Car shipping quotes often appear affordable. But once hidden fees and add-ons creep in, you could end up paying much more than expected. In this post, we’ll uncover the most common hidden charges in auto transport and how to avoid them.
Today, we’ll answer both of these questions so you’re not surprised by hidden fees in your car shipping quotes. We’re going to tell you the common hidden fees to look for and how to get an accurate quote so that you can ship your car hassle-free and under budget.
Common Hidden Fees to Look for In Car Shipping Quotes
1. Fuel Surcharges
A fuel surcharge is the most common type of hidden fee to look for in car shipping quotes. This is because any carrier will directly pass on the cost of fuel to you, the customer.
Additionally, fuel costs fluctuate significantly depending on geopolitical conditions and scarcity. While reputable carriers typically include a separate section for fuel surcharges and provide a clear explanation that fuel prices may contribute to the shipping cost, some carriers may not include this information in their quotes.
Therefore, if your quote doesn’t mention fuel surcharges, it’s best to request an explanation from the carrier.
2. Rural Pick-ups
Distance is not the only factor that determines the cost of car shipping. The area from and to which you’re shipping your car also matters a lot. For example, urban areas like Chicago or Los Angeles with good highway connectivity will require the carrier to travel a lot less distance compared to rural areas with poor road connectivity.
This means the carrier might not only have to go out of its way to pick up your car from a rural area, but also travel a lot more miles in the process.
3. Expedited Shipping
Car shipping companies usually have a pick-up and delivery schedule that is finalized weeks in advance. So, if you need to ship your car on a tight deadline, the carrier might pick up your car the very next day once you’ve booked your pickup.
However, since the carrier has to disrupt their existing schedule to ship your car on short notice, it’ll also charge you more for expedited shipping.
4. Insurance Add-Ons
FMCSA rules specify that all auto transport companies must insure the cars they’re shipping. But the cost of insurance is not the same for all cars: it depends on the make, model, and type of your car. For example, luxury, sports, or vintage cars will require more coverage, and therefore higher insurance premiums.
When you’re shipping an expensive car, you should always specify the insurance premium and coverage that the carrier offers.
5. Non-Operable Vehicle Fees
Non-operable vehicles require a lot more effort to transport than fully functioning cars. They need specialized equipment, more loading and unloading time, and therefore more effort.
Usually, the carrier does ask you to specify whether your car is in working condition. However, if your carrier has not requested this information, you should always take the initiative to inform the carrier about your vehicle’s condition.
6. Seasonal Charges
Summers and the holidays are peak seasons for auto transport: families and individuals are moving to start new lives, jobs, and school, and they take their cars with them! As a result, carrier availability dips, and the car shipping quotes shoot up.
This is what carriers refer to as seasonal charges, which you can safely avoid by shipping your car in Autumn or Spring.
How to Avoid Paying Hidden Fees for Car Shipping
The best way to avoid paying hidden fees for auto transport is to get accurate car shipping quotes. In turn, the best way to get accurate vehicle transport quotes is to request multiple quotes from reputable national and regional carriers.
Once you’ve received different quotes, you should compare them to see what the bids include. Some quotes might not include insurance costs, fuel surcharges, or peak-season shipping charges.
If you don’t see these important cost components in your quote, you should ask the carrier about any hidden fees you might be charged later on. It’ll help you clear any confusion and confidently ship your car without worrying about paying even a single penny more than your quote specifies.
