Ship Your Toyota RAV4
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Shipping a Toyota RAV4
What you need to know about transporting your Toyota
2012 Toyota RAV4 The Toyota RAV4 was the first crossover SUV to be available for sale worldwide and has been in production since 1994. It is currently in its third generation, so most auto transport companies shouldn't have any major problems when it comes to moving it for you. In this helpful auto transport article we'll discuss the current available models for the 2012 Toyota RAV4, including giving you a quick run-down on their current options as well as what can affect your auto transport quo
At American Auto Shipping, we have been shipping vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 since 1999. We have handled just about every make and model you can think of, and the Toyota RAV4 is no exception. Whether you are buying one from out of state, relocating across the country, or sending one to a family member, we connect you with vetted, insured carriers who know how to handle your vehicle with care.
Check out our vehicle shipping guides for more details on transporting specific vehicle types, or head straight to our shipping cost guide to understand what drives pricing.
Best Way to Ship a Toyota RAV4
Our recommendation based on vehicle type, value, and industry experience
Open Auto Transport
For the Toyota RAV4, open auto transport is the go-to choice. It is the most common, most available, and most affordable method of shipping a vehicle in the United States. Your Toyota will ride on a standard open carrier alongside other vehicles — the same way dealerships move thousands of cars every single day. It is safe, it is efficient, and it gets the job done.
Want the full breakdown on transport types? Visit our FAQ page for answers to the most common questions about vehicle shipping.
Alternative: Enclosed Auto Transport
If your Toyota RAV4 has been modified, restored, or holds special value to you, enclosed transport is also an option. It costs more, but it provides full protection from the elements and road debris.
Toyota RAV4 Shipping Costs
What affects the price of shipping your vehicle
The cost to ship a Toyota RAV4 depends on a handful of real-world factors. There is no single flat rate — every shipment is different. Here is what moves the needle on pricing:
Distance
Longer routes cost more, but the per-mile rate actually drops on cross-country shipments. Shipping your RAV4 from coast to coast might run $1,000 to $1,500, while a 500-mile move could be $400 to $700.
Transport Type
Open transport is the most affordable option for the Toyota RAV4. If you want the added protection of enclosed, expect to pay 30% to 50% more.
Vehicle Size & Weight
The Toyota RAV4 takes up a specific amount of space on the carrier. Larger, heavier vehicles cost more to ship because they reduce the number of vehicles a carrier can haul in a single trip.
Season & Demand
Summer and the January snowbird rush are peak auto transport season. Shipping your Toyota during off-peak months like November or February can save you real money.
Pickup & Delivery Location
Major metro areas have more carriers running routes, which keeps pricing competitive. Rural or remote locations may add $100 to $300 to the total cost for your RAV4.
Condition
If your Toyota RAV4 is not running, you will need a carrier with a winch or special equipment to load it. Non-running vehicles typically cost $100 to $200 more to ship.
For a detailed look at what drives shipping costs, check out our complete guide to vehicle shipping costs.
How to Prepare Your Toyota RAV4 for Shipping
A few simple steps to make sure everything goes smoothly
Getting your Toyota RAV4 ready for transport is straightforward, but do not skip these steps. A little prep goes a long way toward making sure your vehicle arrives in the same condition it left.
- 1
Wash your vehicle
Give your Toyota RAV4 a good wash before pickup. This makes it easier to spot any existing damage during the pre-transport inspection. Document everything with photos — close-ups of any scratches, dents, or chips.
- 2
Remove personal belongings
Carriers are not licensed to transport household goods. Remove everything from the interior and trunk of your RAV4. Personal items are not covered by carrier insurance if something goes missing.
- 3
Check fluids and battery
Make sure your Toyota RAV4 starts and runs. The carrier needs to drive it on and off the trailer. Check that the battery is charged, tires are properly inflated, and there are no major fluid leaks.
- 4
Disable alarms and toll transponders
Turn off any aftermarket alarm systems. Remove or deactivate toll transponders like E-ZPass so you do not rack up charges while your Toyota is on the carrier.
- 5
Keep fuel low
A quarter tank of gas is plenty. Extra fuel adds weight, which costs more to transport. The carrier only needs enough to load and unload your RAV4.
- 6
Note existing damage
Walk around your Toyota RAV4 with the driver during the pre-transport inspection. Both you and the driver should sign off on the condition report. This protects you if any damage occurs during transit.
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