If you have never shipped your car to another part of the country before, it can seem like a demanding process. In reality, shipping a car is quite easy. Those who have used auto transport services before likely enjoy how stress-free, timely, and convenient it truly is.

However, like any industry, there are misconceptions, or myths, floating around out there. This may have made you think differently about car shipping. We are here to set things straight about the car shipping process, specifically car transport rates as pricing is a major concern for many.

Here are 10 common misconceptions about car shipping. Many of these myths involve car transport rates and prices. Those that stray from the subject are meant to advise you how to make the best decision when it comes to selecting a car shipping company.

1. Go for the lowest price.

FALSE. Cheap does not always mean better. Some people may ask, “Why would you pay for a service that you could get at a lower price?”. The problem with this way of thinking is that the experience you have often correlates to the price you pay.

You might end up paying a low rate to get your car shipped to its destination, but you are taking many risks doing so. Transporting your car with a company that offers cheap quotes is a red flag. You can not predict what condition your car might arrive in.

At the same time, you should not overpay for car shipping services. If a company is priced way above industry standards, it will be a waste of your money. There is a happy medium that you must find.

2. Working with a carrier is the only way to go.

FALSE. In the auto transport industry, there are transport carriers, and then there are brokers. There are also companies that handle both areas of business, but we won’t make your head spin.

Many tend to think of brokers as the middleman. This can be one reason why people stray away from brokers. However, each company should be measured by the quality of services that they provide. Finding someone that you can trust with your car can be a difficult task. Therefore, you must ask questions to find out if the company is someone that you want to do business with.

3. A quote is based only on distance.

FALSE. Although distance is a primary factor, it is not the only factor that affects your car shipping quote. Other factors are of equal importance, as well. Some factors that will have an impact on your quote include: size of the car, pick-up/delivery times, carrier option, and season.

Vehicle Size: This component will be measured based on your vehicle make and model. A compact car will be less expensive to ship than a larger SUV because of the differences in size and weight.
Pick-up/Delivery: The cost of shipping a car from one location to another will rely on which shipping option you choose. If you require a guaranteed delivery date, then your car transport rate will be higher.
Carrier Option: The standard method of shipping is via an open auto transport carrier. However, you can upgrade to an enclosed carrier for an added fee.
Season: The summer is the busiest season for most auto transport carriers, because it happens to be when many people decide to move. Car shipping rates may fluctuate with the changing of the seasons due to supply and demand.

4. Removing tires and doors means a lower price.

Front wheel, bumper, and light detail of car

FALSE. It may seem strange to even mention, but it is something that we need to address. Some people may have questions. Will you get a lower car shipping quote if you remove extra items, such as hubcaps, spare tires, or doors? The answer is no.

The weight of your car is important when transporting your vehicle, and therefore, when calculating a car transport rate. However, it will do no good to remove these “standard” items, as they are already calculated into your quote.

It is important to remove all personal belongings from your vehicle before transport. This is for safety and insurance purposes. Failing to do so could lead to added fees or unwanted delays.

5. Open carriers are not safe.

FALSE. Although enclosed carriers are recommended for classic and luxury vehicles, open carriers are suited for most all vehicles. It is true that enclosed carriers provide more protection, but this is because of their design. They are built to protect the cars they carry from a wide range of weather and road elements.

Just because enclosed carriers provide a higher level of protection, this does not deem open carriers unsafe. Open carriers are the most popular method of shipping a vehicle from one location to the next. Therefore, safety is of the utmost importance. You can be rest assured, whichever option you choose, your car will be safe.

Learn more by reading Understanding Your Options: Open Vs. Enclosed.

6. You can only ship cars that run.

vintage cars

FALSE. Maybe, you are currently working to fix up a car or need to ship a car to a mechanic you know out of state. If you have an inoperable car, there are options available to you. Some companies may not offer this auto shipping service because of the equipment and manpower that is required.

When it comes to National Dispatch, we ship a wide range of cars. It does not matter if the car is operable or inoperable. You may be wondering how inoperable car shipping compares in pricing. It is slightly more expensive due to the equipment needed for a successful and safe transport.

7. Door-to-door delivery is expensive.

FALSE. When it comes to getting your car delivered, you have two main options. You can choose to go with terminal-to-terminal auto transport service or door-to-door auto transport service. With terminal-to-terminal car transport service, your car will be shipped to a pickup center near your home or business. On the contrary, door-to-door service involves delivery directly, or as close as possible, to your home.

Most people would prefer door-to-door car transport service, because it is more convenient and saves on mileage. However, some think that it is costly. The best way to measure how expensive a quote will be is to get a car shipping quote directly from the auto transport company.

8. It is difficult to get a quote.

Man working on laptop computer

FALSE. When it comes to National Dispatch, this just isn’t true. We make it very easy for potential customers to get a car shipping quote for several reasons. One reason is because consumers are looking for a company to make their life easier, not harder. They do not want to have to jump through hoops to get a car transport rate. Second, we have nothing to hide. We stand behind our high-quality services and affordable prices.

Why shouldn’t it be easy for people, like you, to get a quote in seconds? Unlike many of our competitors, we do not require any personal information, so you do not have to worry about any pesky phone calls or emails. It is a 100% hassle-free car transport rate.

9. A quote is a guarantee.

FALSE. It is important to point out that the rate that you get on the website is not a guarantee of the price you will pay. Why not? Say you got a quote last March, now it is approaching January and you decide to call up the company for auto transport services. It is possible that rates may have not changed between now and then (almost a year). However, it is also possible that rates may vary.

It is best to request a quote. If you are happy with the price, contact the company to find out more and book auto transport services, soon thereafter. Before signing any contracts, make sure you understand your payment obligations. Are there deposits? Are there hidden fees? Make sure there are no surprises for the best experience, possible.

10. All car shipping companies are the same.

National Dispatch Truck

FALSE. Just because all car shipping companies essentially do the same thing (get your car from one part of the country to the other), it does not mean that there is no difference between them. Like in all industries, companies vary. You will find thousands of auto transport companies. However, you are tasked with the job of finding one that will not disappoint.

At National Dispatch, we ensure that your car will reach its destination in a safe manner. We believe in treating your car as if it were own. This means with the utmost care and attention. You never have to worry about anything. This makes car shipping a truly stress-free experience.

How To Get Instant Car Transport Rates

Using An Online Quote Calculator

With today’s technology, it has become even more easier to find what you are looking for online and in just a matter of seconds. Instead of emailing or calling a company, you can get what you need at the click of a button. If you want to know how much it will cost you to fly round-trip from New York to Florida, you can find that information online. This is true of the auto transport industry, as well.

You can find information on the company’s website regarding what services are offered. To stay in tune with today’s technology, most auto transport companies have car shipping calculators. This is a form that requires some information from you in order to receive a car transport rate.

While all car shipping calculators may appear to be the same, like companies, they can be quite different. How is National Dispatch different from other leading providers in the industry? For one, our quotes are completely instant. There is absolutely no waiting around for your results. Second, our car shipping quotes require no personal information. That’s right! No phone number. No email. Don’t worry. It’s hassle-free. When you are ready to book services, we are ready to assist you.

Steps To Requesting A Free, Instant Quote

Let’s walk you through the steps of how you get a quote from our website.

On any page of our website, you will find the ‘Get An Instant Auto Shipping Quote‘ box. You will see that 4 fields of information is required to proceed to the next page.

Vehicle Make
Vehicle Model
Pickup Location (City and State or Zipcode)
Delivery Location (City and State or Zipcode)

Once you have filled out that information and pressed ‘Show Results’, you will be instantly redirected to see your free car shipping quote.

As you can see, some options are preset for you (Running Vehicle, Open Trailer, and Standard Shipping). These can be changed without switching screens.

Contacting An Agent

Another way that you can get an instant car transport rate is to call the number listed on the company’s website. This will connect you with an auto transport representative. This is also a excellent option if you have additional questions about the car shipping process. Call to speak with one of our agents today at 800-321-2051. We also have a chat feature on our website as an alternative form of communication.

Emailing The Company

Most of the time you can find detailed information about auto transport services on the company’s website. If you cannot find what you are looking for, you can send an email. Keep in mind that email is a slower form of communication, especially if you are contacting outside of regular business hours. If you are looking to get a quote immediately, then you will want to use the online quote form.

National Dispatch

At National Dispatch, we are committed to providing our customers with a wide array of auto transport services to choose from, setting affordability and high quality as our standards. We understand that we are shipping more than just cars. We are shipping for YOU! This is why we have designed services that are both convenient and user-friendly. You will select the services that best fit your needs and budget. You can count on us for the best auto shipping experience possible. Simply fill out the quote form at the top of the page for your free, instant quote or call us at 800-321-2051.

Shipping A Car Bought Online

Buying a car online offers many benefits: the option to buy from the comfort of your own home, to bypass pushy salespeople, to see a wide range of vehicles from across the country, and to find many great deals. The advantages to purchasing a vehicle online are clear. However, there is one consideration to keep in mind when buying online, how the car will get to you.

When the car is out of state, transportation arrangements become more difficult. There are several options available to you. You could fly to the location, have someone drive you there, or have the owner or dealer ship the car to you. Shipping a car requires the use of a reliable auto transport company. Furthermore, it is the easiest and safest transportation option. Let us explain why.

Why Ship Your Car

There are many reasons to ship a car, but having a car you bought online transported to you offers its own list of benefits. Here is why you may want to consider shipping rather than driving:

Time-saver. You do not need to request days off work to fly or have someone drive you to pick up your car. Instead, the car will be delivered to you in a matter of days to weeks, depending on the shipping option you choose, as well as the pick-up and delivery locations.
Convenience. You chose to purchase your car online for a reason. One of which was probably because it was convenient and easy to do. Auto shipping provides the same solution. The car will be shipped directly to your door with door-to-door auto transport services.
Peace of mind. Using an auto shipping company is a safe alternative to driving, especially if you are intending on purchasing a classic model. Many individuals purchase classic vehicles as collector items. They do not drive these cars often to save on mileage and reduce the chance of depreciation. Any vehicle that you ship will be transported with the utmost care.

How It Works

If you are thinking of buying a vehicle online, like many others have, then we are here to help. Many companies leave the buyer to deal with the details of the transportation of the vehicle. Before purchasing a car online, here are the steps that you should be aware of.

1. Find the right car for you.

With the increased popularity of online car buying, there are numerous sites on the web for you to locate a car. If you know exactly what you are looking for, you can filter your search using specific criteria, such as the car’s make, model, and year. A few sites in which you can buy and sell a car online are eBay motors, TrueCar, and AutoTrader. The website may even have a comparison tool, in which you can compare cars with similar features.

2. Complete the necessary paperwork.

After you have decided on the car that is perfect for you, you will need to fill out all the necessary paperwork in order to call it yours. Most companies utilize an e-document system to send you the forms. This uses an electronic signature. However, it works in a similar fashion to if you were signing documents directly at the dealership.

3. Request a quote.

Car transport rates are dependent upon a variety of factors. The price to ship your car will depend not only on how far the driver must travel, but on other variables, as well. Many auto transport companies use online quote calculators to make it easy for you to obtain a quote. However, not all calculators require no personal information. With National Dispatch, we only require four simple fields for you to receive your free car shipping quote. Plus, you will receive your estimated cost in a matter of seconds, instead of waiting around for a phone call or email.

4. Book auto transport services.

To lock in a date and request particular services, you will need to contact the auto transport company. It is best to book transport services several weeks or more out. This will give you and the transporter adequate time to get arrangements in order. However, if you need the vehicle on a short deadline, National Dispatch has shipping options available to suit your needs.

Tips For Shipping A Car You Purchased Online

With the ease and convenience that online car buying offers individuals, many people are turning to it to find the car of their dreams. However, in order to find the right car for you, you must know how to utilize certain tools, know what questions to ask, and know what to look for when searching for a vehicle. Here are a few tips to help you in the online car buying process and the shipment of a car:

Know the importance of photographs.

Many of the vehicles you will look at online may be a distance away from where you live. One of the best ways to assess the quality and condition of a car is through pictures. Likely, many of the cars you check out online will include photographs of some kind. However, they may not include all areas of the vehicle or may be of poor quality. Request from the dealer or seller pictures of the car’s interior and exterior, including closeups of the seats, dashboard, under the hood, and tires. If the seller can supply a video of someone completing a walk around of the car, then that is even better.

Check the value.

Before purchasing any car, you should ensure that you are receiving a fair price. This can be done by getting the BlueBook value or by researching what other similar cars are going for in the area. You can also use CarFax, which obtains a report based off the history of the vehicle. The history of a car affects its value. Furthermore, it is important to know what the car is worth and what you should be paying for the car. Checking the value of the vehicle is one way to avoid over-paying.

Obtain a Vehicle History Report.

Many ads listing a vehicle will include the vehicle identification number, also known as the VIN number for short. This number is used to run a vehicle history report, which can tell you important information concerning previous owners, accident history, vehicle use, and more. The license plate number can also be used to obtain this report. Some sellers may provide you with a link to a free report. The importance of running a vehicle history report cannot be overstated. It is essential to know if the vehicle you are about to purchase is worth your investment. The report will make you aware of any red flags before you buy.

Have an inspection completed.

Request that a vehicle inspection be completed on the vehicle. There are mobile inspectors that will come to the car’s location to check out the vehicle. It is better to waste a little money on an inspection than to waste a lot on a car that will not last you for years to come. The inspection report will tell you about the car’s condition, notifying you of what may have been left out of pictures and descriptions. The inspection should detect any damage on both the car’s interior and exterior.

Watch out for scams.

Unfortunately, the internet is full of fraudulent activity. When buying a vehicle online, you want to do everything in your power to avoid any scams. Watch out for ads posting vehicles that are severely under-priced. In addition, we recommend a phone call conversation with the seller. When you are beginning the process, text and email are good means of communication. However, a phone call allows you to judge the character of a person, as well as ask necessary questions. Overall, use your gut and common sense. If something does not feel right, then it probably is not.

Pick a company that’s right for you.

A dealer or seller may have a recommendation for an auto transport company. However, it is best to do your own research, as well, to find a company that meets your unique needs. Although the seller may have used the company several times before, you want to ensure that the company is reliable and trustworthy. After all, you are putting your car, a prized possession, in the hands of someone else. You want to ensure that it will be taken care of. You can do this by completing a search on Google.

Choose the right shipping method.

There are two primary methods for transporting a car from one location to the next. This would include open auto transport and enclosed auto transport.

Open auto transport: This method of transport is the least expensive of the two options listed above and the most popular shipment method. The car will be placed on an open-air carrier with up to eight other vehicles. Since the carrier is not enclosed, the vehicle will be exposed to natural road elements and weather conditions.
Enclosed auto transport: This method of transport is more expensive, because the car will be placed in a fully enclosed carrier. This means that it will be better protected from outside elements, such as dust, dirt, and more. Thus, it won’t face the risk of damage from these conditions. It is the recommended method for luxury, classic, exotic, or other high-value vehicles.

Why National Dispatch

Today, many people are buying cars online, because they have access to a large inventory of vehicles right from their own couch. The process is relatively simple, but it involves much research and preparation to find exactly the car you have been looking for. You must compare prices, ask questions, and run reports to obtain a vehicle worth your time and money.

If the car of your dreams is some distance away, the best option is to have the car shipped to you. This is where National Dispatch comes in. We offer insured, expedited, and licensed auto shipping services. Here is more of what we have to offer:

Company-owned fleet.

We own our own trucks, like the one seen in the picture above. This is not universal across the industry. Not all companies own their own carriers.
Professional and courteous auto transport experts.

Our drivers are trained to handle a number of situations and have a thorough knowledge of federal rules and regulations. We go the extra mile to ensure that your vehicle arrives safely and on time. Furthermore, we are always here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding auto transport services. Call us today.
Extensive list of services.

We provide a variety of services to our customers. We offer open auto transport, enclosed auto transport, door-to-door shipping, and non-running vehicle shipment. There are also a number of services to cater to specific customers, such as if you are undergoing a corporate relocation, college move, dealer to dealer car trade, and more.
Ability to ship nationwide.

Not only do we transport cars statewide, but we ship vehicles nationwide, as well. Anywhere in the United States you need to go, we can deliver your car to its destination. There is no need to worry. We will care for your car as if it were own.
Capable of transporting a wide range of vehicles.

We ship a variety of vehicles. From cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and motorcycles, we ship them all. We even have the necessary manpower and equipment to transport your non-running car.

Go to our website at https://www.nationaldispatch.com/ to find out more information about who we are and what we do. We encourage you to use our online quote calculator system to receive a free, instant car shipping quote. No personal information is ever required. All you need to enter is the vehicle make and model, along with the pickup and delivery locations. You can also call us 800-321-2051 to speak with one of our auto transport specialists.

Happy car hunting, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Posts Tagged ‘Car Moving Quotes’

Car Transport Rates: Common Misconceptions