The first thing you must remember is that shipping costs are higher during peak travel periods. Air travel is much more expensive during these times, so car shipping is no different. The shipping cost will be more affordable if you can ship your car during off-peak times. You can also Ship with a friend or family member.
Be Flexible
To save money on car shipping, you need to be flexible in your location. Auto-shipping is a supply-and-demand business, so prices fluctuate. To find a cheap carrier, you should compare prices from several carriers. You can also try using a shipping broker. These car shipping companies can secure carriers for a reasonable price.
It’s best to plan. Car transport services are more expensive if you try to ship your car at the last minute. Be sure to book your car shipment at least two weeks ahead of time. Shipping companies often give priority to customers who book ahead of time.
Ship with a Friend or Family Member
Finding cheap car shipping doesn’t have to be complicated. There are several ways to find cheap car shipping services. One option is to ship with a friend or family member. Using the services of a friend or family member means that you will not have to pay the total cost of shipping your car. This is especially beneficial if you have more than one car. However, you must carefully research the companies and their services well. It will also help you avoid common problems.
If you don’t have a friend or family member to ship your car with, you can look for cheaper ways to ship your car. The cost of shipping a vehicle depends on its distance. If you want to ship your car to a friend or family member who lives nearby, the cost per mile will be much lower. The cost of shipping a vehicle depends mainly on the size and type of your car and the distance between you and your destination. A small car will cost less to ship than a large SUV or a large truck. Also, the demand for the vehicle can affect the shipping cost. Moreover, car shippers will charge extra if you need to winch your car onto the trailer.
Ship in the Off-Season
The off-season is the best time to ship your car since the weather is generally better and there are more drivers around. Also, the prices are lower than in peak seasons, like spring or summer. Car shipping companies tend to give priority to people who book their services well in advance.
However, you should be aware of the off-season price range. Typically, car shipping companies run at their lowest rates between May and September. During this time, most coast-to-coast auto transport companies are busiest. However, car shipping services operating on north-south routes are busiest during fall and spring.
Ship via Terminal-to-Terminal
If you are shipping a car from one terminal to another, you should check out the prices of several companies before deciding on one. Many terminal companies have discounts or offers for their services. However, you must be careful not to divulge your personal information to these companies. If you do, you allow them to contact you for future business. It would help if you also asked for the types of shipping options that they offer. Open trailers are often cheaper than enclosed units, but you should opt for the latter to minimize the risk of scratching the vehicle or other elements that will damage it.
Another disadvantage to terminal-to-terminal shipping is that it may take more time. This is because you may travel long distances to pick up the car from a terminal. Additionally, some terminals charge daily storage fees, which can offset the initial savings.
Avoid Companies with Overly Low or High Prices.
When shopping for a car shipping company, make sure to get all the details in writing, including the shipping terms. A good car shipping company will provide a link where you can view and review its terms. The terms should protect you from price increases, excessive delays, or extra charges. Companies that do not provide this information should be avoided.
Some shipping companies ship cars from terminal to terminal, so you must unload and reload the car on the other side. This adds a great deal of handling to your car. Some companies ship cars door-to-door on the same truck with the same driver, which makes it easier to ensure your car is handled with care.
