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Pompano Beach auto transport logistics

Auto Transport Logistics To Pompano Beach

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Car Shipping Service, Car Show Vehicle Transport, Car Transport Calculator, Car Transport Cost per Mile, Door To Door Auto Transport, Eco-Friendly Auto Transport, Enclosed Car Transport, Exotic Car Transport, Seasonal Fluctuations, Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Shipping Cost.

Auto Transport Logistics To Pompano Beach

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Auto Transport Logistics To Pompano Beach

Auto Transport Logistics To Pompano Beach

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Related Topic Resources

The auto transport logistics to Pompano Beach, FL, including route, timeframe, and total cost, are the most important factors for any region. A car transport service will likely ship your vehicle to there promptly, safely, and securely. Planning will save you money.

Fortunately, Pompano Beach has a large population and is a favored destination for auto transport customers from every region in the country.

The logistics of auto transport to Pompano Beach varies from region to region. Direct Express Auto Transport, with over 20 years of experience in car shipping to Pompano Beach, explains the hurdles from every corner of the country, and the number of days it will take for your vehicle to get there.

Key Takeaways: 

  • The eastern states tend to favor car shipping to the Atlantic Coast side of Florida.
  • The midwestern states gravitate toward vehicle shipping to the Gulf Coast side of Florida.
  • The rest of the country is not fussy about which side of Florida to ship a car.
  • The farther away from Pompano Beach, the harder it becomes to amalgamate a full car transport load of 8-10 vehicles.  
  • Regardless, Pompano Beach is a popular destination for auto transport. 

In This Blog Article:

Vehicle Shipping From Every State To Pompano Beach, Florida

The timeframe and logistics change from every region of the country when you are vehicle shipping to Pompano Beach. Use this blog to plan your vehicle shipment to Pompano Beach.

Vehicle Shipping To Pompano Beach From New England

The New England states (MA, RI, CT, NH, ME, VT) tend to favor vehicle shipping to the Atlantic coast side of Florida more so than the Gulf Coast. It is a straight shot about 1,500 miles down Interstate 95 from New England’s biggest city, Boston, to Pompano Beach. Your vehicle is likely to be on a vehicle shipping trailer for a minimum of three days, and more likely four or five days. 

Auto Shipping To Pompano Beach From The Eastern Seaboard

The Eastern Seaboard states (NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD, DC, VA, WV) also prefer the Atlantic coast side of Florida more so than the Gulf Coast. New York City is about 1,300 miles, and Philadelphia is roughly 1,200 miles down Interstate 95 to Pompano Beach. Your vehicle is likely to be on an auto-shipping trailer for a minimum of three days, and more likely four days. However, it is possible a carrier can make the drive in two days. 

Car Transport To Pompano Beach From The Carolinas

The Carolina states (NC, SC) are a quick car transport haul down I-95 to Pompano Beach. The largest NC city, Charlotte, is about 725 miles away, and Charleston, SC is roughly 640 miles. The weather in the Carolinas is so temperate and pleasant nearly year-round, that there is less reason to migrate to Pompano Beach. Your vehicle is likely to be on a car shipping trailer for about two days, maybe only one. 

Auto Transport To Pompano Beach From The Midwest

The Midwest states (IL, MI, OH, IN, WI) tend to favor car transporting to the Gulf Coast side of Florida more so than the eastern Atlantic coast, which includes Pompano Beach. But obviously, there are still many midwesterners who are shipping cars to Pompano Beach. 

It is about 1,400 miles down I-65, I-75, and I-95 from the Midwest’s two largest cities, Chicago and Detroit, to Pompano Beach. Your vehicle is likely to be on an auto transport trailer from either Chicago or Detroit for a minimum of three days, and more likely four or five days.

Vehicle Transport To Pompano Beach From The Upper Midwest

The Upper Midwest states (MN, IA, MO, OK, KS, NE, SD, ND) tend to favor transporting to the Gulf Coast side of Florida more so than the eastern Atlantic coast, which includes Pompano Beach. Nevertheless, there are still many upper midwesterners who transport vehicles to Pompano Beach. 

Because of the sparse population in the Upper Midwest relative to the huge geographic size, it is more difficult, and thus longer, to amalgamate full loads to Pompano Beach. 

From the largest city in the Upper Midwest, Minneapolis, it is almost 1,800 miles to Pompano Beach. From Minneapolis, for instance, your vehicle is likely to follow routes down I-35, I-380, I-24, I-75, and I-95 before reaching Pompano Beach. Your car is likely to be on a vehicle transport trailer for a minimum of four days, and more likely five or six days.

Car Shipping To Pompano Beach From The Mountain States

The Mountain states (CO, MT, WY, UT) also tend to favor transporting cars to the Gulf Coast side of Florida more so than the eastern Atlantic coast, which includes Pompano Beach. There are still those who prefer car shipping to Pompano Beach. 

The Mountain states are difficult for car shipping to Pompano Beach, because of the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains and huge land area. Even vehicle shipping from Denver, Colorado might take time to secure a carrier for the long 2,100-mile haul to Pompano Beach. The route most likely would be on I-70, I-75, and I-95. Your vehicle is likely to be on a car transport carrier for a minimum of four days, and probably five or six days. 

Ship A Vehicle To Pompano Beach From The Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest states (WA, OR, ID) are just as likely to ship a vehicle to the Atlantic Coast side of Florida (including Pompano Beach) as they are to the Gulf Coast side. 

It is hard to get farther apart in the continental USA. The route from Seattle to Pompano Beach, for instance, is about 3,300 miles. Most people fly instead of drive, which is why they use vehicle shipping services to get their car there. From Seattle, the most common route is I-90, I-29, I-70, I-75, and finally I-95 to Pompano Beach. 

Fortunately, the Pacific Northwest has three major cities, Seattle, Portland, and Boise, that make it somewhat easier to amalgamate a full load to Pompano Beach. It still takes time to do that. 

We have found that western Washington (think Spokane), southern Oregon (think Eugene), and almost all of Idaho are especially difficult. Your car is likely to be on a vehicle shipping carrier for a minimum of seven days, and probably eight to ten days.

Car Moving To Pompano Beach From The Southwest

The Southwest states (AZ, NM, NV) make it easier to move cars to Pompano Beach than in the Mountain states or Pacific NW. For starters, the weather is less of an issue in the Southwest region. And there are major cities (Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque) that make amalgamating full loads more timely. 

From Phoenix, the auto transport haul to Pompano Beach would almost certainly follow I-10 to I-75 before finishing on I-95. That route is almost 2,400 miles. Your car is likely to be on a car transport carrier for a minimum of five days, and probably six or seven days.

Ship Your Car To Pompano Beach From California

The Pacific Coast has a state membership of one – California (CA). One out of every eight Americans is Californian. With nearly 39 million people, ranging primarily from San Diego and the Los Angeles Basin to the San Francisco Bay Area (including Oakland and San Jose), it is no surprise that there are numerous auto shipments every week from California to Pompano Beach. 

California is so big it should be two states. We will break it into Southern & Northern California.

In southern California, sprawling Los Angeles is a huge hub for auto shipping to Pompano Beach. The route would most likely be on I-10, I-75, and I-95 and is about 2,800 miles. Your vehicle is likely to be on a car transport carrier for a minimum of six days, and probably seven to nine days.

In northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area is also a large metropolis and a favorite car shipping destination is Pompano Beach, which is about 3,000 miles away. From San Francisco, the most common route is I-880, I-5, I-40, I-20, US 287, US 49, US 98, I-10, I-75 and finally, I-95 to Pompano Beach.

Ship A Car To Pompano Beach From The Lone Star State

Texas, the Lone Star State, is deserving of special attention. And like California, it is almost like two very different states rolled into one. 

West Texas is more akin to the New Mexico desert than the much greener eastern half of Texas. It is so wide open and sparsely populated that it is difficult to amalgamate full car transport loads to Pompano Beach. Patience is required. 

El Paso, on the Mexican border, is about 2,000 miles car shipping to Pompano Beach. Your vehicle is likely to traverse I-10, I-75, and I-95. Your car is likely to be on a vehicle transport carrier for a minimum of four days, and probably five to six days.

East Texas, on the other hand, is heavily populated and teaming with large metropolitan areas and plenty of mid-size and smaller towns. It is far easier to ship a car to Pompano Beach and put together full carrier loads. Dallas is about 1,300 miles away from Pompano Beach, a significantly shorter distance than El Paso. 

From Dallas, the auto transport haul to Pompano Beach would almost certainly follow I-10, US 49, I-59, I-65, I-10 to I-75 before finishing on I-95. Your car is likely to be on a car transport carrier for a minimum of three days, and probably four or five days.

Automobile Shipping To Pompano Beach From The South

The Southern states (GA, TN, KY, AL, MS, AR, LA) don’t favor either side of Florida. Both the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast destinations are fairly easy for an auto transport haul. The proximity to Pompano Beach is much closer than anywhere else, save the Carolinas.

Atlanta is the biggest southern city and only about 700 miles to Pompano Beach, which would only take an auto transport carrier about two days to get there, three at most, and possibly only one day. We have seen that happen. Atlanta is a straight shot down I-75 to I-95 to Pompano Beach.

Nashville is almost just as easy, though a tad farther at about 950 miles, which is a full two days away from Pompano Beach. It might take three days on the road. A car transport carrier leaving Nashville would also take I-75 to I-95 to Pompano Beach. 

Bottom Line: Auto Transport Logistics To Pompano Beach

The auto transport logistics to Pompano Beach, FL, including route, timeframe, and total cost, should be considered first before shipping a car there. A car transport service will likely ship your vehicle promptly, safely, and securely.

But as a consumer, it is important to understand the logistics involved in vehicle shipping from your region of the country to Pompano Beach.

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator To Pompano Beach

Direct Express Auto Transport originated the instant car shipping quote calculator in 2004. It is still the best, most sophisticated, reliable tool available online. We offer three options that we call tiers of car shipping quote estimates to Pompano Beach, Florida.

The Standard rate is the cheapest car shipping quote. Use the Standard rate if you can be patient. 

The Expedited rate, or tier as we call them, is the most recommended and best auto transport quote. We have countless satisfied Expedited rate customers because the vehicle shipping process tends to go quicker. 

The Rush rate is our highest level of car transport quotes and service, and many customers are glad they went with that method too. If in a hurry, go Rush rate. 

Car Transport Cost: FAQ

  • Should You Ship Your Car Open or Enclosed?

    About 97% of all vehicle shipments are shipped on an Open Trailer. It’s proven to be a very safe method with statistically very few problems. You may notice new cars being delivered to dealerships in an open trailer, and that’s because it’s safe. If you have a collector car or really expensive automobile, say around $75,000 or more, then we recommend shipping it in an Enclosed Trailer. Expect to pay about 33-50% more for an Enclosed transport. Our auto shipping costs calculator automatically adds the extra enclosed car transport estimate to your quote, so you can experiment with the quotes if you like.

  • How Long Will It Take To Pick Up My Vehicle?

    Over 90% of our orders ship inside of one week. That could be anywhere from 1 to 7 days. Most of the U.S. population lives in a major metropolitan area and is shipping to another well populated area, and that makes a big difference. Cars usually ship in a very regular manner, almost half within just a few days.

    If either your origination or destination locations are away from population centers, in other words, in a remote area, then you might consider meeting a driver in a nearby big city or town to increase your chances of shipping timely. Or adding money to the carrier fee may entice a carrier. Remember, anyone you choose can serve as your point of contact, which takes the stress out of shipping your vehicle.

  • How Do I Prepare My Vehicle For Shipment?

    Clean out your vehicle of all loose items as much as possible. Leave nothing of value in the vehicle. It’s very rare that any items are stolen during transport, but we recommend extra caution to prevent loss.

    Keep extra items as previously discussed to a minimum and place in the trunk or out of sight. Have only about a quarter tank of gasoline. Give the auto transport carrier a set of keys and advise them of any special instructions for your vehicle, like difficulty starting, steering, braking, etc.

    Driver Consideration: Being a truck driver can be a thankless job. They work long hours and are away from their families for weeks at a time. Please be friendly and considerate to our drivers, and they will treat you in the same manner.

  • How Are Car Shipping Quotes Calculated?

    The first factor used to calculate car shipping cost is the transport distance. Next are the length, height and weight of the vehicle, followed by running condition and type of trailer (Open or Enclosed). Finally, seasonal fluctuations may impact the overall cost.

  • Non-Running Vehicles Cost More

    Maneuvering non-operational vehicles on and off a car transport trailer is a big challenge. Car shipping companies much prefer operational (running) vehicles because it gives them an easier option to reposition their entire load. Non-running vehicles take considerably more time to get on and off the trailer. So the car shipping quote must reflect the higher cost. Many auto transporters don’t have a winch and cannot accommodate non-running vehicles. That is one reason it takes longer on average to ship non-operational vehicles. Fewer do it. If at all possible, fixing your vehicle before trying to ship it will save on the non-running car transport cost, and make the process go faster.

  • How Long Does It Take To Deliver My Vehicle?

    Delivering is final step in the process, and also the simplest part. Once your vehicle has been assigned and picked up, not too much can go wrong. Once the vehicle is picked up, you can estimate that it will take roughly 1 day of transit time for every 500 miles distance. Delivery Time Estimate Guide 100-500 miles takes 1 or 2 days 500-1000 miles takes 2 or 3 days 1000-1500 miles takes 3 or 4 days 1500-2000 miles takes 4 or 5 days 2000-2500 miles takes 5 or 6 days 2500-3000 miles takes 6 or 7 days Depending on the distance, weather conditions and population centers it could be a few days or weeks until a vehicle reaches its destination. The carriers usually estimate about 10 days on coast to coast trips, but they frequently arrive earlier.

  • Can I Put Stuff In My Car When I Ship It?

    Yes and no. The strict interpretation is no, you can’t ship items inside your vehicle. The reality is that almost all carriers look the other way on items that weigh less than 100 pounds, roughly the equivalent of 2 suitcases. We recommend placing any additional items in the trunk and out of sight. The U.S. Transportation Law states that a carrier can be fined $10,000 for hauling household items in the vehicle, but it’s rarely enforced. However, the drivers do estimate the weight of each vehicle that they carry and don’t want problems at weight scales. So they must keep the personal items to a minimum. Some drivers will accept a tip ($50-$250) for hauling extra stuff, but some won’t. Rule of thumb, don’t take advantage.

Related Articles

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Skyline photo of Miami car shipping costs calculator

When To Ship A Car To Miami

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Auto Transport Rates, Auto Transport Services, Car Shipping Service, Car Show Vehicle Transport, Car Transport Calculator, Car Transport Estimates, Cheap Auto Transport, Classic Car Transport, Snowbird Auto Transport, Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Shipping Cost.

When To Ship A Car To Miami

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Ship A Car To Miami

When To Ship A Car To Miami

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Related Topic Resources

Seasonality greatly affects Miami car shipping quotes, overall cost, and level of service. Here is when to ship a car to Miami. Depending on the season, your approach to shipping your vehicle to Miami should change.

We include in this blog tried and true tips and strategies that will help you have a successful experience. We think we know the best way to ship a car to Miami, Florida in all four seasons.

OUR METHODOLOGY:

Direct Express Auto Transport has over twenty years of experience shipping cars to Miami, Florida. We track daily the number of single-vehicle Sedans, SUVs, Pickup Trucks, and Vans system-wide that are available to ship on an auto transport load board. 

We omit here in our study multiple vehicle orders, those that are anywhere from 2 to 10 vehicles on the car transport trailer because we are better able to assess market volume changes. The numbers tell the story of car shipping to Miami, and we share the past year’s results in this blog.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Car shipping to Miami is affected by the seasons.
  • The highest vehicle shipping cost to Miami is around the Christmas and New Year holidays during the snowbird Winter season.
  • The cheapest auto transport quotes to Miami happen just four months later in the Spring season.
  • The late Summer season collides with college student auto shipping, and for a while, costs rise.
  • The Autumn season is an ideal time to ship your car to Miami.

In This Blog Article:

Shipping A Car To Miami In The Winter Season

We start with the hard part first, shipping a car to Miami in the winter season. Specifically, over the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays. 

When we talk about seasonality in the vehicle transport industry, late December and early January are the big reasons. No other time is as hectic and stressful as that period. 

Direct Express Auto Transport has over twenty years of experience shipping cars to Miami, Florida. We track daily the number of single-vehicle Sedans, SUVs, Pickup Trucks, and Vans system-wide that are available to ship on a popular auto transport load board. 

We omit in our study multiple vehicle orders, those that are anywhere from 2 to 10 vehicles on the car transport trailer because we are better able to assess market volume changes. The numbers tell a story and we share the past year in this blog. 

Here is what typically happens to the sheer number of vehicles car shipping to Florida on any given day in the Winter Season from December to February. It is often called Snowbird season as well. 

Winter Season Auto Transport To Florida Avg. Daily Single Vehicles Avail. To FL Ratio Of Vehicles Shipping To/From FL Comments About Winter Season Car Shipping To Florida
1st Week of December 3288 1.3:1 Thanksgiving causes a mini-backlog
2nd Week of December 2056 1.6:1 Early December mirrors November volume
3rd Week of December 3306 1.5:1 The snowbird rush to FL begins in earnest
4th Week of December 4085 1.8:1 Carriers want to be home for Xmas too
1st Week of January 6785 2.1:1 And New Year’s … busiest week of the year
2nd Week of January 5400 2.2:1 Highest priced orders ship first
3rd Week of January 3770 1.6:1 2nd highest priced orders ship next
4th Week of January 3417 1.6:1 Eventually all the snowbirds ship a vehicle
1st Week of February 2153 1.3:1 It took a month for a return to normalcy
2nd Week of February 2311 1:1 February is so calm compared to January
3rd Week of February 1711 1:1 Crickets … nothing but crickets
4th Week of February 1627 1:1.3 Late February is a very good time to ship
End of February / Begin March 1791 1:1.5 An ideal time to ship a car to Florida

When Is The Best Time To Ship A Car To Miami In The Winter?

If at all possible, you should avoid the last two weeks of December and the first two weeks of January. It is hectic for everybody. Just look at the chart and see how the number of vehicles available to ship skyrockets fourfold around the holidays. It is more than the car transportation system can handle. 

During the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, the auto transport carriers and brokers, and most of all the customers, are stressed. The carriers and brokers understand what is happening … why some orders ship and others that are priced too cheap – don’t. 

But not all customers understand the auto transport industry, and why the order they placed weeks ago is still languishing in their cold driveway.

Do Not Book A Vehicle Shipment To Miami Too Soon

The car shipping industry is not first come, first served. Once Christmas arrives, the vehicle shipping cost rises incrementally almost daily for four weeks. If a customer booked too early, he will likely have too low a price when the time comes to ship his car. He will have to wait. Or add money to rectify the dilemma. 

The carriers are not concerned with when any particular order was booked. They are only concerned with maximizing their profit, as anyone would be. The carriers quite naturally choose to haul the highest-paying vehicles available. For them, it is a feeding frenzy. Kind of like Piranha. 

The car shipping carriers have a dilemma to contend with once in Miami. There is very little freight leaving Miami. Because there are so many competing car transport carriers swarming to Miami, and elsewhere in Florida, in late December and all of January, chances are high that a carrier returns home with a half-empty trailer. That means he must make money on the trip to Miami. He doesn’t have the luxury of transporting cheap orders. 

Book Your Car Shipment Order To Miami About One Week Prior

A good rule of thumb is to book your vehicle shipment to Miami about 7 days before availability. The overwhelming majority of auto transport carriers will not commit to picking up a car shipment more than three days in advance of the vehicle availability. 

So why book much earlier than that? It is almost always best to have current auto transport market pricing. If it’s high, then there’s no way around it, you gotta pay. Because other cars will ship and yours won’t.

How To Select The Best Car Shipping Rate To Miami

Direct Express Auto Transport uniquely has three levels of service on every route, including shipping a car to Miami. The customers who choose the highest Rush rate are typically happiest with the service. 

The customers who choose the Expedited rate are often satisfied with the results. 

Those who book the Standard rate to Miami during the busy snowbird season are frustrated while waiting their turn. 

We are writing this blog to give good advice to unaware customers. The smartest thing to do if you are in a hurry to ship a car is to go with the higher Rush or Expedited rates. 

Transporting A Vehicle To Miami In The Spring Season

When the Miami snowbirds return home in the Spring season, starting in late April, throughout all of May, and into early June, the above scenario repeats itself in reverse.

This blog, however, is about shipping a vehicle to Miami during the four seasons. We are advising you on the best strategy during each season. 

In the Spring Season shipping a vehicle to Miami, the volume of orders returns to normal. The Spring Season is nothing like the Winter Season. 

Spring Season Auto Transport To Florida Avg. Daily Single Vehicles Avail. To FL Ratio Of Vehicles Shipping To/From FL Comments About Spring Season Car Shipping To Florida
1st Week of March 3593 1:1.3 March is generally calm
2nd Week of March 3708 1:1.4 Normal low activity in March to FL
3rd Week of March 3102 1:1.6 A great time to ship to Florida
4th Week of March 2226 1:2 Snowbirds leaving
1st Week of April 2716 1:2 Snowbirds leaving Florida
2nd Week of April 2228 1:2.5 The best time to ship a car to Florida
3rd Week of April 1950 1:3 Cheap car shipping period to Florida
4th Week of April 2659 1:2.7 Snowbirds leaving is great for the reverse
1st Week of May 3230 1:2.9 May is ideal for shipping to FL
2nd Week of May 2181 1:4.3 Vehicles ship to Florida quickly because …
3rd Week of May 2262 1:3.7 There are fourfold cars leaving Florida
4th Week of May 1886 1:3.4 May is cheapest month to ship to Florida
End of May / Begin June 3166 1:2.1 Memorial Day

After the Winter Season, there are a couple of months of relatively normal vehicle shipping activity to Miami and the rest of Florida. And then there is May.

Why May Is The Cheapest Time Of Year To Ship Your Car To Miami

And then there is May, which is ridiculously advantageous for shipping a vehicle to Florida. The cheapest auto transport pricing of the year to Miami occurs in May. Why is that, you ask? In May, there are tens of thousands of snowbirds (retirees, college students, and many others) who hibernated in Miami for the winter and are returning home to the north. With so many leaving Miami, and so few coming, the reverse route to Miami becomes incredibly cheap. Enjoy it while you can. 

In May, car shipping quotes from Miami usually skyrocket as demand for car transport carrier space is very high. Available carrier space is in short supply. The inverse is true. There is an overabundance of auto transport carrier space available to Miami, which drives down the price. Therefore, May is the cheapest time of year to ship a car to Miami. 

Auto Transport To Miami In The Summer Season

Auto transport to Miami in the Summer Season is busier than the Spring or Autumn seasons, but not nearly as hectic as the Winter season. Auto transport quotes are fairly stable throughout the summer but rise significantly in August. 

The snowbirds finally return home at the end of May, with a few stragglers in early June. 

Like the rest of the country in the Summer Season, car shipping traffic tends to be families and individuals relocating from and to other states. There are more vehicle shipments than in the slower months of February, March, and April. And considerably more than September, October, and November. 

College Students Create A Spike In Car Shipping Every August

There is a very discernible car shipping spike every year in the late Summer Season. Florida has many popular universities and colleges that attract students from all over America. For many, it is an ideal place to go to college. 

Those Florida colleges on the semester system create a mid-August boost in auto transport to Miami that lasts until the end of the month. Of the nearly 800,000 Florida college students, roughly 17% are from out-of-state, which means tens of thousands suddenly require vehicle shipping services. 

Summer Season Auto Transport To Florida Avg. Daily Single Vehicles Avail. To FL Ratio Of Vehicles Shipping To/From FL Comments About Summer Season Car Shipping To Florida
1st Week of June 3228 1:1.9 Snowbird season FROM FL continues
2nd Week of June 2973 1:1.6 Early June is ideal car shipping TO FL
3rd Week of June 2483 1:1.5 It is cheap auto transport to Florida
4th Week of June 2834 1:1.2 A transition starts to happen in Florida
1st Week of July 2440 1:1.3 The 4th of July creates a mini backlog
2nd Week of July 3328 1:1.1 A week of parity shipping TO and FRO
3rd Week of July 2331 1.3:1 Suddenly it is more costly car shipping to FL
4th Week of July 2075 1.2:1 But only slightly more expensive TO Florida
1st Week of August 3287 1.4:1 August is not a good month shipping TO FL
2nd Week of August 3419 2.1:1 College kids shipping cars to Florida
3rd Week of August 3062 2.1:1 Families relocating to Florida before school
4th Week of August 2901 2.1:1 A horrible time to ship a car to Florida
End of August / Begin September 2610 2:1 Because more than twice the vehicles are shipping TO Florida than FROM Florida

Auto transport to Miami in the Summer Season is fairly steady and predictable because there is parity between the number of vehicles shipping from and to there. Auto transport costs remain stable throughout most of the summer.

Vehicle Shipping To Miami In The Autumn Season

Vehicle shipping to Miami in the Autumn Season is easy. It is considered a slow time of year in the car shipping industry. Car shipping costs remain stable and affordable throughout most of the Fall or Autumn Season.

Hurricanes and Thanksgiving Create Minor Backlogs

The only blips on the screen when it comes to vehicle shipping to Miami in the Autumn Season are hurricanes and Thanksgiving. And both are momentary. 

National weather forecasters can see hurricanes forming in the Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico days in advance. Car transport carriers know how long they have to get out of Florida, and they avoid entirely any route there. They wait it out, which usually takes but a few days, a week at most. 

September and October are the two most susceptible months for hurricanes, but of course, there are exceptions. Hurricanes create a backlog of vehicle shipments to Miami that are usually overcome within a week after the event. 

At the end of November comes Thanksgiving. Like everybody else, auto transport carriers like to be home for Turkey Day too. Because Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November, drivers are usually home by the Wednesday before and don’t return to the road until the Monday after Thanksgiving. Essentially a five-day break for many. It takes about a week for the vehicle shipping freight system to recover and return to equilibrium. 

Autumn Season Auto Transport To Florida Avg. Daily Single Vehicles Avail. To FL Ratio Of Vehicles Shipping To/From FL Comments About Autumn Season Car Shipping To Florida
1st Week of September 2302 1.9:1 Extremely high ratio of 2-1 car shipping to FL
2nd Week of September 2295 1.6:1 Shipping to FL is very high cost early Sept
3rd Week of September 3601 1.4:1 Higher than normal throughout September
4th Week of September 4005 1.4:1 The high ratio to FL continues
1st Week of October 2139 1.8:1 Pricing remains high due to the imbalance
2nd Week of October 3254 1.5:1 Car shipping cost to FL is still very high
3rd Week of October 2700 2.7:1 Ratios are way out of whack to Florida
4th Week of October 2568 2.9:1 Car shipping costs to Florida skyrocket
1st Week of November 2622 2.5:1 Pricing remains high due to the imbalance
2nd Week of November 2008 2.1:1 Early November is a bad time to ship to FL
3rd Week of November 1518 1.4:1 mid-November starts to calm down
4th Week of November 2243 1.3:1 Vehicle shipping interrupted by Turkey Day
End of November / Begin December 2422 1.7:1 Thanksgiving causes car shipment backlogs to Florida for a week or more

The Autumn Season is perhaps the best time of year to ship a car to Miami, or anywhere else for that matter. 

Bottom Line: When To Ship A Car To Miami

When is the best time to ship a car to Miami? Probably the Spring,  Summer, and Autumn Seasons. Car shipping quotes tend to be lower and service faster. The Winter Season is far more costly.

As far as car shipping to Miami goes, some seasons are much easier than others. The Winter season is by far the toughest, especially around the auto transport snowbird migration to Miami in late December and January, as shipping costs soar. 

The Spring season is a good time to ship a car to Miami, especially in May when snowbird backhaul prices plummet to Miami. The Summer season is relatively fine. The Autumn season is ideal weather, and car transport quotes tend to be lower than average. 

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator To Miami

Direct Express Auto Transport originated the instant car shipping quote calculator in 2004. It is still the best, most sophisticated, reliable tool available online. We offer three options that we call tiers of car shipping quote estimates to Miami, FL.

The Standard rate is the cheapest car shipping quote. Use the Standard rate if you can be patient. 

The Expedited rate, or tier as we call them, is the most recommended and best auto transport quote. We have countless satisfied Expedited rate customers because the vehicle shipping process tends to go quicker. 

The Rush rate is our highest level of car transport quotes and service, and many customers are glad they went with that method too. If in a hurry, go Rush rate.

Car Transport Cost: FAQ

  • Should You Ship Your Car Open or Enclosed?

    About 97% of all vehicle shipments are shipped on an Open Trailer. It’s proven to be a very safe method with statistically very few problems. You may notice new cars being delivered to dealerships in an open trailer, and that’s because it’s safe. If you have a collector car or really expensive automobile, say around $75,000 or more, then we recommend shipping it in an Enclosed Trailer. Expect to pay about 33-50% more for an Enclosed transport. Our auto shipping costs calculator automatically adds the extra enclosed car transport estimate to your quote, so you can experiment with the quotes if you like.

  • How Long Will It Take To Pick Up My Vehicle?

    Over 90% of our orders ship inside of one week. That could be anywhere from 1 to 7 days. Most of the U.S. population lives in a major metropolitan area and is shipping to another well populated area, and that makes a big difference. Cars usually ship in a very regular manner, almost half within just a few days.

    If either your origination or destination locations are away from population centers, in other words, in a remote area, then you might consider meeting a driver in a nearby big city or town to increase your chances of shipping timely. Or adding money to the carrier fee may entice a carrier. Remember, anyone you choose can serve as your point of contact, which takes the stress out of shipping your vehicle.

  • How Do I Prepare My Vehicle For Shipment?

    Clean out your vehicle of all loose items as much as possible. Leave nothing of value in the vehicle. It’s very rare that any items are stolen during transport, but we recommend extra caution to prevent loss.

    Keep extra items as previously discussed to a minimum and place in the trunk or out of sight. Have only about a quarter tank of gasoline. Give the auto transport carrier a set of keys and advise them of any special instructions for your vehicle, like difficulty starting, steering, braking, etc.

    Driver Consideration: Being a truck driver can be a thankless job. They work long hours and are away from their families for weeks at a time. Please be friendly and considerate to our drivers, and they will treat you in the same manner.

  • How Are Car Shipping Quotes Calculated?

    The first factor used to calculate car shipping cost is the transport distance. Next are the length, height and weight of the vehicle, followed by running condition and type of trailer (Open or Enclosed). Finally, seasonal fluctuations may impact the overall cost.

  • Non-Running Vehicles Cost More

    Maneuvering non-operational vehicles on and off a car transport trailer is a big challenge. Car shipping companies much prefer operational (running) vehicles because it gives them an easier option to reposition their entire load. Non-running vehicles take considerably more time to get on and off the trailer. So the car shipping quote must reflect the higher cost. Many auto transporters don’t have a winch and cannot accommodate non-running vehicles. That is one reason it takes longer on average to ship non-operational vehicles. Fewer do it. If at all possible, fixing your vehicle before trying to ship it will save on the non-running car transport cost, and make the process go faster.

  • How Long Does It Take To Deliver My Vehicle?

    Delivering is final step in the process, and also the simplest part. Once your vehicle has been assigned and picked up, not too much can go wrong. Once the vehicle is picked up, you can estimate that it will take roughly 1 day of transit time for every 500 miles distance. Delivery Time Estimate Guide 100-500 miles takes 1 or 2 days 500-1000 miles takes 2 or 3 days 1000-1500 miles takes 3 or 4 days 1500-2000 miles takes 4 or 5 days 2000-2500 miles takes 5 or 6 days 2500-3000 miles takes 6 or 7 days Depending on the distance, weather conditions and population centers it could be a few days or weeks until a vehicle reaches its destination. The carriers usually estimate about 10 days on coast to coast trips, but they frequently arrive earlier.

  • Can I Put Stuff In My Car When I Ship It?

    Yes and no. The strict interpretation is no, you can’t ship items inside your vehicle. The reality is that almost all carriers look the other way on items that weigh less than 100 pounds, roughly the equivalent of 2 suitcases. We recommend placing any additional items in the trunk and out of sight. The U.S. Transportation Law states that a carrier can be fined $10,000 for hauling household items in the vehicle, but it’s rarely enforced. However, the drivers do estimate the weight of each vehicle that they carry and don’t want problems at weight scales. So they must keep the personal items to a minimum. Some drivers will accept a tip ($50-$250) for hauling extra stuff, but some won’t. Rule of thumb, don’t take advantage.

Related Articles

  • Open vs Enclosed Car Transport Service

    Read more

Continue reading

Why You Should Not Book Car Shipping Services Too Far In Advance

Why You Should Not Book Car Shipping Services Too Far In Advance

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Car Shipping Advice, Car Shipping Cost Calculator, Car Shipping Quotes Calculator, Car Shipping Service, Car Shipping Service, Car Show Vehicle Transport, Car Transport Calculator, Car Transport Cost per Mile, Car Transport Estimates, Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Shipping Cost.

Why You Should Not Book Car Shipping Services Too Far In Advance

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Why You Should Not Book Car Shipping Services Too Far In Advance

Why You Should Not Book Car Shipping Services Too Far In Advance

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Related Topic Resources

One of the most important questions we get from customers is when should they book their car shipment. Everybody’s situation is just a little bit different, but the short answer is not to do it too soon. Because there is absolutely no advantage to booking early. Here is why you should not book car shipping services too far in advance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Car transport carriers rarely commit to picking up orders more than three days in advance. So there is no reason to book early, especially many weeks early.
  • Knowing that carriers don’t commit early, most auto transport brokers will not even look for a carrier until about three days before the first date available. Doing so earlier than that is risky for the customer.

The prudent thing for any car shipping customer is to have the most current market pricing. Too low and your car won’t go. Too high and you wasted your money. Current pricing solves that problem. So don’t book car shipping services too far in advance.

In This Blog Article:

Why Do Most Auto Transport Broker Sites Recommend Early Booking?

So why do most auto transport broker websites recommend booking an order far in advance of the ship date? We think there are two main reasons: 

First, like most businesses, they would prefer to book your order before you find someone else.

And secondly, it may have something to do with AI, artificial intelligence. For some reason, AI writing programs like Chat GPT and others, have a knee-jerk answer as to when is the best time to book car shipping. AI gives the same answer that they would if you were booking a seat on an airline flight. Which is early, of course. But it is the wrong answer for an auto transport customer. 

The big difference between an airline flight seat and a car transport carrier spot is that you’re reserving a seat on the former, but not a spot on the latter. It is easy for a car shipping customer to make the wrong assumption that they are all set, have reserved a spot on a vehicle transport carrier, have locked in the price, and needn’t worry anymore. So that is why we are writing this blog, to correct that wrong assumption, and steer people in the right direction. 

Folks, you don’t have a reserved spot on a car transport carrier until you’ve received a car shipping assignment email with the name of the carrier and his phone number.

Auto Transport Carriers Do Not Commit Early

Here’s the thing folks, most auto transport carriers are not sure what they’re doing later this week. They might have a rough idea, but they know that circumstances can change quickly and their schedule upended entirely. 

Now imagine that they have any idea whether they’ll be in Chicago in three weeks or San Francisco. Most of them have no idea. And certainly cannot predict that they will be able to pick up your vehicle on any particular date three weeks in advance. Or two weeks. Or even one week. 

Because of that uncertainty in their schedule, almost all carriers are loath to commit to an order weeks in advance. Dear readers, most auto transport carriers are reluctant to commit four or five days in advance. They know that they can easily be off by a day or two, and maybe more. 

If a car transport carrier won’t commit early, why would a customer?

When Do Car Shipping Brokers Look For A Carrier?

Once burned, twice shy, as the saying goes. For most auto transport brokers, it’s getting burned more often than that before getting wise. Most car shipping brokers who have made an order available a week or more early, have had carriers cancel on them just as the shipping date arrives. The reason could be quite honest, that the Carrier truck broke down, or their schedule changed.

But more likely, the car transport carrier had so much time to beat the carrier fee on that particular broker order and was able to replace it with something that paid better. They don’t say that of course. But the thought comes quickly to mind. The vehicle shipping carrier simply found a better payday and came up with some lame excuse not to come through on their commitment.

So every broker lives and learns not to act too quickly. We have noticed at Direct Express Auto Transport, that most carriers will come through on their commitment to pick up a vehicle order within three days of the available date to ship. We have learned the hard way, not to count on carriers more than three days in advance.

The good thing about car transport carriers is that they generally pick up a vehicle within one or two days of it being assigned to them. Sometimes a carrier will pick it up the same day it’s assigned. Rarely do they say that they want to pick it up in three days. We rarely hear a carrier say that they’ll pick up a vehicle in four days, for the very reasons we articulated above.

So looking for a carrier to ship a vehicle three days in advance, is kind of the sweet spot when it comes to searching for an auto transport carrier to commit to a customer order.

Booking Vehicle Shipping Too Early May Backfire

We have noticed that many snowbirds like to be organized and book their car shipments weeks in advance. It makes sense in many ways, to get your ducks in a row, cross that off your to-do list, and feel that they have secured a spot on a car transport carrier. 

They might book in October or November, for a spot around Christmas time heading to Florida like tens of thousands of other snowbirds. They are surprised when what they thought was a sure thing, turned out to be nothing of the sort. 

There is no better time to ship a car than in October or early November. Pricing tends to be low. By the time Christmas comes around, with a huge influx of customer orders, and people trying to get to Florida and elsewhere warm for the winter, the car shipping rates tend to skyrocket to the highest levels of the year. So within just a few weeks, the market goes from the lowest pricing to the highest.

If You Are Priced Too Low – Your Car Might Not Ship

The only way any auto transport broker could even begin to guarantee a price is if it is way way too high. Because you cannot guarantee what you cannot control. And as auto transport prices skyrocket, every auto transport broker is along for the ride.

So an order that was booked too far in advance, and priced at that time properly, but many weeks later is too low for the current market, most car transport brokers will likely go back to the customer and say things have changed. Because they have. And then the customer will be informed of the much higher price. Which is a conversation that never goes well.

So in that instance, there was absolutely no advantage to the customer by booking his car shipping order so early. It gives the customer a false sense of security and leaves him scrambling at the last minute, at considerable expense.

What happened to that early booking customer, was that many others who booked after him in the interim at the higher rate, will certainly ship first. It is not first come first served when it comes to the auto transport industry. And that comes as a rude awakening to many nice people caught unaware.

At Direct Express Auto Transport, we try to warn our customers about that very thing. And we do it here in this blog. Frankly, we haven’t seen any competitor write this way and give such clear and good advice about not booking early.

Booking Too Far In Advance Might Lock In too High A Rate

Oh but wait, most auto transport brokers will honor an early car shipping order booked many weeks in advance if the price is too high.

How might that happen? Let’s continue with the snowbird example. Imagine a customer who booked their order during the busiest season, the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, but didn’t want to ship until February. The pricing when he booked was very high.

By February, however, it rivals October in its low pricing. Unfortunately, the customer has locked into the higher price and if he only waited until February to book, he would’ve enjoyed a nice savings. Ouch.

So you see once again, it was not in the customer’s best interest to have booked his order many weeks in advance.

The Optimal Advance Period To Book A Vehicle Shipment

The best time to book your car shipment is anywhere between three and 10 days before you make your vehicle available to ship.

A smart and savvy broker, such as Direct Express auto transport, won’t start looking for a carrier for many reasons, before three days from the first available ship date. Generally speaking, pricing won’t fluctuate very much one week before that, which would be 10 days before the first available day to ship.

You can probably get away with booking your car shipment two weeks in advance, but it gets more and more dicey the farther out you go. There is no good reason for booking an order more than two weeks in advance. None.

The Bottom Line On Advance Booking of Car Shipping

The overwhelming majority of carriers will not commit to picking up a car shipment more than three days in advance of the vehicle availability. So why book earlier than that? It is almost always best to have current auto transport market pricing. If it’s high, then there’s no way around it you gotta pay. Because others will ship and you won’t. However, if the price is low, you should enjoy that.

Car Transport Cost: FAQ

  • Should You Ship Your Car Open or Enclosed?

    About 97% of all vehicle shipments are shipped on an Open Trailer. It’s proven to be a very safe method with statistically very few problems. You may notice new cars being delivered to dealerships in an open trailer, and that’s because it’s safe. If you have a collector car or really expensive automobile, say around $75,000 or more, then we recommend shipping it in an Enclosed Trailer. Expect to pay about 33-50% more for an Enclosed transport. Our auto shipping costs calculator automatically adds the extra enclosed car transport estimate to your quote, so you can experiment with the quotes if you like.

  • How Long Will It Take To Pick Up My Vehicle?

    Over 90% of our orders ship inside of one week. That could be anywhere from 1 to 7 days. Most of the U.S. population lives in a major metropolitan area and is shipping to another well populated area, and that makes a big difference. Cars usually ship in a very regular manner, almost half within just a few days.

    If either your origination or destination locations are away from population centers, in other words, in a remote area, then you might consider meeting a driver in a nearby big city or town to increase your chances of shipping timely. Or adding money to the carrier fee may entice a carrier. Remember, anyone you choose can serve as your point of contact, which takes the stress out of shipping your vehicle.

  • How Do I Prepare My Vehicle For Shipment?

    Clean out your vehicle of all loose items as much as possible. Leave nothing of value in the vehicle. It’s very rare that any items are stolen during transport, but we recommend extra caution to prevent loss.

    Keep extra items as previously discussed to a minimum and place in the trunk or out of sight. Have only about a quarter tank of gasoline. Give the auto transport carrier a set of keys and advise them of any special instructions for your vehicle, like difficulty starting, steering, braking, etc.

    Driver Consideration: Being a truck driver can be a thankless job. They work long hours and are away from their families for weeks at a time. Please be friendly and considerate to our drivers, and they will treat you in the same manner.

  • How Are Car Shipping Quotes Calculated?

    The first factor used to calculate car shipping cost is the transport distance. Next are the length, height and weight of the vehicle, followed by running condition and type of trailer (Open or Enclosed). Finally, seasonal fluctuations may impact the overall cost.

  • Non-Running Vehicles Cost More

    Maneuvering non-operational vehicles on and off a car transport trailer is a big challenge. Car shipping companies much prefer operational (running) vehicles because it gives them an easier option to reposition their entire load. Non-running vehicles take considerably more time to get on and off the trailer. So the car shipping quote must reflect the higher cost. Many auto transporters don’t have a winch and cannot accommodate non-running vehicles. That is one reason it takes longer on average to ship non-operational vehicles. Fewer do it. If at all possible, fixing your vehicle before trying to ship it will save on the non-running car transport cost, and make the process go faster.

  • How Long Does It Take To Deliver My Vehicle?

    Delivering is final step in the process, and also the simplest part. Once your vehicle has been assigned and picked up, not too much can go wrong. Once the vehicle is picked up, you can estimate that it will take roughly 1 day of transit time for every 500 miles distance. Delivery Time Estimate Guide 100-500 miles takes 1 or 2 days 500-1000 miles takes 2 or 3 days 1000-1500 miles takes 3 or 4 days 1500-2000 miles takes 4 or 5 days 2000-2500 miles takes 5 or 6 days 2500-3000 miles takes 6 or 7 days Depending on the distance, weather conditions and population centers it could be a few days or weeks until a vehicle reaches its destination. The carriers usually estimate about 10 days on coast to coast trips, but they frequently arrive earlier.

  • Can I Put Stuff In My Car When I Ship It?

    Yes and no. The strict interpretation is no, you can’t ship items inside your vehicle. The reality is that almost all carriers look the other way on items that weigh less than 100 pounds, roughly the equivalent of 2 suitcases. We recommend placing any additional items in the trunk and out of sight. The U.S. Transportation Law states that a carrier can be fined $10,000 for hauling household items in the vehicle, but it’s rarely enforced. However, the drivers do estimate the weight of each vehicle that they carry and don’t want problems at weight scales. So they must keep the personal items to a minimum. Some drivers will accept a tip ($50-$250) for hauling extra stuff, but some won’t. Rule of thumb, don’t take advantage.

Related Articles

  • Open vs Enclosed Car Transport Service

    Read more

Continue reading

How To Use The Best Car Transport Quote Calculator

How To Use The Best Car Transport Quote Calculator

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Auto Transport Reviews, Car Shipping Cost Calculator, Car Shipping Service, Car Shipping Service, Car Show Vehicle Transport, Car Transport Calculator, Car Transport Cost per Mile, Car Transport Estimates, Eco-Friendly Auto Transport, Vehicle Shipping Cost.

How To Use The Best Car Transport Quote Calculator

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

How To Use The Best Car Transport Quote Calculator

How To Use The Best Car Transport Quote Calculator

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Related Topic Resources

Shipping your car may mean moving it thousands of miles across the country, or simply transporting it a shorter distance in-state or to a neighboring state. Knowing what it will cost can be made easier by using the car shipping calculator that Direct Express Auto Transport first originated in 2004. In this forum, or blog article, we will inform you on how best to apply our unique and best in class car transport quote calculator to your situation.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Avoid online car shipping calculators that require personal information. Don’t let your mobile phone light up or your email inbox fill up. Use a good car transport rate calculator that offers quotes with no personal information.
  • Understand what goes into the pricing of your vehicle shipment. A sedan will be cheaper than a pickup truck, for example.
  • Decide ahead of time if your vehicle should be protected from the elements and go Enclosed. Or if it is no big deal if it gets dirty and can go Open-Air Transport like the overwhelming majority of cars. 
  • Do not order your vehicle shipment too early. A couple weeks in advance is ideal.

In This Blog Article:

How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?

According to our company records, it can cost as little as $300 for small cars going a short distance, to as much as $3,000 for a big pickup going across the country. It all depends. 

The Main Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs

Because we invented the car transport quote calculator, nobody knows better what goes into calculating instant quotes. Other car shipping companies use a common third rate calculator software that indeed produces a price. But how reliable is another question. And maddeningly, the other competitors often won’t reveal that car shipping cost without you first giving up personal information such as  your email address, phone number, and name.

We don’t do that. Ever. Ours is truly a no personal information instant car transport quote calculator.

We factor certain metrics, including distance, size of vehicle, seasonal fluctuations, operational status, running condition, type of trailer and much more.

Shipping Distance

All car transport companies charge by the mile. You’ll receive a lower rate per mile for vehicle shipments at longer distances, though the overall cost will be higher.

Size of Vehicle

Larger vehicles like pickup trucks, vans, large SUVs and RVs are more expensive to ship than sedans and smaller SUVs. The size of your vehicle is a big factor in the quote engine.

Origination & Destination Locations

Big cities are easier and therefore cheaper than rural areas. It is an important factor.

Type of Trailer – Open or Enclosed

Enclosed transport offers your vehicle more protection during the shipment but at a higher price point than open transport. An enclosed car carrier is often a good choice for shipping luxury and classic cars. However, about 97% of all car shipments go Open-Air Transport because it is cheaper and still safe. The vehicle may arrive a little dirty from the road, but otherwise in the same condition. Just take it to the car wash.

Seasonality

The auto transport industry typically sees higher demand for truck space during the summer, and again briefly in January, which leads to higher prices. Why? Because car shipping is a seasonal business, with higher rates in the summer months (when many families relocate) and in January (when snowbirds fly south for the winter). There is a spike in car shipping demand that gets loaded into the calculator.

Vehicle Condition

Inoperable vehicles are more expensive to ship since they require more resources to transport than those that are in working order. A running car is much easier to load and unload. The carrier driver often needs to reposition his group of vehicles, so if a vehicle is non-running, that’s an issue that needs compensating. Usually $150 to $200 extra for non-operational vehicles.

When Best To Get Car Shipping Estimates

It is not first come … first serve, in the auto transport industry. No, not at all. It is who is paying the most for your size vehicle that gets a spot on the trailer first. Being too early to book might cause problems that you had not anticipated.

Do Not Book Too Far in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes we see are customers who think they are reserving a spot on a trailer, as if they were a seat on a plane, and think ordering their shipment a month in advance is wise. It is not. Nothing actually begins to happen with 99% of vehicle shipments until the week your order is made available. Booking a week or two in advance is ideal.

Get Current Rates For Car Shipping

Some car shipping companies offer guaranteed pricing, but usually at inflated rates so that if the market changes, they won’t get hurt. Most brokers do not guarantee prices because they can’t guarantee what they can’t control.

For instance, car transport pricing spikes dramatically shipping to Florida in December and January. It may even double on some routes. If you book that Florida shipment in October for a December ship date, the price will be likely too low and carriers will be filling their trailers with other higher paying freight, often booked just days in advance. You may sit wondering why your car hasn’t moved? The reason is that you booked too early.

An Auto Transport Broker With Great Google Reviews

An ethical car transport broker will give you the above advice. You can have a pleasant car shipping experience if somebody honest steers you in the right direction. The great thing about Google reviews is that you publicly know who the reviewer is, and that it probably isn’t a competitor taking cheap shots. The BBB is much the same way. Find a broker with outstanding reviews. Like Direct Express Auto Transport.

Car Transport Quote Calculator: The Bottom Line

Direct Express Auto Transport originated the instant quote calculator in 2004. It was nearly four years before a knockoff appeared. We have refined and perfected our quote engine and say confidently that it is by far the best in the car shipping industry.

Car Transport Cost: FAQ

  • Should You Ship Your Car Open or Enclosed?

    About 97% of all vehicle shipments are shipped on an Open Trailer. It’s proven to be a very safe method with statistically very few problems. You may notice new cars being delivered to dealerships in an open trailer, and that’s because it’s safe. If you have a collector car or really expensive automobile, say around $75,000 or more, then we recommend shipping it in an Enclosed Trailer. Expect to pay about 33-50% more for an Enclosed transport. Our auto shipping costs calculator automatically adds the extra enclosed car transport estimate to your quote, so you can experiment with the quotes if you like.

  • How Long Will It Take To Pick Up My Vehicle?

    Over 90% of our orders ship inside of one week. That could be anywhere from 1 to 7 days. Most of the U.S. population lives in a major metropolitan area and is shipping to another well populated area, and that makes a big difference. Cars usually ship in a very regular manner, almost half within just a few days.

    If either your origination or destination locations are away from population centers, in other words, in a remote area, then you might consider meeting a driver in a nearby big city or town to increase your chances of shipping timely. Or adding money to the carrier fee may entice a carrier. Remember, anyone you choose can serve as your point of contact, which takes the stress out of shipping your vehicle.

  • How Do I Prepare My Vehicle For Shipment?

    Clean out your vehicle of all loose items as much as possible. Leave nothing of value in the vehicle. It’s very rare that any items are stolen during transport, but we recommend extra caution to prevent loss.

    Keep extra items as previously discussed to a minimum and place in the trunk or out of sight. Have only about a quarter tank of gasoline. Give the auto transport carrier a set of keys and advise them of any special instructions for your vehicle, like difficulty starting, steering, braking, etc.

    Driver Consideration: Being a truck driver can be a thankless job. They work long hours and are away from their families for weeks at a time. Please be friendly and considerate to our drivers, and they will treat you in the same manner.

  • How Are Car Shipping Quotes Calculated?

    The first factor used to calculate car shipping cost is the transport distance. Next are the length, height and weight of the vehicle, followed by running condition and type of trailer (Open or Enclosed). Finally, seasonal fluctuations may impact the overall cost.

  • Non-Running Vehicles Cost More

    Maneuvering non-operational vehicles on and off a car transport trailer is a big challenge. Car shipping companies much prefer operational (running) vehicles because it gives them an easier option to reposition their entire load. Non-running vehicles take considerably more time to get on and off the trailer. So the car shipping quote must reflect the higher cost. Many auto transporters don’t have a winch and cannot accommodate non-running vehicles. That is one reason it takes longer on average to ship non-operational vehicles. Fewer do it. If at all possible, fixing your vehicle before trying to ship it will save on the non-running car transport cost, and make the process go faster.

  • How Long Does It Take To Deliver My Vehicle?

    Delivering is final step in the process, and also the simplest part. Once your vehicle has been assigned and picked up, not too much can go wrong. Once the vehicle is picked up, you can estimate that it will take roughly 1 day of transit time for every 500 miles distance. Delivery Time Estimate Guide 100-500 miles takes 1 or 2 days 500-1000 miles takes 2 or 3 days 1000-1500 miles takes 3 or 4 days 1500-2000 miles takes 4 or 5 days 2000-2500 miles takes 5 or 6 days 2500-3000 miles takes 6 or 7 days Depending on the distance, weather conditions and population centers it could be a few days or weeks until a vehicle reaches its destination. The carriers usually estimate about 10 days on coast to coast trips, but they frequently arrive earlier.

  • Can I Put Stuff In My Car When I Ship It?

    Yes and no. The strict interpretation is no, you can’t ship items inside your vehicle. The reality is that almost all carriers look the other way on items that weigh less than 100 pounds, roughly the equivalent of 2 suitcases. We recommend placing any additional items in the trunk and out of sight. The U.S. Transportation Law states that a carrier can be fined $10,000 for hauling household items in the vehicle, but it’s rarely enforced. However, the drivers do estimate the weight of each vehicle that they carry and don’t want problems at weight scales. So they must keep the personal items to a minimum. Some drivers will accept a tip ($50-$250) for hauling extra stuff, but some won’t. Rule of thumb, don’t take advantage.

Related Articles

  • Open vs Enclosed Car Transport Service

    Read more

Continue reading

3 Ways Auto Transport Double Brokering Happens And Why It Matters mobile

3 Ways Auto Transport Double-Brokering Happens And Why It Matters

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Car Shipping Cost Calculator, Car Shipping Quotes Calculator, Car Shipping Service, Car Transport Estimates, Cheap Auto Transport, Exotic Car Transport, Luxury Car Shipping.

3 Ways Auto Transport Double-Brokering Happens And Why It Matters

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Reliable Car Shipping Fast & Reputable

3 Ways Auto Transport Double-Brokering Happens And Why It Matters

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Related Topic Resources

There has been an escalation of auto transport double-brokering since the pandemic that has become a serious matter for carriers, brokers and customers alike. Everyone in the car shipping industry is harmed when double-brokering happens.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Auto Transport Double-Brokering can result from customer intention, broker cunning, or carrier duplicity. All 3 cause major headaches. 
  • Car transport carriers will shy away from double brokered orders because they can’t count on the vehicle being there. 
  • The best thing to do is for a customer to choose one fully vetted broker. 
  • The broker should not list a vehicle on a load board without a firm order. 
  • A carrier should not job out to a third party, and should deliver the order for which he was hired. 

In This Blog Article:

The 3 Main Ways Double-Brokering In The Auto Transport Industry Happens

  1. A customer intentionally enters an order with multiple brokers, thinking he’s clever, but not realizing that the confusion he creates on a load board is a disincentive for any carrier to choose his vehicle over others listed only once. 
  2. A car shipping broker takes a quote they have given to a customer and without an actual order or customer permission, posts it on a load board, which then collides or competes with an authorized order entered with another broker. 
  3. A car transport carrier accepts an order, called a load, from a broker and instead of doing the job as agreed, secretly reassigns it to an often unwitting 3rd party carrier. 

In this article, tapping into our over 20 years of experience, Direct Express Auto Transport will explain the 3 main ways that double-brokering in car shipping happens and why it matters.

What Happens When Customers Intentionally Double-Broker Auto Transport Orders

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a customer performing due diligence, soliciting competitive quotes, and vetting car shipping brokers for experience, expertise, ethical reputation, and positive reviews. You should do that. 

After proper research, about 95% of customers choose one broker to work with, and that is recommended. 

A small minority of customers, about 5%, will muck up their shipment by intentionally ordering from multiple brokers. They think they are creating a competitive advantage by pitting brokers against one another, but here is what most often happens:

  • The brokers recognize the same vehicle on the load board more than once with multiple brokers. 
  • The year, make & model are the same.
  • The origination and destination cities and zip codes are the same.
  • The type of trailer (open vs enclosed) and operational condition (running or not) are the same. 
  • A carrier will be reluctant to get involved in an uncertain order masked in confusion and will choose loads listed only once. 
  • A carrier would be concerned that if he accepted the order from one of the brokers, that by the time he went to pick up the vehicle, one of the other brokers might have assigned it to a rival carrier who got there first.
  • By getting involved, a carrier risks wasting his time and considerable expense driving fruitlessly to pick up a vehicle that is no longer there. 
  • A carrier that is left holding an empty bag, so to speak, will have also lost the chance at other loads listed only once, and must start over to fill that spot. 
  • A prudent and wise carrier will avoid double-brokered loads and gravitate to those vehicles listed only once. Which means the customer is delayed.
  • A broker knows that “if” a carrier calls any broker for the load, it will be the one offering the highest price.
  • Essentially, the customer guaranteed himself the highest price quoted by all his brokers. 
  • Some brokers will play leap frog on the load board, offering ever higher carrier fees that were never agreed to, in order to attract the first phone call from a carrier, and hoping later to convince the customer to pay it. 
  • By creating a so-called competitive situation with double-brokered (or triple, quadruple or more) brokers, the customer has invited higher pricing and game playing by some brokers. 

If you are a customer who has multi-brokered his order, the ensuing stress and confusion you have caused will likely result in a higher than necessary car shipping cost for you and considerable aggravation along the way. You can’t do it on the sly, because both the brokers and carriers will see it. Put another way, it is usually self defeating.

There Are Two Ways Auto Transport Brokers List Loads Without Customer Permission

Brokers Who Self Harvest Customer Information & Then Double-Broker

  1. Some auto transport brokers take their online website quote requests, or phone calls, and without customer permission such as an order, place the information on a car shipping central load board for any carrier to see. If they get a bite, a positive response from a carrier, the broker can circle back to the potential customer. The posted load board price is often artificially inflated to lure a carrier into calling. Sneaky? Deceptive? You bet.

    However, the customer has chosen another broker to work with and now the cunning auto transport broker has created a double-brokering situation not of the customer’s making. 

    The selected broker with a legitimate order is likely the lower priced of the two, and has little chance of receiving a positive response from any carrier, who will of course choose the higher paying posted fee. The customer is cheated. And so is the preferred broker with a real customer deal.

    Brokers Who Buy Customer Leads & Then Double-Broker

  2. There is a second way a load gets double-brokered by brokers. There are a number of car shipping websites created by companies that are NOT in the car shipping business. The customer lead websites mirror the appearance in almost every way of actual broker sites. 

    The lead websites start off with a quote box that is similar to a real broker site, but string the visitor along into revealing personal information that is not actually necessary to produce a quote. The goal is for those lead generating websites to sell the customer information to auto transport brokers who will buy them. 

    It is easy for a visitor to be fooled. Customers don’t notice words like “partners” or “multiple brokers” or “multiple quotes”. Or even if they did notice, might not understand the meaning. By filling out the form, many visitors don’t realize what will happen next. 

    Here is the information requested on the lead generating auto transport websites:

    • Year, Make & Model … (like a broker)
    • Origination and Destination cities and zip codes … (like a broker)
    • Type of Trailer / Open or Enclosed … (like a broker)
    • Operational Condition / running or not … (like a broker)
    • First Available Shipping Date … (like a broker)
    • Name 
    • Email Address 
    • Phone Number 

    The masquerading auto transport websites that are in reality lead generators will instantly sell your personal information to several brokers at roughly $2 each. They must have at least an email address and preferably also a phone number so the brokers have a way to reach the prospective customer.

Since the lead provider will have anywhere from 3 to 10 broker clients per lead, the seller will make anywhere from $6 to $20 on each visitor to their site without lifting a finger. It is automatic. And legal, in case you’re wondering.

Your email inbox will be inundated with broker quotes. Follow up emails will pour in for weeks.

Your mobile phone will ring incessantly with phone calls from brokers who paid $2 to get your information.

What Do Some Brokers Do With Their Customer Leads?

Here’s what many brokers do with your information, regardless of whether you ever communicated with them, much less placed an order:

  • List the lead information on a Load Board, which is unethical and against the load board’s policy of listing only contracted orders. It creates double-brokering.
  • The broker will check to see how many other brokers have listed the same vehicle shipment and at what price?
  • If other brokers have a higher carrier fee, they will refresh their listing without prior customer approval to a higher price, so as to win. They know the highest carrier fee usually gets the first carrier phone call for acceptance.

Common Auto Transport Broker Tricks When Double Listing A Load

Many auto transport brokers who list loads without permission, call it double-brokering, try to create plausible deniability to stay out of trouble with the load board. What they are doing is against the rules and they know it. Here are some of the games they play.

Notice the double-brokering culprit may create plausible deniability by changing ever so slightly the model of the vehicle, and one or more zip codes. 

In most cases, everything is unabashedly the same, save the carrier fee, which is usually higher. But even if the listed carrier fee is lower, the fact that the load is listed twice or more, might cause a carrier to avoid it altogether. Harm is done to the customer.

How Does A Carrier Know Whether A Broker Has A Contract?

A tell-tale sign for most carriers is when they call a broker to request a listing on the load board, and the broker’s dispatcher puts him on hold. That usually doesn’t happen when the broker has a contract with the customer. The carrier suspects that the broker they called is scrambling to contact the prospective customer, because they don’t have a deal yet, to negotiate a likely higher order total. And the carrier can see the load is double-brokered. 

The broker is probably on the other line to the customer, if he/she answered, and is asking, “Hey Customer, we have a carrier that can transport your vehicle for $200 more, do you want to do it?” The customer does not know whether the carrier in question would have called the broker they hired, and for less, if not for the double-brokering intruder. 

A Third Method: How Carriers Double-Broker

So far we have explored how some customers and some auto transport brokers double-broker vehicle shipments. There is a third nemesis when it comes to it, and that is the carriers themselves, or at least a small minority of them. Less than 10% of all orders are double-brokered according to our analysis of a popular load board. 

What Is Carrier Double Brokering?

A small minority of carriers will search on a load board for above average carrier fees, and knowing the market rate as they do, contact the broker for assignment, thus removing the listing from the board. Then the assigned carrier will repost it, as if the original broker, and reassign the load to an often unwitting third party carrier for a lesser amount. The double-brokering carrier pockets the difference without ever performing the task for which they alone were hired, and contractually agreed to do. 

You need a scorecard to keep track of it.

Sometimes the double-brokering carrier does not repost the load on the same board, but instead, finds a rival board to post the load in search of an unwitting third party carrier. And sometimes they simply know of another carrier to solicit.

The practice of carriers jobbing out loads to other carriers is almost always against the contractual agreement with the original broker. And for good reason. 

  • Perhaps the third party carrier has a poor reputation for service and the original broker would never have hired them in the first place.
  • The original broker, having been duped, does not know who has his customer’s vehicle, and cannot get status reports.
  • If physical damage to the vehicle occurs, the assigned carrier and his third party carrier may squabble about who is liable and whose insurance is to pay. 
  • The broker, if he collected the full amount upfront, will likely pay the assigned carrier his fee, who then might not pay the third party carrier, who unwittingly risked getting stiffed.

The Bottom Line: Double-Brokering by Either Customers, Brokers Or Carriers Causes Confusion, Time, Money & Stress

Fortunately, less than 10% of all vehicle listings are double-brokered. Things could be worse. 

 

Unfortunately, the auto transport double-brokering orders that are listed on load boards end up costing everyone involved all sorts of problems. From benign annoyances that cost time to unravel, to inflated carrier fees passed on to the customer, to legal ramifications when damages occur, to third party carriers not getting paid. 

 

Direct Express Auto Transport has been an innovative leader in the car shipping industry since 2004. We originated the instant quote calculator, which is now commonplace throughout the industry. We hasten to add that our quote engine is proprietary and still the best. 

 

We do not buy leads and only post loads with a completed order. Therefore, we do not double-broker. Ever. Carriers, and even our competitors, know that. 

Car Transport Cost: FAQ

  • Should You Ship Your Car Open or Enclosed?

    About 97% of all vehicle shipments are shipped on an Open Trailer. It’s proven to be a very safe method with statistically very few problems. You may notice new cars being delivered to dealerships in an open trailer, and that’s because it’s safe. If you have a collector car or really expensive automobile, say around $75,000 or more, then we recommend shipping it in an Enclosed Trailer. Expect to pay about 33-50% more for an Enclosed transport. Our auto shipping costs calculator automatically adds the extra enclosed car transport estimate to your quote, so you can experiment with the quotes if you like.

  • How Long Will It Take To Pick Up My Vehicle?

    Over 90% of our orders ship inside of one week. That could be anywhere from 1 to 7 days. Most of the U.S. population lives in a major metropolitan area and is shipping to another well populated area, and that makes a big difference. Cars usually ship in a very regular manner, almost half within just a few days.

    If either your origination or destination locations are away from population centers, in other words, in a remote area, then you might consider meeting a driver in a nearby big city or town to increase your chances of shipping timely. Or adding money to the carrier fee may entice a carrier. Remember, anyone you choose can serve as your point of contact, which takes the stress out of shipping your vehicle.

  • How Do I Prepare My Vehicle For Shipment?

    Clean out your vehicle of all loose items as much as possible. Leave nothing of value in the vehicle. It’s very rare that any items are stolen during transport, but we recommend extra caution to prevent loss.

    Keep extra items as previously discussed to a minimum and place in the trunk or out of sight. Have only about a quarter tank of gasoline. Give the auto transport carrier a set of keys and advise them of any special instructions for your vehicle, like difficulty starting, steering, braking, etc.

    Driver Consideration: Being a truck driver can be a thankless job. They work long hours and are away from their families for weeks at a time. Please be friendly and considerate to our drivers, and they will treat you in the same manner.

  • How Are Car Shipping Quotes Calculated?

    The first factor used to calculate car shipping cost is the transport distance. Next are the length, height and weight of the vehicle, followed by running condition and type of trailer (Open or Enclosed). Finally, seasonal fluctuations may impact the overall cost.

  • Non-Running Vehicles Cost More

    Maneuvering non-operational vehicles on and off a car transport trailer is a big challenge. Car shipping companies much prefer operational (running) vehicles because it gives them an easier option to reposition their entire load. Non-running vehicles take considerably more time to get on and off the trailer. So the car shipping quote must reflect the higher cost. Many auto transporters don’t have a winch and cannot accommodate non-running vehicles. That is one reason it takes longer on average to ship non-operational vehicles. Fewer do it. If at all possible, fixing your vehicle before trying to ship it will save on the non-running car transport cost, and make the process go faster.

  • How Long Does It Take To Deliver My Vehicle?

    Delivering is final step in the process, and also the simplest part. Once your vehicle has been assigned and picked up, not too much can go wrong. Once the vehicle is picked up, you can estimate that it will take roughly 1 day of transit time for every 500 miles distance. Delivery Time Estimate Guide 100-500 miles takes 1 or 2 days 500-1000 miles takes 2 or 3 days 1000-1500 miles takes 3 or 4 days 1500-2000 miles takes 4 or 5 days 2000-2500 miles takes 5 or 6 days 2500-3000 miles takes 6 or 7 days Depending on the distance, weather conditions and population centers it could be a few days or weeks until a vehicle reaches its destination. The carriers usually estimate about 10 days on coast to coast trips, but they frequently arrive earlier.

  • Can I Put Stuff In My Car When I Ship It?

    Yes and no. The strict interpretation is no, you can’t ship items inside your vehicle. The reality is that almost all carriers look the other way on items that weigh less than 100 pounds, roughly the equivalent of 2 suitcases. We recommend placing any additional items in the trunk and out of sight. The U.S. Transportation Law states that a carrier can be fined $10,000 for hauling household items in the vehicle, but it’s rarely enforced. However, the drivers do estimate the weight of each vehicle that they carry and don’t want problems at weight scales. So they must keep the personal items to a minimum. Some drivers will accept a tip ($50-$250) for hauling extra stuff, but some won’t. Rule of thumb, don’t take advantage.

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luxury car shipping by ultra wealthy overseas

The Ultra-Wealthy Ship Their Cars Overseas By Plane

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Car Shipping Cost Calculator, Car Shipping Quotes Calculator, Car Shipping Service, Car Transport Estimates, Cheap Auto Transport, Exotic Car Transport, Luxury Car Shipping.

The Ultra-Wealthy Ship Their Cars Overseas By Plane

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Reliable Car Shipping Fast & Reputable

The Ultra-Wealthy Ship Their Cars Overseas By Plane

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Related Topic Resources

We read with great interest an incredible CNN article in June 2024 about how the ultra-wealthy ship their luxury cars overseas by plane. Absolutely fascinating and mind boggling to see how super rich people don’t flinch at spending tens of thousands of dollars to transport a car overseas or long distances.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Oil rich barrons in the Middle East Gulf states, notably Dubai, use specialized luxury car shipping services to fly vehicles to London, Europe and elsewhere.
  • Ultra-Wealthy Europeans and Americans will do the same without batting an eye.
  • A typical car transport by air from Dubai to London might cost around $36,000.

In This Blog Article:

In this blog article, Direct Express Auto Transport shares our expertise, honed over 20 years experience as a leading vehicle transport company, to comment about luxury car shipping services by plane.

Rich People Shipping Their Cars By Plane

You could buy a new midsize sedan, like a Toyota Camry, for about the same price as you would pay to ship a car by plane from the Middle East Gulf states to London, England. According to Dan Car Logistics, something like that might cost roughly $36,000 to transport. A hefty and extravagant sum of money for the average person, but not a concern to the super rich. Dan Car Logistics reports they arrange car shipping by air about 100 times a year, which is a tad less than 10 times per month.

Specialized Car Shipping Logistics

A luxury vehicle like a Porsche Carrera GT can cost close to $1.9 million. It obviously should be protected not only from the elements such as inclement weather, but also from possible mishaps and damage during transport. It is loaded onto a small enclosed one car trailer, so that it is totally protected, and towed on and off an aircraft. 

Dan Car Logistics uses both commercial planes, which is like buying a ticket for your car, and also uses private cargo planes, which can be substantially more expensive. Either method hides the luxury car from prying eyes, and helps ensure against theft or damage. 

The Difficulty Of Car Shipping Internationally

A luxury vehicle like a Porsche Carrera GT can cost close to $1.9 million. It obviously should be protected not only from the elements such as inclement weather, but also from possible mishaps and damage during transport. It is loaded onto a small enclosed one car trailer, so that it is totally protected, and towed on and off an aircraft. 

The Customs Vehicle Shipping Paperwork and Process

It is a specialized business, Customs Brokers, who are expert at navigating the laws and requirements of a host of countries. It is not something regular U.S. Auto Transport Brokers are proficient at doing. It is time consuming, arduous, expensive, and sometimes maddening. A good customs broker like Crowley, or the aforementioned Dan’s Logistics, spend years perfecting their craft. 

A good international car shipping broker needs to verify all the paperwork. Then a customs officer will check what fees are due, and to do that, they must ascertain the value of the vehicle. Sometimes taxes are still outstanding and must be paid in advance. The same applies to duties. And after everything is in order, every i dotted, every t crossed, the customs vehicle shipping broker will release the car and off it goes.

The Bottom Line: Most U.S. Car Shipping Brokers Don’t Arrange International Orders

It should come as no surprise, given the level of expertise required to ship cars internationally, that most U.S. auto transport brokers stick to domestic vehicle shipping in the mainland, Hawaii and Alaska. Here at Direct Express Auto Transport, we ship exclusively in the 48 contiguous states and point international vehicle shippers to seasoned customs brokers.

Car Transport Cost: FAQ

  • Should You Ship Your Car Open or Enclosed?

    About 97% of all vehicle shipments are shipped on an Open Trailer. It’s proven to be a very safe method with statistically very few problems. You may notice new cars being delivered to dealerships in an open trailer, and that’s because it’s safe. If you have a collector car or really expensive automobile, say around $75,000 or more, then we recommend shipping it in an Enclosed Trailer. Expect to pay about 33-50% more for an Enclosed transport. Our auto shipping costs calculator automatically adds the extra enclosed car transport estimate to your quote, so you can experiment with the quotes if you like.

  • How Long Will It Take To Pick Up My Vehicle?

    Over 90% of our orders ship inside of one week. That could be anywhere from 1 to 7 days. Most of the U.S. population lives in a major metropolitan area and is shipping to another well populated area, and that makes a big difference. Cars usually ship in a very regular manner, almost half within just a few days.

    If either your origination or destination locations are away from population centers, in other words, in a remote area, then you might consider meeting a driver in a nearby big city or town to increase your chances of shipping timely. Or adding money to the carrier fee may entice a carrier. Remember, anyone you choose can serve as your point of contact, which takes the stress out of shipping your vehicle.

  • How Do I Prepare My Vehicle For Shipment?

    Clean out your vehicle of all loose items as much as possible. Leave nothing of value in the vehicle. It’s very rare that any items are stolen during transport, but we recommend extra caution to prevent loss.

    Keep extra items as previously discussed to a minimum and place in the trunk or out of sight. Have only about a quarter tank of gasoline. Give the auto transport carrier a set of keys and advise them of any special instructions for your vehicle, like difficulty starting, steering, braking, etc.

    Driver Consideration: Being a truck driver can be a thankless job. They work long hours and are away from their families for weeks at a time. Please be friendly and considerate to our drivers, and they will treat you in the same manner.

  • How Are Car Shipping Quotes Calculated?

    The first factor used to calculate car shipping cost is the transport distance. Next are the length, height and weight of the vehicle, followed by running condition and type of trailer (Open or Enclosed). Finally, seasonal fluctuations may impact the overall cost.

  • Non-Running Vehicles Cost More

    Maneuvering non-operational vehicles on and off a car transport trailer is a big challenge. Car shipping companies much prefer operational (running) vehicles because it gives them an easier option to reposition their entire load. Non-running vehicles take considerably more time to get on and off the trailer. So the car shipping quote must reflect the higher cost. Many auto transporters don’t have a winch and cannot accommodate non-running vehicles. That is one reason it takes longer on average to ship non-operational vehicles. Fewer do it. If at all possible, fixing your vehicle before trying to ship it will save on the non-running car transport cost, and make the process go faster.

  • How Long Does It Take To Deliver My Vehicle?

    Delivering is final step in the process, and also the simplest part. Once your vehicle has been assigned and picked up, not too much can go wrong. Once the vehicle is picked up, you can estimate that it will take roughly 1 day of transit time for every 500 miles distance. Delivery Time Estimate Guide 100-500 miles takes 1 or 2 days 500-1000 miles takes 2 or 3 days 1000-1500 miles takes 3 or 4 days 1500-2000 miles takes 4 or 5 days 2000-2500 miles takes 5 or 6 days 2500-3000 miles takes 6 or 7 days Depending on the distance, weather conditions and population centers it could be a few days or weeks until a vehicle reaches its destination. The carriers usually estimate about 10 days on coast to coast trips, but they frequently arrive earlier.

  • Can I Put Stuff In My Car When I Ship It?

    Yes and no. The strict interpretation is no, you can’t ship items inside your vehicle. The reality is that almost all carriers look the other way on items that weigh less than 100 pounds, roughly the equivalent of 2 suitcases. We recommend placing any additional items in the trunk and out of sight. The U.S. Transportation Law states that a carrier can be fined $10,000 for hauling household items in the vehicle, but it’s rarely enforced. However, the drivers do estimate the weight of each vehicle that they carry and don’t want problems at weight scales. So they must keep the personal items to a minimum. Some drivers will accept a tip ($50-$250) for hauling extra stuff, but some won’t. Rule of thumb, don’t take advantage.

Related Articles

  • Open vs Enclosed Car Transport Service

    Read more

Continue reading

How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car

Tips For Shipping A Car Across Country

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Car Shipping Advice, Car Shipping Cost Calculator, Car Shipping Quotes Calculator, Car Shipping Service, Car Shipping Service, Car Transport Cost per Mile, Car Transport Estimates.

Tips For Shipping A Car Across Country

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Tips For Shipping A Car Across Country

Tips For Shipping A Car Across Country

Get Your Car Shipping Quote!

Related Topic Resources

The best tips for shipping a car across country will save you time, money and aggravation. Like most everything else of consequence, careful planning will keep you out of trouble. You should approach shipping a car like you would your travel itinerary, mapping out each step in the process and anticipating contingencies.

Key Takeaways: 

  • You want the most current auto transport pricing. So book your order no sooner than 3 weeks before you want it delivered.
  • The actual transit time on the road is about one day for every 500 miles distance, plus one or two days for carrier loading and unloading. Most cross-country vehicle shipments take 7-10 days, sometimes longer.
  • You are competing with other customers for space on a car transport carrier. The highest paying orders ship first regardless of when the order is placed.

In This Blog Article:

In this blog article, Direct Express Auto Transport shares our expertise, honed over 20 years experience as a leading vehicle transport company, to inform you on what it takes to successfully ship a car across the country.

How Many People Are Shipping A Car Across Country?

Cross country car shipping is something people will do only once or twice in their lifetime, and many not at all. For whatever reason, frequent moves, collecting cars or buying and selling vehicles as a business venture, there are people who ship cars on a regular basis. But they are the minority.

Direct Express Auto Transport researched recent New Jersey vehicle shipments on a popular carrier load board, and found only 14% were shipping a car across country, over 2,000 miles. 

However, the same research for California vehicle shipments revealed that 51% were shipping a car cross country (over 2,000 miles). It makes sense because there are so many more states with higher populations nearer New Jersey than California. On any given day, there are several thousand vehicles shipping across country, and during peak periods it can rise to over ten thousand vehicles.

Best Tips For Shipping A Car Across Country

  • Book your order no sooner than 3 weeks before you want it delivered.

Why? Because you want only current market pricing. Booking too early is often a mistake because auto transport costs change every month. Book your order at too low a price and your order may struggle to ship. 

  • Book your order no later than 2 weeks before you want it delivered.

Why? Because it takes several days in transit to ship your car across the country. But it may also take several days, especially if you opted for the lowest Standard Rate and did not select Expedited Rate, to even find or assign a carrier to haul your vehicle. 

  • Remember that you are competing with other customers for space on a car transport carrier. You have not reserved a spot on a carrier even if booking early. Highest paying orders ship first regardless of when the order is placed. 

Why? Customers place orders with auto transport brokers, who then communicate with vehicle shipping carriers. The carriers have no idea and do not concern themselves with when a customer booked an order, nor how long they have been waiting to ship. Carriers choose the highest paying orders. Period. 

  • Plan on a coast to coast vehicle shipment taking 8-10 days on the road. Also plan on a broker taking 1-8 days to find a carrier to transport your vehicle. 
  1. The fastest time frame might be around 9 days start to finish.
  2. It is not unusual for the time frame to be around 18 days start to finish. 
  3. Most orders are somewhere between 9 and 18 days from start to finish.
  4. Adding money by selecting either the Expedited or Rush rate service usually makes the experience go faster and smoother.

  • Sometimes nothing works to get an order shipped in a timely fashion. Or at all. Here’s why:

  1. Because either the origin or destination location is very remote and no carrier is planning on making that run. 

  2.  Because the vehicle is too big and intrudes on a second or even third space and there isn’t enough money to compensate the carrier.
  3. Because sometimes the customer booked way too early at too low a price for the current market. 
  4. Because sometimes the broker made a mistake in pricing, and set the order too low, below current market rates. 
  5. Because sometimes the vehicle is non-running and the carriers are so busy with plenty of running cars that they don’t want to hassle with it. 
  6. Because there is something unusual or too difficult with the vehicle, such as extremely low ground clearance (4 inches or less) and should go Enclosed Transport, not Open-Air Carrier. 
  7. Or is extremely old and might fall apart on the road. 
  8. Or is extremely expensive and the carrier is afraid of the liability. 
  • Have a backup contact at either the origin or destination.

Why? Because shipping a car from yourself to yourself is extremely difficult. Everything has to go perfect for it to work. And the word “perfect” is rarely applied to the unscientific auto transport industry. Having a backup contact at either end helps alleviate stress for everybody. 

  • Speaking of tips, the carrier driver transporting your car will do far more for you than any waiter in a restaurant, whom you probably tip nicely. A car transport driver who takes good care of your vehicle probably deserves a $50-$100 tip, don’t you think?

What Method Do You Ship A Car Coast to Coast?

There are five methods for shipping a car across country, or coast to coast. But really, only two that are popular. The other three are simply possibilities.

By far, the two most popular car shipping methods are by truck – Open Carrier and Enclosed Carrier.

  • Open Car Transport Trucks / Over 95% of all vehicle shipping is done by Open-Air Carrier. The same kind of trucks you see on the highway delivering new vehicles to dealerships. It is relatively safe, which is why car manufacturers use it, and also a cheap and reliable method. 
  • Enclosed Car Transport Trucks / About 3% of all vehicle shipping are done in an Enclosed Carrier. The beauty of that is the protection it affords from inclement weather, storms, hail, dirt and so on. Expensive vehicles or collector cars often use Enclosed Carrier. It is about 35-50% more costly than Open Carrier.
  • Rail Vehicle Shipping / A very small percentage of people ship their car by rail. Think of it as snail mail. It often takes the better part of a month to drop off a car at a rail station for across country car shipping. It is a very cheap method, but can be frustrating for a customer logistically. We don’t recommend it for the general public, but it can be a good economical decision for a business with a fleet of cars.
  • Ocean Car Shipping / Like rail vehicle shipping, ocean car shipping can be an affordable method, but it too can take a long time. If shipping a car to or from Hawaii or Alaska, it makes plenty of sense. Here’s a good tip for a Hawaiian car shipper, Matson. 

Air Auto Shipping / It probably is not on your radar because the cost of it is so over the top, but some people actually fly their car across country. Must be nice to have the bucks to do that, right? For the general public, it’s hardly worth mentioning.

What Do 5 Car Shipping Methods Cost?

A good example would be Los Angeles, California to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, because both those cities have all five elements available: Open-Air Carrier, Enclosed Car Transport, Rail Vehicle Shipping, a port for Ocean Shipping, and finally a major airport for flying a vehicle. 

Here is the average price for all five car shipping methods:

  • Open Car Transport Trucks / $1,494 total cost 
  • Enclosed Car Transport Trucks / $2,299 total cost 
  • Rail Vehicle Shipping / A very small percentage of people ship their car by rail. Think of it as snail mail. It often takes the better part of a month to drop off a car at a rail station for across country car shipping. It is a very cheap method, but can be frustrating for a customer logistically. We don’t recommend it for the general public, but it can be a good economical decision for a business with a fleet of cars.
  • Ocean Car Shipping / $3,091 total cost / Takes two steps Philadelphia to Honolulu: $1,494 Open-Air Carrier Philadelphia to L.A.. Plus $1,597 Los Angeles to Honolulu, Hawaiian car shipper, Matson.
  • Air Auto Shipping / $5,000 total cost

The Time It Takes To Ship A Car Across The USA?

Waiting for a carrier assignment can sometimes take as long or longer than the actual car shipment. Adding additional sums will likely cut down on the wait time for a carrier. Here is an average: 

Car Shipping Across Country / 3,000 miles

  • 1-8 days for your broker to assign a carrier
  • 2 days for carrier pick up
  • 1 day for carrier to load all his vehicles
  • 7-9 days in transit / on the road
  • 1 day for carrier to unload all his vehicles

Total 10-21 days from start to finish for an average vehicle shipment order. Includes everything.

Prepare Your Vehicle For Shipping

Before your car is shipped, it’s a good idea to clean it thoroughly. It will not only make your vehicle look better, but it will also help to identify any existing damage that may need attention. When cleaning your car, please take photos of any scratches, dents, or other imperfections so you can document their existence before shipping.

Remove Personal Items From Your Car

Remove personal items from your car before it is shipped, including GPS devices, cell phones, and other things you wouldn’t want to leave in your vehicle during transit. 

Additionally, remove any after-market additions, such as spoilers or roof racks, as they can quickly become damaged during transit. 

Do not keep any valuable items in your vehicle. Remember that the carrier is responsible only for your car, not for any additional items you have confined to your trunk. Rarely is anything stolen during car transport, but why tempt?

Secure Loose Parts On the Vehicle

Before vehicle shipping, secure any loose parts on your car. That includes items like antennas, hood ornaments, and mirrors. 

Provide Detailed Vehicle & Contact Information

When preparing for car shipping, it’s crucial to provide your car shipping company with detailed information about your car. That includes information about its make, model, and year, as well as its current condition. Additionally, be sure to provide the company with information about your pick-up and delivery locations and your desired shipping dates.

Only A Quarter Tank Of Gas

Carriers prefer only about a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle, so it’s good to have that in mind upon placing your order. The fuel in your tank is unnecessary extra weight, and too much might spill onto other vehicles.

Vehicle Shipping Contacts Arranged

If you can’t be present at either end of the car shipment, please designate someone else to inspect the vehicle with the driver. 

Disable Alarms and Security Systems

Before shipping your car, disable any alarms and security systems. That will prevent the alarm from sounding during transport and causing a disturbance.

Check Your Vehicle’s Other Fluids

Check your car’s fluids, such as oil and coolant, to ensure they are at the proper levels. If the levels are low, add more liquid to ensure your car runs smoothly during transport.

Check Your Tires

Check the tires on your car to ensure they have the proper air pressure and are in good condition. If the tires are too worn or damaged, replace them before shipping. Loading a car with low air pressure or flat tires is very difficult.

The Bottom Line On Shipping A Car Across Country

  • You want the most current vehicle transport market pricing. Booking your order no sooner than 3 weeks before you want it delivered keeps you from having too low a quote, or on the other hand, from paying too high a price.
  • The actual transit time on the road is about one day for every 500 miles distance, plus one or two days for carrier loading and unloading. Most cross-country vehicle shipments take 7-10 days, sometimes longer. A good average is 14 days, or 2 weeks.
  • Car shipping is not first come, first serve. You are actually competing with other customers for space on an auto transport carrier. The highest paying orders will undoubtedly ship first regardless of when the order is placed. When in doubt, add a little more.

Car Transport Cost: FAQ

  • Should You Ship Your Car Open or Enclosed?

    About 97% of all vehicle shipments are shipped on an Open Trailer. It’s proven to be a very safe method with statistically very few problems. You may notice new cars being delivered to dealerships in an open trailer, and that’s because it’s safe. If you have a collector car or really expensive automobile, say around $75,000 or more, then we recommend shipping it in an Enclosed Trailer. Expect to pay about 33-50% more for an Enclosed transport. Our auto shipping costs calculator automatically adds the extra enclosed car transport estimate to your quote, so you can experiment with the quotes if you like.

  • How Long Will It Take To Pick Up My Vehicle?

    Over 90% of our orders ship inside of one week. That could be anywhere from 1 to 7 days. Most of the U.S. population lives in a major metropolitan area and is shipping to another well populated area, and that makes a big difference. Cars usually ship in a very regular manner, almost half within just a few days.

    If either your origination or destination locations are away from population centers, in other words, in a remote area, then you might consider meeting a driver in a nearby big city or town to increase your chances of shipping timely. Or adding money to the carrier fee may entice a carrier. Remember, anyone you choose can serve as your point of contact, which takes the stress out of shipping your vehicle.

  • How Do I Prepare My Vehicle For Shipment?

    Clean out your vehicle of all loose items as much as possible. Leave nothing of value in the vehicle. It’s very rare that any items are stolen during transport, but we recommend extra caution to prevent loss.

    Keep extra items as previously discussed to a minimum and place in the trunk or out of sight. Have only about a quarter tank of gasoline. Give the auto transport carrier a set of keys and advise them of any special instructions for your vehicle, like difficulty starting, steering, braking, etc.

    Driver Consideration: Being a truck driver can be a thankless job. They work long hours and are away from their families for weeks at a time. Please be friendly and considerate to our drivers, and they will treat you in the same manner.

  • How Are Car Shipping Quotes Calculated?

    The first factor used to calculate car shipping cost is the transport distance. Next are the length, height and weight of the vehicle, followed by running condition and type of trailer (Open or Enclosed). Finally, seasonal fluctuations may impact the overall cost.

  • Non-Running Vehicles Cost More

    Maneuvering non-operational vehicles on and off a car transport trailer is a big challenge. Car shipping companies much prefer operational (running) vehicles because it gives them an easier option to reposition their entire load. Non-running vehicles take considerably more time to get on and off the trailer. So the car shipping quote must reflect the higher cost. Many auto transporters don’t have a winch and cannot accommodate non-running vehicles. That is one reason it takes longer on average to ship non-operational vehicles. Fewer do it. If at all possible, fixing your vehicle before trying to ship it will save on the non-running car transport cost, and make the process go faster.

  • How Long Does It Take To Deliver My Vehicle?

    Delivering is final step in the process, and also the simplest part. Once your vehicle has been assigned and picked up, not too much can go wrong. Once the vehicle is picked up, you can estimate that it will take roughly 1 day of transit time for every 500 miles distance. Delivery Time Estimate Guide 100-500 miles takes 1 or 2 days 500-1000 miles takes 2 or 3 days 1000-1500 miles takes 3 or 4 days 1500-2000 miles takes 4 or 5 days 2000-2500 miles takes 5 or 6 days 2500-3000 miles takes 6 or 7 days Depending on the distance, weather conditions and population centers it could be a few days or weeks until a vehicle reaches its destination. The carriers usually estimate about 10 days on coast to coast trips, but they frequently arrive earlier.

  • Can I Put Stuff In My Car When I Ship It?

    Yes and no. The strict interpretation is no, you can’t ship items inside your vehicle. The reality is that almost all carriers look the other way on items that weigh less than 100 pounds, roughly the equivalent of 2 suitcases. We recommend placing any additional items in the trunk and out of sight. The U.S. Transportation Law states that a carrier can be fined $10,000 for hauling household items in the vehicle, but it’s rarely enforced. However, the drivers do estimate the weight of each vehicle that they carry and don’t want problems at weight scales. So they must keep the personal items to a minimum. Some drivers will accept a tip ($50-$250) for hauling extra stuff, but some won’t. Rule of thumb, don’t take advantage.

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photo of washington-monument car shipping from DC

Why Choose Professional Car Shipping Services from DC to Philly

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Auto Shipping, auto transport by city, Car Shipping Service.

If you plan to move from DC to Philly and must transport your car, you might be tempted to do it yourself. However, before renting a trailer or driving your vehicle for hours, consider the benefits of professional car shipping services from DC to Philly. Not only can it save you time and hassle, but it can also provide peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good hands. This article will explore why you should choose professional car shipping services from Washington, DC to Philadelphia. From cost-effectiveness to convenience, we’ll cover it all. So, buckle up and get ready to discover why trusting the experts is the best way to transport your car safely and efficiently. 

Understanding the Car Shipping Process

Car shipping is a process where a professional company transports your vehicle from one location to another. The process involves loading your car onto a carrier truck and transporting it to the desired destination. There are two main methods of car shipping: open and enclosed. Open car shipping means transporting your car on an open-air trailer. Enclosed car shipping means your vehicle will be transported in an enclosed trailer. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately, it depends on your preference and budget.

Why Ship Your Car from DC to Philly?

You should ship your car from DC to Philly for many reasons. You may be moving to Philly for work or school or buying a car online and need it shipped to you. Whatever the reason, professional car shipping services from DC to Philly can make the process much easier and less stressful. When you choose a reputable car shipping company, you can rest assured that your car will be transported safely and efficiently. Plus, you can avoid the hassle of driving your car for hours, which can be tiring and stressful.

Cost of Shipping Your Car from DC to Philly

The cost of shipping your car from DC to Philly depends on several factors, including the distance, type of vehicle, and shipping method. Generally, the price ranges from $400 to $1000. Open car shipping is usually cheaper than enclosed car shipping, but it also provides less protection for your car. Before choosing a car shipping company, get several quotes and compare them. Also, read reviews and check the company’s reputation to ensure you’re getting a fair price for quality service.

Preparing Your Car for Shipping

Before your car is shipped from DC to Philly, there are several things you need to do to prepare it. First, remove all personal belongings from your vehicle. That includes anything in the trunk, glove compartment, and back seat. Next, wash your car and take photos of any existing damage. That will help you document the condition of your vehicle before it’s shipped. Finally, ensure that your car has a quarter or less tank of gas. That will help reduce the vehicle’s weight and make it easier to transport.

Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs

Several factors can affect the cost of shipping your car from DC to Philly. These include the distance, type of vehicle, shipping method, time of year, and fuel prices. Generally, the longer the length, the higher the cost. Larger vehicles and enclosed shipping also tend to be more expensive. Additionally, the time of year can affect the cost. Shipping during peak seasons, such as summer or holidays, may be more costly than shipping during the off-season. Finally, fuel prices can also impact the cost of shipping your car.

What Is the Distance from DC to Philly, and How Long Does It Take?

The distance from DC to Philly is approximately 140 miles. Depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the shipping method, transporting your car can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Open car shipping tends to be faster than enclosed car shipping, as enclosed carriers may need longer routes to avoid low bridges or tight turns. However, it’s important to remember that shipping times may vary, so it’s best to check with your car shipping company for an accurate estimate.

What Are the Major Freeways and Suburbs in DC & Philly?

DC and Philly are both major cities with many highways and suburbs. Some major highways in DC include I-95, I-295, and I-495. Some of the suburbs in DC include Alexandria, Arlington, and Bethesda. In Philly, major highways include I-76, I-95, and I-476. Some of the suburbs in Philly include Cherry Hill, King of Prussia, and Norristown. When choosing a car shipping company, ensure they have experience navigating these areas, as traffic and road conditions can vary greatly.

Receiving Your Car in Philly

When your car arrives in Philly, you’ll need to be there to receive it. Scrutinize your vehicle for any damage and take photos if necessary. If there are any issues, note them and notify the car shipping company immediately. Once you’ve received your car, you can get back on the road and explore all Philly offers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, professional car shipping services are an excellent option for anyone transporting their car from DC to Philly. Not only can it save you time and hassle, but it can also provide peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good hands. By understanding the car shipping process and preparing your car correctly, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. So, if you’re planning to move to Philly or need to transport your vehicle, consider choosing a reputable car shipping company to take care of the job.

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator

Direct Express Auto Transport originated the instant car shipping quote calculator in 2004. It is still the best, most sophisticated, reliable tool available anywhere online. We offer three options that we call tiers of car shipping estimates. The standard rate is the cheapest car shipping quote, but it may take longer. Use it if you are patient. The expedited car shipping rate is most recommended, and we have countless satisfied customers because the shipping process tends to go quicker. The rush rate is our highest level of car shipping service, and many customers are glad they went with that method.

Photo of Expedited Auto Transport Rate

A Guide to First-Time Car Shipping

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Auto Transport Quote Calculator, Auto Transport Reviews, Auto Transport Tips, Car Shipping Advice, Car Shipping Cost Calculator, Car Shipping Quotes Calculator, Car Shipping Service, Door To Door Auto Transport, Enclosed Car Transport.

Whether you are prepping for a big cross-country move, finally letting go of your old reliable car so that you can get a newer model, or just heading south for the winter, one thing is for sure: you are about to ship your car. If this is your first time doing it, this guide to first-time car shipping is for you.

Shipping Your Car for the First Time

Hopefully, you’ve started reading this weeks or months before your shipping date because car shipping takes time. But if you need more time for standard car shipping, don’t fret too much. You will still be able to ship your car, but you will have to pay extra for expedited shipping.

Once you learn the ropes of first-time car shipping, you will see how simple the process is. There is a checklist of things you need to know about car shipping to ensure you make the right choice for your needs. In the sections below, our car shipping professionals here at Direct Express Auto Transport give you a comprehensive car shipping guide covering everything you need to know. Read on to learn how to ship a car the right way, and schedule a shipment with our award-winning team today!

What Factors Affect Car Shipping Costs?

Convenience aside, one of the main reasons that people ship their cars is cost. However, not all car shipments cost the same. There are a wide variety of different factors that are going to affect how much your car shipment is going to cost. Answering the following car shipping questions will help you determine the cost of shipping your vehicle.

Should You Ship Enclosed or Open-Air Transport?

As you learn about first-time car shipping, you will encounter the phrases “enclosed transport” and “open-air transport.” These phrases sound a lot more complicated than they are. Open-air transport means that cars are shipped on an “open trailer” or exposed to the outside. Roughly 97% of cars ship via an open-air carrier. Yours probably will too. Generally, the only cars shipped via enclosed transport are rare and expensive cars that need a fortified shipping method.

Open-air transport is very safe but less secure than having four walls, a floor, and a ceiling to protect the vehicle. Open-air transport is also far cheaper and more readily available than enclosed transportation. You have probably noticed on the highway a load of ten new cars delivered to an automobile dealership in Open transport. That’s because the car manufacturers know it’s very safe.

Do you need door-to-door shipping?

Most probably, yes! After Direct Express Auto Transport assigns your vehicle to a carrier, we instruct the driver to pick up and deliver as close as possible to both addresses. That is in the spirit of door-to-door. Very few times, a big car carrier can pull up to your door. Everybody gets that.

The carrier will first locate your address on Google Maps or something similar. He will search for a large area nearby where he can safely park his transport truck to unload your vehicle. Typical meeting places are grocery store parking lots, malls, extra wide roads, or rest areas. You get the idea. Then the driver calls your origination contact and agrees on a nearby location to meet. Most people understand why the car transporter is selecting someplace other than the actual address. The parties agree on a time, and things usually go smoothly. The whole scenario repeats at the destination. Door-to-Door shipping is the fastest and best way to ship your car!

Do Large City Or Small Rural Places Affect Car Shipping?

Where’s the car coming from, and where’s it going? Which state or town you need car shipping will affect the price. Some significant metropolitan areas (such as Los Angeles or New York) have tons of shipping options, leading to shipping companies trying to undercut each other’s prices — which means great deals for you at the end of the day. Other parts of the country (such as the northern tip of Maine or many of the nation’s smaller towns, for example) are totally out of the way for many of the more trodden shipping routes. As you would expect, shipping your car to or from one of these out-of-the-way destinations will cost more.

How To Choose Among Standard, Expedited & Rush Shipping

The ideal scheduling scenario for first-time car shipping involves booking well ahead of your shipping date. Sometimes, however, the ideal just isn’t possible. If you’re booking on a short timeline, Direct Express Auto Transport uniquely offers an Expedited and Rush shipping option to accommodate your schedule. Here’s how it works. You pay a bit more upfront, which means that the trucker will make more by delivering your car, which causes a higher demand for your vehicle, which leads to it getting on a trailer much quicker than if you ship the Standard. Compared to enclosed shipping, expedited shipping costs a reasonable amount. Many car shipping customers choose our expedited shipping and are glad they did!

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

Just like you’d prepare for a cross-country trip, you’ll need to prepare your vehicle for its journey. Here are a few essential steps to prepare your car for cross-country shipping.

Clean Your Car Before Shipping

Thoroughly clean your car and take photographs. Before shipping your vehicle, you will want to wash its exterior and clean its interior deeply. Though it may seem counterintuitive to clean and wash your car before spending hundreds of miles on American highways and freeways, it’s the best way to ensure any damages incurred during the shipping process get documented. Once you’ve washed and cleaned your car, you will want to take extensive interior and exterior photographs.

Document The Vehicle Condition

Document pre-existing damages and remove valuables from the inside of your car. Hopefully, you are shipping with a company that isn’t going to try to shuck any responsibility on dents, dings, and minor windshield cracks. As far as cleaning and documenting the inside of your vehicle, this is more of a precautionary measure in case someone climbs into the cab of your car and messes with things. That is also an excellent time to take any valuables from the vehicle, be it paperwork or essential items you’re keeping in the glovebox.

Reduce Your Gas Tank To 1/4 Full

Get your gas tank about a quarter full. In the final days leading up to handing your car off to the shippers, you will want to get your gas tank down to about a quarter. That will be enough gas for the inevitable shuffling around of cars on and off of the truck at each stop, but also not too full, as the added weight of a full tank of gas (especially if every car has one) would weigh down the load and cause the truck to have worse gas mileage.

Give An Extra Set Of Keys To The Truck Driver

Hand over a set of keys to the driver. Finally, when you present your car to the transporter, you will need to hand over a set of keys. Ideally, you have multiple key sets and can give the driver your spare. Regardless of whether it’s an extra or the only key you own, you’ll have to hand over a key so that the driver can do the inevitable shuffling around cars with each pick-up and drop-off.

Do I Need To Provide A Title or Car Registration?

That is a natural question for first-time car shipping customers. Amazingly, you do not need to show proof of ownership when you hand the car over to the truck driver, so don’t worry about your title or registration. Anybody standing there with the keys and willing to sign the Bill of Lading can ship it.

Double Check Insurance Coverage

If you’re shipping your car for the first time, one of your primary concerns is your vehicle’s safety. Even if you choose open-air shipping, your car will be very safe. There is statistically less than one claim for every two hundred shipments. And those are usually innocuous, like a small scratch or dent on the bumper. Since your vehicle will be sitting in the middle or back of the car transport truck — at least, behind the freight truck itself — there is little chance that a pebble or other piece of debris will put a dent in your windshield or puncture the undercarriage of your vehicle.

Even so, it would help if you had your vehicle insured. Car shipping companies will insure your car while it is in their possession. One of the best ways to tell a good shipping company from a mediocre one is by checking their shipping policies. Steer clear of any company that does not have at least a six-figure insurance policy. If you’re looking for the best, you may want to find a company that insures your car for at least $100,000 or more.

It’s better to be over-insured rather than under-insured. For this reason, your car shipping company doesn’t have to be your only source of insurance. Check with your car insurance company to see what your coverage is for shipping. Your vehicle insurance should be one of many coverages you have during shipping.

Do Delivery ETA’s Change Very Often?

Shipping cars can be a complicated process. Think of it this way: any auto transport trailer will be loading and unloading, picking up and dropping off at least a half dozen, sometimes even a dozen or more, before and after picking up your vehicle. That’s a big logistical task. Knowing how to transport a car means knowing as many variables as possible and planning for them on the open road. As we’ll cover in the next section, you will want to ship with a company with a solid logistical team so that the best, most logical, and most efficient routes get chosen from the get-go. That will help your car ship quickly and on time.

Schedule changes can still happen no matter how good a car shipping company is. Inclement weather, accidents on the road, and other unforeseeable factors that are totally out of a shipping company’s control can influence shipping times. Often, delays occur due to customers needing to arrive on time when either dropping off or picking up their vehicles.

And once one delay happens, chances are that the delays are going to compound because typically, once the first drop-off or pick-up runs late, then the next one runs later, then the driver needs to sleep before the next round of pick-ups, which may push one or two back until the next day. And so on. That is why you will always get a range of dates for when your car will be delivered rather than an exact day/time.

Generally speaking, the longer the distance between the drop-off and pick-up spot, the more likely your vehicle will be delayed. That is the reason to get on top of shipping your car early. If your vehicle needs to be at its final destination at a particular time, you will want to go with the expedited shipping route. Remember, shipping a car is different than sending a FedEx package. It’s four thousand pounds or more of mettle. A first-time car shipping customer needs to be more understanding.

How Do You Select the Best Auto Transport Company?

The most crucial factor to consider is the auto transport company itself. After all, this organization will get your car from point A to point B. You want the team you work with to be fast, safe, and affordable, with service you can trust.

Look for car transport reviews highlighting quality and professional drivers on time. Usually, with great drivers comes great dispatchers. Likewise, reputable car shipping companies with the best drivers and dispatchers typically have the best service. A great customer service team will make shipping your car much easier than a non-responsive, non-accommodating one.

Ship with a company with a proven track record. Don’t take the company’s word for their service. Consult vetted car review sites to see what customers say about the shipping company. Trustpilot is an excellent place to start. So are the BBB and Google Reviews. Look for keywords about timeliness, professionalism, and ease for the person shipping the car. Try to discern the helpful reviews from the vindictive ones. If you are searching on a trusted review site like Trustpilot, the site will do much of the vetting for you.

Get the best bang for your buck without skimping on quality. Deals on car shipping do exist — you have to find them. Another reason to start your search early is so that you can shop around to find the perfect price.

Ship with the Best Auto Transport Company

Now that you know much more about how to ship a car, it’s finally time to start finding a shipping company. Look no further than right here at Direct Express Auto Transport. Founded in 2003, our reputable car shipping team forged new paths through the complicated road of car shipping to make things easier, safer, and saner for customers. In 2004, we pioneered the Original Auto Transport Quote Calculator — the first-ever online car shipping quote calculator — nearly four years before our competitors implemented one.

Our Original Auto Transport Quote Calculator asks you seven simple questions, none of which require personal information, and gives you an affordable, transparent quote in seconds.

Our Online Quote Calculator has earned us a spot as one of the nation’s most reputable car shipping companies combined with our excellent service, fast shipping times, and uncovered and covered shipping options.

Please don’t take our word for it: listen to our thousands of happy customers, many of whom are first-time car shipping. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating on Trustpilot, we deliver on our promise of fair rates, great coverage, and excellent customer satisfaction. Want to learn more about how to ship a car? Visit our Blog for excellent car transport tips, or contact our team for direct assistance at 800-600-3750.

Photo of Shipping A Car Across Country

Shipping a Car Across the Country

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Auto Transport Quote Calculator, Auto Transport Tips, Car Shipping Advice, Car Shipping Cost Calculator, Car Shipping Service.

Here is some car shipping across the country tips from Direct Express Auto Transport, because we’ve seen a thing or two in the past few decades. There are things to do and not to do. We have successfully shipped over three hundred thousand vehicles and can share some of the things we’ve learned along the way.

When shipping your car, the first thing to know is that there need to be 9-10 vehicles leaving your approximate area, say within 50 miles, and heading roughly to your destination area in a 50-mile radius. That usually happens in higher population density regions.

Relocating to a new state can be a daunting experience, especially when figuring out how to transport your vehicle. With some research and preparation, shipping your car across the country can be seamless. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth, stress-free car transportation experience.

Step 1: Choose a Reputable Car Shipping Company

The first step in shipping a car across the country is to choose a reputable car shipping company. Do your research to find a company with a strong track record of delivering vehicles safely and on time. Look for online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends and family, and get multiple quotes from companies to compare services and prices.

When choosing a car shipping company, select one that offers the type of transportation you need, such as an open or enclosed trailer and insurance coverage for your vehicle.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

Before your car is shipped, it is vital to prepare it for transportation. That includes cleaning the interior and exterior of your vehicle, removing all personal items, and ensuring it is in good working condition. Additionally, it is important to note any existing damage to the car and document it in writing and with photos to ensure that you are not held responsible for any new damages that occur during transportation.

Step 3: Schedule Your Pick-Up and Delivery Dates

Once you have chosen a car shipping company, like Direct Express Auto Transport, and prepared your vehicle, it is time to schedule your pick-up and delivery dates. Make sure to communicate clearly with the shipping company about your preferred timeline and any special requirements you may have. It is also essential to remember that transit times can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, road closures, and the type of transportation you choose.

Do not try to ship a car from yourself to yourself. It rarely goes according to plan and tends to be stressful. Have a backup contact at either or both ends of your auto transport shipment. Give yourself plenty of time. Don’t try to cut it close.

Some people think they can hold onto their car until a day or two before they are to leave and have no backup contact in place. Don’t do that. When a carrier loads up for a 3,000-mile trip across the country, do we know when your vehicle will get picked up. It is not like calling a taxi. You need to plan and factor into your equation that you are likely to be inconvenienced at either or both ends of your car transport. You may need to rent a car or get help from friends. If you don’t, then you get lucky.

Step 4: Track Your Vehicle’s Progress

Keeping track of your vehicle’s progress during car transport is essential to shipping a car across the country. Most reputable car shipping companies will provide you with updates on the location of your vehicle and estimated delivery date. That will give you peace of mind and allow you to plan accordingly for your car’s arrival.

Step 5: Receive Your Vehicle and Inspect for Damages

Upon receiving your vehicle, it is crucial to inspect it for any damages that may have occurred during transportation. If you notice any damages, document them in writing and take photos for evidence. It is also a good idea to keep the original documentation of any pre-existing damage to your vehicle for reference.

Vehicle Size and Weight

The size and weight of your vehicle can also impact the cost of shipping. Larger and heavier vehicles require more fuel and transportation resources, resulting in a higher price.

Seasonality

The time of year you choose to ship your car can also affect the cost. During peak season, demand for car transportation is high, resulting in increased prices. On the other hand, shipping during the off-peak season can result in lower prices.

Conclusion

Shipping a car across the country can seem daunting, but with a bit of research and preparation, it can be a seamless process. By following these five steps, you can ensure a smooth car transportation experience and arrive at your new home with peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good hands.

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator

Direct Express Auto Transport originated the instant car shipping quote calculator in 2004. It is still the best, most sophisticated, reliable tool available anywhere online. We offer three options that we call tiers of car shipping estimates. The standard rate is the cheapest car shipping quote, but it may take longer. Use it if you are patient. The expedited car shipping rate is most recommended, and we have countless satisfied customers because the shipping process tends to go quicker. The rush rate is our highest level of car shipping service, and we have many customers who are glad they went with that method.

photo of Family Shipping A Car

Six Tips About Choosing Auto Shipping Dates

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Auto Transport Quote Calculator, Auto Transport Tips, car shipment, Car Shipping Advice, Car Shipping Cost Calculator, Car Shipping Service, Door To Door Auto Transport.

Shipping a car can be daunting, but with the correct information and preparation, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to ship your car and ensure its safe delivery to its destination.

Choosing the Right Auto Shipping Method

The first step in shipping a car is determining the best method for your needs. There are two main options: open and enclosed shipping. Open shipping is the most cost-effective method, but your car is exposed to the elements during transport. Enclosed shipping offers excellent protection for your vehicle but is more expensive.

Finding the Right Car Transport Company

Once you have decided on the shipping method, the next step is to find a reputable transport company. You can start by asking for recommendations from friends and family or searching online for reviews. Choosing a company with a good track record and positive customer feedback is essential.

Preparing Your Car for Shipping

Before your car is shipped, preparing it for the journey is essential. That includes cleaning the vehicle, removing all personal items, and checking the fluid levels. It is also necessary to have a record of the car’s current condition, including any scratches or dents, to ensure that you are not held responsible for any damages that occur during transport.

Choosing Your Vehicle Shipping Dates

The time it takes to ship a car will vary depending on the distance, shipping method, and transport company.

Vehicle Shipping Date Availability

Tip One

You do not have to be the person meeting the driver. Anybody you choose can do that. It takes about 30 minutes to meet the driver and have him load or unload your vehicle.

While you do not want to inconvenience any friend or family member, it’s not too big a thing to ask. If you would do it for them, chances are good they would do it for you. Having that backup in place takes the stress out of shipping your car.

Tip Two

Try not to ship a vehicle from yourself to yourself. Think of a less stressful way. Figure out where your support system is located. If it is at the origin, lean on those people as backup contacts if you must leave town before your vehicle does. If your support system is at the destination, count them as your backup. Your support system determines auto-shipping dates.

Tip Three

Please know that transporting your vehicle typically takes one day for every 500 miles. For discussion purposes, let us say that your destination location is 2,000 miles away, so it will take four days to transport your vehicle.

Let us also say that your support system is at the origination location, and you need someone at the destination who can receive it. Now, you don’t want your car to beat you there. So, therefore, make your vehicle available to ship at least four days before you are scheduled to arrive at your destination. That gives you a few days from the origination to be the point of contact. If your car has not yet been assigned a driver when you leave, call Direct Express Auto Transport customer service at 800-600-3750 to change the origin point of contact to someone else.

Get on your flight and go. It’s that easy. No stress. Rent a car or do without at your destination. Please remember it is almost impossible to avoid inconvenience at either end of your shipping points. You are not overnighting a package. A vehicle is considerably more. But you know that. Right. Allow your origination point of contact to meet the driver when your car gets assigned. No money changes hands there, and everything will be alright.

Tip Four

Let us now suppose that it is the reverse. You don’t know anybody at the origin, and your support system is at the destination. Well, now, you want to be sure that your vehicle gets on the road before you do. About 90% of Americans live in densely populated areas, so chances are high that you can make it happen come hell or high water.

Unfortunately, 10% of the country lives in remote areas, and no matter how hard you try, finding a carrier on demand may prove nearly impossible. But let’s concentrate here on the 90% that have a good chance. Here’s what you do. Make your vehicle available about 7 to 10 days before you are ready to leave. Chances are high that your car will ship within seven days of availability at our standard rate.

Tip Five

If your car has not been assigned by the time you reach five days before departure, you might begin sweetening the pie for an auto transport carrier by adding a tad more. By doing that, you put yourself in better position. If a carrier is going your way, he will want your better-paying vehicle. That’s how you make it happen.

Another good suggestion is that it may behoove you to meet a driver in a nearby big city.

Tip Six

If you don’t know anybody in either location, the best thing to do is hire someone to ship or receive it. Try not to ship a car from yourself to yourself. Leave your vehicle at a storage facility at your origination and ship from there. There will be added expenses for you, but there’s only so much else you can do. Sometimes an auto body shop will be willing to do it for a nominal fee.

You are in luck if you have support systems in both the origination and destination locations. It is nice to have so many friends. It makes choosing your auto-shipping dates far easier.

Car Shipping Cost

The cost of shipping a car will also vary, with open shipping being the most affordable option. The Direct Express Auto Transport cost calculator provides three tiers, or rates, for faster shipping.

Receiving Your Car

When your car arrives, inspect it thoroughly for any damages and report any issues to the transport company immediately. If everything is in good condition, sign the delivery receipt and take your car home.

Our Conclusion

Shipping a car can seem overwhelming, but it can be a smooth and stress-free experience with the proper preparation and planning. Following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your car is safely delivered to its destination.

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator

Direct Express Auto Transport originated the instant car shipping quote calculator in 2004. It is still the best, most sophisticated, reliable tool available anywhere online. We offer three options that we call tiers of car shipping estimates. The standard rate is the cheapest car shipping quote, but it may take longer. Use it if you are patient. The expedited car shipping rate is most recommended, and we have countless satisfied customers because the shipping process tends to go quicker. The rush rate is our highest level of car shipping service, and we have many customers who are glad they went with that method.

photo of a limousine prior to shipping

Limousine Shipping Services: The Ultimate Solution for Car Transport

Written by Mike Rupers on . Posted in Auto Transport Carriers, Auto Transport Tips, Car Shipping Service.

If you require shipping a limousine, it is essential to choose an exemplary service that can provide you with the best results. At Direct Express Auto Transport, we understand the needs of our clients and offer the best limousine shipping services. Our goal is to ensure that your car is transported safely and efficiently, so you can have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in good hands.

Why Choose Direct Express Auto Transport for Limousine Shipping Services

At Direct Express Auto Transport, we have a team of experienced professionals with years of experience handling all types of vehicles, including limousines. We use only the latest and most advanced equipment to ensure your vehicle is transported safely and securely. Our team is knowledgeable and experienced, so you can rest assured that your vehicle is in good hands.

If you own or operate a company that uses limousines unless you build your custom limos, you’ve had to have one or two transported before. Typically, limousines are similar to transport as a regular car. Because of their length, they will take up two spots on an open car transport carrier. That means it’s going to cost about double for car shipping. We can’t avoid that. Shipping a vehicle that takes up two spots means that the carrier can haul fewer cars, which means he can’t make as much money. He must charge for two places on his transport trailer.

Comprehensive Limo Shipping Services

Our limousine shipping services are comprehensive and designed to meet the needs of all our clients. We have the right solution if you need to transport a limousine for personal or business purposes. Our services include:

  • Door-to-door car shipping
  • Enclosed transport
  • Open-Air auto transport
  • Safe and Secure Shipping

At Direct Express Auto Transport, we understand the importance of keeping your limousine safe and secure during transport. That is why we use only the latest and most advanced equipment to ensure your vehicle is transported safely and securely. Our team of experienced professionals will handle your vehicle with the utmost care, so you can have peace of mind knowing your car is in good hands.

Affordable Limo Transport Pricing

At Direct Express Auto Transport, we believe in providing our clients with the best possible value for their money. Our limousine shipping services are affordable and designed to meet the needs of all our clients. We offer competitive limo transport pricing, so you can have peace of mind knowing you are getting the best possible value for your money.

Top Notch Customer Support

We are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible customer service at Direct Express Auto Transport. Our team is available to answer any questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Our Conclusion

At Direct Express Auto Transport, we understand the importance of choosing the right limousine shipping service. That is why we offer the best services and support to ensure your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about our limousine shipping services and to get a quote.