According to the new Census data, about 15.3 million American households move each year, and about three million Americans move within the states every year. When moving out of a location, you need proper preparation for shipping your belongings and vehicles. Car shipping services through an auto transport company may require a little cost management as well. Various factors affect the overall cost structure.
The short cross-state transports cost around $500, whereas cross-country transports may cost about $1500. The international shipping costs may vary depending on the distance. Generally, the transport cost of sedans and hatchbacks may range between $650-$850. And transporting SUVs or other heavy vehicles may cost you anywhere between $800 and $1100. Here are the factors that affect shipping cost.
How Do You Wish to Transport the Car?
Two pick-up/drop-off methods affect the cost of transportation.
Terminal to Terminal: You will have to drop your vehicle to a specific location from where your vehicle will be loaded. Then it will be dropped off to a designated terminal or port from where you will have to pick your car. This is one of the least expensive car shipping methods.
Door-to-door Car Shipping: It is the most convenient option because the auto transport company will pick up your car from your residence and drop off at your destination (usually your home or workplace). You won’t have to drive to drop off or pick up the vehicle personally. But it is comparatively more expensive than the terminal to terminal shipping method. The cost may increase to 50% of the overall shipping cost.
Which one to opt for? Open Shipping or Enclosed Shipping
Open shipping is comparatively cheaper than enclosed shipping. The car will be loaded on an open truck or container, which will be shipped when the fleet is full.
On the other hand, enclosed shipping is suitable for shipping expensive sports or vintage cars to prevent transportation damage. In open shipping, your vehicle is exposed to natural elements or debris. But in enclosed shipping, your vehicle is well protected. Hence, enclosed shipping is a bit on an expensive side.
Distance and Peak Time Influence the Cost
Long distances will get expensive if you do not negotiate with your auto transport company. Many auto carriers offer a bidding process online to post your bid and get the lowest car shipping cost.
If you schedule your shipping process during peak season, then you should be ready to pay the surcharges. Most of the rates are doubled during peak times, so plan your shipping during an offseason well.
Condition of Your Vehicle Also Matters
The shipping cost also increases if your car is in inoperable condition. It increases the tasks of loading and unloading of the vehicle onto the container. Some carriers offer discounts if the overall shipping cost is going beyond the budget.
But it is necessary to prepare your car beforehand to make it operable during the loading and unloading process. It may help you in reducing costs significantly. If the cost is too much you might be better off selling the car to a cash for car service using a website like this.
Find Out If You Are Eligible for Discounts
There are different discount offers that many people avail of if they are first time shippers. Discounts like military discounts, student discounts, senior discounts, multi-car shipment discounts, referral discounts, etc. may help you cut the shipping cost.
You must also discuss the insurance rates, transportation fees, and delay policy to reduce the shipment expenditure.
