Vehicle Shipping Rates

Vehicle shipping rates vary according to so many factors and components that are involved in car shipping. One of these factors is the vehicle itself. Car shipping companies determine the size, weight, make, and condition of the vehicles to be shipped. For cars that could not run on its own, it may be necessary for the shipper to employ special services such as freights, lifts, and haulers. This can, therefore, raise the vehicle shipping rates.

Special consideration is also given to modified cars whose height and weight have been considerably altered. It may be very difficult for lowered cars to drive up the steep ramp to board the carrier truck or onto the carrier vessel. Car shipping involves multiple cars, sometimes up to 10 vehicles, stacked on top of a carrier truck and so any vehicle that is wider than normal may be difficult to put in place. This is also especially true for enclosed car shipping when vehicles are hauled inside a metal container or rail.

Enclosed car shipping exclusively and safely places vehicles inside a closed and locked container or ‘box’ for shipment. Vehicles are safely tucked from the point of origination all the way to the point of destination.

Another factor that affects car shipping rates is distance. Needless to say, car shipping rates are higher when sending a vehicle to a far away destination. This is why car owners should prepare extra dollars when shipping vehicles overseas.

International vehicle shipping rates include importation/exportation fees, taxes, Customs fees, levies, and probably even some unforeseen costs. Imported or exported cars go through several Customs checks and stops as they enter the country of destination. This is why it is important for the car owner to do prior research about the country of destination. It will help a lot to learn about the local traffic and automotive laws and regulations.

A third factor in determining vehicle shipping rates is the car shipping company. There are those that charge higher but with guaranteed quality service. These typically are large transporting companies with proven track record. On the other hand, some shippers may charge unexpectedly low, but it is suspicious whether such companies are legitimate or not.

Vehicle shipping rates are also affected by the car shipping services you wish to pay for. For example, you may choose to pay extra for door-to-door pick and delivery. This is a very convenient service where all you need to do is wait for the driver to come pick up your car. But then again, this will add a few dollars to your costs.

And yet, there are other helpful and innovative shipping services that do not add to the vehicle shipping rates. These include car shipping insurance, satellite monitoring and online car shipping quotations.

At the onset, when hiring a car shipping company, the first and most important step to take is gather at least 5 car shipping quotes for you to have a better understating of how much money you need to spend and the chance to choose which quote meets your budget. Also, getting and comparing quotes will give you a better idea on how vehicle shipping rates are determined.