Cheap Car Shipping

Dustin Hawley | Apr 26, 2023

Hiring the services of car shipping companies helps you avoid the hassle of moving your car from one destination to another. They will pick up your car and ship it to your destination without you needing to worry about travel expenses, making arrangements for food and lodging, dealing with unfamiliar surroundings, and other inconveniences that come with long distant travel.

Cheap Car Shipping

But hiring the services of these companies comes with a cost, and there are many companies available, with each providing different pricing and services. Getting a cheap service will depend on the company you hire and the shipping options you choose.

This article will show you shipping companies with acceptable rates and explain based on which criteria you should pick one. 

How To Get Cheap Car Shipping Service

1. Choose Open Transport Rather Than Closed Transport

With open transport, your vehicle will be transported on a trailer with open sides. Depending on the type of cars being transported, the carrier can transport between 9 to 12 cars at once, spending less time for the trip and allowing the shipping company to charge less. With open transport, however, your car is not protected from debris and bad weather. Therefore it may not be the best option if you’re shipping a more expensive vehicle.

2. Use Terminal-To-Terminal Rather Than Door-To-Door Shipping

Most car shipping companies have terminal yards where your car can be securely kept until it is shipped. When your shipping request is confirmed, you will drive your car to the carrier’s drop-off terminal or any other terminal they may specify. Your car will be picked up and shipped to the destination terminal, where it will be kept until you pick it up. 

3. Make Early Reservations

Prices are usually higher when you are closer to your travel date because carrier capacities are limited due to high demand. Making early reservations for your shipment gives you more carrier options because they have more lots for your selected date. 

4. Choose Flexible Pickup And Delivery Time Frames

You will avoid expediting fees if you allow flexible time between your pickup and delivery times. More shipping companies will be willing to take your order, enhancing your chances of getting reasonable rates.

5. Request Multiple Quotes

Getting quotes from different shipping companies can help you find a well-rounded offer. Get between three to six quotes, but beware of low-price companies. Quotes from such companies are often estimates and will increase after you’ve made your initial deposit, and deposits are usually not refundable.

Cheap Car Shipping Companies

Montway Auto Transport

Montway offers excellent shipping services at low rates. They have a network of over 15,000 carriers. Their large network enables them to offer competitive pricing and expedited shipping. They offer international shipping as well as shipping to all 50 states. Their services are limited to automobiles.

Pros

  • Over 150,000 carriers
  • Prices are highly competitive
  • Discount for military personnel, cash payments, and returning customers

Cons

  • No real-time tracking
  • Prices not guaranteed and may increase after the initial quote
  • $199 for cancellations

Easy Auto Ship

Easy Auto Ship offers below-average rates, which were found to be $100 cheaper compared to that of competitors. In addition, they offer free car rentals when delivery takes more than 14 days and washes up your car for free when delivered dirty. They provide international shipping and ships to all 50 states in America. 

Pros

  • Competitive rates
  • Quotation prices are guaranteed
  • Free car rentals and car wash service

Cons

  • No 24/7 customer service
  • No tracking available
  • Some customer complaints

Sherpa Auto Transport

Sherpa prices may appear a little higher than the competition, but they offer price lock guarantees, so you don’t pay more than the price provided on the initial quote, unlike other companies who give a low quote and increase their rate later. Should an increase occur, Sherpa provides up to $300 in funding to carriers so that prices quoted to customers remain the same. 

Pros

  • Guaranteed price quotes
  • Simple booking process
  • Few customer complaints

Cons

  • Slightly higher prices
  • No terminal-to-terminal shipping
  • No shipping to Alaska and Hawaii

AmeriFreight

AmeriFreight prices are higher upfront, but they offer the most lucrative discounts in the industry. Discounts offered by AmeriFreight include:

  • Military: $35 Off
  • First Responders: $35 Off
  • Students: $25 Off
  • Senior Citizens: $25 Off
  • Early Bird: $35 Off
  • Return Customers: $50 Off
  • Multiple Vehicles: $50 Off

Pros

  • Countless discounts available
  • Guaranteed price options available
  • Carrier verification

Cons

  • Extra insurance charges
  • No real-time GPS tracking
  • Slower booking process

uShip

Uship is a marketplace where independent carriers, drivers, and other transport companies bid on your shipping request. The bidding process gives you a good chance of getting competitive rates. 

Pros

  • The bidding process results in lower prices
  • Flexible schedules
  • Easy to track shipments

Cons

  • No carrier vetting
  • There are no set prices

Summary

Finding cheap car shipping depends on the shipping options you choose and narrowing your search on shipping companies. When deciding between companies, carefully consider your needs and see which one satisfies them best.

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