Auto Transport Fees

1. Why not DIY it?
2. Wear and tear on the vehicle
3. Lodging and food for long distances
4. Fuel and potential road maintenance
5. Time away from work
6. How are auto transport fees paid?
7. Payment Methods
8. What determines auto transport fees?
9. Type of vehicle and condition
10. Insurance
11. Number of vehicles
12. Where it’s going
13. When it’s being transported
14. Open-air vs enclosed transport
15. Terminal vs door delivery
16. Extra services
17. Choosing wisely
18. Unbeatable Auto Transport Fees with A1 Auto Transport!
19. Give us a call today at 1-888-230-9116 to learn more about the services you need and the associated auto transport fees

If you’re planning on transporting your car somewhere else through the use of auto transport services, you’ll need to have a little money set aside for the endeavor. This is not to say A1 Auto Transport will charge you a hefty fee. In fact, we are one of the most affordable auto transport companies in the country.

It just means that a lot goes into auto transport and the services provided, which will require you to dish out some cash to get the job done. That is, if you want your car to arrive safely and on time.

Why not DIY it?

Not to say it isn’t possible to DIY auto transport when traveling by land, we’re just saying it’s not a good idea. And before you go “Well to save money”, let’s talk about how it will cost you more than paying auto transport fees.

Wear and tear on the vehicle

Vehicles are built to last a long time, but they won’t last forever. That’s why we do our best to take care of our vehicles to ensure their longevity. The more you drive your car the closer it comes to its expiry date. Putting unnecessary miles on your vehicle contributes to its decline in the long run.

On a trailer, whether open-air or enclosed, all your car has to do is sit there. In time, it will arrive at its destination and the wear and tear will be avoided, saving you money in the long run.

Lodging and food for long distances

When truck drivers, whether from A1 Auto Transport or otherwise, hit the road with a trailer of vehicles, they don’t drive for endless hours until arriving at the destination.

Like you, they will get tired on the journey and will need to stop for breaks. Sometimes, this means staying at a motel until the daytime, or even until bad weather clears.

Like you, they will also get hungry and have to stop to grab a bite. If that’s room service, it will cost more than a fast-food stop.

Lodging and food costs add up, especially when traveling long distances or cross country. When you add up these costs, along with what goes into finding somewhere suitable, it’s always cheaper to pay auto transport fees which include both factors.

Fuel and potential road maintenance

As fuel prices continue to rise, it takes more out of all our pockets to keep our vehicles running and to get where we need to go. If you’re traveling across state lines or through multiple states, you’ll need more than one tank of gas for your vehicle.

Fuel costs are all included in auto transport fees, and since one carrier transports multiple vehicles, it’s a cheaper way for all car owners to get their vehicle where it needs to go.

The other cost factor that makes using an auto transport company a better idea than DIYing is maintenance. What would you do if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere? Sure, call a tow company or mechanic, but who knows how long that will take, especially in small towns with fewer resources.

A1 Auto Transport inspects all its vehicles before leaving the terminal to reduce the chances of dealing with maintenance on the road. In either case, our drivers have the know-how to deal with minor issues. Should any major problems arise, we liaison with reputable companies in different states to correct the problem and get the shipment moving again.

Time away from work

Unless you’ve got a weekend off and you’re willing to drive non-stop for hours, you’re gonna have to take time away from work. This can be due to the drive time, or from being too exhausted to do anything else.

Our drivers are trained for and used to road life, and do a much better job at this than an ordinary person could.

How are auto transport fees paid?

Auto transport sometimes includes two companies working together to provide one service.

The first is the broker agency. This company is responsible for marketing itself to customers in need of auto transport services and placing them with a reputable carrier. This service requires a fee, and the chunk of the deposit generally goes here.

The next is the carrier company. This is who will actually transport your car or vehicle to the predetermined location. Once the service is complete, you’ll have to pay cash on delivery to this company.

Larger companies have the infrastructure to perform both jobs at once, and may end up being cheaper in some cases.

Payment Methods

A common misconception is that ‘cash on delivery’ means literal paper money. It doesn’t. Though some auto carriers will accept cash as a method of payment, that isn’t the only way to compensate them for the service.

Most auto transport companies accept card payments, but some aren’t too particular about credit cards because of bad experiences where customers call the bank to stop the payment. The same is true for checks, and some companies will specify money orders and cashier’s checks.

Recently, peer-to-peer (P2P) payments have become more acceptable, like Paypal, Zelle, Cash App, and Venmo. Ask about possible payment methods before the delivery date to avoid any delays.

What determines auto transport fees?

You won’t find the same auto transport fees everywhere, as some car transport companies charge more than others for their services. Whether it’s a $30, or an $80 difference in your auto transport quotes, they all have the same basic cost factors.

The major factors that determine auto transport fees include:

Type of vehicle and condition

It would only be logical for a vehicle transport company to charge more fees for a larger vehicle than they would a small one. Bigger vehicles are heavier, wider, and even longer. They take up more space on transport carriers which means they can ultimately transport fewer vehicles.

This is why you are asked about the make and model of your vehicle when signing up an online quote form. The dimensions of the vehicle are a major factor in determining your auto transport fee.

Insurance

Every reputable car transport service operating in the U.S is required under law to provide their customers with a minimum insurance. Though the service is usually safe and event-free, it is always a good idea to prepare yourself for any potential risk.

This means you may have to seek fuller coverage from your existing insurance, or otherwise, to cover the full cost of more expensive vehicles. The more expensive the vehicle is, the more the insurance will cost which adds to your overall auto transport fees.

Number of vehicles

The more vehicles an auto carrier has to bring to a location is the more time, effort, gas, and space it will take. If you are transporting more than one vehicle, expect to be charged even double the price (sometimes more depending on size and weight) of transporting one car.

Where it’s going

The farther your vehicle travels, the more fuel it will take to transport it, and the more mileage it will put on the truck. This factor is one of the most important taken into account when transporting vehicles.

Domestic transport is typically the cheapest, whether traveling to a neighboring state or across the country. International auto transport is generally more expensive and the auto transport fees will vary based on the region. For instance, places with busier shipping routes will cost less than those that are less frequented. Similarly, the route taken, whether ocean freight or airplane transport is taken into consideration.

Another thing you should note is the remoteness of the region for delivery. These routes are less traveled for several reasons, whether low population or difficulty in getting there. Take auto transport to Alaska for instance. Though it has one of the world’s busiest airports in Anchorage, the journey there by truck is reserved for the best and more willing drivers.

When it’s being transported

Like many businesses, the auto transport industry is influenced by seasonal variations. Peak season is very busy for auto transporters and is usually the most expensive time to ship a car due to the high demand. This is largely due to the weather, but it’s also determined by seasons for ‘big changes’ in people’s lives like graduation and freshman year, or moving for a new job.

The off-season is typically determined by the weather and road/sea conditions. The more risk is the less likely people want to ship a car, and sometimes, fewer drivers are willing or able to transport a car.

In the off-season, auto transport fees are lower because of decreased demand. You’ll also notice a lot of companies offering special discounts to lure customers in.

Open-air vs enclosed transport

Open-air transport is the cheapest way to ship a car whether domestically or internationally. In both cases, the vehicles are strapped to the truck or ship with tie-downs to secure it in place, and that’s pretty much it. They are exposed to the elements, but this isn’t a big deal.

Enclosed transport costs more because fewer vehicles can be shipped at the same time. Enclosed carriers can’t carry as many cars because of how the trucks are designed. On a ship, the containers are stacked neatly to save on space, but you will have to pay a fee for use of the container.

Terminal vs door delivery

If the truck driver has to go out of his way to bring your car to your house, it’s going to take more time, more gas, and more effort. This service has to be compensated, so you’ll be charged more.

Your auto transport fees will be less if you opt for terminal delivery, and vice versa for pickup. You’ll have to go to the terminal or the company’s base to get it.

Extra services

Some extra services will put a few extra bucks on your auto transport fees.

For example, a premium or white-glove service for classic cars and luxury vehicles. The driver has to take extra precautions that are not necessary for other cars.

You will also be charged extra for expedited service. If you want your car to get there quicker, it means making your transport a priority over others and can include things like driving longer hours, taking different routes, or leaving the terminal before the trailer is full.

Choosing wisely

The most important thing you can do as a consumer to get the best auto transport fees is to do research.

Start with learning as much about the company you can that is relevant to the services you desire. A great tool is the BBB or Better Business Bureau. You can also check Google Reviews or rating sites like Yelp to see what other customers have to say. This includes both good reviews and taking a close look at what the complaints mean.

Next, shop around, or research quotes. Most auto transport companies will have quote forms that give you a close enough estimate of how much you’ll be charged in auto transport fees. It might be more attractive to go with the cheapest option, but you should be more concerned with the quality of the company and value for your money.

Company size may also be a determining factor depending on your needs. If you have high-end transport needs, you may feel more comfortable leaving it in the hands of a larger company with more experience. With that being said, many small companies feature operator-drivers who are just as dedicated to the task and can sometimes get the job sooner. It all depends on what the company can offer.

Unbeatable Auto Transport Fees with A1 Auto Transport!

If you’re looking for a company with affordable auto transport fees, you must seriously consider working with A1 Auto Transport.

The star-studded crew at A1 Auto Transport combines years of experience with modernity, making it easier for you to trust us with making your auto transport dreams as seamless as possible. With services ranging from simple car transport to long-distance moves to foreign countries, A1 Auto Transport is literally a “one-stop-shop” for all your transportation needs.

Give us a call today at 1-888-230-9116 to learn more about the services you need and the associated auto transport fees.