Factors Influencing Car Shipping Quotes

Car shipping prices are unique for every shipment. Many auto logistic companies offer an initial quote, but surprise you with extra charges on delivery. It is tricky to get familiar with the real logistic cost for your car. First, you need to understand what impacts car shipping cost.

To find a reliable cheapest car shipping option, you need to consider the factors influencing the quotes, it helps to make an informed decision. Ship a Car, Inc. takes into account the following factors while sending a quote.

Season 

Just like any other sector, the car shipping industry experiences a slow and high season. In summer, the rates are high as the demand is more. More than 50% of households migrate during summertime, but residential movers cannot ship cars according to the law. Therefore, vehicle carriers are in high demand.

In winter, the demand is low and this means low rates. However, there are some drawbacks like roads becoming impassable in severe weather conditions, which enforce the trucker to drive around a long route. This can increase your shipping rates. Besides, winter is also a ‘Snowbird’ season, when seniors migrate to warmer locations. This increases the route traffic and it can influence the car logistic quote.

Vehicle 

Luxury vehicles cost more because special services and care needs to be given during hauling. Longer and taller vehicles need an extra adjustment that increases the cost. Modifications like roof racks and large tires increase the rates. The condition of the car also impacts the end cost. For inoperable cars expect to pay extra because a specific tool will be required to load and unload them.

Distance

Obviously, more the distance between pickup to the delivery point, higher the hauling rates because toll taxes, fuel charges, and labor costs add up.

Shipping method

You get two carrier options – open and enclosed. The open carrier option is popular because it is cheap. However, at times you need an added protection layer, so opt for an enclosed shipping method. Open carrier option is inexpensive and 95% of hauls arrive intact. It offers more flexibility in terms of pickup and delivery date.

In an enclosed truck, the car gets protected from roadside and weather elements like dust, grime, dirt, rainfall, snow, etc. It is a wise option for transporting expensive and classic vehicles.

Location

The rural routes are expensive than the city routes. A car logistic quote within a city is lower than a rural destination because the truckers need to diverge from the main route. You can opt for a drop-off close to a major interstate terminal to save some bucks.

Insurance

Every shipping carrier need to carry a DOT license and valid cargo insurance. In some cases, the basic coverage is not suitable for your car’s real value. So, ask questions? Get a clear picture of what kind of damage gets covered by default and even the insurance limitations along with any deductibles. If you are not satisfied with the insurance terms, then purchase extra coverage for the transit. This extra coverage can affect your shipping quote. Such coverage is only necessary to ship vintage or extra expensive vehicles.