The costs incurred in shipping a car within the US or to other countries can be significant, especially if you don’t avail yourself of the options available. Fortunately, there are many ways that will allow one to save on car shipping expenses without sacrificing the safety and dependability of service. This will greatly reduce the costs incurred while relocating due to a new job, buying a new vehicle, or any other reason for moving cars.
We will look at some viable options to minimize expenses in servicing your car within the desired timeframe.
1. Check out Estimates from Various Car Shipping companies
Getting different estimates from separate providers is one of the sure ways to save money on car shipping expenses. The company you’re working with, the routes selected, and the method of shipping implemented can all influence a particular firm’s price, resulting in some having the best deals and others best terms. Ranging from 2-5 quotes, one can identify what works best for their budget.
The importance of obtaining multiple estimates
The various pricing techniques instituted by different firms for car shipping can be a result of:
- Distance: Generally, the longer the distance, the higher the predicted cost.
- Mode of Shipping: Unlike enclosed transport, open transport is generally less expensive.
- Seasonal Demand: Shipping costs may vary depending on the time of year, and they can especially increase during peak moving periods.
Collecting three to four quotes allows you to compare the market’s average rate and confirm that you are not being charged excessively.
2. Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Choose Open
In enclosed transport, the vehicle is protected and shielded from external elements, making this mode more expensive than its counterpart. However, when it comes to car shipping, you mainly have two types of transport: Open transport and enclosed transport.
What is Open Transport?
Open transport, which consists of placing a vehicle on a carrier with no sides, is the cheapest and most commonly used method available. While it is less expensive to use, it does not protect the car from suffering weather damage.
What is Enclosed Transport?
Enclosed transport, as the name suggests, protects the vehicle from inclement weather and road debris by surrounding the carrying truck’s sides. Unfortunately, this method of transport can be very costly, limiting its use to luxury vehicles only.
Tip: Vehicles can be transported on open prepaid ships at lower fees without the restraints of time. For lower-value cars, open transport is the way to go.
3. Off-Peak Season Shipping
Like the rest of the automobile industry, there are peak and off-peak periods in the car shipment business, and the chosen timing can make a great deal of difference in cost.
Peak vs. Off-Peak Season
- Peak Season: Summer and early autumn are peak car shipping seasons. These months are characterized by increased demand and higher prices.
- Off-Peak Season: In the winter months (November through March), the car shipping business is slower, increasing the chances of finding a better deal.
Shipping your car during off-peak season helps reduce costs. There are fewer shipments, and with less to do, carriers have more availability.
4. Choose Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
Using terminal-to-terminal shipping instead of door-to-door allows for greater savings. Under this model, your vehicle will be dropped off and picked up at designated terminals rather than your home or the destination.
What is Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping?
In terminal-to-terminal shipping, the customer drops their car at a designated terminal close to their location and picks it up at a terminal near their destination. While this method is more economical than door-to-door, it involves additional effort, making it more appealing for cost-conscious customers.
Tip: Shippers looking to cut expenses while still meeting some of their shipping needs should consider terminal-to-terminal shipping.
5. Make Reservations Early
Car shipping companies tend to give good discounts if you book your shipment early. If you wait to book until the last minute, you could pay higher prices because of limited availability and having to schedule on short notice.
Reasons Why Early Booking is Economical
- More Options: Booking early has the advantage of offering greater method of transport selection as well as time slots.
- Discounts: Early booking discounts are offered by a number of companies and they can make a huge difference in costs.
- Better Rates: The lower-cost option may be available with advanced reservations as planned routes help reduce cost per shipment.
Tip: Aim to book at least two weeks ahead of the pickup date to improve chances of lower prices.
6. Pick Up and Delivery Are Easley Flexible
Less strict requirements for both pick up and drop off dates translate to more chances for better pricing. In accommodating Car Shipping Company requirements for schedules, the flexibility stands a better chance at a lower overall pricing.
Why Flexibility Saves You Money
Flexibility is often preferred by carriers because it enables consolidation of shipments and helps them optimize their routing. If you are not rigid with regards to your dates, you have higher chances of obtaining better prices as the carrier is able to select the most convenient time for transport.
Tip: Inform the car shipping company that you are flexible with the pickup and delivery date to better your chances of obtaining a discounted rate.
7. Take Personal Effects Out of the Car
When shipping a car, it is advisable that all personal belongings be taken out of the vehicle. This action does not only guarantee the safety of items that you intend to keep, but also helps in reducing the overall cost of shipping the vehicle.
Why Remove Personal Items?
- Weight: Personal items increase the weight of the car and subsequently, may increase the cost of shipping.
- Liability: Most car shipping companies will not insure personal effects left in the vehicle. Removing them safeguards them from damage or loss.
- Efficiency: The more personal items removed, the faster the loading and unloading of a vehicle. Such efficiency in operation can translate into lower operational costs.
Tip: Make sure that your car is clean and decluttered prior to shipping it to avoid unnecessary fees and potential complications during transit.
8. Find A Trustworthy Car Shipping Company
While it may seem obvious, finding a dependable and respectable vehicle shipping company is far more critical than it would appear at first. When shipping a vehicle across the country, selecting a reputable car shipping service can save you time and money down the road. Although it can be tempting to go for the lowest price, the company gets your vehicle shipped on time.
What Traits Should You Search For
- Reviews: Look for positive words and reviews related to the company’s reliability and services offered.
- Registered: Ensure our company is licensed and registered to provide car shipping services.
- Experience: Choose a vehicle shipping company that has existed in the niche for a longer period of time and employs educated experts who will take better care of your vehicle.
If you’d like to move my car, always ensure you take the time to check the providers. Trusted company reviews provide valuable information. Companies that are trusted may incur additional costs at the beginning; however, they will provide better quality service, resulting in increased satisfaction without additional costs.
Conclusion
With the proper set of guidelines, shipping a car does not have to be costly. Strategies, including comparing quotes, selecting open transport, and advance booking, can significantly reduce the costs associated with car shipping. These strategies apply whether you’re relocating your vehicle a long distance away or just a short distance away.
If you are about to ship a car, remember these guidelines so that you can find sustainable options while still obtaining value for your money.
