With the ongoing volatility in gas prices, many people are looking for more cost effective ways to transport their vehicles across long distances Shipping Your Car. In this article, we will explore how the recent fuel hikes have impacted the traditional methods of vehicle shipping and analyze if arranging shipment yourself could offer a better value.
Skyrocketing Prices at the Pump
Over the past year, the national average cost of gasoline in the United States has increased by over 50%, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. Several factors like supply chain issues, inflation and geopolitical instabilities have driven prices upwards, with no clear end in sight to these rising trends. The price of diesel fuel, which is critical for truck transportation, has seen even steeper hikes. This exponentially growing fuel component is driving up shipping rates across various transportation industries.
Shipping Your Car – Rising Shipping Costs for Consumers
As fuel makes up a major portion of operating expenses for vehicle transport companies, the price increases at gas stations have had ripple effects on customer rates. Most auto carriers have revised their fee structures upwards multiple times over the last 12 months to offset their elevated fuel costs. For consumers, auto transport now costs 10-30% more than it did before fuel prices began spiraling out of control. What used to be affordable for occasional users is pricing out lower and middle-income households from changing vehicle locations.
Potential Savings from Self-Transport
With professional auto shipping rates being inflated to unhealthy levels, transporting your vehicle yourself has become a comparatively more cost effective alternative. By driving or towing the car to its destination independently, you eliminate the Middleman charges of a transport company along with their fuel surcharges.
Some key potential savings include:
- Fuel costs for 1-2 drivers instead of a large commercial truck
- No brokerage or handling fees
- Full control over route and timeline
- Avoidance of sudden additional charges
For trips within a day’s drive, renting a tow dolly or trailer could cost under $200 including gas. This is significantly lower than even non-fuel charges of commercial carriers bidding over $1000 nowadays for similar short-medium distance single vehicle hauls.
Logistical Considerations for Self-Transport
While self-transporting your vehicle may help your finances, there are some logistical aspects one must plan for:
| Factor | Consideration |
| Route Planning | Research best roads, anticipate drive time with vehicle in tow. |
| Vehicle Prep | Check tires, lights, fluids before long trip with added rear weight. |
| towing Equipment | Rent suitable trailer/dolly, confirm towing capacity of your car. |
| Safety precautions | Use safety chains, check rear view often, allow more braking distance. |
Proper preparations and taking security measures can help you transport. The vehicle safely on your own while minimizing problems en route.
Shipping Your Car – When Professional Transport Still Makes Sense
For long distance relocations across multiple states, self-transport may not always be most suitable due to factors like:
- Long driving hours each day not feasible
- Need for occasional stops lengthens transit duration
- Multi-vehicle relocations require larger enclosed carrier
- Challenges of towing unfamiliar or high-end vehicles long distances
In such situations of intercity or interstate relocations, using an insured commercial auto transport carrier may continue delivering better value through their economies of scale despite higher rates.
As gasoline costs showing no sign of retreating, assessing total budget for self or pro transport on case-to-case basis is now more important. Than ever for vehicle owners on the move.
