elements, which can be risky in bad weather. Enclosed is safer but costs about 50% more. Insurance is also a must, typically around 1% of the car's value. Timing matters too—expedited service adds an extra $100–200. I recommend choosing a reputable company to avoid low-price traps, booking early to save money, and being aware that prices spike quickly during peak seasons. For example, a 500-mile trip from California to Texas with open transport starts around $600.

[VonRebecca]

The cost of car shipping makes me pay extra attention to safety details, especially for users with young children. Base fees depend on distance and vehicle size, with sedans potentially starting at $0.6 per mile, while large SUVs cost 30% or more extra. The shipping method is crucial—enclosed transport is more reliable, protecting paint jobs and reducing bump damage. Though pricier, it offers peace of mind. Additional services like door-to-door pickup are convenient but come with a $50-$100 surcharge. Insurance is mandatory and must be included to cover accidents. From an economic perspective, booking during off-peak seasons like winter is more cost-effective; during peak seasons with higher prices, reading user reviews when selecting a company ensures transparency. I personally use online calculators to estimate costs by entering my car's length and route, which helps avoid hidden fees and keeps the total price reasonable within the $500-$1000 range.

[Richardson]

Auto transport pricing varies widely, with open carriers starting as low as $0.6 per mile - ideal for tight budgets. Enclosed transport costs more but offers dust/rain protection and better vehicle security. Vehicle size is key - larger cars occupy more space, increasing fees by 20-40%. Longer distances reduce per-mile rates but raise total costs (e.g., 1,000-mile transport may start at $800). I've found mid-sized companies offer flexible service; their insurance-addon and flat-fee models provide transparent pricing. Timing matters: expedited services increase costs by 10-15%, so booking at least one week ahead is recommended.