Car Transport Quote Archives - National Dispatch

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.

Why Request A Car Shipping Quote?

One of the first things that you think about when shipping a vehicle is how much it will cost you. You want to be sure that you are getting the best deal. This is likely the case with any service that you may purchase, within or outside the auto shipping industry. If you are like many others, you have set aside a particular budget for your auto transport needs. All there is left to do is find the right company who you can trust to take care of your car and whose services fall within your budget. This can be accomplished through research and price comparison.

Before choosing an auto transport company, it is important to gain car shipping quotes from a number of companies. Requesting car shipping quotes can help you determine the reputation of a company. Therefore, quotes are useful in determining which auto shipper to ultimately go with. Before selecting an auto transport company, it is also important to ask yourself the following questions:

Can I Trust This Car Shipping Company To Take Care Of My Car?

You probably consider your home and your car to be two of the most valuable possessions you own. This means that hiring an auto shipper to transport your car to another state requires a lot of trust. You need to know that the car shipping company you chose is reputable and has established policies to keep your car safe during transport. How and where can you check the reputation of a car shipping company?

To check the reputation of a company, you can look at ratings. Read customer ratings on Google. You will want to find out information on how helpful the staff were, the timeliness of delivery, and the overall quality of the services. Did the customer have a positive experience? Would the customer ship their car with the company again? Another good site is the Better Business Bureau. It is a legit source for checking ratings and credentials, because it cannot be manipulated.

Is My Time Important To This Auto Shipper?

When hiring an auto transport company, you will want to find one that will value your time. The auto transport company should deliver when promised. If not, you might be stuck paying taxi fares or rental car fees until your car arrives. You need to ensure that their top priority is on providing excellent customer service. By doing so, you will find an auto shipper that puts their customers first.

Will My Car Remain Safe During Transport?

Not only is it important to find out the reputation of the company, it is also important to know what practices they have in place to keep your car safe during transit. A good auto shipper will have a reputation of safe, on-time deliveries. They make safety their first concern by hiring the best drivers, who are qualified, knowledgeable, and trained to handle a number of situations. In addition, they have top-quality auto transport equipment to keep your car safe. Many auto transport companies even offer services, such as enclosed auto transport, for extra protection.

Getting A Car Shipping Quote

After you have completed some initial research on the auto transport company, you will want to gain a few car transport rates for price comparison purposes. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all car shipping quotes are created equal. While most auto shipping companies have a free quote calculator on their website, not all companies make it easy to receive a quote.

When trying to obtain a quote, you should watch out for untrustworthy companies. These would be the companies that make it extremely hard for you to get a quote. Many of these types of companies require that you put in personal information, such as your email, phone number, or address. Why do they make it so difficult to get a quote? All you want to know is their prices.

In reality, no personal information is needed to receive a car transport rate. Therefore, a company that asks for this type of information, may only be trying to do one of two things: sell your information or get you on the phone. After getting your personal information, a company could give your information out to a third party. We hope that this is not the case. What is more likely is that the company wants to get your information, so that they have a more direct way to contact you. After getting your email or phone number, they can more easily sell their services. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, you may not want a bunch of pesky phone calls or emails.

How Is National Dispatch’s Quote Different?

At National Dispatch, we believe that our reputation and quality of customer service speaks for itself. That is exactly how it should be. This is why we make it very easy for potential customers to get a quote that is fast. When you are on our website, you will find our car shipping quote form. Only four fields of information are required. That’s right, just four!

You will need to enter your vehicle make, vehicle model, pickup location, and delivery location. Upon entering in this information, you will be instantly redirected to your car transport rate. On this page, you will find rates for our three different shipping options: economy, priority, and guaranteed. You can also select transport carriers, as well as notify us of the condition of your car (running versus non-running). This can all be completed on the same screen.

Let’s review. National Dispatch offers a quote that:

Is Free
Only Takes Seconds
Is Available 24/7
Requires No Personal Information

What Is My Car Transport Quote Based On?

After receiving your car transport quote, you may be wondering how the auto shipper came up with those prices. In general, car shipping rates are based on a variety of factors. The following are the main sources for how your car shipping quote was generated.

Distance

Distance is one of the primary factors when calculating a car transport rate. It generally works, the farther you go, the more expensive car shipping will be. This is do to mileage and the amount of gas required to get your car to a particular location. Therefore, coast to coast auto transport is typically more expensive than if you were to ship your car a few states away.

Location

Where exactly do you need your car shipped to and from? Are these locations more rural or urban? This will have an impact on your car shipping quote. Transport carriers frequently travel on major highways, which connect states across the nation. When the driver must stray from these highways, there is a possibility for rates to go up. To determine how much it will be to ship to or from your particular area, use our online quote calculator.

Vehicle Type

All car shipping quote forms will ask for information on the vehicle. The make and model notifies the transporter of the size of the vehicle. From this, they can estimate how much room the car will take up on the carrier. In addition, the weight of the car can be estimated. Therefore, it will cost more to ship a SUV than a sedan, because a SUV takes up more space and weighs more. You may also be asked to supply information on the vehicle’s condition. This would be whether the car is operable or inoperable. Inoperable cars can be transported, but special equipment is needed to do so. It is important to notify your auto shipper of the condition of your car. Failing to do this could lead to delays or added fees.

Transport Type

There are two main types of transport carriers used to ship your vehicle to its intended destination. You can opt to use either an open carrier or an enclosed carrier. Depending on which one you choose, you will see variations in pricing.

Open auto transport: This is the standard method of shipping a car. When you are filling out a quote form on National Dispatch’s website, this transport type will already be selected for you. Using open auto transport means that your car will be loaded onto an open-air carrier. Due to the construction of the carrier, your car will be exposed to the weather and road elements, comparable to normal driving.
Enclosed auto transport: This method of transport shields the car from all weather and road elements, because the car is placed in an enclosed carrier. It is recommended for individuals intended on shipping their classic, luxury, or exotic car. Due to the additional protection it provides, you can expect to pay more for this service.

Season

Like any industry, the auto shipping industry has its busy times of the year. This typically tends to be in the summer time. People move more often during this time of year, as children are out of school. Why is the season important when creating an auto transport quote? It is important, because of supply and demand. Prices go up when more people are in need of the services. This is why it is recommended to book well in advance, so that you get the scheduled delivery date that you want. Since the season affects pricing rates, most quotes are only good for a certain period of time before booking. Contact the company directly if you have questions about their rates.

Why Shouldn’t I Choose The Cheapest Option?

We have already stressed the importance of getting a quote from an auto transport company. To view all your options, you will likely request a quote from more than one company. When doing so, you will find that car shipping rates differ from company to company. You may see a range of prices, from the low end to the high end. How do you know which one to go with?

You want to go with a company that offers affordable car transport rates that fall within your budget. You do not want to be pushed outside your comfort zone, paying for a service that you do not feel that you can afford. National Dispatch not only offers affordable car shipping prices, but we offer different shipping time frames to help meet your specific budget and schedule. If you are willing to compromise on your shipping window, then you can save money by choosing a less expensive shipping option.

You are putting a lot of trust and responsibility into the hands of your auto shipper. Therefore, you want to be sure that you hire the best company for the job. This means that you should be weary about going with a company that has prices far below what other companies are charging. After all, you get what you pay for.

Contact Us

National Dispatch is a top provider of auto shipping services. We ship all types of cars, including trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles across the nation. We can even ship your classic, exotic, luxury, or sport car. Do you have a car that does not run? That is no problem for National Dispatch. We have the expertise and equipment needed to ship your car, whether it runs or not.

At National Dispatch, we put our customers first. This is why we often receive repeat business from our customers. Our customer base is extensive, including military personnel, dealerships, business professionals, families looking to relocate, vacationers, construction teams, and more. We can handle all your auto transport needs, not just those needed for a residential move. We ship cars to auto shows, from auctions, and even those purchased out of state.

Our customers rely on us to get their car to the destination in as safe, timely manner. Want to find out how much our auto transport services will cost you? Request a free, instant car shipping quote using our online quote calculator. No personal information is required. If you prefer to speak with an auto transport representative by phone, call us at 800-321-2051. We look forward to hearing from you!

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