Negosentro.com | 7 Proven Ways To Save Money & Time On Car Transportation | Do you need to ship your car across the state—or across the country?
Maybe you’re relocating for a new job opportunity. Maybe you’re making your seasonal journey between colder and warmer climates. Or maybe you own multiple cars and you don’t have the desire to make the trip several times.
Whatever your circumstances, a car transportation company could be the perfect solution. It’s a hassle-free way to get your car from Point A to Point B, without the stress of traveling in between.
The question is: How can you be sure that an auto transport company will save you time and money? And how can you find the best one among the nearly 4,400 car shipping companies in the US?
Keep reading for proven tips on reducing costs and saving valuable time.
1. Consider the Timing
If possible, arrange to have your car shipped in the off-season. This season varies depending on your locale and where you’re trying to get to.
For example, peak season along the coasts generally runs from May through September, while everyone is traveling for the summer. Late autumn and early spring are busy times along the coasts, as snowbirds venture from the cold north to the warm south (and back again).
What about car shipping from coast to coast? Nothern routes will be busier during the summer, as there’s less demand during the snowy season. Southern routes, on the other hand, might be busier during the winter when temperatures are mild.
If you have some flexibility with your car transportation needs, research the peak and off-peak seasons for your route. You might be able to save a lot of money by waiting to shop during the off-season.
2. Choose Open Transport
The price to ship a car depends on whether you choose open or closed carriers. Opting for an open carrier could save you hundreds of dollars in shipping costs.
An open carrier isn’t as risky for your vehicle as you might think. It’s subject to the same weather and road conditions as it would be if you were driving it yourself. Professional drivers are well-trained and know how to take every available precaution to keep their cargo safe during transport.
Of course, if you have a classic car a high-end luxury or sports car, you may want the peace of mind of a closed carrier. It’s up to you to decide whether the added security is worth the extra price.
3. Ship Terminal to Terminal
Door-to-door service sounds terrific (and it is), but it’s usually not the only option.
Many car shipping services offer the option of collecting and delivering your vehicle at convenient terminals. Because they don’t have to drive to every house for pickup and delivery, they can offer a discounted service if you deliver and pick up the car yourself.
Do some research to see if there are any local terminals near your home and your final destination. In some cases, a short drive could mean big savings in money and time.
4. Have a Flexible Timeline
Depending on your circumstances, you might need to have your car picked up or dropped off on a certain day. If possible, though, ask about discounts if you don’t provide an exact time or date.
The transport company might have a slow day that they’re happy to fill on their schedule. Or they might have an available slot on a truck heading your way if you’re willing to wait a day or two.
You won’t know unless you ask, so find out if working with their schedule could save you money.
5. Ship More Than One Vehicle
Another easy way to save money (and definitely time) is to arrange for all your vehicles to be shipped. This could give you significant savings over shipping one car now and shipping another one later.
Most auto transport companies offer discounts when you ship two or more vehicles. This is because they don’t have to waste time going to different terminals or homes.
6. Compare Multiple Quotes
When you start looking at car shipping rates, you’re sure to find a wide range of prices and options. Many companies offer convenient quote calculators where you can enter the size, weight, and location of your car.
We all love to save money, but be wary of any company with an exceptionally low rate—especially compared to other quotes. This could be a red flag of inferior equipment, drivers, or customer service (or all three).
Ideally, you want to choose a company whose quote is somewhere “in the middle.” Look up reviews from past customers to see if they had a positive experience and if their vehicle arrived in good condition.
7. Go the Informal Route
What if you’ve exhausted all these options and you still haven’t found car transportation that suits your budget? You could consider an informal arrangement with a private driver.
If you have a friend or family member who’s willing, they could drive your vehicle from Point A to Point B. Of course, this carries an element of risk. And you’ll need to pay them and cover their expenses while they’re on the road, so make sure this option would actually save you money.
Of course, this is likely to save you a lot of time, as you’re not relying on the availability of a major transportation company. In that case, you’ll need to weigh whether saving time or money is more important.
How Much Will You Save on Car Transportation?
Car shipping might seem overwhelming at first, especially if it’s your first time using such a service.
Use the tips listed above to ensure you save time and money during the auto transport process. If you do, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect car transportation company for you.
