Moving your car can be daunting, especially when you have to consider cost against safety. However, the right approach ensures a Safe and Cheap Auto Shipping Service for Your Vehicle. In this article, all the necessary steps are mentioned to help you on your car shipping journey. 

What is Cheap Auto Shipping?

Most auto transport companies provide a wide range of methods and services to satisfy customers' demands, including a cheap auto shipping service. Many customers want to ship their vehicles within their budget, which is why there is a demand for cheap and affordable car transport services. Here is the complete guide to cheap car transportation.

1. Compare Shipping Companies

Researching is the most important step towards obtaining a safe and cheap car shipping service. Begin by compiling a list of reliable auto transport companies. Focus attention on customer reviews about the safety of their cars when shipping to them.

Once you have a list of prospective companies, ask them for quotes. Remember, sometimes the cheapest isn't the best. Look for a place that is going to balance the cost with the quality of service. Most will give you a free estimate.

2. Are They Licensed and Insured?

Before committing yourself ensure that the shipping company is licensed and also insured. 

Inquire of the auto transport company if they have insurance. Most companies will give you basic coverage; it's just a good idea to question what supplemental insurance options will be available to you for your more expensive vehicles. 

3. Types of Shipping Options

Auto transport services often give you a choice of two primary methods by which to transport your vehicle: open transport and enclosed transport.

• Open Transport: This is the most economical and often the cheapest option. Cars are loaded on a trailer with other cars. Usually, this is safe. However, your car gets exposed to the elements.
• Enclosed Transport: This method transports your car in a fully enclosed trailer. It is much more expensive, but your car gets much better care, specifically high-value or classic cars. Consider the value of your vehicle and your budget when deciding between the two.

4. Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

Proper preparation can aid in preventing risks and makes shipping easy and smooth.

• Clean Your Vehicle: Clean your vehicle from the inside and outside before shipping. This will help you notice the existing defects it might have.
• Remove Personal Items: Take out personal items since most shipping companies are not liable for lost items. 
• Remove Accessories: Remove any aftermarket accessories, as these can easily get damaged in transport.
• Document Condition: Have clear pictures of your vehicle from all sides and angles. This would help in case of dispute on the level of damages upon arrival.

5. Shipping Time

There is also a chance that timing may play a great role in your auto shipping costs. Unless specifically necessary, you should ship during the off-season, sometimes at the end of fall or winter. The reason is usually lower demand and, as such, more competitive rates. Booking in advance will also make you achieve lower rates.

6. Communicate Properly with the Shipping Company

Once you have selected your shipping company, stay in constant contact. Confirm dates for pick up and delivery. Inquire which tracking methods they are able to provide. Quality shipping companies will give you information, as well as be accessible to questions at your convenience.

7. Inspect on Delivery

On receiving your car, check it for any damage and raise a request to sign off the delivery only after rectification. Check it with photos you have taken before shipping. Report such instances to the shipping company immediately.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car?

In the quest to ship a car at the lowest price possible, it becomes important to know what contributes to the cost of shipping and how you can play with these elements for a profitable price. Here is the breakdown of the costs that are generally associated with cheap car shipping, which is appended with some tips to help you reduce the costs.

1. Distance: The longer the shipping distance, the cheaper the shipping cost.

• Local (under 500 miles): $200 - $500
• Long-Distance (over 1,000 miles): $800 - $1,500

2. Shipping Method: Shipping a vehicle with open transport is cheaper, but the vehicle is exposed to the elements, and enclosed transport may be costlier but protects your vehicle.

• Open Transport: $500 - $1,200 (most affordable)
• Enclosed Transport: $800 - $2,000 (more protection)

3. Vehicle Size & Condition: A bigger vehicle requires extra space to ship, which costs more. Also, if the vehicle is not operational, then it requires additional equipment and handling. 

• Larger vehicles may add $100 - $300.
• Non-operational vehicles incur extra fees.

4. Seasonality: Higher demand for car shipping makes the pricing high because of fewer resources.

• Prices peak in summer and around the holidays.

5. Location: Remote locations or busy streets with no parking areas and tight allies make it harder to reach out to your address, which may cost extra.

• Urban areas often have lower costs than rural ones.