The Best Rates For Auto Transport In The US

Auto Transport Rate Factors

The rate to ship your car or truck depends on a variety of factors. Aside from the standard cents per mile rates that change as fuel prices increase and decrease there are many other calculations that can impact your auto transport rates. Many people mistakenly think that transporting an older vehicle should cost less than a newer vehicle, this is simply is not true. For example; a 2001 Ford Escape would cost significantly more than a 2018 Chevy Volt. They both take up one space on a trailer but remember that weight is a predominant factor. The process of determining your quoted car shipping rates include many calculations to include the size, weight, and body type of the vehicle you are shipping.

Other factors that will affect rates are items such as fuel, distance, taxes, insurance, your time and scheduling requirements, and road use tolls. We have the experience you need to help you secure the best rate. We don’t just provide you a single quote, we get you ten quotes from our associated partners which effectively works on your behalf because you now get several of the best drivers and carriers competing against one another for your business. This is how we get you the lowest rates from the best drivers and carriers in this industry. To get your 10 quotes right now, for free and with no obligation, simply fill in our form and submit it or for more personal assistance call us at 1-800-590-6492 today.

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport

The most common and the least expensive method of shipping vehicles is via open transport. These are the car hauler trailer semi-trucks you see delivering new vehicles to car dealers everywhere. The auto manufacturing industry trusts open car hauler carriers to safely transport brand new vehicles all throughout the US daily. Open transport car trailers are safe, efficient, and won’t break your budget. They can accommodate an average of ten vehicles where enclosed transport trucks only average one to three vehicles per load. Enclosed transport is mainly used for irreplaceable luxury vehicles, race cars, antiques, high-end sports cars, and other vehicles that cannot be exposed to any dust, dirt, or other outdoor weather conditions. Enclosed trailers are usually also climate controlled which will add even more for their rates. They also have special lifts or ramp gates that provide even more safety for your high-end vehicle. The insurance a carrier will pay for a truck with only one two enclosed vehicles can be much larger than what an open hauler trailer needs for up to ten vehicles. Our partners do offer enclosed shipping options at competitive rates if that is preferred or required for your delivery.

How Your Vehicle Impacts Your Rate

The length and height of your vehicle can also impact your auto transport rates. Be sure to consider any non-standard items you may have added to your vehicle that increase the length or width or height. Modifications that increase the size of your vehicle from the standard model can affect your rate. Knowing the actual dimensions of the car or truck you are shipping can help to ensure your quotes are more accurate.

Does your vehicle have any operational defects? Vehicles that are not operable can be transported but they greatly increase the time and labor required for the auto shipping driver to load and unload them which will significantly raise your rate. If your vehicle is not steerable or does not have functioning brakes it will need to be placed onto a trailer by winches or a forklift and the drivers or carrier will likely plan for it to be the last car or truck loaded and first to be unloaded to avoid any additional time lost moving the inoperable vehicle several times. This increased labor and planning will be included in your rates and will greatly increase your cost. If your vehicle is inoperable and you do not inform the auto transport carrier prior to the pick-up time the driver will likely refuse to take your vehicle.

Seasonal Impacts to Your Shipping Rate

High season for the vehicle delivery business occurs in the summer months. The combination of demand and gas prices peaking in the summer typically make for the highest rates. If the time of year isn’t pertinent for your delivery you can save a lot by going against the trends, for example; shipping your car from the southeast or southwest, to the northeast or northwest during fall. So many vehicles are delivered to the southeast and southwest in the fall there may be drivers competing for business out of those areas to avoid deadheading or having unfilled space on their trailers.

Type of Shipping Service

We can get you competitive quotes for expedited or rushed shipping but unless you really need it being more flexible regarding your time frame for pick-up, delivery, and transport can save you a lot of money. Another way to save on your auto shipping rate is by opting to drop off your vehicle at a freight terminal or car depot and pick it up from another freight terminal or car depot close to your delivery address. Your pick-up and delivery locations can impact your rates a lot as the driver may need to drive many extra miles outside of standard truck routes. Remember that the more open you can be with both pick-up and delivery locations, the better it will be for securing the lowest rates you will be able to get. If this isn’t convenient for you and or you still prefer or require door-to-door delivery be sure that both the pick-up and drop off addresses are accessible to a full-sized tractor-trailer truck. If the locations are in residential neighborhoods, even if commercial traffic is allowed, remember that car haulers will not enter areas where tree branches could damage vehicles on the upper decks of their trailers.

Other Shipping Rate Factors

Other factors that can hinder residential pick-up and drop locations include narrow bridges and low power lines. Often it is better to communicate with the driver and arrange a more open area for your pick-up and delivery, such as a truck stop or shopping area parking lot. Your method of payment can sometimes save you money also. Most carriers and drivers accept credit cards as well as COD. Because many drivers prefer COD some companies will offer a small discount for cash payments, be sure to inquire about that. If you planning to pay with a check it is very important to have your carriers or drivers approval for this before the time of your pick-up. Most businesses will require a deposit prior to dispatching a driver to pick up your vehicle. Get your ten free auto transport quotes today, simply fill out our form or call 1-800-590-6492.