Can you really believe anything you read online anymore? Yes, you definitely can. But the truth is, it’s getting harder and harder to spot the myths from the facts. That’s where we come in.
ShipYourCarNow has spent the past 20+ years earning our reputation as one of the most trustworthy, transparent, and honest car shipping companies in the US. And with that in mind, we want to dispel a few common myths about car shipping.
Is shipping a car secure and affordable or fraught with hidden costs and risks? Get ready to arm yourself with knowledge and dispel the common myths surrounding the car shipping process.
Key Takeaways
- MYTH: Middlemen and brokers cost more.
- FACT: Brokers will actually SAVE you money.
- MYTH: Car shipping companies add hidden fees.
- FACT: If you choose the right car shipping company, you will SAVE money.
- MYTH: It’s cheaper to drive there than it is to hire a car shipping company.
- FACT: You will save TIME and MONEY by hiring a car shipping company.
- MYTH: You have to completely remove all personal items from your car before shipping.
- FACT: You can ship your car with personal belonging.
- MYTH: Car shipping is so expensive that only really necessary if you are shipping a luxury car.
- FACT: Most car shipping companies ship normal everyday cars.
- MYTH: Damages won’t be covered by insurance companies.
- FACT: USDOT requires that car shipping companies maintain insurance.
- MYTH: If it’s broke you can’t ship it.
- FACT: Inoperable cars are shipped by dealerships on a daily basis.
- MYTH: Finding a trustworthy car shipping company is hard.
- FACT: It’s pretty easy, if you know where to look.
- MYTH: Quotes are cheaper, but the real cost will be higher.
- FACT: This is a sneaky trick and you should find a company you can trust.
- MYTH: Car shipping will take so much longer than just driving the car myself.
- FACT: Car shipping will typically take less time than driving yourself.
Car Shipping Myths and Facts: Understanding Auto Transport
Ok, so what and who should you believe? How can you tell fact from fiction? If we’ve done our job right, by the end of this article you should have a better understanding of the car shipping process.
Understanding the roles of brokers and carriers in auto transport is crucial; brokers offer tailored solutions through vast networks despite a common misconception that direct carrier contact is cheaper.
#1: Myth vs. Fact: Brokers and Carriers
MYTH: Middlemen and brokers will increase the price you pay for car shipping services.
FACT: Brokers will actually SAVE you money.
That’s right. Hiring a broker will actually save you money. Brokers leverage their expansive networks to guide customers towards optimal vehicle transport solutions that align with individual needs and specific travel routes, overseeing booking procedures and customer service interactions for a customized experience.
Carriers are the entities who actually own the trucks tasked with physically transporting your vehicle from one point to another.
Although you may think it’s better to go around the middlemen by dealing directly with these sources, this approach will limit your choices and flexibility. Brokers often provide enhanced service accountability and reliability. Emphasizing that when transporting a valuable asset like an automobile, minimizing costs isn’t always synonymous with maximizing value or quality of service.
#2: Pricing Perceptions: The True Costs of Car Shipping
MYTH: Car shipping companies are just too expensive and they add hidden fees.
FACT: If you choose the right car shipping company, you will SAVE money.
In a world where everyone is out to get the best deal they can, who can you trust to have your best interests at heart? The company that cares more about its reputation than its bottom line.
If you find the right car shipping company that discusses pricing transparently, then you will save money. There won’t be hidden fees, there’s no bait-n-switch. The price you’re quoted is the price you pay.
The expense of transporting a car is influenced by several factors, including:
- The travel distance
- The size of the vehicle
- Seasonal timing
- Method of transportation
To enhance your comprehension, let’s delve into these components. Opting for the lowest price may seem appealing. It can often correlate with inferior service.
Transportation costs for vehicles across the mainland USA average nearly $1,000. For longer distances, there’s an approximate rate of $0.60 per mile. To manage financial expectations effectively regarding shipping expenses, you should keep in mind to:
- Establish a feasible budget dedicated to moving your car.
- Aim for off-season periods when seeking more economical rates.
- Exercise vigilance towards lower-priced options, which might extend delivery times and place less importance on where your vehicle ranks in the transport truck queue.
Understanding this detailed pricing framework allows one to secure not just affordable but also trustworthy services for shipping cars—akin to how consistent maintenance ensures seamless operation in machinery.
#3: Road Trip vs. Shipping: Calculating the Real Cost of Vehicle Transport
MYTH: It’s cheaper to drive there than it is to higher a car shipping company.
FACT: You will save TIME and MONEY by hiring a car shipping company.
Ever heard the expression: “Penny Smart, Dollar Foolish”.
The idea is that in pursuit of saving a few pennies, there are situations where those cost saving solutions will actually cost us more long term. Getting a bad mechanic to do a cheap job is one example. It’s cheaper now, but fixing all his mistakes will cost you more later.
You will actually save yourself a lot of money on shipping your car and avoiding a road trip.
- Timing: how much is your time worth to you? Because you’ll be spending countless hours behind the wheel to save a few hundred dollars. For some, that is a worthwhile trade, for others, it’s better to utilize their time doing something else.
- Unforeseen expenditures: such as gas, meals, overnight stays, and tolls. These expenses often tip the balance toward opting for professional auto transport services because shipping your vehicle typically involves a flat fee that covers all aspects of transportation—eliminating any worries about fluctuating travel costs.
- Wear and tear: sure driving your car across the country will save you on shipping expenses, but how what will it do to the value of your car and to the inevitable mechanical expenses you incur.
In many cases, entrusting experts with the task turns out to be not just more economical but also simply smarter—affirming that sometimes it’s best to let professionals handle the logistics of distance transport.
The Ins and Outs of Car Shipping Services
Let’s get into the nitty and possibly the gritty if we may. What goes into car shipping and what kind of myths and facts are being spread? Proper preparation for car shipping, including documentation, cleaning, and securing loose items, is vital for a successful shipping experience. Insurance coverage and understanding the bill of lading are key to protecting your vehicle during transport.
Various factors influence car shipping costs, and while cheaper services may be tempting, they can lead to longer delivery times and potential issues. It’s essential to set a realistic budget, avoid peak seasons for better rates, and be aware of the service quality.
#4: Personal Belongings Policy: Can You Pack Your Car?
MYTH: You have to completely remove all personal items from your car before shipping.
FACT: You can in fact ship your car with personal belongings, but you must discuss it with your broker first.
When considering whether to pack your car with personal items during auto transport, you may be inclined to take advantage of the extra space. However, most auto transport companies discourage or even prohibit this practice.
The reasons for these restrictions include:
- There is a potential for safety hazards, as items within the vehicle could shift and cause damage or accidents while in transit.
- Auto carriers are subject to weight limits on each transported vehicle. Additional belongings might push the weight over these thresholds.
- Enhanced risk of theft or harm comes with leaving valuables inside your car throughout its journey.
For a seamless and trouble-free shipping experience, it’s advisable to remove all personal effects from your vehicle prior to transport.
While there’s some leeway for packing lightweight articles in your automobile, keeping out valuable objects and following the particular regulations set forth by the auto shipping company will facilitate a more efficient transfer.
#5: Only Luxury Cars Are Shipping – Choosing the Right Carrier: Open vs. Enclosed
MYTH: Car shipping is so expensive that only really necessary if you are shipping a luxury car.
FACT: Millions of cars are shipped every year including luxury cars, mid-level cars, and even inoperable cars (scrap). Most car shipping companies ship normal everyday cars.
At ShipYourCarNow, we ship luxury cars and everyday vehicles all the time. To us, each car should be treated with the same level of care that we would treat our own cars.
It’s true that most luxury cars are shipped in enclosed carriers, and most normal cars are shipped in open carriers.
When you need to transport your car, choosing between an enclosed carrier and the more common open carriers is like selecting the right outfit for a special event.
- Open carriers are typically less expensive and readily available, making them suitable for standard vehicles that can be delivered faster.
- But if you possess a high-value classic or a luxury model in need of additional safeguarding during transit, opting for an enclosed carrier provides superior protection against environmental elements and road debris, though it comes with around 60% higher cost.
The choice depends on what kind of vehicle you’re shipping and balances factors such as price versus speed versus security. Your selection should reflect the importance of these considerations based on your specific circumstances and vehicle type.
#6: Insurance Won’t Cover Any Damages
MYTH: If you ship your car using a car shipping company, any damages won’t be covered by insurance companies.
FACT: USDOT requires that car shipping companies maintain insurance and they can be billed for damages.
Ensuring that your vehicle is protected by the shipping company’s insurance when selecting a carrier is critical.
This insurance serves as protection for your vehicle while it’s in transit, so understanding the policy particulars, such as coverage limits and deductibles, is crucial. Remember that personal items inside the vehicle are not included under this coverage, prompting you to think about securing extra insurance for full assurance.
Confirming the legitimacy of the shipping company through their registration with entities like the Department of Transportation and verifying their active insurance status underscores both their trustworthiness and your vehicle’s security during shipment.
#7: You Can’t Ship Broken Down Cars – Shipping Inoperable Vehicles
MYTH: If it’s broke you can’t ship it.
FACT: Inoperable cars are shipped by dealerships on a daily basis.
Occasionally, one may find themselves in a situation where they must transport a non-functioning vehicle, which requires particular attention and specialized equipment due to its unique condition.
Various elements affect the price of shipping such an incapacitated vehicle, including the make and model of the car, its current state, as well as its geographic starting point.
It is vital to thoroughly convey all mechanical problems and any constraints related to transportation with your chosen shipping company.
This guarantees that even vehicles unable to move under their own power can be safely delivered when proper preparations are made alongside effective communication.
Finding a Trustworthy Car Shipping Company
The internet is a noisy place, and never has that been truer than today. So how are you supposed to find a car shipping company that you can actually trust?
#8: Research and Recommendations: Finding the Best Fit
MYTH: Finding a trustworthy car shipping company is hard.
FACT: It’s pretty easy, if you know where to look.
Delving deeper into the auto transport industry reveals a meticulously designed structure dedicated to delivering safe and effective car shipping services. Trust and openness are central pillars of this sector, where vehicle transport brokers thoroughly screen carriers for service excellence by confirming.
- Credentials (USDOT License Number – Pssst: you can search for your car shipping company here)
- Ratings (Google and The Bettter Business Bureau are best)
- Referrals (Ask people you know if they have any recommendations, heck go onto Reddit and Quora if needed).
- Insurance certificates (Ask for insurance information when you call about a quote)
This attention to detail ensures the secure transportation of your vehicle.
Car shipping estimates are far from random. They’re carefully crafted based on current market conditions and standard rates. Understanding this aspect allows you to recognize the deliberate care invested in each phase of the vehicle shipping process.
Insights into service quality and customer satisfaction are abundant in Google Business listings as well as client feedback, both serving as invaluable resources.
How a shipping company engages with its customers, including offering live chat options or round-the-clock support, can greatly reflect its dedication to ensuring the secure transport of your vehicle.
#9: Quotes and Contracts Can Change On A Whim
MYTH: Car shipping companies will quote you one price and then hit you with a new price when they arrive.
FACT: This is true, but not if you’re working with a car shipping company that has any level of integrity.
It happens all too often. You’ve finally got all your ducks in a row, and you’re ready to pay your fee for car shipping. Then you’re suddenly hit with a new quote. Or worse, your car has arrived from its journey, and NOW you’re hit with a new price. A higher price.
We hate to say it, but this happens all the time. Brokers will lure people in with cheaper prices and then up them at the last minute. It’s the most important issue we have worked to fight against.
We believe that the price you are quoted can only change if you change the request. Outside of that, there are no surprises, no hidden fees, no new prices after service has been rendered.
By posing pertinent questions while receiving a quote, one can gain clarity on the complete range of services that will be provided. Such inquiry establishes precise anticipations for what is to come during service engagement.
Timing and Tracking: What to Expect When You Ship Cars
As the date approaches for your car to be shipped, it’s important to understand and keep track of its transit time. Various elements could impact the delivery timeline, including traffic conditions, weather disturbances, and specific details pertaining to the carrier’s routing plans. Although occasional setbacks can occur, being aware of what factors may sway delivery times assists in establishing feasible expectations.
#10: Estimated Delivery Times: Setting Realistic Expectations
MYTH: Car shipping will take so much longer than just driving the car myself.
FACT: Car shipping will typically take less time than driving yourself when you factor in the time it takes you to travel to the car and all the stops you make along the way.
Delivery timelines for transporting a car can differ significantly due to various elements, including the distance, precise destinations involved, and unpredictable circumstances.
Short-distance shipments might be completed within a day while shipping your vehicle across the country could take as long as two weeks. It’s important to have reasonable expectations since guaranteed delivery dates are uncommon in the realm of vehicle transport.
Being aware of typical shipping durations while recognizing that external factors may affect these times is essential for planning effectively and reducing any worry regarding when your car will reach its destination.
ShipYourCarNow: Setting the Standard in Vehicle Transport Excellence
ShipYourCarNow excels in vehicle transport and is recognized as a premier service provider among car shipping companies. We deliver outstanding and dependable services that redefine the standards of vehicular shipping by emphasizing effectiveness, reliability, and customer fulfillment. Whether you require nationwide transportation within the US or international vehicle delivery, our suite of options is designed to cater to your unique requirements.
With our door-to-door shipping services at ShipYourCarNow, we guarantee timely delivery while maintaining your vehicle’s impeccable condition. As an industry leader in car transport services, expect transparent costings from us along with round-the-clock customer support and comprehensive assistance should there be any need for claim processing.
Be sure to visit some of our popular state car shipping pages to learn more about auto transport prices.
- California Car Shipping Service
- Colorado Car Shipping Services
- Florida Car Shipping Service
- New Jersey Car Shipping Service
- New York Car Shipping Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to drive my car across the country or use a car shipping service?
Opting for car shipping might save money over time when considering the unexpected expenses of driving, like accommodation, meals, and wear and tear on the vehicle. This service provides a singular cost that encompasses all costs related to transporting your car.
Can I pack personal items in my car when shipping it?
Companies specializing in auto transport prohibit the inclusion of personal items within vehicles during shipment to adhere to safety and weight limitations.
Before you start loading any belongings into your vehicle for transport, it’s advisable to review the policies of the specific auto transport company.
How do I prepare my car for shipping?
In anticipation of shipping your car, it’s important to tidy up the vehicle, clear out all personal items, carry out necessary maintenance checks, make sure there is a quarter tank of gas remaining in it, and record any damage that existed beforehand on the vehicle for reference purposes. Also, remember to turn off any alarm systems and furnish the driver responsible for shipping with a set of keys.
What should I do if my vehicle is damaged during transport?
It is essential to meticulously record any fresh damage on the bill of lading, secure the driver’s confirmation, and promptly submit a claim with both your car insurance provider and the shipping company responsible for transporting your vehicle.
Maintaining comprehensive photographic documentation of your car’s condition prior to its shipment serves as critical proof.
How long does it typically take to ship a car across the United States?
Transporting a car within the United States takes between 2 and 10 business days, with variations based on elements such as the distance covered, type of shipping carrier employed, specific details of the route, and any unforeseen delays.
What has been the evolution of car shipping?
Car shipping has a rich history that dates back to the early days of automobiles. Initially, cars were transported by rail, but with the development of the highway system, the method quickly shifted. The first car carriers were large flatbeds that could accommodate multiple vehicles, which revolutionized the industry and made it easier for manufacturers and individuals to transport cars over long distances [1].
Is insurance important when shipping a car?
Regardless of the car’s value, obtaining insurance for the shipping process is essential. Some shipping companies offer insurance options, so it’s wise to inquire about this when choosing a shipping service. Insurance ensures that your vehicle is protected against any potential damages during transit [2].
What methods have been used for car shipping?
Over the years, car shipping has seen a variety of transportation methods. For instance, in 1921, Roy Jodrey developed an automatic cable system to transport cars using underground rails and lifts. By 1956, sea freight containers were introduced, allowing cars to be shipped overseas while being protected from the elements [3].
