A dealer in one state all of a sudden could sell his cars anywhere, a long as he could get it delivered. An individual ready to sell his classic car from the 1950s had a whole world of consumers. Dot com car dealers seemingly sprung up overnight, and people were buying cars sight unseen. Auto commerce reached new levels, as alternate retailing was taking over. So, as a result, there had to be better and more competitive ways to have those cars delivered. And, with access to virtually thousands of possible vendors, it became so much easier to compare car shipping rates.

Today, a simple online search shows methods and tools for shipping cars and comparing prices that would have been unimaginable in the past. There are complimentary distance calculators from tucking companies. Consumers can select if they want their cars to enjoy the weather with open air shipping, or go in an enclosed truck. Some cars are crated before shipping. Motorcycles and other motorized vehicles are simply loaded in. Prices depend on whether the cars are shipped door to door, or if you want to meet your new vehicle at a nearby dealer or location. There are discounts for more than one car. Some classic collections just want a flat bed truck, so they can travel with the car. Others, especially some auction companies, don’t seem to care about the method, as long as the price is right. And, of course, there are the professional drive-away services, where a professional driver who is, naturally, bonded, licensed and insured is entrusted with your car.

Of course, even buying a new car from a dealer involves car shipping costs. Look at the sticker on that shiny new car, and words like freight are used to represent the destination and delivery charges. Those costs are non-negotiable, and the consumer does not have the option of choosing different ways to get the car or to price them out. The federally-mandated “MSRP” (often referred to as the manufacturer’s suggested retail price) not only lists the base price for the car and its suggested retail price, but also the transportation charge from the manufacturer. When the car reaches its final destination, a new set of costs sets in, with fuel, insurance and payments.