Distance is the key factor in determining the price, but several other factors also significantly impact what you will pay for your shipment.
Key Cost Factors for Car Shipping to and from North Carolina
1. Distance and Route
The first cost is the driving distance to the location where you want to ship your car.
Transportation from Wilmington to Charlotte (a distance of 500 miles) will be less expensive than shipping from Raleigh to Seattle.
Routes that are frequently traveled (such as Charlotte to Atlanta or Raleigh to Washington, D.C.) will be less expensive because the carrier travels them regularly.
If your location is near a major route such as I-85 or I-95, you can expect more favorable rates.
2. Pickup and Delivery Locations
The location of your car’s pick-up and delivery is an important factor.
Cities such as Raleigh, Greensboro, and Durham are often less expensive because the carrier travels frequently through this area more often.
Rural areas in the mountains (such as Ashe County) or the Outer Banks may be more expensive – the carrier will charge more for less accessible areas.
Delivery near a terminal location (such as Charlotte or Greensboro) will be less expensive than delivery to your doorstep in a small town.
3. Seasonal Demand in North Carolina
Rates of shipping may vary throughout the seasons:
Summer: More moves in and out of North Carolina (college students, military relocations around Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune), which may raise prices.
Winter: Routes through mountain passes, such as the Blue Ridge, may increase prices due to unpredictable weather.
4. Vehicle Size and Weight
The size of your vehicle will determine how many vehicles can be transported in a truck and how much fuel the truck uses.
Smaller vehicles, such as compact cars, are generally less expensive to transport than SUVs or trucks.
If you are transporting a heavy 4×4 for hunting trips in the Appalachian foothills, you can expect to pay a premium price.
5. Transport Type
You can choose between the following:
Open transport: The most economical and popular choice, and is perfect for daily driving sedans and SUVs.
Enclosed transport: It shields vehicles from external elements and is ideal if you are shipping a classic Mustang to a car show in Charlotte or transporting a Corvette in the winter months.
In NC’s wet summer months or near the coast in Wilmington, enclosed transport helps shield the shipment from the salt, air, and weather.
6. Seasonal Weather and Road Conditions
North Carolina’s climate affects the price:
Ice/Snow in the winter months in the mountains (Ashe, Boone, Blowing Rock) may slow down the carrier and increase costs.
Coastal storms may cause delays in the Outer Banks or Crystal Coast areas, sometimes resulting in higher costs due to rescheduling.