Is there some rule of thumb for shipping a car?

[SteveSS]

Like for every 100 miles it costs this much. Approximately.

 

[gtx6970]

Its usually per loaded mile

But that varies
Some will charge a base fee to come get yours if empty then per mile to where its unloaded

Prices I see most of the time are in the $1 to $1.75 per mile open trailer

And $2 up to $3 per mile enclosed

Prices vary the most with the quality and reputation of the company doing the transport


This is an example I went from Tucson Az to pick up a car in Fontana CA ( I was empty ) hauled it to Phoenix AZ for the end customer
I was then empty from Phoenix back home to Tucson

I charged $1100 even in my enclosed trailer

Out and back in 1 day on 2 days notice
I dont do it for a living. Nor do I want to do cross country trips
I prefer just maybe a few times a year to make use of the trailer instead of just sitting 345 days out of the year

 

[DeltaV]

One dollar per mile last year for enclosed transport of a non-running car from Prescott, Arizona to Savannah, Georgia. Called and scheduled less than one week before pick up of car. I got lucky on pick up date. No damages at time of delivery.

One dollar per mile in 2015 for enclosed transport of a non-running car from Fort Worth, Texas to Savannah, Georgia. Called and scheduled two months in advance. Then, they called one week out to confirm date, time window, and location. No damages at time of delivery.

One dollar and 35 cents per mile in 2015 for OPEN carrier transport of a non-running car from Ithaca, N.Y. to Savannah, Georgia. Called one month in advance and scheduled a floating availability date convenient to them. The car's exterior was filthy, but there were boot prints on various horizontal surfaces when delivered. No damages though.

 

[68BabyBlue]

The last five years I ran my tractor trailer, I figured my operating costs at about 85 cents per mile, variation up or down with fuel price fluctuations, my highest expense. Cost for a smaller truck produce prices at the lower end of the spectrum. An enclosed trailer, operated by high end drivers like Reliable and Passport provide, will generate the higher prices.

 

[DeltaV]

One dollar per mile last year for enclosed transport of a non-running car from Prescott, Arizona to Savannah, Georgia.

Small, enclosed trailer with enough room for one car. Tow vehicle: RAM diesel pickup; A 2500 series IIRC.

One dollar per mile in 2015 for enclosed transport of a non-running car from Fort Worth, Texas to Savannah, Georgia

Large, enclosed trailer with adequate room for my '70 Charger along with a '69 Roadrunner. Tow vehicle: RAM 3500 diesel pickup.

One dollar and 35 cents per mile in 2015 for OPEN carrier transport of a non-running car from Ithaca, N.Y. to Savannah, Georgia.

A fair size behemoth; diesel of course.