A Complete Pricing Guide from Delivery Quote Compare
If youβre planning to transport a car, van, or motorbike within the UK, youβre probably wondering: how much will it cost to move my vehicle?
The truth is, car transport costs in the UK can vary significantly depending on a number of key factors.
At Delivery Quote Compare, we connect you with trusted transport providers nationwide β helping you compare quotes quickly and book with confidence. This guide breaks down what influences vehicle delivery prices so you can budget accurately and make the right choice.
π 1. Distance of Transport
Distance is one of the biggest pricing factors.
- Short trips (e.g. within the same city) may have a higher cost per mile but a lower total fee.
- Long-distance routes (e.g. London to Glasgow) often cost more overall but may offer better value per mile.
- International transport, such as moving a car to/from Europe, adds costs like customs clearance and ferry fees.
π¦ Popular and well-travelled routes usually cost less, while remote or uncommon routes may increase the quote.
π 2. Type and Size of Vehicle
The vehicleβs size and weight directly impact how much space it takes up on a transporter.
- Small cars β Cheapest to transport
- SUVs, vans, 4x4s β Higher cost due to size and weight
- Classic or luxury cars β May need enclosed transport or additional insurance
- Modified vehicles β Can require special handling or loading equipment
π» 3. Open vs Enclosed Transport
Your transport method affects both cost and protection.
- Open transport β Standard, most affordable option (vehicle exposed to weather)
- Enclosed transport β Higher cost, ideal for prestige/classic cars
- Single-vehicle transport β Personalised service, but more expensive
If youβre moving a rare or high-value vehicle, enclosed shipping is worth the extra investment.
π 4. Pickup and Delivery Locations
Where the vehicle is collected and dropped off makes a big difference.
- Urban areas β Cheaper due to regular routes (e.g. London, Manchester, Birmingham)
- Rural or remote areas β Higher costs due to extra mileage
- Door-to-door β More convenient, slightly more expensive
- Access issues β Low bridges, narrow roads, or height restrictions can require special arrangements
π 5. Seasonal Demand
Car transport rates fluctuate throughout the year.
- Summer β Higher demand = higher prices
- Winter β Slower delivery due to weather, but sometimes lower demand
- Holidays β Christmas and bank holidays may see price surges
- End of tax year β Increased fleet movement from businesses
π‘ Tip: Book during off-peak months to save money.
β½ 6. Fuel Prices
Fuel costs are a major influence on delivery quotes.
- Rising fuel prices lead to higher transport rates
- Some companies include a fuel surcharge in your quote
- Lower fuel prices donβt always guarantee lower delivery fees, but may help
β±οΈ 7. Speed of Service
Faster delivery = higher cost.
- Standard delivery β Cheaper, flexible pickup/delivery times
- Express transport β Premium charge for guaranteed timeframes
- Same-day or next-day service β Often available at a higher rate
If youβre flexible on timing, youβll likely pay less.
π§ 8. Condition of the Vehicle
A car that doesnβt start or move normally costs more to transport.
- Running vehicles β Easy to load = lower cost
- Non-runners β Require winches, ramps, or forklifts
- Damaged or low-clearance vehicles β May need extra handling
Make sure to note the condition when requesting a quote β it can affect pricing and preparation.
π‘οΈ 9. Insurance Coverage
All transporters on Delivery Quote Compare include basic insurance, but you can often upgrade for extra peace of mind, which would be up to the transport company to arrange.
- Standard cover β Usually included
- Extended cover β Recommended for high-value or prestige vehicles
- Custom insurance β Available on request for classic or vintage cars
β Always ask to review the transporterβs insurance certificate and understand the policy limits.
π 10. Number of Vehicles
Moving more than one car? You might save money.
- Single vehicle β Standard pricing
- Multiple vehicles β Many transporters offer bulk or fleet discounts
If you’re a business or dealership, we can help you arrange multi-vehicle transport with preferred pricing.
π 11. Reputation of the Transport Company
Not all transporters offer the same service β and pricing often reflects that.
- Well-reviewed companies β May charge slightly more, but offer better reliability, service, and communication
- Cheaper options β Sometimes come with trade-offs: limited tracking, slower delivery, or poor customer support
- Brokers vs direct carriers β Brokers can find deals, but may charge a fee. Carriers offer transparent pricing
π On Delivery Quote Compare, you can view reviews, check ratings, and choose the right provider with confidence.
Final Thoughts
The cost of transporting a car in the UK depends on many moving parts β from vehicle size and distance to seasonal demand and service type.
With Delivery Quote Compare, you can skip the guesswork.
We help you get free, competitive quotes from trusted, reviewed UK transporters, all in one place.
π Get Your Free Car Transport Quote Today
Whether you’re moving a car across town or across the country, start with a free, no-obligation quote from Delivery Quote Compare.