1. Why Size and Weight Matter in Car Shipping
Auto transport carriers are limited by three main things:
- Space on the trailer
- Weight capacity regulations
- Fuel consumption
A larger or heavier vehicle reduces the number of cars a carrier can load, lowering their profit per trip. To compensate, they charge more for oversized, tall, or heavy vehicles. This is standard industry practice across all USA-based transport companies.
2. How Vehicle Dimensions Affect Pricing
Your vehicle’s length, height, and width all play a major role in determining car shipping costs.
Longer vehicles take more space
- Pickup trucks
- Long sedans
- Stretch or modified vehicles
A longer vehicle may take the space of 1.5 standard cars on a trailer.
Taller vehicles require special trailers
- Cargo vans
- Boxy SUVs
- Lifted trucks
Some enclosed and open trailers cannot fit vehicles over 7 feet tall. Taller vehicles may need adjustable decks or specific trailer types, which can increase the price.
Wider vehicles reduce available slots
- Heavy-duty trucks
- Wide-body cars
- Dual-rear-wheel (DRW) trucks
Wider vehicles limit how many cars a driver can safely load next to them, so carriers often charge more for that lost space.
3. How Vehicle Weight Influences Rates
Trailer weight capacity is regulated on every interstate in the USA. If your car adds significant weight, the carrier must adjust the total load to stay within legal limits.
Heavier vehicles increase:
- Fuel usage
- Wear on the trailer
- Loading time
- Route limitations
Examples of weight-based price increases:
| Vehicle Type | Approx. Weight | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Compact sedan | 3,000 lbs | Lowest price |
| Midsize SUV | 4,000–4,500 lbs | +$50–$150 |
| Pickup truck | 5,000–6,500 lbs | +$150–$350 |
| Heavy-duty truck | 7,000–10,000 lbs | +$300–$600 |
The heavier the vehicle, the higher the car shipping costs.
4. Common Vehicle Categories and Example Costs (USA Nationwide)
✔ Sedans (cheapest)
- Small footprint
- Low weight
- Easy to load/unload
Avg. national cost: $700–$1,050
✔ SUVs
- Higher center of gravity
- More weight
- May require adjustable trailer spots
Avg. national cost: $900–$1,300
✔ Pickup Trucks
- Often longer, wider, and heavier
- May need a flatbed or specialized trailer
Avg. national cost: $1,000–$1,500+
✔ Oversized or Modified Vehicles
- Lift kits
- Larger tires
- Add-on accessories
Avg. national cost: $1,500–$2,500+
5. Extra Car Features That Increase Shipping Price
Your vehicle may incur extra costs if it has:
Lift kits
Lift kits increase height and may require specialized trailer positioning.
Oversized tires
Oversized tires increase both width and weight.
Aftermarket accessories
Accessories like roof racks, bull bars, and winches add bulk and can complicate loading.
Dual rear wheels
Dual-rear-wheel trucks are wider and require special loading considerations.
Non-running condition
Non-running vehicles may require winches or extra labor, adding $75–$150 to shipping costs.
6. How to Reduce Your Car Shipping Costs
Here are industry-proven ways to lower your shipping price:
✔ Ship during off-peak seasons
Snowbird seasons (Oct–Dec & Mar–Apr) raise prices.
✔ Be flexible with pickup dates
Flexibility helps carriers match your vehicle to the best route.
✔ Remove accessories
Remove roof racks, bike racks, and oversized tires if possible.
✔ Accurately describe your vehicle
Wrong details = surprise fees + delays.
✔ Choose open transport
Open carriers are up to 40% cheaper than enclosed.
7. Final Thoughts
Understanding how size and weight affect car shipping costs helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
This knowledge empowers you to choose the right type of transport and find fair pricing anywhere in the USA.