Auto transport isn’t something most people think about until they need it. Those moving across the country or purchasing a vehicle long distance may have some questions and preconceived notions about how car shipping works.
We’re here to create some clarity regarding the most common car transport myths. See fact versus fiction below.
Car Shipping Myth #1: Driving your vehicle is easier and cheaper than shipping it
People often assume it will be not only cheaper, but also easier, safer and faster to drive your own car across the country than to ship it. But this is simply not true. A cross-country road trip isn’t easy—especially if you’re traveling with kids or pets. Shipping your vehicle with an auto transport company gets it where it needs to go while you continue working, coordinating your move and checking off other tasks on your to-do list.
In regards to cost, multi-day road trips can get expensive. Between gas, meals, overnight accommodations and wear and tear on your vehicle, the expenses add up quickly. Often, shipping your car will cost less than driving it yourself. And working with a reputable car transport broker that is dedicated to customer service will make the experience easy and worry free.
Car Shipping Myth #2: You can only ship your car if it runs
Looking to ship a vehicle that isn’t running properly? No problem! Most legitimate auto transport companies are able to ship any car or truck as long as it’s able to roll, break and steer—even if it doesn’t start. However, it’s important to know that shipping an inoperable car can be more expensive, because haulers may require a special trailer, equipment and/or training to load, unload and transport it.
For straightforward talk on car shipping, just call a reputable auto transport broker like Montway. Call one of our helpful agents at (888) 666-8929 or request a quote.
Car Shipping Myth #3: You should always go with the lowest price
When looking for a company to ship your car, it’s important to be a savvy consumer and shop around. Be aware of companies promising quick shipments at significantly lower prices. There are unfortunately a few bad apples in the auto transport industry that hit customers with hidden fees and unexpected charges at the end of transport. The chances that the absolute cheapest company will also give you the best customer service are quite low—and customer service matters a great deal when you’re trusting the safe transport of your vehicle to someone else.
Car Shipping Myth #4: Your quote is dependent on transport distance
While the distance you need your vehicle moved certainly has an impact on total cost—the longer the distance, the lower the rate per mile—it is just one of many factors used to determine your quote. Also taken into consideration are the make, model and size of your vehicle; your preferred pickup and delivery dates, locations and the time of year. Other details like if you’re shipping your car to a rural, less accessible location or require a specific pick up date will also contribute to a higher cost, as additional arrangements will need to be made.
Car Shipping Myth #5: Reading auto transport customer reviews is a waste of time
You likely trust the recommendations of your peers when it comes to finding the best places to shop, order pizza or service your home’s furnace. As stated above, not all auto transport companies have the best intentions or will provide the level of service you’re looking for, and reviews serve as a helpful tool to find a company you can trust. Look for transporters with a high number of reviews—and more importantly, positive ones.
Car Shipping Myth #6: Booking directly with a carrier is better than booking with a broker
Brokers are the lifeblood of carriers, providing them with work on a regular basis. With their “buying power,” brokers have a lot more influence when it comes to getting the best service as opposed to a one-time customer.
Also, with a limited number of trucks and routes, carriers may not be able to accommodate your pick-up and drop-off locations and timeline as easily. Delivery time and cost are two of the most important aspects of car shipping, and this is where a broker helps.
Auto transport brokers leverage a large carrier network to arrange shipment for your vehicle, ensuring you get the best possible price and service. Their reputation depends entirely on customer relations and therefore they offer more consistent communication—from that first quote to delivery day.
Click for even more information on the misconceptions about auto transport, tracking and delivery.
Montway is an industry-leading auto transport broker that is dedicated to providing vehicle owners with top-quality car shipping services. Get started and request a quote today or simply call one of our experienced agents at (888) 666-8929.
