How Do I Find the Cheapest Car Shipping?

Are you planning to ship your car internationally in the near future but are worried about the cost? Shipping your car can be a significant expense, but it’s important to remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best choice. Your priority will be to ensure that your beloved car is transported safely and reliably.

Here, we will consider how to find the most affordable car shipping option, one that meets your needs without compromising on quality and safety. We will look at ways to keep costs down and how to find the most budget-friendly car transport company.

What Factors Can Affect Car Shipping Costs?

When trying to find the very cheapest auto shipping service, you must consider the various factors that can affect the cost of auto transport. So let’s explore these in more detail:

Shipping Distance

Distance is one of the most significant factors that can affect the cost of shipping cars. Generally, the longer the distance, the higher the car shipping cost. This is because transporting your vehicle over longer distances requires more fuel, labor, and time.

International vs. Domestic Car Shipping

Understandably, shipping your car internationally will typically incur higher expenses compared to domestic transport within the US. This is due to additional costs such as customs duties, longer travel distances, and the need for specialized shipping methods

Shipping Season

Did you know that seasonal variations can also significantly affect the cost of shipping your car? Due to high demand, the summer months tend to be more expensive for shipping a vehicle. While in the winter months, demand is lower, and car shipping prices are typically much more competitive.

The one exception to bear in mind is if you need to ship your vehicle through areas experiencing severe or hazardous winter weather, which can substantially affect both costs and shipping options. In extreme weather, transport times may be slower, and routes may be difficult to navigate for car transport carriers, increasing the cost of transportation.

Type of Auto Shipping Services

There are many different car shipping services available, and the cost can vary depending on the type of service you choose. If you are looking to find the cheapest car shipping method to transport your vehicle, then you should consider an open car transport service. Typically, open car shipping costs less than an enclosed auto transport service and is a very popular choice. However, you must be aware of the increased risk of damage as your vehicle will be exposed to the elements during its journey.

If container shipping isn’t right for you, you may wish to consider Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping. RoRo shipping is considered to be one of the cheapest car shipping methods available. It involves driving the vehicle onto a specialized ship designed to carry vehicles of all sizes, including cars, trucks, and heavy equipment. RoRo shipping is generally cheaper than containerized shipping, as it involves lower handling and loading costs.

Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle specifications such as size, weight, and type can all significantly affect the cost of car transport services. Generally, larger and heavier vehicles require more space and resources to transport, so you can expect to pay higher car shipping costs.

You may also have to pay a higher price for car transport services if your vehicle has any modifications. These modifications can increase a car’s size and weight and may even require special handling.

Vehicle Condition

Car shipping costs will be higher if your car is not in a drivable condition. This is because additional specialized equipment and manpower will be required to load and unload your vehicle.

Time Frame for Delivery

When thinking about the cheapest way to ship your car, decide on a suitable time frame for the shipping process.

Is the delivery of your vehicle urgent? If you require your vehicle to be shipped as quickly as possible, you may need to pay more for an expedited shipping service and guaranteed pickup dates. However, if you can be more flexible with your delivery dates, you could make a substantial saving.

Pickup and Delivery Locations

When planning to ship a car, it’s important to consider the pickup and delivery location for your vehicle. The cost of car transport services can vary greatly depending on the distance between the pickup and delivery area, as well as the accessibility of these locations.

If your pickup or delivery location is in a remote or hard-to-reach area, you may need to pay more for auto transport services. This is because the shipping provider may need to deviate from their regular routes or use specialized equipment to reach your location. Additionally, if your pickup or delivery location is in a congested area with limited parking or access, this may also increase the cost of car shipping.

Shipping Personal Items

If you plan to ship any personal items inside your vehicle, it’s important to consider the impact that this can have on the cost of car shipping. While some auto transport companies allow you to transport personal items inside your vehicle, there may be restrictions on the weight and size of these items.

The additional weight of your personal items can bump up the cost of car shipping, as auto transport carriers charge based on the weight of your vehicle.

Choosing Insurance Coverage

While most auto shipping companies offer basic cargo insurance coverage during shipment, you may wish to opt for a more comprehensive plan to fully protect your beloved vehicle. However, with the added protection comes a bigger price tag.

Here, you must weigh up your priorities. Is it more important to keep the car shipping cost down or to ensure your vehicle remains protected during the transport process?

How Can I Save Money on Car Shipping Costs?

Now that you are aware of the factors that can impact the cost of car shipping, it’s important to consider how you can address them to ensure a cost-effective and hassle-free car shipping experience.

Here are some ideas for saving money on car shipping services:

Cut Costs by Choosing Cheaper Car Shipping Methods

For the cheapest way to ship your car, consider choosing an open auto transport service instead of an enclosed service. This does mean that your car will be exposed to the elements, but you can make a substantial saving in the long run. Of course, if you are shipping high-value, luxury, or classic cars, you should always consider opting for an enclosed transport service to ensure the adequate protection of your prized vehicle.

RoRo shipping is a popular car shipping option. It is ideal for vehicles that are in good condition and don’t require additional protection during transport. RoRo shipping is typically faster than container shipping and more flexible, accommodating larger and oversized vehicles that may not fit into a standard shipping container.

Choosing terminal-to-terminal shipping can also work out much cheaper than door-to-door shipping, particularly if you have a terminal located nearby. By dropping off and picking up your vehicle at a designated terminal, you can avoid the additional costs associated with door-to-door shipping, such as extra labor, fuel, and time.

Choose the Cheapest Origin and Destination Ports

When it comes to shipping your car internationally, choosing the cheapest origin and destination ports can help you save a significant amount of money. However, it’s important to ensure that your chosen ports are reliable and safe, so make sure that you do your research.

Shipping via a major port usually works out cheaper, as the high volume of traffic encourages competitive pricing. You will also want to consider any inland transportation costs and try to find a port located near to the vehicle’s origin or destination.

Choose the Right Time of Year

When choosing a suitable time for shipping your car, always consider the season. Opt to ship your vehicle during off-peak seasons, i.e., late fall or winter, to keep costs down. However, don’t forget to consider any extreme weather conditions that may affect your shipment during this time.

Avoid car shipping during major holidays, as prices are likely to increase due to high demand. Likewise, costs are often higher at weekends so you may wish to consider scheduling a mid-week shipment.

Wait for Exchange Rates to Settle

Exchange rates can also affect the cost of international car shipping, particularly if you are dealing with a car shipping company located in a different currency zone. If you can be flexible with your car shipping times, it may be worthwhile tracking currency trends, as this will allow you to book your car shipping service when your currency is stronger.

Finding Cheap Car Shipping Companies

When looking to transport your vehicle, it is important to shop around to find the cheapest car shipping company with the best rates and services for your specific needs and budget. Here are some tips for finding affordable car transport companies:

Do Some Auto Transport Industry Research

Start by learning more about the vehicle shipping industry and the car shipping companies and services that are available. Ask for recommendations from people you trust, and do some research online to find the most affordable car shipping companies. Check out the websites of different cheap car shipping companies and compare their rates and services.

Get Multiple Car Shipping Quotes

When you have created a shortlist of suitable car shipping companies, request car shipping quotes online from each of them to allow you to compare their prices and services. This can help you find the best value for your money and ensure that you are not overpaying for your car shipment.

Check out Reviews and Ratings

When considering a particular auto shipping company, be sure to check their reviews and ratings from previous customers. This can help you to achieve a suitable balance between auto transport cost, service quality, and reliability.

Book Early

When you have chosen a suitable auto transport company, be sure to book early. Booking in advance may help to reduce shipping costs, as some car shipping companies offer flexible pricing for early reservations.

CFR Classic: Partner With a Leading Car Transport Company

If you are in need of a reliable and affordable car shipping service, then look no further than CFR Classic. With years of experience in the car shipping industry, CFR Classic has established a reputation for providing quality service at an affordable price.

At CFR Classic, we understand that cost is often a major concern when looking to ship your vehicle internationally. That is why we offer our car shipping customers competitive pricing without compromising on quality or service.

Contact CFR Classic Today

Contact us today to find out more about our international car shipping services and to request an online quote with a guaranteed response time of 24 hours.