The price of car transportation: what determines it and how to choose the right service
Car transportation cost is an important topic, especially for those planning to transport a car both domestically and internationally. Anyone who wants to move their vehicle should know what factors affect the final price and how to choose the most suitable transfer service.
What determines the price of car transport?
Distance. One of the most important factors affecting the cost of car transportation is the distance between the pick-up and delivery locations. For example, transporting a car from Germany, Italy or Belgium will cost less than transporting a car from Spain, France or other more distant countries. Longer distances usually require higher costs, but it should be noted that a discount is applicable for the transportation of longer distances or the transportation of several cars at the same time.
Car size and weight. Car dimensions and weight directly affect the cost of transportation. Larger or heavier vehicles take up more space in the truck, so the transportation of such cars, minibuses, heavy equipment, and trucks requires more space in the truck. They usually occupy from one and a half, two or more places, so the price is calculated according to the place occupied by the vehicle in the truck trailer.
Method of transportation. When transporting cars, you can choose open or closed transport. Open transport is cheaper, but less protective against environmental conditions. Closed-type transport, although more expensive, provides greater protection for the car.
- Covered car transporters (closed-type) – transport of luxury, sports or collector/retro cars is usually carried out by this type of car transporter. This method ensures that the transportation of cars will take place with a greatly reduced environmental impact on the car body, i.e. bad weather conditions, road dust, stones or even mechanical damage. This type of trucking service costs more than a standard trucking service.
- 8-10-seater open car transporters are the best choice when it is necessary to transport cars in larger quantities, i.e. 8-10 cars (depending on size and weight). The price of this type of car transporter will be the most optimal for those who transport more cars at the same time. Car transporters are large and easily cover long distances, so they are often used to transport cars from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, England, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Finland and others further countries.
- Carriers (1-5 places) – transporting cars by mini carrier – the best solution when it is more difficult to get to the place where the car is loaded, i.e. the city center, residential areas and those locations where large vehicles cannot access. These carriers are small, so they mostly carry cars from Poland, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Czech Republic, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and other nearby countries. The transportation price of this type of truck will be a bit more expensive due to its better capabilities, mobility, speed, and maneuverability.
Car condition. Whether the car is running or not will also affect the price.
Non-driving cars may require special equipment for loading and unloading, so such transportation services are more expensive.
Additional services. Transportation of expensive, new, vintage/retro, valuable cars usually requires additional CMR insurance. These services increase the price, but provide more security and comfort.
In summary, the cost of car transport depends on many factors, such as distance, mode of transport, condition and size of the car. By choosing the right service provider and using comparison tools, you can find the best deal that meets both price and quality expectations.
How to find the best car transport deal?
Send us a transportation request, or contact +37062769678, info@etrlogistics.lt, and we will provide the most optimal transportation offer.