Tips on Shipping Your Vehicle for Less
Getting your vehicle from point A to point B can be an ordeal. Looking to find a cheap, but also a reliable transport option? Read on to learn all the factors that go into how to ship a car without breaking the bank.
Vehicle transport prices fluctuate widely and are unique to every individual shipment. The average cost to ship a car across the country ranges from $700 to $900. However, the actual cost will depend on a variety of factors such as the distance between the pickup and destination points, the time of year you are shipping, the type of shipping, the size of the vehicle, and the vehicle make and model.
Compare Prices and Get Multiple Quotes
One of the best ways to ensure you get a low price on your vehicle shipment is to do your research and get individual quotes from a variety of companies. Requesting quotes from 3 to 5 companies should be sufficient to give you an idea of what a fair price would look like for your specific vehicle transportation.
Be wary of companies with super high or super low prices. Rock bottom prices may indicate low-quality transport or could simply be too good to be true. On the other hand, disproportionately expensive prices may signal that the company overcharges unsuspecting consumers.
The price that is initially quoted is not always the final price. Make sure before you book that there are no hidden fees or upcharges on the horizon.
Book Early
Often, starting the process of booking your shipment around 2 weeks before you need your vehicle shipped will work in your favor. If you need your car shipped ASAP, you may be forced to settle for a higher price out of necessity. The more time you have before you need your vehicle transported, the more time you are giving yourself to find the best possible deal. Planning ahead may even save you hundreds of dollars in comparison to a rushed transport booking.
Use Open Transport
Although not ideal for every vehicle, open transport is a great shipping option to ensure you save money. Open transport refers to automotive shipping where vehicles are shipped on semi-trailers. It is the most widely offered and common type of vehicle transport. Plus, it is often hundreds of dollars cheaper than enclosed transport (where vehicles are shipped in smaller quantities in an enclosed truck.)
Open transport is well suited for used cars and standard models but can be used for any type of vehicle according to its owner’s comfort. Unless you have a luxury or classic vehicle that you feel requires additional protection, open transport will serve you well and reduce the transportation price tag.
Ship During Off-Season
Peak vehicle shipping season falls in the summer months of June through August. Sometimes peak season even continues through October. College students are heading back to school, families are relocating, and the weather is warm. Due to high demand during these times, prices are much higher. The same can be said for the weeks surrounding major holidays like Christmas.
When it comes to quiet, off-season months, January through March are your best bets. February, in particular, is a great month for low demand and low transport prices. If you have the flexibility to schedule your shipment during an off-season month, your wallet will thank you.
Be Flexible with Pickup and Dropoff Locations
The lure of door-to-door shipping is strong. However, if you are looking for the cheapest transport option, driving a little bit out of your way will drive down your vehicle transportation cost.
If your pickup or dropoff locations are remote or difficult to access, you will have to pay a premium to ship your car there. However, if you are willing to drive to more convenient locations for your transporter (locations off of major highways or centrally located in cities) you can save a great deal of money.
You also may want to consider terminal to terminal carrier options. Many carriers have terminal yards across the U.S. where vehicles can be shipped and temporarily stored. These terminal to terminal dropoff shipments are much less expensive than door-to-door shipping would be.
Be Flexible with the Delivery Timeframe
When you have a tight schedule for vehicle delivery, you will almost always have to pay a higher price. The best way to save money on your shipment is to allow yourself plenty of time before you need your vehicle delivered. If you are willing to wait a few extra days to get your car, you can save a lot of money.
Eliminate the Broker
Finally, being your own broker, as opposed to hiring an auto transport broker cuts down on fees. This entails contacting transport companies yourself to get multiple quotes or using marketplaces like Autosled to self-dispatch your vehicle/s. In addition to compiling quotes, you will also have to research the companies to ensure they are licensed, insured, and reputable. It will also be your responsibility to coordinate pickup with dropoff locations.
All these steps can be a headache, but being your own broker will save you money if you are willing to put in the additional work. Luckily, Autosled’s app and our desktop interface makes being your own broker, getting quick price quotes, and staying in contact with your transporter easy. Contact Autosled today to learn more about our service and how to ship your car today.