Classic car shipping cost keeps collectors awake at night. You’ve just poured your savings into a dream car, and now you’re left wondering how to get it across the country without road debris, weather, or a careless truck driver ruining the finish.
This guide breaks down what affects the price, how classic car transport services work, and why choosing the right classic car transport company makes all the difference.
Key Takeaways
- Classic car shipping cost depends on distance, transport type, and vehicle size.
- Enclosed car transport offers maximum protection for classic and exotic cars.
- Choosing the right classic car transport company ensures safety and peace of mind.
- Extra insurance coverage is worth it for valuable automobiles and vintage vehicles.
- Luxury Car Shippers deliver proven, high-quality service trusted by collectors for 19+ years.
Why Classic Cars Demand Special Care
Classic cars aren’t just metal on wheels. They’re rolling history, living art, and often worth more than modern cars sitting in dealership showrooms.
While a Toyota Corolla can happily bounce down the freeway on an open carrier, a classic vehicle needs more than luck and a prayer.
Think of shipping classic cars like handling vintage wine.
You wouldn’t throw a 1961 Château Latour into the trunk of a hatchback, so why risk your Ferrari 250 GTO in the wrong trailer? [Source]
That’s where classic car covered transport and enclosed vehicle shipping enter the scene.
Collectors, enthusiasts, and even insurance companies expect extra protection.
Factors That Influence Classic Car Shipping Cost
So what determines the final bill? The classic car shipping cost doesn’t come out of a hat. It depends on a mix of variables that every auto transport company weighs up:
Distance and Delivery Location
- A move from Miami to Dallas costs far less than shipping across the country to Seattle.
- Remote delivery locations drive up the bill because truck drivers must detour from main routes.
Type of Transport
- Open auto transport is cheaper but exposes your pride and joy to weather, road debris, and loose items.
- Enclosed shipping or an enclosed trailer doubles the price but gives maximum protection.
Vehicle Size and Weight
- Big vintage vehicles like Cadillacs or trucks eat more trailer space, so expect higher rates.
Season and Demand
- Summer and car show season mean higher demand for classic auto transport. Prices rise when every classic car enthusiast wants their dream car moved.
Special Equipment
- Features like air ride suspension inside enclosed carriers protect valuable automobiles, but again, they add to the cost.
Insurance Coverage
- Standard policies cover a portion, but many classic car owners purchase additional coverage for peace of mind.
Average Cost of Shipping Classic Cars
Let’s talk numbers. While rates vary, here’s the ballpark:
- Open transport for a standard car: around $700 to $1,000 for mid-range distances.
- Classic car transport with enclosed carriers typically costs between $1,200 and $2,500 for the same trip, with rates increasing to upwards of $3,500 for longer distances. This is around $1.50 to $3.00 per mile.
If you’re moving an ultra-rare Ferrari or Shelby Cobra using top-tier enclosed auto transport, including door-to-door delivery, don’t faint when quotes hit $4,500 or more for cross-country distances.
Open vs Enclosed Transport: Which Should You Choose?
Think of your options like ordering a meal.
With open transport, your car rides are exposed to the elements, just like a burger served without a cover. It’s cheaper, sure, and works fine for modern cars that shrug off dust and rain.
But for classic cars, antique car transport, or exotic sports cars, the risks of road debris, weather, and careless drivers make it a gamble.
Take a ’69 Camaro heading from Arizona to New York. [Source]
You could save money with open transport, paying around $1,200, but you’ll spend the whole journey worrying about chips in the paint or scratches on the chrome.
Or, for roughly $3,500, you go with enclosed auto transport, where the car travels in an enclosed trailer with lift gates, climate control, and air ride suspension.
The difference? Your dream car arrives spotless, ready for the next car show or to slip straight into your garage.
That’s why serious classic car enthusiasts rarely hesitate.
Enclosed car transport services protect valuable automobiles with special care, proven equipment, and security that open carriers can’t match.
When the goal is delivering your investment to its destination safely, the higher classic car shipping cost feels like the best insurance policy you’ll ever buy.
Classic Car Shipping Companies: What to Look For
Not all transport companies deserve your trust. Some treat classic cars like scrap metal.
The best classic car transport company stands out because it has a proven track record, proper equipment, and a fleet of enclosed carriers.
Here’s a checklist for classic car collectors to look out for:
- Experience with classic vehicle shipping (not just moving modern cars).
- Options for door-to-door transport, so you avoid terminals.
- Solid insurance policy and transparent additional coverage.
- Knowledgeable staff who answer questions and keep you updated so you stay informed.
- Equipment like hydraulic lifts, enclosed trailers, and air ride suspension.
The Shipping Process: Step by Step
Shipping a classic car sounds intimidating, but once you break down the process, it makes sense.
Get Car Shipping Quotes
- Gather multiple car shipping quotes from auto transport companies.
- Make sure they include insurance and note any hidden fees.
Choose the Right Service
- Decide between open auto transport and enclosed vehicle shipping. For most classic car transportation, enclosed is the safer bet.
Prepare Your Classic Vehicle
- Clean the car, photograph every inch, and remove loose items.
- Double-check fluid levels and battery.
Pick-Up Day
- The truck driver arrives, inspects the car with you, and loads it carefully.
- With door-to-door delivery, the handoff happens at your location.
Transit
- While your classic rests inside an enclosed trailer, you receive updates from the transport company.
Delivery Location
- On arrival, you and the driver inspect the car again.
- Any scratches or damage go straight to the insurance coverage file.
The Role of Insurance Coverage
Standard auto transport services come with some insurance. But don’t assume your policy covers everything. You need to double check the following:
- Maximum payout for damages.
- Whether you need additional coverage for high-value classic cars.
- If both the classic car transport company and your personal insurer cover the shipping process.
Nothing ruins the excitement of a new arrival like battling over fine print.
Tips for Lowering Classic Car Shipping Cost
Want to save without cutting corners? Try these:
- Book early before peak season.
- Flexible dates help companies fill trailers, lowering cost.
- Meet at a major city location instead of remote delivery locations.
- Compare car shipping service providers and don’t jump at the first quote.
Why Luxury Car Shippers Tops the List
Here’s the straight truth, not all classic car shipping companies perform equally.
If you’re a collector who wants your classic vehicle handled with care, choose a company with nearly two decades of experience.
That company is us, here at Luxury Car Shippers.
For over 19 years, we have moved classic cars, exotic sports cars, and valuable automobiles across the country with unmatched quality and security.
We have built a proven track record, rely on top-tier enclosed transport, and deliver everything from antique car transport to modern supercars.
Collectors trust us because we combine special care, a professional fleet, and excellent customer service.
If you love your dream car enough to buy it, love it enough to ship it with the best.
Summary
The classic car shipping cost might sting at first glance, but think long-term. Paying for classic car transportation with the right classic car transport company means your investment arrives at its new home safe, spotless, and secure.
Collectors know that it isn’t about finding the cheapest ride. It’s about choosing classic car transport services that protect history on wheels. Whether you’re shipping across the country or just a few states away, trust Luxury Car Shippers to deliver your dream car in style.
Because at the end of the day, the only thing better than owning a classic is watching it roll off an enclosed trailer at your door, ready to shine. And that, my friends, makes every penny of classic car shipping cost worth it.
Ready to ship your dream car with confidence? Trust Luxury Car Shippers for safe, reliable, and proven classic car transport. Get your free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Car Shipping Costs
What is the safest classic car transport option?
The safest classic car transport option is enclosed shipping. It keeps your vehicle shielded from weather, road debris, and damage during transit, making it ideal for valuable classics.
Can exotic cars use the same services as classic cars?
Yes, exotic car transport usually follows the same process as classics, with enclosed trailers offering maximum protection. Both types of vehicles benefit from lift gates, air ride suspension, and added insurance coverage.
Is open transport a good auto transport option for classic cars?
While open carriers can save money, they’re not the best auto transport option for classic vehicles. Open trailers expose cars to dust, rain, and road debris, risks most collectors prefer to avoid.
How does vehicle size affect vehicle transport pricing?
Larger or heavier cars take up more space on a trailer, so vehicle transport costs increase for big classics like Cadillacs compared to smaller sports cars.
What’s the main difference between open trailers and enclosed carriers?
Open trailers carry more cars at once and cost less, but they leave vehicles exposed. Enclosed carriers, on the other hand, provide secure, climate-controlled vehicle transport with special equipment designed for collector and luxury cars.
