Ship My Vehicle: The Quote Process

Whether you’re moving to a new location, just purchased a new vehicle or need to relocate your classic Mustang, obtaining an auto shipping quote is the first step to get your vehicle moved from point A to point B. With so many shipping methods, options, add-ons and companies to choose from, the process can be very overwhelming. The exact procedure behind quote calculation will vary depending on the auto transport company that handles your vehicle. However, obtaining a quote is as simple as filling out a basic form online or calling vehicle shipping companies directly.

There are also plenty of tools online that allow you to compare and contrast shipping rates in order to ensure that you’re getting the best deal. Overall, pricing will depend on the type of car, season, shipment time frame and pick up and drop off locations.

If you’ve found yourself asking, how do I get a quote to ship my vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help walk you through the process of receiving an accurate car shipping quote so that you can confidently transport your vehicle to its new home.

The following is all the information you’ll need to provide when you request a quote to ship your car:

• Desired pick up and drop off dates
• Origin location
• Destination location
• Whether you want open or enclosed transport
• The vehicle’s make, model, type and year
• Vehicle condition – Is it operable or inoperable?

Where can I get a quote to ship my vehicle?

Whether you prefer the old-fashioned way of picking up the phone to inquire or would rather use the internet, there are a variety of options to request vehicle shipping quotes:

• Shipping quote via email: This can be done by simply going to the website of any auto transport company, filling out and submitting a quick form with general information and your email address. Usually within 24 hours, your auto shipping quote will be delivered to your inbox. Do this on up to three reputable sites to prevent your email inbox from being spammed and bombarded with emails.
• Shipping quote via telephone. If you prefer to speak with a customer service representative directly, you can call the toll-free number listed on the website of the auto shipping company. When you call, make sure you have all the necessary information ready and you can receive your quote within minutes from a real person.
• Online quote calculator. If you want to avoid phone interactions or spam emails, this may be the option for you. While this won’t offer the most accurate estimate, you will receive a ballpark figure for shipping your vehicle. All you’ll have to do is input your car’s details, your destination and any other required information to receive an instant quote.
• Multi-quote marketplaces. Many vehicle transport companies partner with multiple car carriers. Because of this, online marketplaces exist to give you multiple shipping quotes instantly and on a single page. However, the drawback is that you will have to sign up using your email and you may end up receiving some unwanted emails.

What factors affect my vehicle shipping quote?

In general, auto shipping quotes will vary form company to company. However, most of them consider the following factors when they calculate your price estimate:

• Vehicle type, make, model and year. You can expect that the larger or heavier the vehicle, the more expensive. Cars such as SUVs, trucks and some larger cars will cost you more to ship.
• This is arguably the most primary factor involved in auto shipping prices. A vehicle that needs to travel a longer distance will cost more overall, but the cost per mile is decreases the further it travels.
• Due to truck availability and easier highway access, you can save money by transporting to or from a major metropolitan area. Small town shipments will be more expensive because they’re far from typical shipping routes. However, you can save money by dropping off and picking up your vehicle from a dedicated shipping terminal.
• Transport method. Open-air transport is the most common way to ship vehicles cross-country. They are also more widely available and less expensive than enclosed transport. Unless you own an exotic, classic or luxury vehicle, open for an open carrier and you could save up to 80%.
• Terminal shipping vs. door-to-door. While shipping your vehicle directly to and from your front door will save you time and energy, you will end up paying more for the added convenience. If you want to reduce your costs, consider meeting the hauler in a prearranged location instead.
• Time of year. In general, there are more people moving and on the road in the summer months. Because of this, auto shipping will cost more during the summertime. However, rates can potentially rise in the winter when snowbirds are travelling south. To save a few bucks, book your auto transport during an off-season.
• Vehicle condition. If your car is inoperable, you will incur an added cost. If it won’t start but can steer, roll or brake, you’ll still pay more money but not as much if it were completely inoperable.
• Expedited shipping. Need your vehicle to arrive quicker than your quoted deliver date? Expedited shipping is an option, at an extra fee.
• Time frame. Always book your shipment as early as possible to help save you money. It’s recommended to select a date that is between seven and thirty days in advance to receive the best rate.

How much does it cost to ship a vehicle?

When you consider the above factors, it’s difficult to provide an accurate estimate for transporting a vehicle. However, for coast-to-coast shipping of a standard four-door sedan you can expect to pay between $400 and $2,000. For the same distance, but with a pickup truck or SUV, it’ll cost you roughly $700 to $2,250.

Do I need to pay a deposit to ship my vehicle?

Paying a deposit is a standard procedure in the vehicle transport quote process. But, deposits can also be a sneaky way for companies to scam unsuspecting or naïve customers. In order to avoid a possible scam, obtain quotes from companies that offer free, no-obligation estimates. This will ensure that you get a good idea of what the transport will cost you without having to put any money down in advance.

Overall, the best way to avoid being scammed by an auto transport company is to do plenty of research and read past customer reviews for any indication of shady business practices.

Will the final price to ship my vehicle be the same as what I was quoted?

This is one of the most common questions that customers ask when booking auto transport services. To find out, ask your company if the quote they are providing is binding or non-binding. A quote that is binding means that the auto shipping company cannot charge more than what they’ve estimated. On the other hand, non-binding quotes may differ slightly from the final price based on the vehicle’s actual weight, weather conditions and hauler availability. Before you commit, get the final price for shipping your vehicle in writing.

Call us today at (888) 231-0113 or submit our online request form so we can provide you with your free, no-obligation quote for shipping your vehicle. Whether your vehicle needs to be transported within your state, across the country, or overseas, we have a cost-effective and secure way to get it there.