Cost to ship a car from Kansas City to Buffalo
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 985 miles from Kansas City to Buffalo ranges from $827 to $1,321. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Buffalo, NY in 2–7 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Buffalo to Kansas City car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Kansas City to Buffalo car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Kansas City to Buffalo, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Kansas City to Buffalo, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Kansas City, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Buffalo, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Kansas City. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Buffalo will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the KC to the Queen City — approximately 985 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.
Time of the year
The season and weather in both Kansas City and Buffalo can impact car shipping prices.
Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.
Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Kansas City to Buffalo during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 985-mile distance between Kansas City and Buffalo and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Kansas City to Buffalo typically takes between 2 and 7 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Kansas City to Buffalo car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Kansas City to Buffalo:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing Kansas City and Buffalo vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Kansas City: Although there's no specific permit required to move in Kansas City, you may still need to apply for a loading permit or something similar if your move requires you to block public lanes, curbs, sidewalks, etc.
- Buffalo:
Car insurance requirements
- Kansas City: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
- Buffalo: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.
Vehicle inspections
- Kansas City: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
- Buffalo: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.
Driver’s license
- Kansas City: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
- Buffalo: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Kansas City to Buffalo?
The cost to ship a car from Kansas City, MO to Buffalo, NY varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Kansas City to Buffalo will range from $827 to $1,321.
How long will it take to ship my car from Kansas City to Buffalo?
It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 985 miles from Kansas City to Buffalo. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Kansas City to Buffalo?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Kansas City to Buffalo. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
