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Learn more about auto shipping with detailed research, rankings, and guides for a stress-free vehicle transport
No matter which car shipping company you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind. Knowing these ahead of time can give you realistic expectations for the shipping process.
The first thing to know is that auto shipping prices are volatile and quotes can change. Shipping costs depend on a variety of unpredictable factors, including the price of fuel, carrier availability, market demands and seasonality. When you get a quote from an auto shipping broker, that broker doesn’t have a carrier lined up for the shipment right away. Instead, the broker gives you an estimate and then attempts to secure a carrier for that price. However, it’s common for quotes to increase depending on conditions in the market.
You can get a free quote from any reputable auto shipping company. You shouldn’t have to pay anything until the broker has secured a carrier, which could be a few days after you get a quote. At that point, you’ll either pay a deposit and elect to pay the rest in cash upon delivery or make an upfront payment for the entire shipping cost.
Similarly, shipping dates can fluctuate — even among the best auto transport companies. Unless you get expedited transport, your pickup window can be up to five days or more. However, carriers may experience delays on the road, so it’s a good idea to be flexible beyond the pickup window, too. The same goes for delivery times.
Open car transport is typically the cheapest way to ship a vehicle. With this service, the carrier loads your car onto a two-level trailer along with up to 10 other vehicles. Cars on an open carrier are exposed to the elements. Upper cars often drip fluids onto lower cars during the trip, too.
You may want to book an enclosed carrier if you have a luxury or classic car. There are also situations in which enclosed transport might be the only choice.
For example, the ramps on an auto transport trailer can damage vehicles that have fewer than five inches of clearance. You’ll have to get enclosed auto transport services if your car has low clearance. If you have a lifted truck or a very large vehicle, you may also need to get an enclosed trailer as it might not fit on an open trailer.
Read more from our car shipping companies guide.
While SGT Auto Transport is the best Iowa car shipping company, drivers should also get quotes from Sherpa Auto Transport and Montway Auto Transport.
While SGT Auto Transport is the best Kentucky car shipping company, drivers should also get quotes from Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport.
The cost to ship a car to Hawaii depends on the type of transport, vehicle size and delivery method. Learn how to save on car transport to the Aloha State.
You can get a car shipped to you after purchase by coordinating with your dealer or seller and collecting quotes from auto transport companies.
Shipping a car across the country often takes seven to 10 days and costs about $1,500 on average, depending on transport methods and carrier availability.
While SGT Auto Transport is the best New York car shipping company, drivers should also get quotes from Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport.
While SGT Auto Transport is the best Arkansas car shipping company, drivers should also get quotes from Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport.
While Sherpa Auto Transport is the best South Dakota car shipping company, drivers should also get quotes from SGT Auto Transport and Montway Auto Transport.
While Sherpa Auto Transport is the best Utah car shipping company, drivers should also get quotes from SGT Auto Transport and Montway Auto Transport.
While SGT Auto Transport is the best Illinois car shipping company, drivers should also get quotes from Sherpa Auto Transport and Montway Auto Transport.
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