Factors Influencing Car Shipping Costs
Getting a car to a college student at a distant campus can really improve the student's life by giving them mobility and convenience. Getting away from home for the first semester at college is a liberating experience for many, and having the freedom that a vehicle offers really enhances that sense of independence and autonomy.
If the campus is many miles away, though, there's the question of how to get that car there in the first place. Before you can really sort out this dilemma, you'll need an accurate idea of what you can expect to spend. In these next few sections, we're going to talk about some of the factors that drive shipping costs and walk you through the process of getting a car shipping price quote and a transportation order set up.
Understanding Car Shipping Quotes
This is where we round up some of the influences that affect the cost calculations for vehicle logistics.
What to Expect in a Car Shipping Quote
There are a lot of different moving parts that have to be considered when developing a cost structure for vehicle shipping rates. Some of them are inherent and "baked in the cake," while others are externalities that no one has much control over and which can cause rates to fluctuate up or down from one week or even one day to the next. It's important to remember that the system that sets shipping costs is algorithmic and semi-automated, and rates can be fluid and can change regularly.
Breakdown of Cost Components (Distance, Vehicle Type, etc.)
Let's talk about a few of the elements of cost calculations:
- Vehicle year/ make/model: for anything that's being transported by truck, weight and dimensions will be a big part of shipping costs. If the cargo is heavier, it's burning more fuel for every mile it's transported and it puts more wear and tear on the transport truck. If it's bigger, it's taking up space that could be allotted to other cargo, and of course all loads have to be compliant with state and federal weight restrictions for tractor trailers. A 12,000 lb industrial forklift costs more to transport than a 1200 lb golf cart, and a 5500 lb F150 will cost more to ship than a 2200 lb Fiat 500.
- Vehicle running condition: if a vehicle can't start, run, drive, steer and stop under its own power, it will require special equipment and procedures to load and secure it for transport, and that will mean an enhanced rate for shipping .
- Distance and route: cost/mile is the basis for all rate formulations, and it's cheaper to ship from one major city to another than to or from a remote location or small, rural town. The Interstate system was designed to efficiently connect major population centers, but it mostly bypasses small towns and a lengthy detour off the main Interstate route will mean a higher shipping cost.
- Calendar period and seasonality: there are a few calendar periods where the volume of orders will spike, meaning more drivers will be tied up handling customer needs. When things are busier, the supply/demand equation will bend rates upward until things slow down again.
- Fuel costs: throughout the logistics business, when it costs more due to fuel prices to get products like groceries, building materials and consumer goods to the marketplace, that's a cost that can't be absorbed and has to be passed along to consumers. The good news for auto logistics is that when fuel prices come back down, rates will be adjusted down with them.
- Desired shipping method: different vehicles call for different levels of security, monitoring and protection while en route. As a result, we offer a few different options for transport, all of which will come in at various price points on the scale.
Researching Car Shipping Companies
There are a lot of car shipping companies out there to transport customer vehicles, and they aren't all created equal. It's important to do your due diligence when shopping for a car shipping company, just like you would for any service provider.
How to Find Reputable Car Shipping Services
Let's talk about some of the red flags for car shipping services:
- A poor online reputation and multiple negative reviews on sites like Angies, BBB, uShip or logistics forums is going to be a big and obvious alarm bell when you're looking into an auto logistics company.
- A reputable company will never pressure you into getting on board, and will never ask for a large deposit or the full amount due until they've been able to put your order into the system and assign it to a transport driver.
- Be wary of a sloppy or incomplete website with sketchy contact information, vague content and no physical address.
- A good, established auto shipping company will ask for payment via major credit card, Zelle, PayPal or Venmo. Don't trust a company that will do transactions via cryptocurrency, gift cards, cashier's checks or other less-secure payment methods.
- Customer service or customer support should offer responsive, clear and transparent communications and answers for any questions you might have.
- Trust your gut: if the rates sound too good to be true, that's a sign that there could be a bait & switch coming, additional fees tacked on the back end after delivery, or that performance and service will cut corners and won't meet your expectations.
- Any solid auto transport company will include pre-trip and post-trip inspections and a Bill of Lading document as part of the shipping process.
- Be sure to ask about the carrier insurance the company offers while your car is in transit, and the dollar amounts of the policy's coverage.
- Is the company a broker, or a carrier? Brokers engage with a network of independent contract drivers to transport vehicles, while carriers have their own truck fleet and employees. Brokers often have more flexibility in routing and dispatch and more competitive rates - be sure to ask about what kind of equipment their drivers have.
Importance of Company Credentials (FMCSA and DOT Numbers)
Certifications and credentials with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are a big part of any auto logistics company's legitimacy. Valid DOT numbers and FMCSA registration show that the company is legally authorized and certified by the federal government for interstate commerce. The FMCSA certification is your assurance that the company meets standards for equipment safety, driver compliance and hours of service and vehicle maintenance, all of which are your assurance that your car is in good hands with them. That kind of accountability is important if there are any issues or disputes that might come up. This information is all accessible through the FMCSA's SAFER system, which also tracks their safety records and compliance history.
Gathering Multiple Quotes
Most people will want to do some comparison shopping for just about any product or service, whether they're looking for a used car, considering a kitchen remodeling project, or buying a washer and dryer:
Benefits of Comparing Quotes from Different Companies
When you're comparing quotes from different companies for auto transit, it also gives you a chance to see what they have to offer:
- What's their territory coverage like?
- How long has the company been in operation, and what's their reputation like? What do customers have to say about their experiences?
- What different kinds of transport services and options do they offer?
- What are their policies like? Is there anything in the fine print that you really need to be aware of?
- What's their customer support like? Are they responsive, transparent and forthcoming with the information that you need?
How Many Quotes to Request for Accuracy
There's not any hard and fast rule on how many quotes you should compare and consider, but try to find at least five or six estimates and give them some thought.
Features to Look for in Quote Comparison Tools
Most auto transport companies now feature quote calculator resources on their websites, allowing you to bypass the time and trouble of getting on the phone with customer service to get a price quote for the shipping you need. In turn, sites like Shiply, Compare the Carrier, Freightquote and MoveBuddha use an automated system to gather quotes from several different transport companies so that you can compare rates and look for the best deal. In general, the quote calculators will need the following information to process your request:
- Vehicle year/make/model
- Vehicle running condition
- ZIP codes of the pickup point and destination
- Your preferred transport method
- Your preferred timeframe for shipment
Timing Your Request for Quotes
Due to the seasonality of the auto shipping business, there are times when shipping rates can spike due to the heightened demand and volume of shipments.
Best Times to Request Quotes for Discounts
You can save anywhere from 10% to 40% on car shipping rates by trying to schedule your shipment for the off season. February and early March tend to be slower months for shipping, although in some parts of the country winter weather and road conditions could still be a problem. Historically, early fall (September and October) can also be a sweet spot, with less demand for shipping, sunny and warm weather and good road conditions.
How Early Booking Affects Pricing
There are quite a few details that have to be sorted out when setting up a car shipping job. Most auto transport companies will ask for at least two weeks lead time to be able to get everything lined up, get your order into the system, and assign it to a driver who can work it in along a route with other orders. Expedited shipping is available for short-notice shipping orders, but it does come at a premium rate.
Exploring Student Discounts
Several companies offer discounts for students who are headed to a distant campus, and others offer perks that can sweeten the deal a bit with features that are aimed at convenience and scheduling.
How to Verify Eligibility for Student Discounts
Eligibility requirements for discount auto transport for students can vary from one company to another, but these are usually accepted as proof of student status:
- Student ID (including digital versions)
- Official enrollment letter or certification
- Acceptance letter from the college or university
- Transcript or student record
- Copy of the current or future class schedule and curriculum
- Current educational email address, with .edu domain
Specific Companies Offering Student Discounts
These companies all offer seasonal or dedicated discounts for auto shipping for college students:
- Corsia Logistics
- A1 Auto Transport
- SGT Auto Transport
- AmeriFreight
- Montway Auto Transport
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Navi Auto Transport
Understanding the Fine Print
The fine print in any auto shipping company's agreement can be crucial to their accountability and to your rights and responsibilities as a customer.
What to Look for in Terms and Conditions
Some basic ground rules are laid out in terms and conditions agreements. That usually will include things like your preparation of the vehicle for transport, pickup and delivery times (delivery time and date will almost always be a best estimate and not a guarantee), the kinds of personal items that can be shipped with the vehicle (if any), terms for discount shipping with balance due on delivery and details on pre-trip and post-trip inspection for the Bill of Lading.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
This is where you really need to scrutinize the agreement carefully. Some typical hidden fees and surcharges might include things like:
- Rural delivery or pickup fee
- Fuel surcharges
- Fees for any delays in pickup or delivery
- Liftgate or specialized equipment fees
- Storage fees or terminal fees
Some of these could be legitimate, and others not so much. Be sure you look at all the details in the contract and don't be afraid to be assertive and ask specific questions if there's anything you have doubts about. Remember that a suspiciously low price quote might just be the "base rate" to get you on the hook, with surcharges and fees tacked onto the back end.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
Every car shipping company will need you to take some steps to get your vehicle ready for shipping:
- Please ship your car with less than ¼ tank of fuel, saving on curb weight
- Please remove any toll tags or parking tags, and disable any alarm
- Please remove any detachable external accessories like light bars, cargo boxes, antennas, bike racks
- Be sure all four tires are aired up and the battery is charged
- Check your vehicle for fluid leaks: a transport driver might refuse to load a vehicle that's leaking coolant, motor oil, transmission, brake or power steering fluid
- Remember the driver needs a copy of the ignition key
Other specifics might apply in preparing the car for shipping.
How Vehicle Condition Affects Shipping Costs
Many companies will ship a vehicle that can't start, run, steer, drive and stop on its own power, such as a project car that's headed to a specialty mechanic in another state. Shipping an inoperable vehicle requires special equipment like a winch to be able to load and secure it for transport, and special procedures on the part of the transport driver. This will usually mean a higher shipping cost.
Communicating with Shipping Companies
Clear and transparent communication is always going to be a prerequisite for the shipping company you're considering.
Key Questions to Ask When Requesting a Quote
To make sure you're covered on your own end, these are questions you should ask:
- Is your company licensed and registered?
- What kind of equipment do your drivers use?
- Will my vehicle be insured, and what are the coverage limits on the policy?
- What are the payment options, and do you need a deposit up front?
- Is the quote locked in, inclusive and final?
- Can you point me to any references, testimonials and reviews for your company?
Importance of Clear Communication for Accurate Estimates
When you ask direct questions, you should expect straight, no-nonsense answers with no diversions or wiggle room. If you feel like you're not getting the answers you need, you should trust your gut and consider another option for your transport needs.
Evaluating Additional Services
Extra Costs for Door-to-Door vs. Terminal Shipping
Door-to-door shipping is exactly how it sounds: your vehicle is picked up curbside at your address, and is dropped off and delivered curbside at the destination. Sometimes that's not possible, though - many cities and towns ban commercial trucks on residential streets, as it takes a lot of room to maneuver an 80' truck and negotiate turns. If your street has a lot of parked cars, tight corners and low-hanging branches, you may need to explore terminal shipping or meet your transport driver at a more accessible spot such as a parking lot. Be sure you find out if there's a price differential involved with door-to-door transport vs terminal pickup and delivery.
Insurance Options and Their Impact on Quotes
Most companies will roll verified carrier insurance into the quote total; be sure to find out if there's extra cost involved for insurance coverage, or if it's inclusive in the quote.
Negotiating for Better Prices
You might be able to haggle a little bit to get the rates you want - it can't hurt to try, at least.
Tips for Negotiating Quotes with Shipping Companies
As you gather quotes for shipping costs, be sure to look at what's included in each quote and, of course, do your research on the company's history, its standing with the USDOT and FMCSA and find out what shipping options they offer.
When and How to Ask for Discounts
If you feel like you could get a little leverage to ask for a discount, don't be shy about asking. You can politely mention that you've looked at other companies that offer a better rate - a lot of auto shipping firms will offer a price match policy so they don't lose shipping jobs to competitors. You can always ask if any discounts are available as well, and it might also help if you can show some flexibility with your shipping timeframe.
Finalising Your Quote
Steps to Confirm and Lock in Your Quote
This can vary from one company to another; many companies that use a quote calculator make it easy to confirm the quote, and it will be considered valid and will be honored for seven calendar days. As you review the quote, read all the details carefully and know what your responsibilities and requirements are. Clarify what's included and what fees, if any, might apply. Check the company's credentials, licensing and insurance (as mentioned above), and understand payment requirements (a substantial deposit or full amount up front is a red flag).
Importance of Written Agreements
Like any other transaction, a written agreement is a clear record of the agreement that protects both parties. Written agreements should cover terms and conditions, costs, service details, delivery timeline, rights and obligations, responsibilities for both parties and all other pertinent details.
