How to save money when shipping a car

Be flexible when scheduling your car’s transport

Auto transport companies are not like the airlines where they run the same routes every day and are planned months in advance. Trucking companies’ schedules and routes vary depending on the freight demands along with variables such as weather, traffic, road conditions, etc. Due to their fluid schedules, trucking companies typically charge more to commit to picking up or dropping off on specific dates because they may have to hold the truck up or skip cars to meet your schedule. Typically they request customers to be flexible with their schedules and not commit to any specific dates. For example, you may call and say a vehicle is ready today and they’ll tell you they’ll pick it up within the next two to three weeks and they’ll touch base once they have a driver assigned. Booking your car’s transport with this flexible timing will help you secure their lowest price!

Make sure your car is in running condition

Shipping a non-running vehicle creates extra work for auto transporters and their truck drivers. Due to the added work, car shipping companies typically add a fee of a few hundred dollars to ship a vehicle that does not run. If you can ensure your vehicle is in running condition, this will save you from paying the nonrun fee lowering the cost of your auto transport by potentially hundreds of dollars!

Offer to meet the car transporter

Car haulers are typically shipping numerous cars at any time, usually 6 vehicles for an enclosed auto transporter. Typically these cars are being picked up at different locations and delivered to different locations. Every mile, a truck driver drives is very expensive due to the cost of the equipment and fuel. By offering to meet the driver, especially if you live away from major highways, will save the truck driver and their company money, which they can then pass along to you for a discount!

Ask before packing your vehicle

All trucking companies, including auto transporters, are under strict weight regulations that limit how much they can ship at a time. When a customer packs a vehicle before shipping, it increases the weight of the vehicle. Many companies add an additional fee for packed vehicles due to this. To avoid these packing fees when shipping your car call the auto transporter before discuss their policies.

Some companies allow you to pack 100lbs worth of items before charging you a fee others may have stricter rules. At Intercity Lines, we charge a packing fee of $250 when a customer packs a car with over a 100lbs of items. By adhering to these packing policies, you can save yourself money when shipping your car!

Receive an instant car shipping quote from Intercity Lines

At Intercity Lines, our team aims to be upfront with customers on any fees and work with them to ensure they are receiving the best price for shipping their treasured vehicle. Call the experts at Intercity Lines to get a quote 800-221-3936 or receive an instant car shipping quote online today!

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