Comparison Shopping: Auto Transport Quotes

Auto Transport Quotes

The face of the industry has changed since the development of the internet. Before living our connected lives of immediate access, finding and comparing quotes was a bit of a challenge and a time-consuming one at that. It involved cracking open the phone book and calling up shippers, giving them all your information, and getting a cost estimate. Repeat that several times and you have a host of options to choose from.

Now, the same process can be done online in a matter of minutes. That’s not to say that you should discount the tried and true method of using the phone book that can be a great way to find a local option if you get caught in the whirlwind of options available online. That said, there is no more efficient way of getting and comparing price quotes from car haulers than using the Internet.

If you’ve done any amount of web searching in hopes of finding the right auto hauler, you may noticed that there are a staggering number of websites out there offering services. A glance over a company's website can give you a good insight into the quality of their service and the experience they bring to the table. If you find a simple five-page website that only offers basic information, that’s a pretty good indication that they only provide the most basic services.

The Nitty-gritty: Contacting Shippers & Comparing Prices.

As we’ve discussed above, getting competing price quotes and comparing them is now easier than ever, but you should come armed with some information to make the process easier. In this section, we’ll go over what you’ll need to have to get an accurate cost estimate from an auto shipper.

Basic information - The vehicle's make, model, and year, as well as its current location and the destination you’re having it moved to.

Type of hauling- Determine whether you need an open or enclosed auto carrier. An enclosed carrier handles one or two cars and completely covers all sides during moving, whereas an open carrier hauls multiple vehicles and is open to the wind, weather, and elements. The other major option involves having the vehicle shipped directly to a specific address or picking it up at a nearby delivery terminal. As you might expect, enclosed hauling and door-to-door delivery are premium services.

Timeframe - When you need your car picked up and delivered is an important part of the equation and you should have an idea, if not specific dates, that you need delivery by. If you’re able to maintain some flexibility regarding the delivery timeframe, it can save you some money.

Contact companies - Now you’re ready to contact companies and start comparing prices. You should not deal with any company that charges you upfront, or requires a commitment of any kind, before giving you an estimate. The industrywide standard is to give cost estimates for free. It’s generally suggested that you compare 3-5 companies to find the right fit.

Want to start comparing prices and get an instant quote right away? Contact us today, either by calling us at the number at the top of the page, or by using our online contact form! We’re happy to answer all your questions and all cost estimates are FREE all the time!

Related information

• Different types of quotes offered by companies