The cost of transporting a car can fill drivers with dread, especially if the carrier must ship the vehicle to another state or even farther afield. Vehicle owners naturally want to find the cheapest car shipping available, but it’s an instinct that could be costly.
Drivers can’t afford to forget that there’s a big difference between the cheapest and the most cost-effective way to get their vehicles delivered. They should also strongly consider auto transport insurance. This guide will examine how to choose the best option to protect your ride and your wallet.
What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship My Car?
So, you’ve wisely decided to avoid the danger and expense of long-distance driving, and you’re ready to hire an auto carrier. Their rigs come in three basic types; some are more expensive than others, but all are viable as the cheapest option, depending on your circumstances:
- Open
This is the most common carrier option, with multiple cars loaded up for transport. This service is popular, so there are many companies to choose from, meaning better chances of a competitive quote. The downside: Open shipping exposes vehicles to elemental damage, road debris, and increased risk of theft.
- Enclosed
This more expensive option comes with the advantage of protecting the vehicle from the risks associated with open transport. Enclosed carriers come in multicar, two-car, or single-car options, getting more expensive the fewer cars are aboard.
The downside: Enclosed carriers are heavier and less fuel-efficient (leading to higher costs for the customer), and they’re slowly getting to their destination due to less demand for this method.
- Flatbed
These carriers are wide open, having no roof or sides. They also have the drawbacks of longer delivery times and much higher costs. They may be the only option, though, if you drive one of the heavier and bigger vehicles, like a van or large pickup truck. Vehicle dimensions and weight are significant metrics in shipping costs.
Larger vehicles are at higher risk from low-hanging dangers like bridges and trees if placed on top of a carrier, and they probably won’t fit on the lower deck. Flatbed drivers are thus typically more skilled and careful, which is a plus to offset the higher cost.
When you need to ship your car, there are a few things to consider. The most important factor is the cost. You want to find the cheapest way to ship your car that still meets your needs. There are a few different options when it comes to shipping your car.
The first option is to drive it yourself. This is the cheapest option, but it can be time-consuming and stressful. The second option is to use a professional car shipping service. This is more expensive than shipping it yourself, but it’s also more convenient. Ultimately, the decision of how to ship your car depends on your budget and your needs.
The cheapest way to ship your car really depends on a few factors. The first is the distance that the car needs to travel. The further the distance, the more it will cost to ship the car. The second factor is the size and weight of the car. Larger and heavier cars will cost more to ship than smaller and lighter cars. The last factor is the time of year.
Shipping companies are usually busiest during the summer months, so it will cost more to ship a car during this time. However, if you are willing to ship your car during the off-season, you can often get a discount. Ultimately, the best way to find the cheapest way to ship your car is to compare quotes from different shipping companies. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can ensure that you get the best deal possible.