Ask three car shipping companies for a quote on the same trip and you may get three different numbers. Some of that is down to the company. Most of it comes from a handful of factors that every carrier prices in.
Knowing what those factors are makes it easier to read a quote, compare one against another, and spot the ones that do not add up.
Distance and Route
Longer trips cost more overall, but distance is not the whole story. A well-traveled route between major areas is more efficient to run than a shorter trip to a place carriers rarely visit. That is why the cost per mile on a busy corridor can be lower than on a quieter route.
The Time of Year
Demand moves with the seasons. On snowbird routes, the fall rush south and the spring trip north are the busiest times of the year. Booking ahead of the peak, or early within it, gives you more choice of dates and fewer surprises.
Your Vehicle
- Size and weight. A full-size SUV or pickup takes up more room on the carrier than a compact sedan
- Modifications. Lifted trucks, lowered cars, roof racks or oversized tires can change how the vehicle is loaded
- Whether it runs. A vehicle that does not drive on and off the carrier needs extra equipment and handling
Type of Carrier
Most cars travel on open carriers, the multi-car trucks you see on the highway. Enclosed transport, where it is offered, protects the vehicle from weather and road debris and is usually chosen for classic, exotic or high-value cars. It costs more because each trailer carries fewer vehicles.
Pickup and Delivery Locations
Door-to-door service brings the carrier as close to your address as it can safely reach. Easy access keeps things simple. Narrow streets, gated communities with restrictions, or rural roads can affect scheduling, and sometimes mean meeting the driver at a nearby open spot.
Timing and Flexibility
A booking made well in advance is easier to fit into a carrier’s schedule than one needed in a few days. A little flexibility on the pickup date also helps, especially during the busiest weeks.
What a Good Quote Should Include
The price on a quote is only useful if it is the price you actually pay. Before booking, check that the quote:
- Is guaranteed in writing, not an estimate that can change once a carrier is assigned
- Includes everything, with no fees added at pickup or delivery
- States the deposit policy clearly, ideally with no deposit required, or one that is refundable
- Includes insurance coverage for the vehicle while it is in transit
Why the Lowest Quote Can End Up Costing More
A quote that is far below the others is worth a second look. Some low quotes are placeholders that rise once the vehicle is booked, when it is harder to walk away. Others come with long waits for a carrier willing to take the job at that price.
Asking why a quote is lower, and whether the price is guaranteed, usually tells you what you need to know.
Guaranteed Prices with American Auto Transporters
American Auto Transporters has been shipping vehicles since 1980. We offer guaranteed prices and guaranteed pickup, hold a BBB A+ rating, run daily trips to Florida, and provide door-to-door service nationwide. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Want a clear price for your move? Get a free quote from American Auto Transporters. Call1-800-800-2580 or visit shipcar.com.
