When you need to ship your car, the last thing you want is to overspend. Here are a few tips on how to save money when shipping your vehicle.

Pick Open Car Carrier Option

When you’re moving long distance, or even just across town, you may need to transport your car. The most common way to do this is with an open car carrier. Open car carriers are large trucks with multiple levels that can carry several vehicles at once. They are the most popular type of carrier option because they are less expensive than enclosed carriers and can accommodate more vehicles. If you’re on a budget, this is the way to go. You can save hundreds of dollars by using an open car carrier instead of an enclosed one.

Another reason to use an open car carrier is that they’re more available than enclosed carriers. If you need to transport a vehicle within a specific time frame, it’s more likely that you’ll be able to find an open car carrier. Enclosed carriers are in high demand and can be difficult to find.

Get Multiple Quotes

The first step to saving money is to get multiple quotes. Contact different companies and compare their rates and services offered.

Be mindful of suspiciously low prices compared to the other quotes you receive. See below for common issues you may experience with underpriced quotes.

Auto Shipping Quote (Low Ball / Underpriced) Issues

❌ No Driver Available / Cancellation
❌ Low Insurance Coverage
❌ Delayed pickup
❌ Pickup Window Not Flexible
❌ Bad Rated Driver

Before you commit to any auto transport company, be sure to read the fine print of their contract. Pay close attention to the estimated time of arrival (ETA) and any conditions that could delay your shipment. Also, make sure you understand their cancellation and refund policies in case you need to change your plans. We provide a full refund on any order if the vehicle wasn’t dispatched and is unavailable on pickup.

Get everything in writing

Before you finalize your shipment, make sure that all the details are in writing. This includes the price, the date of shipment, and the delivery date. By getting everything in a contract agreement you can save yourself a headache down the road.

Check Reviews and Testimonials

Finally, before you choose an auto transport company, check out their reviews and testimonials online. A quick Google search should turn up plenty of information

Ship During Off-Peak Times

Another way to save is to ship during off-peak times. Rates are typically higher during summer months and around holidays. If you have some flexibility in when you ship, consider doing it during slower times of the year. You could end up saving quite a bit of money.

The laws of supply and demand apply to car shipping just like they do to everything else. When demand is high, rates go up. When demand is low, rates go down. That’s why you’ll almost always pay more to ship your car during the summer than you will during the winter. If you’re looking to save money on your next shipment, schedule it during the off-season instead.

During the peak season, most car shipping companies are booked solid weeks in advance. That means if you need your car shipped right away, you will have to pay a higher price or might have to wait a week or longer for pickup. If you’re not in a hurry, though, booking an off-season shipment will give you more flexibility when it comes to scheduling.

 

Ask for Discounts

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for discounts. Many companies offer discounts for AAA members, military personnel, and seniors. If you belong to any of these groups, be sure to mention it when getting quotes. You may be able to get a lower rate.

These are just a few ways to save on car shipping. By getting using an open carrier, getting multiple quotes, shipping during off-peak times, and asking for discounts, you can keep more money in your pocket. So don’t overspend the next time you need to ship your vehicle— use these tips and save!