Have you ever noticed that the cost of shipping your car from one location to another has risen recently? If so, you’re not alone. Many individuals who require car transportation across the country or even within a state have been taken aback by the prices associated with car shipping services.
However, what exactly has caused this increase in car shipping costs over the past few years? Which factors are contributing to this trend?. Most importantly, how can you save money when it comes to shipping your vehicle? In this article, I will provide answers to these inquiries. Offer some valuable suggestions on how to locate a trustworthy and budget friendly car shipping company.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Car Shipping
The main reason for the surge in car shipping service costs is the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. The coronavirus outbreak has disrupted the supply chains and logistics of many industries, including car shipping.
According to a report by Ship A Car, Inc., some of the challenges that car shipping companies have faced due to COVID-19 are:
- A shortage of containers and cargo ships to transport cars and other goods across the oceans.
- A labor shortage of port workers, truck drivers, and ship crews due to health and safety restrictions.
- A high demand for car shipping services due to increased online shopping and relocation during lockdowns and stimulus programs.
- A low supply of new and used cars due to factory closures and chip shortages.
All these factors have created a bottleneck in the car shipping industry, resulting in higher costs and longer delivery times for customers.
Other Factors that Affect Car Shipping Service Costs
Besides COVID-19, there are other factors that influence how much you pay for shipping your car from one location to another. Some of these factors are:
The distance between the pickup and delivery locations.
The farther your car has to travel, the more you will pay for fuel, tolls, labor, and other expenses.
The season and demand for car shipping services.
Prices usually go up during the summer when there’s a demand for people moving or traveling with their cars. They also tend to be higher during times, like holidays or the snowbird season.
The type and size of your car.
The size and weight of your car plays a role in how much space it occupies on the truck or trailer as well as the amount of fuel it uses. Additionally certain cars, like exotic ones may need specific handling or equipment.
The type of service you choose.
You can opt for open or enclosed car shipping. Open car shipping is cheaper but exposes your car to the elements and road hazards. Enclosed car shipping is more expensive but protects your car from weather, dust, debris, and theft.
How to Save Money on Car Shipping Services
If you want to ship your car without breaking the bank, here are some tips on how to save money on car shipping services:
Do your homework.
The dimensions and mass of your vehicle impact its occupancy on the truck or trailer as well as its fuel consumption. Moreover certain automobiles, such as ones, may require specialized handling or equipment.
Get multiple quotes.
Contact several car shipping companies and request free quotes for shipping your car. Compare their prices, services, terms, and conditions. Ask about their insurance coverage, pickup and delivery options, tracking system, cancellation policy, and customer service. Don’t just go for the cheapest offer; look for the best value for your money.
Verify their license and insurance.
To make sure the car shipping company you choose is trustworthy it’s crucial to verify if they are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have insurance coverage. This will provide protection for your vehicle in case any damage or loss happens during transportation. You can easily confirm their license number and insurance information either by visiting their website or contacting them directly via phone.
Prepare your car for shipping.
Before you give your car to the carrier ensure that it is in shape and prepared for transportation. Give it a wash both, on the inside and outside remove any personal belongings, valuable items, documents or additional accessories. Make sure to deactivate any alarms or anti theft devices well. Check the levels tire pressure and battery charge to ensure they are optimal. It’s also important to document any existing damages or defects by taking photos and jotting down notes. Additionally consider emptying the gas tank as it will reduce both the weight of the car and the shipping cost.
Conclusion
The costs of car shipping services have seen a rise in recent years mainly due to the impact of COVID 19 and other factors that influence the supply and demand within the industry. Nevertheless there are still opportunities to find a reasonably priced car shipping company by conducting thorough research comparing quotes, ensuring proper licensing and insurance and adequately preparing your vehicle for transportation. By adhering to these suggestions you can save money while enjoying a worry free car shipping experience.
