the Cost of Shipping a Car

This review is for an auto transport company I have used twice. The most recent time I have used them was in July of 2006. I have moved back and forth between New York and Florida, so instad of driving that distance, I wanted my car shipped. I didn't want the headache of driving that distance alone, plus I did not want to put the miles on my car. This company happend to be the least expensive around. One main factor as to why the price was low at that time, was because of the time of year I had moved. They have a few options as to how you want your car shipped. Either enclosed truck or open trailer. Also, if you would like door to door service (meaning they pick up your car at your house and drop it off at your destination) or if you would like to drop it off and pick it up at a terminal. This also plays a factor in the price. I preferred the door to door option. This way I feel I'm getting special attention and they took really great care of my car. They pick it up with a tow truck and bring it to the terminal for you.

The owner I spoke to on the phone was very helpful and friendly. His price quote I though were extremely reasonable compared to other companies I had called. Another deciding factor was the convenience he offered to me. His company transports cars counry wide, but his main office was just a few miles from where I was living at the time. Since I had decided on door to door service, they told me what time they would be picking up my car. Usually it is in the morning hours if it is to be delivered that night, or night pick up if it's to be delivered the next morning. The tow truck driver who came to pick up my car, was very thorough with inspecting my car. He fills out this paper that has a logo of a car or truck on it, and they mark every knick, dent, or scratch you have. This is to protect themselves from the client saying they damaged the car. You are to be there with them while they inspect your car, this way there is no miscommunication. I was allowed to pack up my car with boxes and clothes to make the trip. There was a weight limit though. I believe the limit was 200 pounds. They actually didn't mind so much the weight limit, as they really just needed to be able to see out of the windows. You could not pack up your car to the roof so to speak. They were very lenient in that way, as long as they could see! My car was shipped twice with this company, and both times I was extremely pleased in every way a company should handle someone's vehicle. I have their number saved for future reference. I would use them again in a second.

The main thing when you are deciding on shipping your car cross country, is the time of year. This plays a huge factor in price. For instance, since I was moving to Florida in July, the price was lower because most people come or move to Florida in the winter months. That is busy season for them, so they up the price. Less people come to Florida, or any other warm climate state in the summertime. Makes sense, right? If I had decided to move to Florida in October or November, the price most likely would have been around $1,000. So you save money there.

Another deciding factor with a certain company is convenience. Do they offer door to door service? Do they inspect your car for damage before they take it into their possession? How friendly are they with you on the phone or in person? Are they treating you like a number or an actual person who is trusting them entirely with your vehicle? If you have any doubts whatsoever with whom you are speaking with, seek another company. There are plenty of companies out there who want your business. It's just a matter of finding the one that is right for you and your budget.