Getting car shipping quotes is only the initial step of the vehicle transport process. Justifying and negotiating those quotes to the correct prices is what matters because, with over 5,900 auto shipping businesses in the US, you will get all kinds of vehicle shipping quotes.
You must understand them, separate the best from the rest, and negotiate for the best value. This guide is all about doing that, so read to the end.
Industry Average Automobile Transport Quotes
As per the data given by Forbes, the cost of shipping a car varies a lot. Even its averages vary due to many factors. Let’s see what their research says:
Distance:
The cost to ship a car on a per-mileage basis varies from $0.60 to $1.70, depending on the distance. Shorter distances cost more per mile. 500 miles cost $1.10 to $1.70 per mile, 1,500 miles cost $0.90 to $1.30 per mile, and 2,500 miles cost $0.60 to $0.70 per mile.
Carrier Type:
Open carrier transport costs anywhere from $0.60 to $1.10 per mile, while enclosed carriers are 40-50% more at $0.90 – $1.70 per mile. The cost will increase if a different freight mode is used, such as an airplane or a ship.
Vehicle Type:
As per the type of vehicle, sedans cost $0.6 to $1.7, compact SUVs cost $0.750 to $1.95, SUVs cost $0.9 to $2.2, and trucks cost 1.05 to $2.45 per mile to ship.
These are the different cost averages that increase with the increase in vehicle size/weight and decrease with the increase in total transport distance. However, these are not set in stone, so only take them with a pinch of salt.
Call Easy Auto Ship at (888) 687-3243 or use our instant quote calculator to get free, no-obligation quotes for your specific vehicle and shipping needs in minutes.
5 Smart Insider Hacks for Negotiating Vehicle Shipping Quotes:
Securing the best cost to ship a car can be challenging. However, with a few insider strategies up your sleeve, you can save significantly on your automobile transport costs. Let’s explore five smart hacks that will give you the leverage to negotiate the most affordable shipping rates for your vehicle shipping needs.
Ask About Discounts
Many car shipping companies offer various discounts that can help lower your overall affordable car shipping quotes. Be sure to inquire about discounts available for military personnel, seniors, students, or even repeat customers.
| Discount Type | Average Savings |
|---|---|
| Military Discount | 5-10% off |
| Senior Discount | 3-8% off |
| Student Discount | 2-6% off |
| Repeat Customer Discount | 4-12% off |
Be Flexible with Dates and Locations
Flexibility with your car shipping quote dates and pickup/delivery locations can also help you secure more favorable rates. Adjusting your schedule to ship during off-peak times or from less congested areas can result in significant savings on your car shipping quotes and automobile transport quotes.
- Consider shipping your vehicle during the week (Tuesday-Thursday) instead of on weekends.
- Explore the possibility of picking up or delivering your car from a nearby city or location rather than the most convenient one.
- If your timeline allows, be open to shipping your vehicle a few days earlier or later than your initial preferred dates.
Make Brokers Compete
Reaching out to multiple car shipping brokers and having them compete for your business can be an effective way to negotiate better, more affordable car shipping quotes. Provide each broker with the same information and let them know you’re shopping around to ensure you get the most competitive quotes.
| Broker | Quote | Negotiated/Discounted Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Broker A | $1,200 | $1,050 |
| Broker B | $1,150 | $1,000 |
| Broker C | $1,100 | $950 |
Get Quotes Off-Season
The car shipping industry experiences seasonal fluctuations, with peak periods often occurring during summer and holidays. Requesting car shipping quotes during the off-season will help you take advantage of lower rates and more available carriers.
- Avoid peak summer and holiday seasons.
- Consider shipping in the fall or winter for better rates
- Be flexible with your timeline to take advantage of low-demand periods
Negotiate to have any accessories/mods removed and shipped separately
Sometimes, car shipping companies offer discounted rates for vehicles that meet certain criteria, such as having no additional accessories or modifications. If this is the case, be open to negotiating the removal and separate shipping of any aftermarket items or customizations on your vehicle, such as spoilers or roof racks. This can help you secure lower overall car shipping and automobile transport quotes.
5 More Nifty Ways to Reduce Your Overall Auto Transport Quotes:
In addition to the negotiation tactics covered earlier, there are several other practical ways to lower your overall car shipping costs. These tips can help you save even more on your vehicle transport, from payment methods to shipping schedules.
Avoid Credit Card Fees for Companies
Many auto transport companies offer discounts for customers who opt to pay with cash or check instead of a credit card. You can ask car shipping providers if they charge additional fees for credit card payments, as there can be 1.5-3% fees. If so, pay using an alternative method like ACH transfer or wire to avoid these extra charges.
| Payment Method | Potential Discount |
|---|---|
| Cash/Check | 1.5-3% |
| Credit Card | 0% |
Request Notification of Lowered Rates
Many auto transport companies adjust their rates regularly based on fuel costs, season, and driver availability. Ask your selected provider if they can notify you if your quoted rate drops before your scheduled ship date so you can take advantage of the lower price.
Consider Shipping Earlier or Later in the Week
Shipping your automobile on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays can sometimes result in lower car shipping quotes compared to weekends or Mondays.
This is because there is often less demand for vehicle transport services in the middle of the week, allowing companies to offer discounted rates.
For Inoperable Vehicles, Ask for a Trailer with Winches or Hydraulic Gates
If you need to ship an inoperable vehicle, ask the car shipping company about trailers equipped with winches or hydraulic gates. This can help you avoid the additional cost of renting a forklift, which is often required to load and unload non-running automobiles.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Trailer with winches or hydraulic gates | Avoid the need to rent a forklift for inoperable vehicles |
| Forklift rental | Additional cost for shipping inoperable vehicles |
Broker Vs. Carrier - Who Gives Better & Free Car Shipping Quotes?
When trying to secure the best car transport quote, you can work with either a broker or a carrier directly. Each approach has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s crucial to understand the difference to determine who is more likely to provide better and free car shipping quotes.
The Broker Advantage
Brokers are intermediaries that connect you with a network of carriers. Their primary role is to find the most suitable carrier for your car shipping needs and negotiate the best rates on your behalf. Here are some key benefits of working with a broker:
- Access to a wider carrier network, potentially leading to more competitive car shipping quotes
- Brokers usually have well-established relationships with carriers, allowing them to negotiate discounted rates
- Brokers may provide free car shipping quotes, as the carrier typically compensates their services
- Brokers handle the logistics, paperwork, and coordination, making the process more seamless for you
The Carrier Advantage
Carriers are responsible for physically transporting your vehicle. Working directly with a carrier can also have its advantages:
- Potentially lower quotes, as you’re cutting out the broker’s commission
- More control over the shipping process and direct communication with the driver
- Opportunity to negotiate further with the carrier, as they have more flexibility on pricing
| Broker | Carrier |
|---|---|
| A wider network of carriers | Potentially lower quotes |
| Negotiated discounted rates | Direct control over the shipping process |
| Free car shipping quotes | More flexibility on pricing |
| Handles logistics and coordination | No broker commission |
Affordable Car Shipping Quotes Vs. Too Good to Be True Prices:
Securing an affordable car shipping quote is crucial, but you must be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. While finding a bargain may be tempting, exceptionally low rates, such as 20-30% lower than the industry average, often signal potential issues, such as hidden fees, substandard service, or even scams.
For example, a company offering car shipping at a fraction of the industry average may be cutting corners on insurance coverage, equipment maintenance, or driver compensation. This could result in delays, damage to your vehicle, or even a failed delivery.
In contrast, a reputable auto transport provider will provide a transparent, all-inclusive quote that accurately reflects the costs of safe and reliable service.
| Affordable Car Shipping Quotes | Too Good to Be True Prices |
|---|---|
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How to Compare Car Transport Quotes From Multiple Brokers?
Comparing car transport quotes from multiple brokers online is important in finding the best service for your needs. Here’s how to do that in the most efficient way possible:
- Collect multiple quotes: Get quotes from at least 3-5 different brokers to have a good range for comparison.
- Understand what’s included: Know exactly what services are covered in each quote.
- Check for hidden fees: Ask about any potential additional charges not included in the initial shipping quote.
- Verify insurance coverage: Ensure each broker offers adequate insurance for your vehicle during transport and the type of perils covered.
- Research the company: Look into each broker’s reputation, reviews, and BBB complaint history.
- Compare transit times: Check estimated pickup and delivery dates for each option.
- Evaluate customer service: Assess the responsiveness and helpfulness of each broker’s customer support.
- Consider the overall value: Don’t just go for the cheapest option; consider the balance of price, service, and reliability.
Here’s a comparison table of three example brokers:
| Criteria | Broker A | Broker B | Broker C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $800 | $950 | $1,100 |
| Years of Experience | 5 | 12 | 8 |
| BBB Rating | B | A+ | A |
| BBB Complaints (last 3 years) | 15 | 5 | 10 |
| Customer Reviews (out of 5) | 3.8 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Insurance Coverage | $100,000 | $250,000 | $150,000 |
| Estimated Transit Time | 7-10 days | 5-7 days | 6-8 days |
| Customer Support Quality | Email-only | 24/7 phone, live chat and email | Phone and email (business hours) |
| Additional Services | None | Free car wash | Door-to-door delivery |
Best value for money: Based on this comparison, Broker B appears to offer the best value for money. While it has the highest price, it also provides the most comprehensive service, customer satisfaction, and reputation. The additional features like free car wash and 24/7 support justify the higher cost.
Broker C also offers a decent balance of price and service quality. Broker A, while cheapest, may pose more risks due to limited experience and support.
Get Free Instant Car Shipping Quotes With Easy Auto Ship
Want someone with over a decade of experience, a stellar track record, and excellent support staff to move your vehicle safely and at affordable prices? Call Easy Auto Ship or use our live chat feature to talk to one of our logistics agents.
You will get a free, instant, and no-obligation quote; ask any questions, understand your quote thoroughly, and then decide if you want to hire us. We’d love to move your vehicle. Don’t worry; we treat them all as our own.