When you are ordering a quote, you might be wondering, “Are quotes affected by car year and model?” The answer is yes indeed. The vehicle type is a very important factor when someone calculates the transport price. But knowing the why and the how behind that cost makes a real difference when you move.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about shipping a car, from why your car matters, to getting a quote on ShippingCarQuotes.com.
Why Year and Model Matter in Car Shipping Quotes
Car shipping is not a one-size-fits-all service. Each vehicle comes with:
- Different dimensions
- Unique weight
- Specific ground clearance
- Possible special handling requirements
The ways they differ will change how your vehicle is loaded, secured, and transported and knowing these ways may help you avoid inaccurate quotes and last-minute changes.
Let’s break down each element step by step.
Step 1: Understand How Vehicle Size Impacts Your Quote
The year and model of your car often signal the size category it falls into. For example:
- A 2024 model Chevy Suburban is much longer in length than a 2010 Honda Civic.
- However, a 1969 Mustang one treats differently than a 2022 Toyota Corolla, for example.
- Carriers charge by space and weight. Larger or longer vehicles take up more trailer space. The number of vehicles that can be carried reduces.
- Carriers charge by the number of spaces and weight; large or long vehicles might occupy more space on a trailer, thus limiting the number of vehicles per truck.
General vehicle type categories that influence quotes:
- Sedans (lower cost)
- SUVs
- Pickup Trucks
- Vans
- Oversized Vehicles
- Classic or Modified Cars
The year and model of your car determines which price groups its parts can be placed in.
Step 2: Know How Vehicle Weight Affects Transport Cost
Modern vehicles may not have the same weight even inside the same vehicle class and transport carriers must follow DOT weight limits.
- As of 2023, the heaviest electric SUVs weigh above 5000 lbs on account of their battery packs.
- A 1995 compact car of average build weighed under 2,500 lbs at that time.
- Heavier vehicles reduce how many others the carrier can load, increasing your cost.
When requesting a quote on the ShippingCarQuotes.com website, providing the exact model name (e.g. “F-150 SuperCrew”) will reduce weight-related miscalculations.
Step 3: Consider Ground Clearance and Special Handling
- Some vehicles require more caution in loading and unloading, unlike others.
- Sports cars such as Corvettes, Porsche 911s, or Lamborghinis might sit low and scrape the ramp.
- Soft straps may be needed for older classic models rather than chains.
- For larger trucks, longer ramps or heavier-duty tie-downs could be needed then.
- Manufacturers update these specs by each year. The vehicle year tells insurers if a vehicle needs new handling equipment.
Why this impacts your quote:
- Special handling increases labor time
- May require additional equipment
- Enclosed transport may be recommended
- The price is heavily influenced by these details.
Step 4: Understand How Modifications and Trims Change Costs
A quote based solely on make, model and year may vary depending on trim packages or aftermarket add-ons.
Examples that increase price:
Lifted trucks
- Lowered sports cars
- Roof racks
- Oversized tires
- Wide body kits
- Custom exhaust systems
A “stock” model may be easy to move, but a modified version may require:
- Additional space
- More careful positioning
- Enclosed transport
- Special equipment
Again, accuracy prevents surprise adjustments later.
Step 5: Classic Cars, Exotic Cars, and Vintage Models Require Special Rates
- It may need enclosed transportation
- Restoration status matters
- On higher insured value
- Requires special handling
A carrier cannot treat a 1970 Dodge Challenger the same way as a 2021 Nissan Altima.
For classic and exotic cars, the year and model can heavily influence:
- Insurance coverage cost
- Loading method
- Carrier selection
For a collectible car or a high-value car, provide the year, make and model so you can be matched with the right carrier.
Step 6: Get an Accurate Quote by Submitting Full Details
Most quote errors or price changes are due to incomplete vehicle information. Things that should be included when using quote tools such as ShippingCarQuotes.com:
- Vehicle year
- Make
- Model
- Trim (EX, Limited, Z71, etc.)
- Running condition
- Modifications
- Pickup and delivery ZIP codes
If you inform more, your quote will be accurate to a greater extent.
Why this matters:
Carriers’ routing is by vehicle size and weight. Pricing goes wrong when a shipment is incomplete.
Real-World Example: How Year and Model Change a Quote
Let us compare the two vehicles leaving Chicago for Phoenix
- Honda Accord 2012 Sedan $1,050
- Ford F-250 2024 Super Duty at $1550-1800
- For the same distance, same schedule, the vehicle has less volume in addition to weighing less.
This is why insurance quotes from carriers always ask for the model and year.
Step 7: Use an Online Tool That Automates Vehicle Matching
Instead of trying to guess how much your vehicle changes the price, use tools that can give you an instant quote.
The quote system at ShippingCarQuotes.com:
- Matches your vehicle specs using its year
- Calculates size and weight automatically
- Predicts applicable surcharges
- Provides an accurate estimate to the second
No guessing or incorrect data. No surprises on shipping day.
Final Thoughts: Car Year and Model Definitely Affect Quotes
The make and model of a car will determine its size, weight, handling, how it will be loaded, what kind of insurance you will need, and what type of transport you will need. Quotes are definitely affected by this information. This information known upfront will ensure an accurate quote without hidden surprises. Point your browser to here if you’re ready to get a precise, guaranteed quote for your vehicle from ShippingCarQuotes.com. Once you enter your information, you will see what ShippingCarQuotes.com will charge within seconds, without requiring a phone call or another adjustment.
