Some proven tips to get the lowest car shipping quote

Brantley Kendall

21 Oct 2022 2 years ago


One of the fastest-growing and most enduring business sectors that offer services for sending automobiles from one location to another is the auto transport sector. An auto shipping business assists you in handling the task of moving your car from one place to another. The goal of an auto shipping company is to provide you with services while caring for your automobiles using various modes of transportation. But why ship your vehicle at all? While most people send their cars for cross-country moves, you may also want to ship your vehicle if you’re migrating to a different state.  This blog will cover everything you should know about the auto-shipping process, some cost-saving tips, and much more. 

What is an Auto Transport Company?

An auto transport company is a business that provides safe vehicle transportation services. They typically use large trucks or trailers to transport vehicles from one location to another. The company will have a team of experienced drivers in safely transporting vehicles. The company picks up the vehicle from the customer’s home or office and delivers it to the new location. They also provide insurance for the car during the move.

Different Types Of Auto-Shipping Services

Auto shipping services come in various types, depending on the customer’s needs. Some common types of auto-shipping services include: 

  • Door-to-door shipping: It involves picking up the vehicle from the customer’s home or office and delivering it to the specified destination. 
  • Terminal-to-terminal shipping: It involves dropping off the vehicle at a designated facility, where it will be loaded onto a carrier and delivered to another designated facility. The customer is responsible for picking up the car from the delivery facility. 
  • Port-to-port auto shipping: It is the least expensive and most inconvenient option. With this service, you must drop off your vehicle at a shipping port and pick it up from another port at your destination.
  • Expedited shipping: It is a type of shipping that guarantees your shipment will be delivered faster than standard shipping methods. 
  • Guaranteed pick up: The shipping company will pick up your shipment on the day you specify. 
  • Guaranteed drop off: The shipping company will drop off your shipment on the day you specify.

Different Shipping Methods

There are two different methods to ship your vehicle. Open and enclosed transport; each comes with pros and cons: 

Open carrier shipping: This auto shipping service is the most common and economical. The vehicle is loaded onto an open carrier and transported to the specified destination. An open car shipping is a less expensive way to ship a car but offers less protection against the elements and potential damage while in transit.

Open car shipping

Enclosed carrier shipping: It offers more protection for the vehicle during transit. The car is loaded onto an enclosed carrier and transported to the specified destination. Enclosed carrier shipping offers the best protection for your vehicle but is more expensive.

Benefits of Using an Auto Transport Services 

The main goal of vehicle transport services is to give customers safe and secure services while employing the most effective means of transportation. Auto transport companies collaborate with their drivers to deliver your vehicle where it needs to go. 

  • You can save time: If you are moving to a new state or city, driving your car there can take days or weeks. An auto transport service can ship your vehicle in a matter of days, so you don’t have to spend time on the road.
  • Save money: Driving your car long distances can be expensive due to the cost of gas and lodging. An auto transport service can ship your car for less than it would cost you to drive it yourself.
  • Experts will protect your car: When you drive it long distances, there is a risk of damaging it. Auto transport companies take measures to protect your vehicle from the elements and damage during shipping.
  •  You can ship multiple cars at once: If you have more than one car, an auto transport service can send them all for you. This can be a convenient way to move multiple vehicles simultaneously.
  • Fast and efficient: Auto transport companies are usually high-speed and efficient, so your car will arrive at its destination quickly. This is especially beneficial if you’re in a hurry to get to your new home or office.
  • Flexible scheduling: Most companies offer flexible scheduling, so you can choose the best time for your car to be transported. This is beneficial if you’re moving during a busy time of year or if you have limited time. 
  • Licensed and bonded: Most auto transport companies are licensed and bonded, so you can be sure they are reputable and reliable.
Benefits of auto transport

What Factors Affect the Cost of Shipping a Car?

Depending on the services provided by the shipping firm, the cost of transporting a car could be anywhere from $500 to more than $1500. The time of year is one of the most critical factors in determining how much it costs to ship a car. During the summer, the auto transport industry is busy so the costs will be higher. During the winter months, snowbirds will move southward, and rates will be lower. 

  • Inclement weather can affect road conditions, and carriers will factor this into their quotes. While the weather is a factor, one of the most common concerns of customers is how long it will take to receive their car.
  • Distance is another factor that will determine the cost of shipping a car. Longer distances will require more fuel, which is reflected in the price. Similarly, shipping a vehicle to a rural area will likely cost more than sending it to a city. Therefore, it is essential to research all the factors involved in car shipping before making a final decision.
  • The season is another important factor, as the shipping industry experiences high and low seasons. Shipping cars in summer costs more than shipping them in the winter. Similarly, weather conditions will likely make shipping to mountainous areas more expensive. The season, as well as the value of the vehicle, will also affect the shipping cost.
  • The size of the car – The size will usually dictate how much it will cost to ship, as larger vehicles will take up more space on the shipping vessel.
  • Insurance: Shipping insurance is usually optional but can be pretty expensive.
  • Add-ons: A few add-ons can be chosen when shipping a car, such as shipping containers, which can increase the cost.

How to Get an Instant Quote for Shipping Your Car

If you are willing to get a free quote instantly and want to know how much it costs to ship a car across the country, then here are some steps that will lead you through the process of getting an instant quote: 

Steps to use an online shipping quote generator: 

You can use a car shipping calculator to understand the cost per mile. Also, remember that international and ground vehicle transport prices are different.

  • Enter Your Phone Number 
  • Enter Your Name
  • Enter Your Email Address 
  • Select the Pickup Location 
  • Select the Destination Location 
  • Select the Type of Vehicle You Want to Ship 
  • Select the Ideal Pickup Date 
  • Select the Ideal Delivery Date 
  • Select the Shipping Method (i.e., Open or Enclosed Auto Transportation)
  • Press the ‘Get Instant Quote’ Button

Steps to get a Quote through a Customer Service Representative 

To get a quote to ship your vehicle, you will need to provide the customer service representative with the make, model, and year of your car and your shipping destination. The customer service representative will provide a quote for shipping your vehicle. If you are happy with the quote, you can book your vehicle’s shipping.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Vehicle Shipping Company

Auto shipping companies are an essential part of moving or shipping a car. There are many different types of companies, each one claiming to be better than the next. To ensure you get the best service, choose a company that complies with all the auto shipping regulations.

  • Do your research: There are many fly-by-night companies out there, so you must make sure you’re choosing a reputable one. Look for companies that have been in business for several years, have good customer reviews, and are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. 
  • Get quotes from multiple companies: Get quotes from at least three different companies so that you can compare prices. Make sure to ask about all fees to get an accurate comparison. 
  • Choose a company that offers insurance: Make sure the company you choose provides insurance if something happens to your car while in transit. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is covered in case of an accident. 
  • Ask about the company’s policies: Be sure to ask about the company’s policies on minimum age requirements, deposit requirements, and cancellation fees. This will help you avoid any surprises down the road. 
  • Choose a company with a good reputation: As mentioned before, many fly-by-night companies are out there. You want to make sure you’re choosing a company that has a good reputation and is well-established. 
  • Ask about the company’s experience: Ask about the company’s experience in shipping cars. The more experience they have, the better. You want to make sure your vehicle is in good hands. 
  • Services: Ensure that their services are fast and convenient. After all, you don’t want to end up in a situation where you must wait for your car for days.

The process of Shipping a Vehicle

Whether moving across the country or buying a car out of state, shipping your vehicle is an excellent option. Not only is it convenient, but it also saves you time, energy, and money. However, it can be confusing and overwhelming if you are not familiar with the process. It is easy to feel anxious about handing over your vehicle to someone else, so it is helpful to know as much as possible about the process before signing up for a shipping service.

  1. Find a reputable shipping company: Doing some research ahead of time and reading online reviews is an excellent way to find a reliable shipping company. 
  2. Get a quote: Once you’ve found a few shipping companies you’re considering, get a quote from each one. This will help you compare pricing and services. 
  3. Choose your shipping method: There are two main ways to ship a vehicle: via container or on a flatbed truck. Container shipping is more expensive but offers more protection for your car. 
  4. Prepare your vehicle: Before it is shipped, you’ll need to prepare it for transport. This includes ensuring no loose items are inside, disconnecting the battery, and disabling the alarm system. 
  5. Track your vehicle: Once it has been shipped, you’ll want to track it to know when it will arrive. Most shipping companies offer monitoring services so you can always see where your vehicle is.
enclosed car shipping

Tips to Prepare your vehicle

Whether you’re moving to a new location or need to get your vehicle transported, there are some things you need to do before your car shipper arrives.  Make sure the tires are inflated to the correct PSI before the trip. If you have low PSI, it will be harder to load the vehicle and can damage the rims.  You should thoroughly wash your vehicle. The vehicle should be free of stains, dust, and grime. The exterior must be clean, as the transport company will take pictures of the vehicle from different angles before and during the journey. A clean car will make existing blemishes and chips in the paint clear.

Essential documents you need to ship your car.

  • Title of your car: You may need to provide a title for your vehicle and proof of insurance. You may also need to provide photo identification. 
  • Bill of lading: A BOL is a receipt for the shipment of your car. This document is proof of delivery and a condition report on your vehicle.

Insurance proof: If you’re shipping your car internationally, you will likely need to provide proof of car insurance. Although all transport companies don’t require this document, some will ask for it. You can check with your 

  • company to verify if this is necessary.

How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car?

 Here are a few factors that determine the time it takes to ship your vehicle: 

  • The destination of the vehicle: If the car is being shipped domestically, it will take less time than if it is being shipped internationally.
  • The mode of transportation: Air shipping will take less time than ground shipping. 
  • The size and weight of the vehicle: A smaller vehicle will take less time to ship than a larger one. 
  • The time of year: Shipping times vary depending on the time of year. For example, bad weather may take longer to ship a vehicle during the winter. 
  • The availability of shipping services: If limited shipping services are available, it will take longer to ship a vehicle. 

Why hire SAKAEM Logistics?

SAKAE Logistics is a well-known provider of auto transport services. We have a large selection of automobiles available to ship your vehicle. We also put a lot of effort into offering our clients comprehensive services to meet their demands for travel destinations around the globe. Here are a few reasons to hire us: 

  • We have years of experience in the vehicle transportation industry. 
  • We have a team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who can transport your vehicle safely and securely. 
  • We have a fleet of modern cars specifically designed for vehicle transportation. 
  • We offer competitive rates for vehicle transportation. 
  • We are a fully licensed and insured company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 How do I pay for my auto transport service? 

We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and bank wire transfers. 

How do I prepare my vehicle for transport? 

Please see our vehicle preparation guide for detailed instructions. 

Can I track my vehicle during transport? 

Yes, we offer GPS tracking on all of our shipments.

How long does it take to ship a car to the USA?

It depends on different factors such as weather, distance road conditions, etc. However, shipping a car within the USA usually takes a week to 15 days.

What is the best time of year to ship a car?

 The best time of year to ship a car depends on the destination and the weather. In most cases, the warmer months are better because the weather is more forgiving. For destinations in warmer climates, June, July, and August are usually the best months to ship a car. January and February are generally better in colder climates because the weather is less extreme.

What do I need to do to prepare my car for shipping?

You will need to remove all our items from your car and clean them. You should ensure enough fuel in the tank and disables the alarm system for flexible shipping.

 Is there any guarantee for the timely delivery of my car?

There is no guarantee for the timely delivery of a car. Factors that can affect the delivery time include scheduling conflicts with other deliveries, weather conditions, traffic congestion, and mechanical problems with the vehicle. In some cases, the car may be delivered days later than expected. But that’s rare. 


Brantley Kendall