What to Know About SUV Shipping

Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are great options for lots of people. Whether you need extra cargo space, towing capacity without a pickup truck, or hauling your most precious cargo: kids, friends, and family. An SUV could fit the bill. But regardless of what you use it for, if you need to ship an SUV, there are a few things you need to know. As shipping experts, Direct Express Auto Transport will help you understand the differences between shipping SUVs versus sedans and even the unique issues depending on the size of your SUV.

Cost of SUV Shipping

The cost of shipping an SUV is typically more expensive than a sedan and for a few legitimately good reasons. Most big auto transporters carry anywhere between six to ten standard sedans. SUVs are larger in almost every dimension. They are taller than sedans, wider, and longer. The most critical statistical difference between SUVs and sedans is the weight. 

An average SUV is usually much heavier than a small sedan. There are two primary reasons weight is a significant factor in car shipping costs. First, transporters are subject to weight limits. In other words, even an SUV that is small in dimension but weighs more reduces the number of different vehicles allowed on that transport. 

Secondly, heavier vehicles require more fuel to power the transport truck itself. SUVs mean lower fuel economy for the transporter. The carrier can move fewer vehicles on that route by taking up more space or weight on the transport. So they must charge SUVs more to make up for the lost revenue of being unable to transport additional vehicles.

Thankfully, you’ll be asked for your vehicle’s year, make, and model before you receive a quote. That means compact SUVs such as a Honda CRV, a midsize Ford Explorer, and a full-size Chevy Suburban are all priced differently. Carriers understand that not all SUVs are created equal, and they’ll price fairly according to size. But please don’t misrepresent your vehicle (saying you have an Explorer when you have an Excursion.) Your carrier may only have the capacity or even the proper equipment to transport your larger vehicle if you are upfront with what you need to ship. You’ll only end up costing yourself more time, money, and headaches.

How Long Does it Take to Transport an SUV

How long it takes to ship an SUV varies depending on how far you’re shipping it, where it’s starting, and the final destination. Sure, these are the same factors for a sedan. But there’s one more hitch with an SUV. Because it is more significant than a sedan, it may take longer to be assigned to a carrier. Some carriers need help moving larger vehicles. Still, other transporters have almost-full loads already booked and can only accommodate additional cars of a standard sedan size. Keep this in mind when preparing to ship your SUV and plan a little further in advance or have some extra grace and patience.

Open v. Closed SUV Shipping

One of the primary decisions you must make when transporting your vehicle is whether to use an open or closed transport. And for the most part, we recommend reserving enclosed transport for classic or costly cars valued at or over $100,000. 

But when you’re talking about an SUV, it takes less time to approach that value, especially if you have a luxury SUV such as a Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, or Porsche Cayenne. Enclosed transport may be the way to go, mainly since fewer sedans are transported in this manner (about 3%.)

When buying an SUV from across the country or transporting it for a move, our friendly customer service reps at Direct Express can help you find the right solution from your starting city to the destination. Call 800-600-3750 or use our easy online tools to get your quote or book your transport.

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator

Direct Express Auto Transport originated the instant car shipping quote calculator in 2004. It is still the best, most sophisticated, reliable tool available anywhere online. We offer three options that we call tiers of car shipping estimates. The standard rate is the cheapest car shipping quote, but it may take longer. Use it if you are patient. We recommend the expedited car shipping rate and have countless satisfied customers because the shipping process tends to go quicker. The rush rate is our highest level of car shipping service, and many customers are glad they went with that method.