Shipping your vehicle can save time and money. Plus, it protects it from increased mileage, wear-and-tear and expenses such as gas, food and hotel stays.

To save money, set a budget before seeking quotes and remain flexible regarding pickup/delivery dates and terminal-to-terminal transport if possible – these tactics (as well as the information below) could save time and money.

1. Open Transport

No one likes giving up quality for price, but that doesn’t apply when it comes to car shipping services. When it comes to quality, don’t sacrifice price for quantity. In any service industry, what you pay for will come back to bite you eventually.

Cheap car transports companies may tempt you with lowball quotes but often include hidden fees and surcharges to increase total costs significantly. When shipping open instead of enclosed transport you could potentially save some cash.

Opting for open transport carriers typically costs roughly 40% less than enclosed carriers; your car can be shipped on an open truck alongside several others, reducing cost per car shipped. Meanwhile, enclosed carriers offer greater protection for classic or expensive cars but only carry one or two at once.

Book early and you will save on open transport! Early booking allows your company to secure below-average rates by offering them more carrier options to choose from while flexibility in both pickup and delivery dates also helps save money.

If possible, schedule your car shipping between June-August and December-February when prices are at their lowest point of the year. Consider terminal-to-terminal pickup and delivery; with this service option you drive directly into a company terminal yard before they transport it directly to its final destination – ideal if you live in rural areas where accessing highways may be more challenging.

2. Terminal-to-Terminal

To save money when shipping a car, terminal-to-terminal services may be the way to go. While you will still need to drive it yourself to a designated shipping company’s terminal or another specific destination, terminal-to-terminal shipping usually costs less. This option can provide special care and handling of exotic or custom cars which need special consideration during transport.

Most low-cost car shipping companies provide terminal-to-terminal transport, which saves both time and money by decreasing pickups and deliveries. These centralized locations, typically operating bases or warehouses located throughout cities, allow the company to combine vehicles heading in one direction at once.

If you’re considering using a terminal-to-terminal service, it can be useful to have some negotiation strategies in mind. Gaining knowledge on industry rates for cheap car shipping and standards may give you more leverage during negotiations. Clearly communicating your needs while being flexible about pickup/drop-off dates could lower your rates even further.

3. Flexible Pickup and Delivery Dates

When requesting quotes for car shipping services, provide as much detail about its condition and transport requirements as possible to ensure accurate and competitive quotes are received. It is also crucial that you understand how pricing structures in this industry operate so you can detect any hidden fees or charges that could exacerbate the final cost of shipping your car.

Always obtain multiple quotes from reputable car shipping companies before selecting one to ship your car. This allows you to compare prices, services and transit times before making a decision. Be sure to read customer reviews of each carrier, paying particular attention to their timeliness, professionalism and communication abilities.

4. Multiple-Car Shipments

Planning is key when it comes to car shipping; early booking can save money. Doing this gives you more career options and better pricing; additionally arranging it during off-peak hours could further lower costs of transporting your vehicle.

Your car shipping price will depend on the type of carrier and shipping location you select, such as an enclosed carrier versus open carrier. Also consider that picking up and dropping off cars at locations further from interstates and cities could increase costs; drivers would then need to drive further to pick up and deliver cars.

5. Working with a Broker

Planning is always key when it comes to car shipping for cheap. Allow yourself plenty of time to research your options and make a decision before contacting carriers, giving them time to bid on your shipment at competitive rates. Rushing could tempt you into working with any provider who offers you a quote; but doing so may cost more in the end.

Shipping your vehicle with another person can save money as well. According to this article – there are professional drivers you can hire as well as marketplaces where people offer to drive it for you. However, this option will require one-way plane ticket costs and gas expenses to consider, but could prove an affordable choice if the stars align correctly.

Keeps an eye out for brokers offering unusually low prices to attract your business; this may be an indicator that they won’t honor the terms of your contract and provide poor service. These tend to be untrustworthy companies and could result in long wait times before your shipment can be completed as well as less-than-stellar customer care services. When possible, opt for more reputable brokers for superior prices; it will pay off!