Auto Transport Industry Update
During certain seasons, the cost to ship your vehicle may be lower or higher due to multiple factors. If you are looking to ship your car or truck, it is advised to wait until the fall/winter months. As during the spring/summer months, the auto shipping rates tend to be higher, because of the amount of people moving, purchasing new cars, traveling, etc. The summer is the busiest season for the auto carriers and the prices are thus increased to compensate for this. Along with the increase in competition, fuel costs are also higher during the summer and have gone up dramatically in recent years, causing auto shipping rates to rise even higher. Although fuel costs are higher, the rates also vary according to the segment of the country the auto is being shipped from and to. The west coast has the biggest change in diesel price, jumping dramatically, while the Midwest has the least change in diesel price. On the west coast, in recent weeks have had dramatic fuel increases due to refinery issues causing trickle down increases to truckers who have seen as much as a 30 cent increase. The Midwest has the smallest change with only 2.2 cents per gallon difference. The average price in the United States registered for diesel is $4.079 a gallon and in California $4.376. These averages are according to date compiled by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Certain locations across the country may also contribute to higher or lower auto shipping rates, during certain parts of the year. For example shipping to Southern states from Northern states in the summer will come with a premium due to the high number of shipments on these lanes. Where as shipping North will garner a very low auto shipping rate. If you are looking for the lowest auto shipping rates, it is recommended to ship during the months of October, November, and December. It is also advised, if at all possible, to ship from and to major cities to get the lowest price on auto shipping.
