Vehicle transport prices can vary even when companies are quoting transportation for the same car and route. Differences may result from vehicle information, carrier type, scheduling, route demand, pickup and delivery requirements, and current carrier availability.
That means comparing auto transport quotes involves more than simply choosing the lowest number. You should make sure each quote is based on the same vehicle, route, dates, and transportation requirements.
Why Do Vehicle Transport Prices Vary?
Several factors can influence vehicle transport prices at the same time.
Common factors include:
- Transportation distance
- Vehicle size and weight
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Open or enclosed transportation
- Vehicle operating condition
- Route demand
- Carrier availability
- Seasonal demand
- Scheduling requirements
- Special loading needs
Even a small difference in the information used to prepare a quote can affect the transportation arrangements being considered.
Compare Quotes Using the Same Vehicle Information
When comparing vehicle transport prices, make sure every quote is based on the exact same automobile.
Provide the:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Running condition
- Significant modifications
Vehicle size matters because auto carriers have limited space and weight capacity.
A compact sedan and a full-size SUV don’t occupy the same amount of carrier space. Similarly, a lifted pickup may have different loading requirements than a stock truck.
If one quote is based on incorrect vehicle information, comparing it with another accurate quote isn’t particularly useful.
Make Sure the Route Is Identical
Pickup and delivery locations can have a significant effect on auto transport prices.
When comparing quotes, make sure you’re using the same locations.
Changing from one city to another nearby city may seem minor, but carrier accessibility and route availability can differ.
Remote locations can also involve different transportation logistics than addresses near frequently traveled interstate corridors.
For the most meaningful comparison, provide the same accurate pickup and delivery information to each transportation provider.
Open vs. Enclosed Transportation
Carrier type is another reason vehicle transport prices may differ.
Open Auto Transport
Open carriers are commonly used for everyday cars, SUVs, pickups, vans, and other passenger vehicles.
The vehicles are transported on an exposed carrier and encounter normal weather and road conditions during transportation.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed carriers provide additional protection from direct weather and road exposure.
This option may be considered for:
- Classic cars
- Collector automobiles
- Exotic vehicles
- Luxury cars
- Restored vehicles
- Particularly valuable automobiles
If one quote is for open transportation and another is for enclosed transportation, you’re comparing two different services.
Make sure you know which transportation method each quote represents.
Does Vehicle Condition Affect Transport Prices?
Yes. Vehicle condition can influence vehicle transport prices because an inoperable automobile may require different loading arrangements.
When requesting transportation, accurately explain whether the vehicle:
- Starts
- Drives
- Steers
- Brakes
- Rolls
A vehicle that doesn’t start but still rolls and steers may have different loading requirements than a damaged automobile that cannot move freely.
If one quote assumes the vehicle runs while another correctly accounts for its condition, the two quotes aren’t based on identical transportation requirements.
Compare Pickup and Delivery Expectations
Another important consideration is what “door-to-door” transportation means for your particular locations.
Auto carriers are large commercial vehicles and need sufficient room to maneuver safely.
Potential access problems can include:
- Narrow residential streets
- Low-hanging trees
- Tight turns
- Steep grades
- Gates
- Weight restrictions
- Parking restrictions
- Limited loading space
When a carrier can’t safely reach an exact address, a nearby accessible meeting location may need to be coordinated.
Understanding these details can help you compare vehicle shipping prices more accurately.
Are the Transportation Dates the Same?
Scheduling can also influence vehicle transport prices.
Make sure each provider has the same information about your preferred transportation dates.
A very narrow pickup window may present different scheduling requirements than a flexible timeframe.
If you have a firm deadline because of a flight, move, auction, vehicle sale, or another commitment, disclose it when requesting transportation.
Don’t compare one quote based on flexible dates with another based on a completely different schedule without considering that difference.
Why an Extremely Low Quote Deserves a Closer Look
A low transportation quote isn’t automatically a problem. However, you should understand what the quote includes and what information was used to prepare it.
Before making a decision, confirm:
- The correct vehicle was quoted.
- Pickup and delivery locations are accurate.
- Vehicle condition is correct.
- Modifications were disclosed.
- Transportation type is correct.
- Scheduling requirements are understood.
If important information is missing, the initial number may not reflect the actual transportation requirements.
The goal isn’t necessarily to find the lowest car transport price. It’s to understand what you’re comparing.
Can Seasonal Demand Affect Vehicle Transport Prices?
Yes. Transportation demand and carrier availability can change throughout the year.
Weather, holidays, relocations, seasonal travel, and other factors can affect activity along particular routes.
For example, seasonal movement between northern and southern states can increase vehicle transportation demand on certain routes during particular periods.
As a result, vehicle transport prices from an earlier season shouldn’t automatically be expected to remain unchanged.
Questions to Ask When Comparing Auto Transport Quotes
Before selecting a transportation option, consider asking:
- Is the quote based on my exact vehicle?
- Is it for open or enclosed transportation?
- Does it account for the vehicle’s operating condition?
- Are my pickup and delivery locations correct?
- Are my preferred dates understood?
- Have my vehicle modifications been considered?
- What transportation arrangements should I expect?
These questions can help you compare more than just the number at the bottom of the quote.
Research the Transportation Provider Too
Comparing vehicle transport prices is important, but researching the provider is also worthwhile.
Webster Hauling has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Consumers can also research motor carrier information through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and review federal transportation information through the U.S. Department of Transportation.
These independent resources can provide additional information when you’re evaluating transportation options.
Vehicle Transport Prices FAQs
Why are two auto transport quotes different?
The quotes may be based on different vehicle information, transportation methods, schedules, route conditions, or carrier availability. Compare the underlying details rather than only the final price.
Should I automatically choose the cheapest vehicle transport quote?
Not necessarily. Make sure the quote accurately reflects your vehicle, route, dates, operating condition, and transportation method before comparing prices.
Do larger vehicles affect transport pricing?
They can. Larger and heavier vehicles generally require more carrier capacity than smaller passenger cars.
Can changing my pickup date affect my quote?
It may. Carrier availability and route demand can change, so transportation conditions aren’t necessarily identical at different times.
Should I disclose vehicle modifications?
Yes. Lift kits, oversized tires, lowered suspension, and other modifications can change a vehicle’s dimensions or loading requirements.
For additional information, visit Webster Hauling’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
Compare Vehicle Transport Prices Carefully
When evaluating vehicle transport prices, make sure you’re comparing transportation based on the same accurate vehicle, route, condition, carrier type, and scheduling information.
Webster Hauling helps customers discuss vehicle transportation based on their specific shipment requirements.
Have your vehicle’s year, make, model, condition, pickup location, destination, and preferred dates available when you contact Webster Hauling to discuss transportation.
