Auto transport provides an economical, stress-free method of moving a car from one location to the next, whether for moving purposes, purchasing or selling a vehicle, vacations or simply getting it out of storage.
Cost for this service depends on various variables, including type and distance between locations. Continue reading below for more details about these aspects of this service and learn how to get quotes today.
Table of Contents
Types of Cars Shipped
Auto transport services can be used for any number of purposes, from corporate relocations and moving classic and exotic cars, to auto shows. Although most companies specialize in transporting vehicles only, some also provide motorcycle, boat and furniture transport. When selecting a transport provider it is important to look at customer reviews, reputation for reliable service as well as any bonus features such as free car washes or price lock guarantees as indicators of their reliability.
Car transport companies generally fall into two broad categories: carriers and brokers. Carriers own their own trucks and manage transport themselves; brokers connect customers with carriers by acting as middlemen between customer and carrier. While some firms operate both models simultaneously, most only act as brokers.
Transport options will have a substantial effect on your estimated cost; open transport is generally the least costly, while options like single car trailers or enclosed transport may require extra equipment that increases costs. Location will play an important role as rural addresses will require longer travel distances for delivery services than urban addresses.
When selecting an auto transport company, be sure to get an accurate and fair quote. Make sure your Roadrunner moving car quote covers all fees and charges with no unexpected surprises or hidden costs. They must also comply with Department of Transportation guidelines regarding insurance coverage for their shipment and provide one agent per shipment so you can reach them directly with any queries or issues.
Cost of Air Travel
Transporting your car by air can vary significantly depending on which method and shipping option is chosen: door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal shipments and whether enclosed shipping versus open shipping is chosen. Fuel prices (https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/) play an impactful role when considering auto transport rates, along with adding any special services such as expedited delivery or single automobile services.
Distance plays an integral part in determining your cost per mile for transporting a vehicle; long-distance and international routes typically cost more. Road conditions also play a part in this cost; congestion or unexpected delays add an unexpected extra expense to this expense.
If you are shipping a vehicle to one of the major port cities like San Francisco, New York, Miami or another major hub such as Atlanta, additional import taxes may apply upon arrival that can exceed the original shipment costs. These extra import charges could even outstrip their total costs in some instances!
Cost of Sea Travel
Cost of shipping cars long distances by sea depends on two variables – vehicle size and ship/freighter size. Larger cars will take more time to load onto trucks, which increases overall costs. Long distance shipments tend to cost more, as ocean travel takes weeks or even months; similarly shipping to remote locations often means longer drive times that pose greater challenges for large trailers.
Many companies provide discounts based on various criteria, including senior citizen, military service member or early booking discounts. Some offer cargo insurance which could come in handy should any damage occur during transportation.
Utilizing an online shipping calculator is a useful way of getting an estimate on auto transport costs; however, keep in mind that these are just rough estimates and subject to change. Therefore, it’s advisable to obtain multiple quotes and find a company which adheres to their agreements while offering a smooth shipping experience.
Time of Year to Ship Your Car
Time of year when choosing auto transport services can have a dramatic effect on price and efficiency. Winter tends to be slow for car transport due to snow storms closing routes; although shipping companies can still transport cars during this period, but will typically charge more due to additional work involved.
Whenever possible, this blog recommends that it is a smart to keep in mind that maybe you should try to avoid shipping your car during winter months if possible. December, January and February can be especially slow for services due to drivers taking their holiday leaves during this period – this may result in delayed pickup/delivery service and increased shipping rates.
Summer is peak season, as students head back to university or employees relocate for work. Although shipping your car at this time will likely cost more, it will also prove the most convenient.
September, October and November are typically cheaper months for sending an automobile since holiday rush is over and snowbirds have returned home. You can save even more by opting for terminal-to-terminal services; here, your vehicle can be dropped off at one location before being collected again at another terminal further along its journey across country or state – helping avoid high shipping costs associated with door-to-door shipping services.