When preparing to ship a car, many people are focused on the costs of shipping and have concerns about potential hidden costs that they might not expect. However, if you are dealing with a reputable car shipping company , you won’t have to worry because there won’t be any hidden costs.
As long as you provide the shipping company with accurate information about your vehicle and your shipping needs, they should be able to provide you with a quote that includes all expenses related to the cost of shipping your car.
Below is a list of things that may add to the cost of shipping. If any of these are applicable to your shipping needs, be sure to discuss them upfront with the shipping company to ensure an accurate estimate.
Condition of Vehicle – If your car cannot be driven onto the car carrier, it will require a car carrier that has specialized equipment for loading your vehicle onto the truck.
Size of Vehicle – Larger, heavier vehicles typically cost more to ship. If you provide the year, make and model, the shipping company can estimate its weight to determine costs.
Type of Car Carrier —Shipping your vehicle in an enclosed carrier, instead of the more standard open carrier, is usually more expensive and you will need to specify the type of carrier with your car shipping company.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations —The total distance you are shipping your vehicle is a key factor in calculating the price. In addition, there may be a surcharge if either your pick-up or drop-off location is in a remote area.
Use of a Terminal — If you will need to use a terminal for pick-up and/or drop-off, there may be a charge for each day it is stored at the terminal facility. (Learn more about using a terminal for car shipping .)
By providing your car shipping company with complete and accurate information prior to shipping, you will receive an all-inclusive estimate that eliminates any surprises when the final bill is due.
MoveCars.com is a comprehensive online directory of car shipping companies, including enclosed auto transport and international shipping companies. Even before you start looking for a car shipping company, you can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about car moving, car shipping tips, and a glossary of auto transport terms.