The average cost of an in-state move comes in at $1,170. And that’s with family and friends lending a hand with box packing and moving. Excess cargo, cleaning, and storage are less obvious moving expenses.
As for out-of-state moves? Most people can’t rely on family and friends to travel to different states, let alone coast-to-coast. Instead, you’ll need to enlist the services of a moving company.
Factoring in service needs, like those of professional movers, adds up quickly. For example, moving a three-bedroom house 1,000 miles could cost you $6,300 or more. No wonder finding the cheapest way to ship a car remains at the forefront of many peoples’ minds.
Here’s what you need to know about securing the best car moving companies‘ deals without skimping on quality.
How to Find the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car
Do you need to get your automobile from point A to point B? Then, you may be tempted to go with the least expensive automobile shipping quote that you receive. After all, moving comes with plenty of other expenses, like those outlined above.
But is going with the cheapest car transport company really the best idea? Not necessarily. After all, the industry remains largely unregulated, which means you could end up with a less-than-satisfactory service if you’re not careful.
What can you do to split the difference between an excellent service experience and affordable rates? Start by finding the best car moving companies based on customer reviews via Yelp and Google.
You can also vet these companies further by researching their names via the Better Business Bureau. In the process, you’ll validate each company’s legitimacy while gaining a heads-up on any outstanding customer complaints filed with the BBB.
Know What Competitive Rates Look Like
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of companies, you’ll want to hop online and ask for free shipping quotes. The most professional and customer-centric companies will have instantaneous quotes provided online. These are no-obligation.
Be wary of any company that attempts to charge or obligate you with a shipping quote. Know that these are unethical practices, and don’t fall for these tactics. No matter how low they promise your quote will be.
Remember that some aspects of auto shipping are fixed. These costs include labor expenses, minimum gas prices, and insurance coverage charges.
For this reason, you should also be hesitant about the lowest quotes you receive. You must ask yourself where they’re cutting costs to offer such low rates.
How much does a typical car shipping service cost? For a commuter vehicle transported on an open carrier, the average cost comes in at $700. The range can vary from $300 to $2,000 depending on the vehicle’s make and model, condition, the destination it’ll travel, etc.
More About Car Shipping Prices
What else do you need to know about the cheapest car shipping company offers you’ll receive? Rates may change from day to day and company to company based on supply and demand. The lowest quotes often fail to include hidden charges you’ll see later.
These hidden charges might include expenses associated with delays, heading out-of-network for delivery, and more.
Corners may have also been cut when it comes to the amount of insurance they carry on each vehicle they transport. You don’t want to find out they’ve skimped on insurance the hard way, so do your research carefully regarding what a shipping quote includes.
When you work with a reliable, experienced shipper, their quote likely won’t blow you out of the water. But it should include everything you’ll pay from start to finish.
Best Practices for Car Shipping Comparison Shopping
Now that you’ve got a better idea of factors you should keep in mind when it comes to the lowest prices, let’s go over some best practices to help you secure a great deal. Start by getting multiple quotes and then verifying what’s included with each one.
As you look at the quotes you receive, it’s also a good idea to eliminate outliers on either the high or low end. That way, you’ll avoid exorbitant estimates as well as cheats who may cut corners or charge you extra at the end.
Once you’ve narrowed the list, make an early reservation. By booking early, you’ll secure the best pricing possible. To further enhance the affordability, go with an open carrier service.
Yes, this service will expose your car to the elements, but if it’s your daily driver or commuter, it represents your best and most affordable option. Consider the exposure your car will have on an open trailer similar to that incurred during a road trip.
Another fantastic tip to keep in mind involves the size of your vehicle. Remember, the bigger a car is, the more you’ll pay to move it. So, if you’ve got multiple vehicles, consider reserving the larger vehicle to drive yourself and leave the smaller one for the carrier.
Go With the Car Shipping Experts
Armed with the tips above, you’re now better prepared to find the cheapest way to ship a car without any unpleasant surprises. When you work with a company known for its reliability, experience, and excellent service record, you’ll enjoy peace of mind and money saved.
Ready to book auto shipping for an upcoming move? Contact us now to find out more about the best car shipping quotes on the market and the services we offer. We can provide you with an affordable and safe car moving service, whether it’s state-to-state or coast-to-coast.