Usually pricing is the first factor to consider if you want to ship your car for whatever reason. Whether it is for an impending move, a recently purchased vehicle over the internet, or any other reason which requires the car to be moved, we understand the importance of car shipping. Finding low cost services which do not compromise on standards is of utmost importance. The good news is there is no shortage of low cost options and with some effort on your part, you can make informed decisions that ensure the safety and on-time delivery of your vehicle to the desired location.
In this article, we’ll detail how affordable car shipping services function, what factors most influence costs, and how to obtain the most value without sacrificing quality of service offered.
The Functionality of Inexpensive Car Shipping Services
Like the name suggests, cheap car shipping services seek to provide value solutions pertaining to vehicle transport at a lower price. To fulfill this aim, these services usually endeavor to provide the industry with a wide range of transporters who can deliver service at great value to you.
Even though the Lower budget servicing options mentioned above may concern you, your motor vehicle will still receive the necessary care during the entire shipping process.
Shipping your vehicle effectively and on budget can be accomplished through open, enclosed as well as terminal to terminal shipping. As is the case with most things in life, there are pros and cons associated with these options such as the level of protection your vehicle is provided.
Types of Car Shipping Methods
Open Transport
Open shipping is most frequently recommended and arguably the cheapest form of car shipping. This method includes placing cars as cargo on an open trailer deck which is exposed to the weather and elements. The most protective option, shared transport dramatically cuts costs and makes it cheaper for the service provider.
Enclosed Transport
As the name suggests, enclosed shipping protects the car more while in transit compared to the two methods stated before. As Amazon suggests, cars with high value or luxury status should always be transported inside a fully enclosed trailer as it’s much more expensive and the other methods do not offer adequate protection.
Car Shipping – From One Terminal to Another
In the case of terminal-to-terminal car shipping, a customer’s car is picked from a terminal location and dropped off to another terminal location near the customer’s destination. This approach is less costly than the door-to-door approach because it saves on the pick-up and drop-off operational costs. Customers incur some extra work and effort towards planning the vehicle’s drop-off and pick-up at the designated terminals.
Cost Considerations Associated with Affordable Car Shipping Services
As any affordable service, cheap car shipping services are unapologetically criteria-riddled at determining the final price you will pay. Understanding these factors can unlock cheaper options that meet your expectations.
- Distance: Simply, the farther your automobile needs to travel, the more costly it is to ship. For long distance shipments, costs inevitably rise because of fuel and time spent. However, cost can be alleviated in the event a vehicle is shipped during off-peak seasons or if dates are flexible.
- Vehicle Type: Roughly, the larger and heavier the automobile being shipped, the more expensive shipping is likely to be. When compared to smaller sedans, shipping large or bulky SUVs and trucks attract a higher charge. Additionally, classic and specially modified vehicles are expensive to ship due to the care needed in handling them.
- Method of Shipment: The method of shipping used has a direct impact on total expenses. As previously mentioned, open transport is the least expensive method, whereas enclosed transport is more costly because it offers greater protection. It is paramount to balance the method of shipment with the value of your vehicle and budget.
- Seasonality: Price fluctuations when shipping cars often depend on certain dates in the calendar. For instance, shipping traffic increases in summer and around the holidays creating a spike in demand and subsequently, price. If possible, try not to ship during these times. Instead, you could schedule shipments to take place during these months, as it would be more beneficial.
- Delivery and Pick Up Location: Location convenience for pickup and drop off are also essential in determining the price. The further these locations are from the city, the more expensive it is. Conversely, pickup and drop off in urban areas are cheaper because these locations have a lot of roads and shipping infrastructure available.
- Coverage For Insurance: Several shipping companies provide basic insurance in case of vehicle damages during shipment, but for car shipments of greater value, other coverage options may be added. This extra cost can offer a great deal of comfort when shipping a luxury or vintage car.
How To Find Affordable Car Shipping Services
Your needs and budget can help organize the effort. Here are some steps that will assist you in finding low cost services.
- A Car Shipping Service Should Offer Comparatives: Its common knowledge that car shipping service providers have differently structured methods of handling shipping, but with all due respect, in most cases, they do offer a chance to request a quote. As far as pricing is concerned, quoting by several as well as different providers ensures lower prices due to pricing competition. Ensure that quotes are all-inclusive to prevent hidden fees and additional price spoiling costs further down the road.
- Employ Open Transport Services: Open transport is the least expensive and safest method for shipping cars. Like previously noted, open transport does have its cons, in the absence of extortionate fees. Your vehicle will be well taken care of in these aspects. For those who strictly adhere to open transport, only pay the difference to closed transport if there is a guarantee that value addition will be provided.
- Best Reserved For Individuals Who Are Flexible With Pickup and Delivery Times: This terminal to terminal option best suits those individuals who wish to have exact pickup and delivery locations while also desiring low pricing. The service helps in reducing costs to a great extent because, in simple terms, the drivers don’t have to drive your vehicle to your requested location, which significantly lowers the price.
- Early Booking: After researching, one can notice that planning early helps in getting a reasonable price for car shipping. This becomes more expensive if done within a short time frame, especially during the peak time. Booking early allows for better shipping date flexibility, and booking also helps in improving the costs.
- Special Offers: Some car shipping companies provide special rates for new customers, military persons, or at designated seasons. Always ensure you inquire about other special offers apart from those already listed during the quote inquiry.
Conclusion “Car Shipping Services”
With minimal effort alongside effective strategizing, you will always come across services that satisfy your quality and pricing needs. To cut down the costs even more, one can opt for open transport, terminal-to-terminal shipping, or flexibility in dates. Understanding the factors that affect the cost and implementing the provided suggestions will enable you to achieve a hassle-free experience.
Give us a call today for orders if you aim to ship a car and need reliable yet low-cost services. During relocation, online vehicle purchases, or the simple need to convey an automobile. Economical shipping companies make the process easy and affordable.
