The cost of shipping a car depends on numerous factors, such as the distance to your location, the type, weight, and size of your vehicle, your preferred shipping method, and the company you choose to ship your car with. There are also various services you could choose to employ, depending on your budget or transport requirements. Among all these services, open carrier shipping is the most affordable and popular method of moving vehicles.
The most common method of transporting cars is with an open carrier. This method involves loading the vehicles onto open carriers, such as flatbed trailers, and transporting them to their destination. To prevent the cars from moving on the back of the vehicle, they are held in place and secured with a series of tie-downs and straps.
Open carrier shipping is also considerably cheaper than the enclosed carrier shipping alternative. Most shipping companies will recommend the use of open-air carriers for more vehicles and will only recommend enclosed carriers when shipping exotic or luxury vehicles. This is because the walls and ceiling of an enclosed carrier offer additional protection for the vehicles in the carrier.
One of the main reasons why open carrier shipping is less expensive is because open-air carriers can ship more vehicles. With enclosed carriers, the added weight of the enclosure prevents the carrier from supporting too many vehicles at once. Open carriers, on the other hand, don’t have any extra weight on them, which allows them to support and ship more vehicles (about 40% more) on a single run. Since the cost of operating the carrier is shared among the owners of the vehicles being transported, being able to ship more vehicles means lower individual costs. Acquiring enclosed carriers is also more expensive due to the technology and extra materials needed to build them. The extra cost and low availability make shipping with enclosed carriers more expensive.
Apart from open carrier shipping, here are some other services you could opt for if you are working with a tight budget.
- Working with the right car shipping company: There are numerous car shipping companies in the auto transport industry. While it is not advised to go with the cheapest option, you could still try to go with the companies that give you a quote that goes best with your budget. Also, make findings about the company to know their approach to handling customers and whether you would be getting the best value for your money.
- Planning ahead and booking in the right season: Some companies charge more if you want your vehicle to be shipped immediately through express delivery. To avoid situations like these, it is best to plan for the shipping of your vehicle as early as possible. It is also advised to book your shipping in the right season, such as off-summer months, where shipping demand is low and you are able to get better rates.
- Checking for discounts and specials: Depending on your position in society, either as a military personnel, a student, or a regular customer, you could be eligible for certain discounts or promotions that allow you to save on some costs without compromising on the quality of service you get. You need to keep an eye out or even inquire from shipping companies about these discounts and specials.
- Flexible scheduling and delivery dates: Another cheap car shipping service offers flexible scheduling and delivery dates. This method allows your vehicle to be delivered during a three- to five-day window. Having a flexible schedule gives your shipping company more time to plan for the shipping of your vehicle, reducing the risks of accidents or complications.
In your search for a cheap car shipping service, you should exercise a certain amount of caution so you don’t fall prey to car shipping scams. Here is a list of red flags that should be avoided at all costs:
- Unlicensed companies
- Extremely low prices
- Inconsistent communication
- Lack of physical location
- Little to no insurance
- Upfront payments
- No written contracts
- Negative reviews
The best way to avoid these scams is to do your research and get recommendations from people around you. Also, read reviews and make enough inquiries about the company before handing your vehicle over to them.
Open carrier shipping is without a doubt the cheapest service for shipping a vehicle. It is also the most common shipping method for normal vehicles. You could also try other options such as planning ahead, booking at the right time, checking for discounts, and opting in for flexible delivery dates. Working with a reliable shipping company, like Ship A Car, is also advised. Ship A Car doesn’t only provide high-quality services; we are also dedicated to customer satisfaction and giving our customers the best value for their money. Contact us at (866) 821-4555 to book your open carrier shipping today!
