Transportation of a car can be rather costly, but there’s no need for an individual to dip into their life savings towards it. The individual can be relocating, selling the vehicle or just planning on going for a long distance trip and the situation Always begs for an affordable and effective option.
In this guide, I will touch on how to plan your shipment during moving or relocation, and share few tips on avoiding exceeding the budget all while ensuring the car is shipped safely and securely. After reading the entire article, there is a high possibility for you to find a method that matches your needs without having to spend too much money.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Car Shipping
Before going through the whole process to avail the service, you need to take a moment and reflect on what major factors affect the pricing of shipping a car. If considered carefully, these factors can enable someone negotiate lower rates or get more favorable quotations for a car.
- Distance
One of the major reasons to why car relocation is such a hassle, is due to the distance of move connected to the destination. The more the distance, the more the fuel expenses, and in return, the more the shipping costs. In case one is moving within the same region inculcates a budget friendly solution, cross country moves tend to rack up expenses.
- Time of the Year
Seasonality has an effect on pricing. For instance:
Summer (Peak Season): Costs increase because there is a higher demand during summer months from people moving and taking vacations.
Winter (Off-Peak Season): Usually prices tend to go down in the winter season; however, clients must take into account why transport might be postponed due to poor weather conditions.
- Mode of Transportation
These costs will increase or decrease depending on whether you wish to have open or enclosed transport or the more expensive door-to-range service to less costly terminal-to-terminal transport. We will expand on these in the following section.
- Type and Condition of Vehicle
Larger or more bulky automobiles such as SUVs, trucks, and luxury vehicles are going to cost more to ship. The same goes for cars that do not run because specialized loading equipment is needed, which can add to the expense.
- Choice of Carrier and Their Location
The pricing factors will also include the auto transport organization you pick, including its location and ability along the chosen route. As a puzzle, all quotes should be compared from the most reputable transportation companies like Safe Car Hauling Inc.
The most affordable ways of shipping a car
Different methods can be used to ship a car, and each comes with a unique price tag as well as some benefits. Here are the methods ranked in order of price:
- Open vs Enclosed Transport
Open Transport
This is the most inexpensive method. There is an advantage of open carrier trailers because your vehicle will be transported together with other vehicles and the costs will be shared among other shippers. Open transport is ideal for the majority cars, especially standard and economy models.
Enclosed Transport
More concern is paid on classic or luxury cars and this involves enclosing the transport carrier to provide more protection from weather and debris, although safety features do come at a disadvantage cost.
Savings Tip: Unless there is a requirement for extra protection to be provided on the vehicle, it is preferable to choose an open transport.
- Terminal-to-terminal vs Door-to-Door Shipping
Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
It is less expensive when dropping-off as well as picking up the vehicle at a terminal because the carrier will not have to drive to specific addresses. However, the use of terminals may offer convenience but they could be in a different location, which will require additional time and travel.
Door-to-Door Shipping
This service is more costly but it is ideal because it eliminates the hassle of logistics at the terminal. All you have to do is provide the locations to pick your vehicle from and where you want it to be taken to.
Savings Tip: One way to save is by using terminal-to-terminal shipping, but only if the shipping terminal is close to your location.
- Other Self Shipping Alternatives To Consider
Self Drive
One has the option of driving the car if time is not an issue and one does not mind a long distance drive. While this saves a lot of carrier cost, it involves a lot of expenses such as gasoline, food, accommodation, and depreciation of the car.
Freight Services
Transporting your vehicle using freight businesses such as Amtrak or U-Haul is sometimes more economical, particularly for short distances. However, it does pose some constraints to the routes that can be taken.
Savings Tip: The convenience of driving as well as the risks that are associated with self-driving as compared to the shipping service have to be kept in perspective while trying to balance costs.
Ways to Save on Car Shipping Cost
Here are ways to reduce the cost of a car shipment:
- Request For Several Prices
Obtain quotes from several transporters like Safe Car Hauling Inc and choose the one that best suits your requirements. This helps one compare the prices and determine the competition.
- Make Reservations Ahead of Time
Booking at the last moment comes with chances of increased costs. Reserving weeks or months in advance allows transport companies ample time to prepare, resulting in lower prices.
- Adjust Dates If Possible
Shipping your vehicle at a flexible date allows carriers to save on costs because they will combine your shipment with other vehicles that are on the same route as your car. Most companies promote flexibility by offering discounted rates.
- Bargain
Not all companies advertise their discounts so make sure to ask. Numerous transport firms will provide more favorable deals during certain instances such as for students, military personnel, or loyal clientele.
- Off-Season Shipping
Shipping during winter or offseason can greatly help with the cut in costs because tend to increase their rates when the demand for shipment is high.
- Eliminate Unneeded Weight
Carriers will sometimes impose additional charges for loading exceedingly heavy vehicles. To avoid incurring extra costs, take out all personal belongings and anything that adds unnecessary weight.
- Select Genuine Companies
Work with legit companies such as Safe Car Hauling Inc to avoid facing hidden fees or deceit. Reading testimonials and checking their credentials enables you to know you are dealing with experts.
Practical Case Studies
Case Study 1: Cross Country Moves At Affordable Prices
Scenario: An entire family relocating from California to Texas opted to use open shipping and chose terminal-to-terminal shipment as it was cheaper.
Outcome: They filled in all forms with sufficient time and shopped wisely, which afforded them savings above $300 for their car shipments.
Case Study 2. Echelon Of Luxury Car Transport
Scenario: An owner of a classic automobile required protection while being shipped from Florida to New New York. They found an off season discount and decided to go for covered transport instead.
Outcome: They incurred far lesser costs by making the bookings in February, winter offseason. Moreover, they managed to book the premium service as well. They found it to be a huge bonus.
Have your own success story, or found some ways to save? Share them with our community!
Try Out Your Discounts And Change The Way You Ship Cars.
Transporting a vehicle to a different state isn’t as expensive as many people believe it to be. By taking into account all the factors impacting costs, knowing the most affordable means of transportation, and employing simple strategies, you can spend less money while keeping your automobile secure.
Get a free quote from dependable suppliers, including Safe Car Hauling Inc., if you’re ready to hire someone to transport your automobile. They have affordable prices and offer professional car transport services and will guide you throughout the whole process.
Let us know what questions you might have by commenting, or share your experience of shipping cars with us and other readers. We’re waiting to hear from you!