When hiring shipping services, you would always want to invest in the best car shipping companies that offer high-tier services at affordable prices. Several shipping factors are considered while calculating the cost to ship a car from one location to another.
Depending on the shipping variables, the cost to ship a car across the country can differ from one auto shipping company to another. Therefore, stating an exact figure can be challenging for an auto transport company.
But, how to calculate the car shipping cost?
If you are looking for ways to understand the process of calculating car shipping costs, this article is for you.
Read on to discover the prominent variable involved in the shipping costs calculating process and ways to save thousands every time you hire intrastate or cross-country shipping services.
Table of Contents
Factors affecting the shipping cost
Here are the shipping factors that can influence the car shipping quotes to ship a car anywhere in the country.
1. Types of shipping services
One of the most important factors that can affect the shipping cost is the type of shipping services you opt for. Shipping companies usually offer two popular types of shipping services: open and enclosed auto transport services.
In open auto transport services, your car is transported in an open trailer without any protection from different road elements. It is one of the cheapest and most affordable shipping options to choose from.
2. Number of vehicles
It requires more resources and space to ship more than one vehicle at a time. If you are shipping more than one vehicle, you will be charged separately for different vehicles, thus resulting in an increase in the overall car shipping cost.
To save money during the process, you can opt for open auto transport services along with terminal-to-terminal shipping services to reduce your overall costs.
3. Weather conditions
Shipping becomes ten times more challenging and complex during harsh weather conditions. Shipping companies might have to double their resources or make additional efforts to transport your car safely and securely from one location to another.
4. Labor availability
During labor strikes or riots, it becomes extremely challenging for shipping companies to fulfill shipping deliveries on time. Such situations are usually beyond control and might result in a sudden spike in shipping costs in the market. You might find event competitors increasing their shipping costs during such situations.
5. Shipping season
Shipping season is the time period when the customer’s demand is high or the maximum number of people in the country is shifting from one location to another. The high-demand season is also known as on-season.
School and college reopening, vacation periods, and festival seasons are the time of the year when shipping companies increase their shipping charges. It is also quite challenging to find desirable services during this season.
6. Distance
Another important and common factor considered while calculating the shipping cost is the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations. The greater the distance, the higher the shipping charges will be.
If you are shipping your vehicles for shorter distances, you might be charged less compared to longer-distance shipping services. You can opt for open transport services to save money during long-distance transportation.
7. Freight charges
Freight charges like fuel surcharges, custom duty, toll costs, and more play a crucial role in influencing the cost of shipping a vehicle. Fuel cost fluctuates every year with a change in the economy, inflation rate, and other related factors.
8. Weight and dimensions of your vehicle
Big-size and heavy-duty vehicles occupy more space and resources than compact-size vehicles during the transportation process.
Shipping companies use advanced tools and equipment to load and unload heavy vehicles from one location to another. This might increase the overall cost of transportation even for short-distance shipping services.
9. Additional services
Lastly, you can avail the benefits of additional after-shipping services by simply paying extra for the service required. You might also be charged more if you ask for additional services not available in the shipping package.
Check online reviews, conduct background checks, how to pay for auto shipping and visit the website of your service provider to learn more about their services.
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