Whether you are moving a vehicle for business or personal use to another state, getting the best price from an auto transport company is important. It is a major investment and you want to get it handled at the most affordable rate.
Car shipping to another location is one of the most stressful processes for a car owner. The auto transport industry is huge because a lot of people ship cars each year, but how to get the best price from an auto transport company can be a bit intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with how things work. However, this guide will walk you through the steps of choosing an auto transport company and how to get the best quotes from them.
- Compare Quotes Online
One of the easiest ways to get an estimate is to use an online quote form. Auto transport companies have websites where you can enter your pickup and delivery locations, date and time of travel, and vehicle specifications. The website then provides you with a quote based on this information. If you decide to accept their quote, they will give you a confirmation number that you can use when booking with them. You can also get an estimate over the phone, but it’s best to check with multiple companies so you know you’re getting the best deal possible. This can be a handy way to compare prices, but it’s not always reliable because of all the variables involved in shipping cars.
- Book as Early as Possible
Carriers typically have limited space at their terminals and trucks available on their routes — especially during busy seasons like spring break and summer vacation — so book as soon as possible if you want to get your car shipped at a certain time or date. Carriers also charge more during these busy periods because they know there’s more demand than available spaces. If you know you’re going to be moving your car in the next few months, it’s a good idea to start looking at prices now so that you can make sure your chosen company has room for your vehicle when the time comes and so you can enjoy lower prices. Some auto transport companies even have special deals for booking early, so ask about these when comparing quotes from different companies.
- Use an Auto Transport Broker
If you’re not sure which company will give you the best rate, consider using an auto transport broker instead of dealing directly with a carrier. Auto brokers work with multiple carriers and have access to rates from multiple sources — meaning they can often find better deals than what most people would find themselves! This is especially useful if you don’t have time to call around yourself and compare prices, but it can also be helpful if you’re not familiar with the industry and want expert guidance on how much different services cost. In addition to helping you find the lowest rates possible, brokers will also handle all the paperwork associated with booking your vehicle shipment and make sure everything runs smoothly once it arrives at its destination.
- Get a Binding Quote
When you contact an auto transport company and ask for their quote, make sure that they give you a binding quote instead of just giving a ballpark figure based on their experience. A binding quote means that they will not charge extra fees once they pick up your car and deliver it to its destination. This prevents any surprises regarding cost increases later on down the line, which is never fun when it comes to moving your vehicle across state lines or internationally. Because there are so many variables involved in auto transport, this type of quote can help make sure that you’re getting an accurate picture of what your move will cost. You’ll know exactly how much it will cost to ship your car before it leaves its current location.
- Ask About Discounts
Auto transport companies often offer discounts for early booking, multiple vehicles, referrals, or other circumstances. Some also offer seasonal discounts or special rates for long-distance moves. Be sure to ask about any discounts that may apply before getting an official quote so you know what you’re paying upfront. If this happens, be sure to negotiate as low as possible so that you can get your car shipped without spending more than necessary.
Conclusion
Obviously, there are a number of factors that go into getting the best price when you need to ship a vehicle. Everything from timing and context to familiarity with the company’s policy will likely play a role in how much you ultimately spend. Regardless, there are some basic guidelines that you can follow to get the best price on auto transport. Luckily, they’re pretty easy to put into practice. The bottom line, though, is that you are responsible for investigating your auto transport company. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do some research about the cost of transporting your car.