Can You Make Money in Shipping Cars?

What's in this article?

Is There Money in Shipping Cars?
How Car Shipping Works
The Average Cost of Car Shipping
How to Start Making Money
Do your research
Promote yourself
Cost of service
Wrapping Up

Auto transport is a booming business. Hauling cars as an auto transport carrier can be a potential new career. Or perhaps you're only curious about how to make some extra money from it.

In any case, the auto transport industry has the potential to generate income, but it requires specific skills and qualifications.

Delivery of vehicles to buyers and dealerships across the United States can result in a profitable outcome. Before you begin, there are various measures to optimize your earnings.

Is There Money in Shipping Cars?

The shipping industry offers the chance for individuals to drive long distances and have autonomy in their job. By utilizing careful planning and a proper mindset, it is possible to earn money in this current market.

For example, if you're looking for a long-term business venture that pays well on a regular basis, becoming an independent trucker shipping cars across the country might work better than freelancing or moonlighting as an occasional auto shipper.

You'll need to research common routes and investigate the necessary credentials, such as insurance requirements, while considering how long it will take to complete each delivery.

When transporting vehicles long distances, you should consider all financial implications, including fuel and transportation expenses.

By following that method, one can avoid spending more on fuel expenses than their profits.

How Car Shipping Works

There are many different ways to transport vehicles in the shipping industry. The open carrier is the most common method used by auto dealerships and professional car movers.

This kind of truck has a flatbed platform that allows for the transportation of multiple vehicles at once. It is open to the elements, so the car you move isn't wholly protected from potential damage due to weather or accidents on the road.

However, given the vast experience in safely transporting valuable cargo without incident, this method is still a great choice, and many new dealers trust open carriers with their important inventory.

Shipping enclosed vehicles may be a better option for those with extremely valuable or rare cars. These trucks offer full protection from the natural elements and keep any prying eyes away from confidential information on the vehicle.

This type of transport tends to cost more than an open carrier, but some people feel that their investment is quite worth it when protecting something as important as their car.

No matter which option you decide on, professional companies with experience in car shipping can help you ensure that your automobile gets where it needs to go safely and sound.

The Average Cost of Car Shipping

Utilizing shipping companies can provide a reliable method of transporting your vehicle from one destination to another. Multiple variables determine the transportation cost.

Shipping costs may increase significantly if transportation by boat or airplane is necessary due to geographical obstacles.

The considerations encompass factors like the dimensions and mass of the automobile. Larger and heavier cars are more expensive due to their need for more space during transport.

Additionally, if you're attempting to ship your car in peak moving season (summer months), this will typically add hundreds of dollars to the cost.

Therefore, keep these considerations in mind before committing to a specific car shipment option.

How to Start Making Money

Starting a car hauling business can be daunting but has many possible rewards.

The first step is to decide your scope of services. Choosing between personally driving cars for customers moving long distances or hauling them with a trailer requires more forethought and preparation for the business owner.

You will need a vehicle able to haul multiple cars, such as a truck with an open or enclosed trailer. You must also register with the US Department of Transportation for your DOT number and obtain an MC number if hauling interstate vehicles.

Prepare to arm yourself and any drivers you hire with knowledge of long-distance driving regulations so that everyone abides by federal and state rules.

Obtaining commercial automobile insurance is also highly important, as this insurance will cover both your trailer and the client's vehicles in case of any damage or problems during hauling operations.

But there's no doubt that long-distance auto transport companies are gaining popularity recently. Challenges like reliability and cost savings drive people to rely on these businesses. So if you want to start your own car-hauling business, the time is now.

Do your research

When it comes to providing auto transport services, identifying the right target market so that you can make the most of each trip is crucial. Companies or auto brokers often require several vehicles moved at once and offer good payment for the service.

Mechanics and car collectors who need antique cars moved from one place to another are another viable option, although they may only require one car transported at a time.

In addition, individuals planning to move homes or businesses to a different region may need their vehicles delivered there as well.

Determining the types of service you provide and setting up a solid pricing structure will help you go the distance in this business.

Research various online forums or classified ads to find potential customers and identify their requirements.

Also, create quality marketing materials that speak clearly about your services. These materials should emphasize your commitment and reliability so prospective customers have confidence in your ability to deliver what they need.

Being honest and upfront with clients while delivering excellent customer service will also ensure success in this industry.

Promote yourself

Self-promotion is essential for shipping companies, especially in the vehicle transport industry.

By showcasing customer testimonials on your website and brochure, you can demonstrate to potential clients that your delivery service for their vehicles will arrive in the same condition as when they shipped them with your auto transporter.

Furthermore, explaining how far you're willing to drive or transport a customer's car can give your customers an idea of what services to expect.

Trailer-hauling businesses, in particular, must be sure they have established credibility. It means keeping your licenses and insurance updated. And advertising that all employees maintain accident-free records while working can make a difference.

These details communicate trustworthiness and increase customer confidence that your business can transport a customer's vehicle safely. For customers to trust that your company stands for quality service, make sure you take the steps within self-promotion campaigns to prove your worth.

Cost of service

Regarding the cost, prices may vary. Size is one influential factor; the complexity of the job is another.

When transporting multiple cars, you may follow the footsteps of several companies, which charge a fee according to the distance to the destination.

Alternatively, if you are shipping individual cars, it is often beneficial to charge a per-mile fee plus extra costs such as flying back to your home base. To maximize profitability in this realm, consider ways to offer upgrades your customers may be willing to pay for.

This could be things such as providing a better position in the transport load for an increased price or giving them the option of enclosed car transport. These upgrades can substantially boost profits from each trip depending on where and what type of services.

It is important to thoroughly research all applicable laws and regulations related to car transport before engaging in business operations and to have all necessary licenses and appropriate insurance coverage.

Moreover, utilizing online resources like industry publications or hiring experienced consultants can help ensure your success in the field.

Wrapping Up

When you decide to start making money from shipping cars, stay organized and efficient with your operations. Having a strategy prepared for receiving and fulfilling orders is recommended.

But, as with any business, your organizational and management skills are required to succeed. You must know how to pick suitable dates and times for pick-ups and drop-offs. You must also discern how to schedule loading, unloading, and delivery destinations.

You can begin making money shipping cars with the right research, attitude, and dedication. And your business can become a profitable venture with plenty of happy customers.

But if starting your own car hauling business doesn't interest you, you may still need to rely on an auto transport company. Turn to A-1 Auto Transport. In our hands, transporting your prized car is a breeze.

Browse our website to see our services and what past customers say about their experiences, and get an instant quote today.