Shipping a Car To or From Hawaii: Hawaii Car Shipping Quotes and Costs Explained

On average, the cost of shipping a car from the mainland to Hawaii is about $1500 to $2100. Of course, this will vary depending on several factors like the type of shipping, type, and the size of vehicle, departure port, destination, transport distance, shipping dates, and many more. 

That is why it is important to get Car Shipping Quotes from various auto shipping services to know exactly how much you will need to part with. 

There are several variables that can affect your car shipping cost. They include:

The type of vehicle is an important consideration that shapes the Car Shipping Quotes. For instance, you can expect to pay more when shipping an SUV or van compared to when you transport a sedan.



Other than the type of vehicle, the size of the vehicle also plays a key role in determining the shipping cost. Smaller vehicles like sedans can cost significantly less to transport compared to larger vehicles like vans. 

Also, the more the number of cars you want to ship, the higher the cost. Furthermore, cars with a lower ground clearance can cost more to ship. 

As you may have guessed, the longer the shipping distance, the more it will cost. Although longer distances usually have a discounted cost per mile, they often translate to high car shipping prices. 

Also, the average cost of shipping a car will depend on your preferred shipping method. Generally, there are two shipping methods that you can select from; open-air carrier and enclosed carrier. 



The open-air carrier is the most popular method and it involves transporting multiple vehicles. This shipping method is easy on the wallet, but your car/s will be exposed to weather elements. 

On the other hand, the enclosed car carrier involves transporting your vehicle in an enclosed carrier where it is shielded from harsh elements. This option is more expensive and works best for luxurious vehicles.

Something else that shipping companies consider when calculating the shipping cost is the pickup and delivery location. If you live in a metropolitan area with well-traveled routes, the rate will likely be lower compared to someone that lives in a remote location. 



This is because the car carriers will need to deviate from their route to pick up your car. In this case, you may opt to drop your car at a landmark that is in the driver’s route for lower costs and faster transportation services. You can also save money when you opt to ship to the terminal rather than door-to-door service.

If your vehicle can steer and brake on its own, the overall cost will be lower compared to when it is in an inoperable state. This is because an operable car is less stressful to load into the shipping truck while an inoperable car will need to be winched or forklifted to the truck. 

When requesting car shipping quotes online, always remember that car shipping companies set prices based on the demand. For instance, summer is considered the peak car shipping season and the prices are relatively high. 

Therefore, if you are budget conscious and want to save more on your shipping costs, ship during the winter where the demand is low. The only downfall is that the delivery times for this season are longer due to bad weather. 

If you want your car to be delivered within a specified time frame, express auto shipping may be the most suitable option for you. However, you may be required to pay up to 30% more than if you opted for the standard car delivery.

Since shipping cars come with some risks, an auto company may require you to purchase an insurance package that will cover the damages. If the insurance costs are included in your Car Shipping Estimate, then you can expect your shipping costs to be high.

Something else that impacts your hawaii car shipping quotes is the type of sea transport. There are two types of sea transport; RORO shipping and cargo container shipper. 



Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping is where you drive your car to the port where it is loaded to a ship and rolled off when it reached the destination port. This is the most affordable and fastest type of sea transport. 

On the other hand, cargo container is most suitable for vehicles that require special handling and extra protection. However, this method of transportation is expensive and may take longer. 

Shipping your vehicle does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are several things that you can do to lower your car shipping costs. They include:

Before you settle for a particular shipping company, make sure that you compare the car shipping quotes from hawaii of different companies. You also need to do comprehensive research on the companies and evaluate their reputation and trustworthiness. This will enable you to narrow down your list of the best car shipping companies

Similarly, you want to confirm the company’s license, insurance claim, and accident claim rates. When you work with an auto company that is licensed and insured, you will have peace of mind. 



Moreover, you should inquire if they provide additional cargo insurance or whether you will need to carry your liability insurance. Know what type of damage is covered and if there is any deductible and limit to the coverage. Compare this information with different companies to help you make an informed decision. 

If you have a tight budget, the least expensive way to ship your vehicle is on an open carrier. While an enclosed vehicle is the safest option, it can cost 30 to 60% more than open shipping. Thus, it should not be an option if you are not transporting luxury or classic vehicles.

You have the option to choose between open transport and scheduled pickup. Scheduled pickup is when there is a specific pickup date while open transport is where you ship your car when a slot is open in the shipping company. Open transport is a more affordable shipping method, unlike scheduled pickup.

When comparing different auto companies, make sure that you inquire about the available discounts. Some shipping companies offer discount opportunities for students, veterans, and first responders, and this could lower the shipping cost.

The earlier you book, the higher your chance to get a good deal. If you ship on short notice, you will likely pay more than when you book a month prior. Besides, booking early gives the auto carriers ample time to bid on your project.

The cost of shipping your car to Hawaii is not a fixed price as it is determined by several factors. When you are ready to ship your car to Hawaii, contact Car Shipping Hawaii and we will send you a free Car Shipping Estimate. We will handle everything and ensure that your Hawaii car shipment is safe, smooth, and easy.