Many people think shipping a car is a luxury service that costs big bucks. That’s not true if you go with open-air shipping. In many cases, car transport can be cheaper than if you were to drive the same distance on your own. When you drive your car from A to Z, you need to factor in the cost of fuel, any necessary service or repairs that may occur en route, lodging, food, and tolls. Shipping your car not only prevents you from having to pay all those expenses, it eliminates wear and tear and clocking up added miles on the odometer. Obviously there are lots of advantages to vehicle transport, but what is the cheapest shipping method?
The Cheapest Method of Transporting Your Car
An open-air transport truck and trailer is the most affordable way to transport a vehicle. The reason open-air is cheapest is because the trailer can carry eight to twelve cars, adding to the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of each trip. You benefit from sharing the trip cost with other customers who are also shipping on the same carrier.
If you have a standard vehicle, open-air shipping is budget-friendly and safe. Sure, the car will pick up some dirt and dust en route, but nothing an ordinary car wash can’t remedy once the car is delivered. Enclosed carriers are recommended for classic, antique, and highly valuable vehicles but conventional commuter or family vehicles can handle open-air transport without incident. For frame of reference, if you use an open-air carrier, you’ll pay about half of what enclosed transporters charge.
Factors to Consider in Shipping Cost
You can control shipping costs by being aware of the factors that affect the final cost of transport:
Time of Year
If you ship your car during the winter or summer months, prices can be higher. Why? The chance of inclement weather can cause insurance costs to rise because of added risks and dangers on the road. These costs are passed on to the customer. Also, transporters are very busy during winter months hauling snowbirds’ vehicles to warmer states. Also, between June and August, shipping costs go up due to demand. You can save hundreds of dollars if you can wait to ship off-season.
Size of Your Vehicle
The larger the vehicle, the more space it takes up on the transport trailer. That may mean the trailer can’t take as many cars, and you’ll pay more. Also, larger vehicles are heavier. Your car will be weighed before being loaded. Heavy vehicles are charged more because the weight affects fuel efficiency of the transport truck. It may cost $250 to $350 more to ship a pickup or large SUV the same distance as a mid-size sedan. Usually, charges are based on four size categories: car; mini-van or small SUV; large SUV or truck, and cargo van or extra-large truck. Electric cars weigh more because of their heavy batteries so when requesting a quote, be sure to specify if the car is electric.
Distance
The farther your car is shipped, the more it will cost, however after 500 miles the per-mile rate is less. Open-air carriers typically charge about $1 per mile for the first 500 miles. After 500 miles, the cost per mile goes down to as low as 75 cents to 40 cents depending on distance. Ballpark estimates vary from $500 for a short interstate trip to $1,500 for a cross-country trip.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
Auto transport companies establish dedicated pick-up and drop-off depots, mainly along major interstates and near larger urban areas. These depots, also called terminals, are designed to ensure that there’s sufficient space and safety when maneuvering vehicles on and off the carrier.
If you want door-to-door delivery or to have your car picked up or delivered in a hard to reach or rural area, you’ll pay an additional charge. Therefore, if you’re willing to drive to the pick-up depot to drop off your car, and pick it up at the designated drop-off depot, you’ll save money. It’s also important to know that if you’re unable to pick up your car at a designated date, your car will be stored and you’ll pay the storage fee.
Last-Minute Scheduling
Given sufficient scheduling time, you can keep costs down. But if you need to move your vehicle at the last minute, you may be charged more for last-minute service.
Delivery Time
If you specify specific pick up or delivery dates, you’ll pay more, plus expedited delivery will cost extra. You’ll save money if you can be flexible with your dates. This is because flexible dates give the driver the necessary time to stop and unload other customers’ cars at numerous locations along the route. You’ll save the most money if you can agree to the transporter’s established schedule.
Condition of Vehicle
Shipping will cost more if your car isn’t running. The hauler will need additional equipment to load it onto the trailer. Transporters typically don’t have this equipment on hand so they must rent it. This slows them down and costs them money so you’ll pay significantly more if your vehicle is inoperable. Make sure your battery and starter are in good condition before shipping.
Insurance
Reputable auto transport companies carry insurance and the proper licensing. If you want additional coverage over and above what the transporter offers, you will pay extra. It’s always wise to ask about the carrier’s specific insurance coverage. Typically, loose items left inside your vehicle aren’t covered.
Summing Up the Most Affordable Way to Transport Your Car
You’re looking for the cheapest way to transport your car from A to Z – but don’t forget to:
- Choose a transport company that is licensed and insured. Otherwise, they aren’t a reputable company you can trust. Accidents can happen when you least expect them, so you want a company with solid insurance that will cover your vehicle without hassles if something happens to your car when it’s being transported.
- Choose a company that’s transparent, honest, and doesn’t surprise you with added charges. Some companies add hidden surcharges and won’t release your car until these charges are paid.
- Know the keys for additional savings. Ship in the off-season, be flexible with your pick-up and delivery dates, use the transporter’s pick-up and drop-off depots, and make sure your car is in good operating condition.
It can be stressful, tricky, and time consuming to find a transport company with low pricing that you can trust. And you certainly don’t want to sacrifice quality for low pricing. Caravan Auto Transport does all that tricky research for you by finding reputable, trustworthy car transporters who are licensed and insured. All you have to do is ask for a free quote and voila – you’ll receive a fast response before you know it!
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When you want cheap, reliable auto transport, Caravan Auto Transport can help. We’ll find you the best company at the lowest rate possible. Request a free quote now!