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Factors that affect the Cost of Shipping a Car

Auto shopping cost is a motive issue when it comes to transporting one’s vehicle from one state to another. How much will it cost me to ship my vehicle from Missouri to California? You will probably hear car owners asking such questions before making decisions on the choice of car transport companies. That is why many people insist on getting different quotes from individual car transport companies. Once they have such information, they can compare prices then arrive at decisions. Comparisons come as a result of the of the differences in auto shipping prices. Why are there so many differences in the auto shipping quotes? Which factors motivate the differences?

The distance involved

What is the distance between the drop-off and pick-up points? That is an important question when it comes to car shipping prices. The longer the distance, the more you are likely to pay. Ideally, someone shipping his car from New York to Alabama would play different charges compared to another one transporting his vehicle from the same place to California.

Vehicle in transit

The type and size of vehicle you are shipping also has a role in determining the ultimate auto shipping charges. Ordinarily, trucks and SUVs cost more to ships compared to ship compared to sedans and other smaller vehicles. Auto transport carriers are required to meet strict weight requirements. This means they can only ship vehicles up to a maximum weight limit. For a carrier having heavier vehicles, it will carry a limited number even if there is additional space available. If you are transporting larger vehicle, be ready to spend more on auto transportation.

Choice of auto transportation methods

You have the option of choosing either open or enclosed car transportation for your vehicle. Open carrier auto transport is the standard method. Most people prefer it because it is less costly. However, it comes with obvious risks. The vehicles are transported in open trailers. As such, there is always the threat of damages resulting from elements such as snowfall. Enclosed auto transport, on the other hand, offers a more secure auto shipping option. Your vehicle will be shipped inside a safe container, away from external threats.

The time factor

How soon do you need your vehicle? Most companies take 5-7 days before picking up vehicles. Thereafter, the number of days taken to deliver your will depend on the route used among other factors. If you need your vehicle to delivered faster, you can opt for expedited express auto shipping services. Such an arrangement makes it possible for your vehicle to be picked up in less than 48 hours and delivered soon thereafter. However, you will have to pay more for such services.

Auto shipping quotes differ from one company to the other. The differences are influenced by several factors. It is important to understand the various factors in order to make informed decisions when choosing the most reliable company to handle the shipping of your vehicle.

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