When you’re shipping a car, it pays to get several quotes for comparison. It might surprise you how different they look, even when they’re for the same trip. One might offer a lower price, but leave you guessing about the pick-up. Another might be higher because it includes enclosed transport, but you only need an open trailer.
Don’t get too worried because it’s relatively easy to compare car shipping quotes as long as you know what to look for. Firstly, make sure each company has the same information about your vehicle, route, and dates. Then look at what each is offering you.
In this guide, we’ll help you make sense of the different auto transport quotes, understand what affects car shipping cost, and choose an option that suits you.
Before you request any car shipping quotes, make sure you’ve got all the information a car shipping company will need.
Give every company the same details:
You don’t need to go into any more detail at this stage. Just make sure you provide the same details to each auto transport company. If you change the details, you won’t be able to compare the car shipping rates fairly.
Two companies can give you completely different prices even when they’ve got the same details to work with. That’s because car shipping rates depend, in part, on the available space a carrier has for the route and on when they’re available.
Distance is an obvious factor, but it’s not the only thing that helps set the price. Routes between major cities tend to have more regular carrier traffic than those that visit remote towns. Less-traveled routes take longer and often cost more.
The make, model, and year of the vehicle you want to ship also affect the quote. Large SUVs and trucks take up more space and are heavier than a compact car. This increases the cost. A vehicle that doesn’t run will need to be loaded and unloaded using specialist equipment, which affects the cost.
Enclosed transport costs more than open transport because the covered trailers can ship as many vehicles simultaneously, which means you pay more.
Timing also affects how much you pay for your car shipping. When demand is high, during snowbird season and busy moving periods, you pay more for the same service. If you’re pushed for time or are making arrangements at the last minute, the price is higher. If you can be flexible with your dates, an auto transport company can offer more options when arranging your transport.
All the factors above account for the price differences when you compare car shipping quotes, but they’re not everything. If one quote is noticeably higher or lower than the others, ask what is driving the difference before you decide.
Once you’ve got a few car shipping quotes, set the final price aside for a moment and focus on what each company offers. While quotes may look similar on the surface, dig a little deeper and check the transport type, dates, and payment terms.
Is the quote for open or enclosed transport? If you chose enclosed shipping for one quote and open transport for another, it’s not a like-for-like comparison.
The delivery method is an important factor to check. Door-to-door shipping generally means the driver gets as close to your location as they can safely and legally. If restrictions limit access for large trucks, is there somewhere nearby you can meet the driver? Will the company help arrange a nearby location? If so, ask if that will affect the price.
Look closely at the pick-up window. If your car is ready to ship on Tuesday, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be collected that day. Check with the company when you can expect a pick-up, how long shipping will take, and when and how you’ll receive updates.
If you need a specific collection day, ask whether the company offers guaranteed pick-up and what the terms are. Most likely, it’ll cost extra. Don’t expect a guaranteed delivery date, though. Weather, traffic, detours, and other stops affect delivery timing.
Ask the company’s what insurance or other coverage applies during transit. Ask who provides it, what the limits and exclusions are, and how a claim would be handled. It won’t hurt to ask for proof of the coverage for your peace of mind.
At pick-up and delivery, the driver should inspect your vehicle and record its condition on the Bill of Lading. Check that both inspections are part of the process, and keep your own dated photos.
Once you’ve checked all the previous things, it time to compare the total expected car shipping cost. Does the quote include collection, transport, delivery, and all charges and fees?
Ask whether there’s anything that could change the price, such as an undisclosed modification or change of the route. Also, check how long the quote is valid for. Some companies say 7 days, while others say longer.
Check whether a deposit is required, when you have to pay the balance, and what payment methods are accepted. Read the cancellation terms before booking, because as we all know, even the best-made plans can change.
If there’s anything in the details of the quote you don’t understand or are unsure of, don’t be afraid to reach out to customer support and ask for clarification.
A super cheap quote is bound to be enticing, but don’t be tempted without exploring all your options. If one quote is much lower than the others, it’s worthy of a closer look before you finalize a booking. The price may be based on different shipment details, a wider pick-up window, or services you thought were included but aren’t.
Read the quote carefully, including all the small print, terms and conditions. Are the correct vehicle details showing? Is the route correct? What transport type is it for, and what is the pick-up timeframe?
Does the quote mention the total amount you must pay and when? Is there any mention of extra charges and what will trigger them? Clear answers are what you want, not a general “don’t worry about it.”
While you’re querying the details of the quote, note how your questions are handled. If a company can’t explain its rates or send you the terms in writing, it makes it difficult to compare offers. If a company is pushing for an upfront deposit, consider this a warning sign.
Don’t forget to verify the company in terms of licensing and regulations. Feedback from previous customers can also be very useful in helping you decide on the best car shipping company.
As you can see, there are lots of things to consider rather than just the price. A competitive price is welcome, but you need to be sure you’re getting the best possible bang for your buck.
A quote that’s best for one customer might not be the best quote for you. Think about what matters most before you make final comparisons.
If you’re shipping your everyday drive, open transport should provide everything you need at a lower price than enclosed shipping. For you, clear pricing, a workable pick-up schedule, and knowing when to expect delivery might be what you care about most.
For owners of classic, exotic, or other high-value vehicles, enclosed transport is definitely worth considering because it offers total protection. In such cases, the carrier’s equipment, handling arrangements, and coverage details may be more important than the price.
If you’re a snowbird heading south for the winter, timing may be the most important factor. You’ve got a flight booked, and someone arranged to receive the car, so a pick-up window that works for both ends of the trip is critical.
There’s no single quote that will be the winner for all. Choose the one that provides the service you and your vehicle need, has terms you understand, and works with your schedule.
Before you decide which quote is right for you, work through the following checklist:
If any of these points are unclear or you’re left guessing about the quote, ask for written clarification before you book your auto transport.
Your shipment might be straightforward, or you might be moving a low-slung car, one that won’t start, or it needs to be around a particular date. You can discuss all these details with Passport Transport and feel confident you’re getting the best quote possible.
When you request your quote from Passport Transport, provide accurate vehicle details, both locations, and the dates you’re interested in shipping. Mention any features that might affect loading or access, even if you’re not sure it matters. Then ask for guidance in which transport option suits your car and what the quote covers. Finally, ask for clarification on how the pick-up window works.
Having this conversation gives you a figure that’s more useful than just a number. With Passport Transport, you have a quote you can compare with others based on your shipment.
1. How many car shipping quotes should I compare?
Three is a good number to start with. It should be enough to spot a price that’s unusually high or low and not leave you with a pile of offers to work your way through. What matters is that each company has used the same vehicle, route, transport type, and pick-up details.
2. Can a car shipping quote change after booking?
This really depends on the quote terms. If you change the route, dates, vehicle condition, or transport type, it will affect the price. Before you book, ask whether the quote is confirmed or an estimate. Ask what might make it change and when you’d be informed of any adjustments.
3. How early should I request a quote?
A good time to request a quote is when you’ve got a likely route and date when the car will be ready to be collected. You don’t need to provide every little detail, but if you’ve given plenty of notice, there will be time to make comparisons and discuss scheduling. If your plans are still changing, tell the company and find out how long the quote is valid.
Before you choose a car shipping company, check that each company has given you a quote for the same shipment. Compare the transport type, timing, coverage, and payment terms together with the total cost. If something is missing or hard to understand, ask for a written explanation before you book.
The lowest quote might be the right choice, but you’ll only come to that conclusion if you make a careful comparison.
Request your quote from Passport Transport today and see how it compare.
With over 55 years of trusted service, Passport Transport is the leader in enclosed auto shipping. We’re committed to delivering your vehicle safely, securely, and on time – every time. Get your free quote today and ship with confidence.
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