When shipping your vehicle, several factors influence the overall cost—but few are as important as the car’s model and size. Whether you choose open transport or enclosed shipping, vehicle dimensions directly affect how carriers calculate space, weight, and loading logistics. Understanding how these factors impact your instant quote can help you plan better and avoid unexpected price adjustments. This guide explains how car model and size influence shipping quotes, why open carriers are often preferred, and what steps you can take to get the best value for your vehicle shipment. Click Here To Investigate
Why Car Size Matters in Auto Shipping Quotes
The size and weight of your car play a major role in determining transport costs. In open transport, carriers use multi-level trailers designed to fit multiple vehicles at once. Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans take up more space, often occupying two standard car slots on a trailer. This reduces the number of vehicles a carrier can haul on a single trip, increasing the overall price.
Weight also impacts fuel consumption and load limits. Carriers must comply with federal transportation weight restrictions, which means heavier vehicles can reduce how many other cars fit on the same load. As a result, larger or heavier vehicles are typically charged higher rates compared to compact cars or sedans.
Car type also matters. Luxury and specialty vehicles may require extra handling care, even on open carriers, adding to the total cost. While the difference per mile might seem small, these factors add up significantly over long distances.
How Car Models Influence Open Transport Pricing
Different car models have unique dimensions, ground clearance, and loading requirements—all of which can influence your shipping quote. For example, a standard sedan such as a Toyota Camry is easier to load and fits comfortably on most open carriers. In contrast, larger models like a Ford F-150 or GMC Yukon require additional space, which can raise the price by 20–40%.
Some vehicles with modifications, like lift kits or roof racks, may also increase the quoted price. These modifications can change the height or weight of the vehicle, requiring carriers to make adjustments to accommodate it safely. Similarly, sports cars or vehicles with low ground clearance need special loading equipment or angled ramps, even in open transport setups.
Additionally, the type of open transport chosen can influence costs. Standard double-deck trailers are the most common and affordable, while single-level carriers—used for oversized or custom vehicles—cost more due to limited capacity. By providing accurate car details during the quote process, you help the carrier plan effectively and avoid unexpected fees later.
Benefits of Choosing Open Transport for Larger Vehicles
Despite the potential for higher costs with larger models, open transport remains the most affordable and efficient shipping method for most vehicles. It is widely available, operates on flexible routes, and allows carriers to transport multiple vehicles simultaneously, reducing per-mile costs.
For standard cars and even midsize SUVs, open transport provides reliable protection and faster scheduling compared to enclosed shipping. Modern open carriers use advanced tie-down systems and wheel straps to ensure your vehicle remains secure throughout the journey. Additionally, most auto transport companies include basic insurance coverage to protect your car against accidental damage during transit.
Another advantage is availability. Since open carriers make up the majority of the industry’s fleet, it’s easier to find one that matches your route and timeline. This makes open transport especially practical for families, dealerships, or individuals moving multiple vehicles at once.
However, for exotic or high-value cars, enclosed transport may be worth considering despite the higher cost. It provides full protection from weather and road debris, though it comes with limited carrier availability.
Tips to Get the Most Accurate Quote
To ensure a fair and accurate shipping quote, always provide detailed information about your car’s make, model, year, and modifications. This allows transport companies to determine how much space your vehicle will occupy and which type of carrier best suits your needs.
You can also request multiple quotes from different providers to compare pricing and service quality. Keep in mind that the lowest price isn’t always the best—reputation, insurance coverage, and delivery times should also factor into your decision.
Booking in advance can also help you secure better rates, especially during high-demand seasons such as summer. Flexibility with pickup and delivery dates gives carriers more room to optimize routes, potentially lowering your cost.
Lastly, if you’re shipping multiple vehicles, ask about bundled pricing. Many companies offer discounts when shipping two or more cars at once, particularly on open carriers.
Car model and size are key determinants in the pricing of open transport shipping services. Larger or heavier vehicles require more space and resources, leading to higher costs, while smaller cars benefit from standard load efficiency. By understanding how transport companies calculate quotes and providing precise vehicle details, you can ensure a smoother and more cost-effective shipping experience. Whether you’re moving a family SUV or a compact sedan, open transport offers a practical balance between affordability, safety, and convenience—making it the preferred choice for most car owners.
Credible Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_carrier