Vehicle shipping services in Canada can be low or high due to the vast distances between cities. But the good news is that with the right approach, you can reduce your vehicle shipping quotes to a significant number. Let’s see things you should know before requesting vehicle transport rates.
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What to Know Before Getting Car Shipping Quotes in Canada?
Get better car transport quotes by providing accurate details about your vehicle, your expected pickup and delivery points, and any schedule date priorities. You must share the precise details about your car, especially if it’s modified to ensure you get the best value for money.
Moreover, you can negotiate your total all-in vehicle transport rates with binding quotes and using perks like compensation for the late vehicle delivery.
Let the experts at Canadian Car Shipping help you transport your vehicle across the country or the border at affordable rates. Call (888) 370-1041 to get professional advice and shipping quotes for free.
4 Things You Should Know Before Requesting Vehicle Shipping Quotes
To ensure you receive an accurate quote, let’s break down these 4 elements in detail:
1. Provide Detailed Information About Your Vehicle
Providing accurate and detailed information about your vehicle makes a lot of difference when getting vehicle shipping quotes. So it’s very important that you offer car shipping companies with comprehensive details about your car, including its year, make, and model, any specific modifications in the car, its dimensions, weight, and whether it’s operational or not.
It helps car movers access the logistics and costs associated with car shipping, while they come up with an accurate car hauling quote online. Moreover, this reduces the risk of unexpected charges that appear when incomplete information about your vehicle is given.
For instance, in Ontario, an oversized/overweight vehicle needs a permit before travelling on public roads. And if your car has special modifications and it comes under these regulations, you need to inform your carrier about the true dimensions of your car. Or they won’t be able to apply for the permit just in time, which can lead to delays and extra fees.
2. Check the Timing and Flexibility of Your Shipment
Another factor that greatly influences your vehicle shipping quotes is the timing of your shipment. Put in accurate details about your preferred pickup and delivery dates. And if possible, be flexible with your shipping schedule. Being flexible with your shipping dates is a top strategy to save money on car shipping.
Shipping in February or early March is the best time to save money. Otherwise, the peak summer season is when almost 70% of Canadians relocate, and demand for car shipping services is high, which results in higher auto transport pricing.
Moreover, around December is not the right time to schedule your shipment, because many drivers take time off for the holidays. So you will either have to pay expedited shipping costs or face delays.
3. Provide Accurate Pickup and Delivery Locations
In order to receive a precise car shipping cost estimate, it is essential that you provide your carrier with accurate pickup and delivery locations, especially if the service includes last-mile delivery. It is important because the trailer might have to navigate through residential streets. And many Canadian cities, including the City of London, require a permit for oversize/overweight vehicles to travel on city streets.
And if you do not provide information about your exact address, the carrier won’t be able to provide an estimate closer to the final quote. Plus, you will have to pay surprise fees for re-routing or permit waiting time later. Moreover, if you’re going for a door-to-door service and your location is in a rural area, providing accurate details about it also becomes crucial in order to receive an accurate car hauling quote online.
Let the experts at Canadian Car Shipping help you transport your vehicle across the country or the border at affordable rates. Call (888) 370-1041 to get professional advice and shipping quotes for free.
4. Choose Your Type of Transport
When getting vehicle shipping quotes, clarify whether you need open carrier transport or enclosed shipping services. This is because enclosed car shipping costs 30 to 50% more than open carrier transport. So if you won’t clarify what type of transport you need, chances are the carrier might offer you an estimate with standard shipping methods (open car shipping).
And then, if you pick enclosed car shipping, you’ll face a sudden surge in the final quote due to the premium shipping method. But it also depends on your needs. For example, if you’re shipping a luxury vehicle, you will need an enclosed trailer anyway.
However, it is important that you clarify this with your carrier before requesting vehicle shipping quotes to ensure an accurate estimate.
What Questions to Ask When Requesting A Car Shipping Cost Estimate?
To make sure you receive the best auto transport pricing here are a few questions that you must ask your car movers:
- Does this price include all relevant taxes?
- Are there any extra charges or fees not included in this quote?
- What happens if my car arrives late or dirty, or what guarantees do you offer?
- What is the total all-in cost for shipping my car?
Remember getting the lowest quote is not the end goal. But you should always compare the services with the price, and make sure there’s a balance between both. Also, consider a licensed, reputable, and transparent company for your vehicle.
How You Can Negotiate Vehicle Transport Rates in Canada?
When you’ve completely understood how a car shipping cost calculator works and what impact precise vehicle details have on your all-in quote, learn some tips to negotiate better transport rates for your vehicle.
1. Ask for a Binding Quote
According to FMCSA, “a binding quote guarantees that you do not have to pay more than the estimated amount at the time of delivery.” So if you’ve given complete and accurate vehicle details, ask for a binding quote to avoid surprise fees later.
2. Ask About Perks and Compensation
Price alone doesn’t justify the full value of a shipping service. So ask about the perks and compensation your shipping company offers, if something goes wrong. For instance, if the vehicle arrives dirty (in open trailer shipping), would you get a complimentary car wash?
Or, in case the vehicle arrives late, will you get a discount? Moreover, whether or not the company covers the cost of the car rental for you in case of late vehicle delivery to at least ease the financial burden.
3. Ask If Any Add-Ons Can be Removed
Not all add-ons are necessary. For instance, if you’re ok with adjusting the date of your vehicle pickup and you don’t need a top load spot for your standard passenger car. Then, you can ask the carrier if these add-ons can be removed. This will help a lot in reducing the final shipping quote.
Let the experts at Canadian Car Shipping help you transport your vehicle across the country or the border at affordable rates. Call (888) 370-1041 to get professional advice and shipping quotes for free.
Hire Canadian Car Shipping for No-Obligation, Free Quotes:
Before you request vehicle shipping quotes from car shipping companies, you should know what factors impact your car shipping cost estimate. For instance, the complete details of your vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, timing of your shipment, and the type of transport you choose.
And if you offer comprehensive details about all of these elements, you will be able to get accurate vehicle transport rates. Also, negotiate the prices with your company by checking if you’re being charged for the extra services or by asking for a binding quote.
Let the experts at Canadian Car Shipping help you transport your vehicle across the country or the border at affordable rates. Call (888) 370-1041 to get professional advice and shipping quotes for free.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I ask for a quote for car shipping?
Fill the online form given on the car shipping company’s website. It asks for details like your car’s make, model, and year, any specific modifications, whether it’s operational or not, pickup/delivery details, preferred shipping dates, and the type of transport you want. Or if you have something specific to talk about you can even call the vehicle shipping services for a no-obligation quote.
What is the best way to ship a vehicle?
Shipping trucks are the best option to transport a car across Canada. They’re easily available, common, and the least expensive shipping method. You just have to choose from open trucks or enclosed trucks, as per your specific requirements and budget.
Is car shipping cheaper than driving?
It depends on your circumstances. For instance, if you’re shipping over a long distance, car shipping will cost less than driving. But if you’re only moving over a short distance, you can also consider driving your car yourself to the destination.
How much is the shipping price for a car?
Car shipping in Canada costs around $800 to $2,000 CAD, based on the distance, time of the year, route, and the shipping company you choose. But keep in mind, this is only an estimated price. Use an online car shipping cost calculator for a specific estimate.
Does it cost more to ship a car with a top load spot?
Yes, since cars in the top load spot are generally less exposed to the road debris and fluid leakages from other cars, car movers usually charge an additional percentage for shipping a car with a top load spot.
