Shipping a car can be a significant expense, whether you’re moving across the country or purchasing a vehicle from another state. However, with a little planning and some insider knowledge, it’s possible to save money on car shipping without sacrificing service quality. From choosing the right shipping method to understanding how timing affects costs, there are many ways to find affordable car transport solutions that fit your budget.
In this article, we’ll cover several budget-friendly car shipping tips and tricks to help you save money while ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and efficiently.
- Compare Quotes from Multiple Transport Companies
One of the easiest and most effective ways to save money on car shipping is by shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple transport companies. Prices can vary significantly between providers based on their route availability, demand, and overhead costs.
- Request quotes from at least three to five companies to get a sense of the going rate for your specific route and vehicle type. Many companies offer free online quotes, making it easy to compare prices and services.
- Be cautious of extremely low quotes. While finding a good deal is important, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Extremely low prices may indicate hidden fees or subpar service, so make sure to read customer reviews and confirm that the company is reputable.
- Choose Open Transport Over Enclosed Transport
When deciding between open car transport and enclosed car transport, choosing open transport is typically the more budget-friendly car shipping option. Open transport means your car will be transported on an open trailer with other vehicles, exposed to weather and road conditions. However, this method is safe and widely used for most standard vehicles.
- Open transport is significantly more affordable than enclosed transport, making it the ideal choice if you’re shipping a standard car, SUV, or truck. Enclosed transport is generally reserved for luxury, exotic, or classic cars that require extra protection.
- Enclosed transport costs can be 30% to 50% higher than open transport, so opting for the open option can result in significant savings.
- Be Flexible with Pick-Up and Delivery Dates
Flexibility is key when trying to save money on affordable car transport. Many transport companies offer discounts to customers who can provide a broader time window for pick-up and delivery. This allows the transport company to optimize its routes and schedule, lowering the overall cost.
- Book early and be flexible with your dates. If you can afford to wait a few extra days for your vehicle to be picked up or delivered, you may receive a discount.
- Avoid peak seasons such as summer and holidays when demand is high, as prices tend to rise during these times. Instead, consider shipping your car during the off-peak season (fall or winter) to get better rates.
- Opt for Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
While door-to-door transport is convenient, choosing terminal-to-terminal shipping can be a great way to cut costs. With terminal-to-terminal service, you drop off your vehicle at a designated terminal and pick it up at another terminal near your destination.
- Terminal-to-terminal shipping is typically more affordable because the transport company doesn’t have to navigate to specific addresses for pick-up and delivery. This reduces fuel and labor costs, resulting in lower prices for you.
- Keep in mind that you’ll need to travel to the terminal to drop off and pick up your vehicle, so factor in transportation costs to and from the terminal.
- Take Advantage of Discounts and Promotions
Many auto transport companies offer discounts and promotions to help customers save money. When requesting quotes, ask the transport companies if they have any special discounts that apply to you.
- Common discounts include military discounts, student discounts, senior discounts, and first-time customer promotions. Additionally, some companies may offer seasonal discounts or lower rates for customers who book well in advance.
- Referral or loyalty programs can also help you save money if you’ve used the company’s services before or refer a friend.
Taking advantage of these discounts can significantly reduce the cost of shipping, so it’s always worth asking.
- Ship Multiple Vehicles at Once
If you need to ship more than one vehicle, bundling them together with the same transport company can help you save money. Many companies offer discounts for shipping multiple cars at once, as it allows them to fill their trailer more efficiently.
- Bundling vehicles can lead to a lower per-vehicle rate, making it a great option for families or businesses relocating with multiple vehicles.
- Be sure to ask for a multi-vehicle discount when requesting quotes.
- Avoid Expedited Shipping
While expedited shipping guarantees faster pick-up and delivery, it comes with a higher price tag. If you’re not in a rush to receive your vehicle, opting for standard shipping with flexible dates can help you save money.
- Expedited shipping can increase the overall cost by 20% to 50%, depending on the urgency and distance of the shipment.
- By planning ahead and booking your transport early, you can avoid the need for expedited services and take advantage of more affordable options.
- Reduce Your Vehicle’s Weight
Some transport companies take the weight of the vehicle into account when calculating shipping costs. While it may not be a huge factor, reducing your car’s weight can help lower the overall shipping cost.
- Remove any personal belongings, heavy accessories, and unnecessary items from your car before shipping. This not only reduces the vehicle’s weight but also ensures that your belongings aren’t damaged or lost during transport.
- Only keep about a quarter tank of gas in the car. This is enough for loading and unloading the vehicle but keeps the car lighter, which can contribute to lower shipping costs.
- Negotiate the Price
Auto transport companies want your business, and many are willing to negotiate the price to secure your booking. After receiving multiple quotes, use them as leverage to ask for a better deal from your preferred company.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate or ask if the company is willing to match or beat a competitor’s price. Many companies are flexible, especially if they have room on their trailer or are trying to fill a specific route.
- Just make sure that the quality of service isn’t compromised when negotiating for a lower price.
Shipping your car doesn’t have to break the bank. By comparing quotes, choosing open transport, being flexible with your dates, and taking advantage of discounts, you can save money on car shipping while ensuring your vehicle is transported safely and securely. Whether you’re relocating or purchasing a car from out of state, these budget-friendly car shipping tips and tricks will help you find the most affordable car transport solution that fits your needs and budget.Search for insurance that is right for your needs.
