cost of transporting autos

[vacavalier]

I'll be moving within the year and possibly need to have my pickup truck transported from va to arkansas.....was wondering how the cost is figured out. Do they charge by the mile, weight, both or some other way?....thanks

[Big_Dave]

Usually cost is figured on the following;

Size; how much of the trailer will it take.
Weight; how much does it weight.
Distance; how far are we taking this thing.
Convenience; is this thing gonna be a 'cake walk' or a PITA to deal with.

Just for the heck of it, last August I checked into shipping 1 pallet (about 3 1/2' tall and 250 lbs), of my personal stuff from Las Vegas NV to Mankato MN. I had several quotes of over $500. :wow: I used a local phone book and started calling trucking companies that were listed. You may wanna do that instead of going through a broker to move your load.

If you can find a dry van company that has logistics posts in their trailers, they'll have a way to secure your vehicle but you may need to find someplace near both ends (shipping point and destination) that has a loading ramp or dock. They may be cheaper than an actual car hauling company, flatbed or step deck.

What about renting a car trailer from U-haul or Ryder? Have you checked into that?

One tip to help you out in the long run. Once you have everything lined up and it's time to load the pickup, TAKE PICTURES of how they secure it AND of all sides of the vehicle BEFORE they take off with it. That way you have a record of the vehicle condition at point of origin. Once it gets to the destination, if there's any damage you have all your bases covered in case you need to file a damage claim. :cool:

[vacavalier]

Thanks Dave...I appreciate the suggestions.... :)

[Rev.Vassago]

As far as household goods carriers go, I know that we haul autos for around $1000 - $1500, depending upon size, auto type, distance, etc.

[aerodyne]

I picked my son's car up in south GA with a van. The rollback could raise to floor height and we rolled the car to front of trailer. I used straps to hold it. At home I had a rollback unload it.

Aerodyne in E TN