Tips to Save Money on Vehicle Transport Services Without Compromising Quality

High-quality vehicle transport services can be expensive, as they utilize specialized equipment, operate under tight deadlines, and ensure the safe shipping of your vehicle. However, premium auto shipping services don’t have to be costly: several carriers offer quality services at affordable prices. 

The trick is to follow some best practices that will help you get the best vehicle shipping services without overspending. Today, we’ll share 6 expert tips you can use to save money on the best vehicle transportation service, without compromising the quality!

Tip 1: Choose the Right Shipping Method

Different vehicles require different levels of protection, extra services, and specialized equipment. Choosing the right shipping method can significantly reduce your costs while still meeting your vehicle’s protection needs.

• If you’re shipping a regular car, you can use open trailer transportation as your car won’t require any special equipment or premium services.
• When transporting a sports, vintage, classic, or expensive car, opt for enclosed shipping. It will cost a little extra, but ensure that you won’t have to pay for any accidental damage.

Tip 2: Submit Accurate Details for an Accurate Quote

One way shippers end up paying extra is that they receive a cheap quote initially, but then are hit with hidden costs and surcharges later on. While one way to avoid this is to work with a reputable carrier, another is always to submit accurate details of your vehicle to get a precise quote.

Here’s why: the carrier’s cost to ship vehicles is calculated based on the freight classification and your car’s value. So, if you say that your car weighs 4,000 lbs, but it weighs 4,500 lbs, it might change the freight classification, and therefore result in added costs.

To be safe, double-check your car’s details, including its weight, make, model, and working condition. This will help you avoid any added costs later on.

Tip 3: Book in Advance

When you book your shipment, the carrier will try to fit your pickup within their existing schedule and route. For example, if you book your pickup for the very next day, the carrier might have to go out of their way to collect your vehicle. While they’ll ensure that your vehicle is picked up on time, they’ll also pass the cost of an out-of-schedule stop directly onto you.

So, you should always book your shipment at least 15 days in advance. This will give the carrier plenty of time to fit your pickup into their schedule. Plus, they’ll also not charge you any extra cost for an out-of-the-way pickup.

Tip 4: Use Terminal-to-Terminal Delivery

The most convenient way to ship your vehicle is by residential pickup and delivery. This means the carrier will collect and deliver your car right from and to your doorstep. However, this might also add to the cost of your vehicle shipping services.

Further, if you live in an area that is not well-connected to major highways or shipping routes, the carrier might also charge extra for the added distance it will have to cover.

To avoid both of these problems, you can try terminal-to-terminal shipping. In this scenario, you will need to drive or drop your vehicle at the nearest shipping terminal or warehouse, and the carrier will deliver it to the terminal closest to your destination.

This could be a great way to eliminate added costs while retaining the benefits of safe shipping.

Tip 5: Avoid Shipping During Peak Seasons

Summers and holidays are generally considered peak shipping times. Everyone is moving, either for new jobs or for their higher studies. So, the demand increases, the carrier availability decreases, and you might be charged a premium for vehicle shipping.

To save money on vehicle shipping services, you should always try to ship either during Spring or Autumn. These are usually off-season for carriers. As a result, you’re more likely to get the best quotes.

Tip 6: Always Get Insurance

While auto shipping is generally safe, there’s a chance that your vehicle can suffer accidental damage during transit. But if you have adequate insurance coverage, you never have to worry about facing any financial loss due to damage to your vehicle.

So, always work with a carrier that offers adequate insurance coverage for your bike, car, boat, or sports vehicle. 

Final Thoughts: Get Quality Shipping at Affordable Pricing 

With these tips, you’re ready to ship your vehicle without overpaying for high-quality auto transport. However, we’ve saved one last tip for the last: you should always get and compare multiple quotes from different carriers so you can select the best one. You can also avoid jumping around on multiple websites to compare quotes with a shipping marketplace. 

Remember, securing top-tier vehicle transport at a fair price isn’t just possible—it’s entirely within your reach when you follow the right strategies. By selecting the appropriate shipping method, providing precise details, booking ahead, and leveraging off-season discounts, you can enjoy premium service without the premium price tag!

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