Accurate Car Shipping Quotes

Posted on 05/23/2018

Jump to section:
How does a car shipping company determine a quote?
How accurate is an auto transport quote?
Tips for spotting an accurate quote
Final word

How does a car shipping company determine a quote?

Car shipping quotes are often something that people who ship their vehicles wonder about. They are also sometimes a point of contention. That is because there is not a lot of transparency in the auto transport industry when it comes to how exactly quotes are determined by each individual company.
There are actually several things that most auto transport companies use to determine an accurate quote for a potential customer. Some are obvious, some are not:

Vehicle size – You won’t be asked directly for your car’s size because the vast majority of people do not know that information off the top of their heads and also do not have any idea how to determine that. Instead an auto transport company will ask you for the make and model of your car. This will give the car shipping company all the information they need in order to determine the size of your car.

Shipping date – The time of year that you ship your vehicle will play a pretty important role in the price that you receive for your quote. That is because certain times of the year are busier than others thus, based on supply and demand as well as overall operating costs, shipping during a busier time will cost slightly more.

Additional shipping options – If you choose to get any upgraded shipping options for your car shipment such as enclosed transport or top loading, it will cost an additional fee because there are a limited number of spots available for these options and it also entails more work from the carrier.

Distance – This might be the most obvious of these factors but it is also the most important. How far you ship your car is the primary variable in the price that you get for your quote. This is because it determines the overall amount of labor that you carrier will be responsible for during your transport.

Estimated carrier cost – The cost of a carrier matters because it involves several factors including the cost of fuel.

How accurate is an auto transport quote?

Auto transport quotes are as accurate as they possibly can be. Car shipping companies know that if they supply customers with quotes that are completely inaccurate or at all misleading, they will lose customers. However, with that said, it is important to understand that it is impossible to have a 100% accurate quote prior to the actual shipment date. There are far too many variables that change constantly in order to be able to give a 100% accurate quote.
In fact, this is also why you should be on the look out for any companies that claim that their quote prices are “guaranteed.” It is likely they are going to give you some excuse later into the transport why they need more money than they had originally asked for. Reputable auto transport companies will let you know that quotes are data driven estimates.

Tips for spotting an accurate quote

If you want to be completely certain that you are getting an accurate quote you should use the following tips to weigh whether or not the quote is legitimate:

Delivery window – Any accurate or reputable quote will give you a delivery window or date range for your car to be delivered. It is impossible to give you an exact date of delivery, so, if you get a quote with an exact delivery date, it is not accurate.

Price – If the price of one quote you receive greatly undercuts the others, it is likely a bait and switch price. With one of these scams a dishonest car shipping company will ask you for more money once they already have your car under threat of holding the car until you pay.

Online reviews – Use online reviews on websites like Google to see what other customers are saying about how accurate an auto transport companies’ quotes are.

Ability to add additional options – If the quote that you are getting does not offer the option to add additional options such as enclosed transport or top loading, yet they offer those services, it is likely the quote cannot be too accurate.

Final word

Unless you choose one of the few shady and dishonest car shipping companies out there, the car shipping quotes that you receive will be as accurate as possible. Remember, the price you actually pay and the price that you are initially quoted could end up being slightly different due to factors that are beyond the control and prediction of an auto transport company.

1Shipment Details

2Vehicle DetailsMultiple Vehicles?

3Shipper Details

Posted on 05/23/2018

Jump to section:
How does a car shipping company determine a quote?
How accurate is an auto transport quote?
Tips for spotting an accurate quote
Final word

How does a car shipping company determine a quote?

Vehicle size – You won’t be asked directly for your car’s size because the vast majority of people do not know that information off the top of their heads and also do not have any idea how to determine that. Instead an auto transport company will ask you for the make and model of your car. This will give the car shipping company all the information they need in order to determine the size of your car.

Shipping date – The time of year that you ship your vehicle will play a pretty important role in the price that you receive for your quote. That is because certain times of the year are busier than others thus, based on supply and demand as well as overall operating costs, shipping during a busier time will cost slightly more.

Additional shipping options – If you choose to get any upgraded shipping options for your car shipment such as enclosed transport or top loading, it will cost an additional fee because there are a limited number of spots available for these options and it also entails more work from the carrier.

Distance – This might be the most obvious of these factors but it is also the most important. How far you ship your car is the primary variable in the price that you get for your quote. This is because it determines the overall amount of labor that you carrier will be responsible for during your transport.

Estimated carrier cost – The cost of a carrier matters because it involves several factors including the cost of fuel.

How accurate is an auto transport quote?

Tips for spotting an accurate quote

If you want to be completely certain that you are getting an accurate quote you should use the following tips to weigh whether or not the quote is legitimate:

Delivery window – Any accurate or reputable quote will give you a delivery window or date range for your car to be delivered. It is impossible to give you an exact date of delivery, so, if you get a quote with an exact delivery date, it is not accurate.

Price – If the price of one quote you receive greatly undercuts the others, it is likely a bait and switch price. With one of these scams a dishonest car shipping company will ask you for more money once they already have your car under threat of holding the car until you pay.

Online reviews – Use online reviews on websites like Google to see what other customers are saying about how accurate an auto transport companies’ quotes are.

Ability to add additional options – If the quote that you are getting does not offer the option to add additional options such as enclosed transport or top loading, yet they offer those services, it is likely the quote cannot be too accurate.

Final word

Calculate your instant car shipping cost and view carrier availability in your area.

RoadRunner Auto Transport Reviews

“RoadRunner Auto Transport did an excellent job shipping a car that I bought online. I spoke with multiple car shipping companies, but the folks at RoadRunner were the most helpful.”

Henry DNew Orleans, LA

“RoadRunner is the best auto transport company that we've used so far. The agent that we spoke with was very friendly and helpful. Our car was delivered on time and in perfect condition.”

Bruce YKansas City, KS

“When I needed to ship my car, I wanted to find the most reliable auto transport company possible. After calling around, I chose RoadRunner and couldn't be happier with the service they provided.”

Daniel AWhittier, CA

“I'm very happy with the service I received from RoadRunner Auto Transport. They picked up my car right from my home and I was able to track my automobile transport online very easily.”

Luis CSyracuse, NY

“I was looking for cheap car shipping quotes and RoadRunner provided me with a very fair price. The driver was friendly and my car delivery was on time with no issues. 5 star auto shipping service!”

Tara KPhiladelphia, PA

"I would definitely use RoadRunner Auto Transport again without a doubt. Excellent overall service from start to finish."

Trish A.

Miami, FL

"I was able to get a quote and book within a few minutes. Simple and convenient experience - thank you RoadRunner!"

John T.

Houston, TX

"RoadRunner gave us a fair price and was able to pick up when we needed. Very professional from start to finish."

Sean T.

Brooklyn, NY

"My car arrived in mint condition. The service was great and the personnel very courteous. Great job guys!"

Victor B.

Fresno, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle shipping process.

How much does it cost to ship a car?

When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.

How do I get a quote for shipping my car?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

When will my vehicle be delivered?

The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time - so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. Check out our estimated transit times for a detailed view of approximate delivery times.

Can I track the progress of my shipment online?

Yes, online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online. Your tracking portal will also give you the ability to live chat with a shipping agent that can answer any questions you may have regarding the status of your shipment.

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

All shipments include basic liability coverage during transit. Comprehensive insurance options are available for an elevated level of shipment coverage during transit. You will be able to select a level of coverage during the booking process. If you have further questions regarding insurance options give us a call.

How do I pay for my auto shipping?

We accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, and bank/certified check for the deposit or full pre-payment of your shipment. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.

Does someone have to be present for pick up and delivery?

Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle.

Can I put personal items in my vehicle?

You may transport personal belongings in your car, as long as their total weight does not exceed 100 pounds and they are stored in the trunk or back seat (below the window line). Please keep in mind that personal belongings are not covered by insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing.

How do I get a quote for shipping my vehicle?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator above or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

How far in advance should I schedule my transport?

The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available in order to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.

Where will my car be picked up and delivered?

The driver will get the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pickup and deliver directly at your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet at a location nearby with a large parking lot, such as a grocery store.

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

Open transport is the most common car shipping method. There are two types of open-air transporters. The Majority of shipments are be made with 8-10 car carriers. Smaller carriers which hold 2-3 cars are used for shorter more local moves. There is broader network of carrier availability for open-air carriers since they are used more often. We suggest choosing enclosed shipping methods when shipping classic, luxury or exotic vehicles. Enclosed transporters guarantee maximum protection from exposure to any open-air elements on the road. We suggest booking your enclosed transport in advance since there is limited carrier availability. Read more about the difference between open and enclosed transport

What types of vehicles do you ship?

RoadRunner Auto Transport specializes in shipping all types of vehicles such as sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, oversized vehicles, antiques, classic cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles, inoperable cars and boats. If you are not sure whether or not we can ship your vehicle, you can give us a call to find out what we can do for you.

How much gas should I have in my car during transport?

You should have about a quarter of a tank of gas in your car at the time of shipment. This leaves enough for the car to be loaded and unloaded but doesn't add much additional weight.

What is the Bill of Lading and what exactly does it have to do with my shipment?

The Bill of Lading is a very important document used by car shipping companies that documents any pre-existing damage on the vehicle during the time of pickup. It also serves as a record of your contact info and the official agreement for transport. If you want to file any insurance claim regarding your shipment you will need the Bill of Lading.

What is top load service?

Top load service is when your car is placed on the higher deck or level of an open auto transport trailer. This is considered to be preferable to the bottom load because the cars on the lower deck are at risk of possibly having fluid from the cars above leak on them.

How do I get my car ready for shipment?

Make sure your car has been completely cleaned, both inside and outside. This is particularly important because this will help the driver conduct their inspection in order to assess any pre-existing damage on your vehicle. You will also want to make there are no additional personal items in the vehicle unless you intend to ship those with the vehicle (remember those items must total less than 100 pounds combined and be kept below the window-line of the vehicle). Be sure to inform the driver of any special circumstances concerning the vehicle. Finally, make sure there is a quarter tank of gas in the car at the time it is picked up for shipment. Visit our car shipping checklist to make sure you are prepared for your vehicle shipment.

Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running?

Yes, we can ship vehicles that are in non-running/inoperable condition. When inoperable cars are shipped, a special auto carrier is required that makes use of a winch which is connected to your car and slowly and safely pulls your vehicle onto the carrier. There is an additional fee for inpoerable vehicles because of the special equipment and extra work involved with securing the vehicle onto the transporter. You can select the inoperable option on the online booking form or inform your shipping agent if you make your reservation by phone so that the proper arrangements can be made to accomodate a non-running vehicle.

What methods of car shipping services do you offer?

We offer open car shipping and enclosed car shipping services. Open car shipping is used much more frequently and is the type of auto transport that you see on the highway where carriers are hauling vehicles on two decks that are exposed. Enclosed car shipping is when your vehicle is shipped in a trailer which has walls and a roof, they look like a larger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler. This method is recommended for luxury, exotic or classic cars.

What is Door-to-Door transport?

Door-to-door car transport is the full service delivery of your vehicle directly from the door at the pickup location to the door at the delivery location. Our drivers do their best to get as close as physically and legally possible to the pickup and delivery locations, but in certain instances there may be restrictions preventing them from being able to safely reach your door. Our transporters need ample space to maneuver and load/unload your vehicle. If your street is too narrow, or if there are hazards such as low lining trees or power lines, drivers may ask that you meet them at a location nearby where they can safely load or unload your vehicle, such as a large parking lot or shopping center nearby.

View all frequently asked questions

View all frequently asked questions.