Tips That Can Help You Reduce Your Car Shipping Rates |
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Johan Stevenson
20 September 2012
If you are moving to a new, distant location and you have chosen to ship your car instead of driving it, then kudos to you. Not only will you be saving time and money, you can also conserve much of your energy for the highly demanding task of moving in and adjusting to your new environment. While shipping your vehicle through reliable auto transport companies already helps you save a lot of money, there are still some measures that you can do to further reduce your car shipping rates. Listed below are four tips that can help you save a few more pennies on auto shipping:
Do your research. There are probably a lot of transport companies that can cater to your shipping requirements, and having lots of options also means a wide range of rates and even quality of services to choose from. Always remember that not all shipping companies charge the same, and that expensive car shipping rates do not always correspond to high quality service. One way you can find the best transport service is by looking up feedback in forums and websites, as well as records for complaints filed against a certain company.
Hire a broker. You can always do ample research and negotiate deals with an auto transport company by yourself - if you have enough time on your hands. However, if you were informed of your need to move only at the last minute, you might not have enough time to look for a good transport company. In this case, it would be better to hire a broker. While it's true that you will have to pay for a broker's service, hiring one can actually help you save money because they are already familiar with the best services in town, as well as ways that can help you reduce charges for shipping.
Consider your booking schedule. Car shipping companies charge extra during some seasons, such as the rainy or winter season, because of the increased risk that comes with driving during such harsh weather. On the other hand, booking your car at the last minute can also be costly since you won't be able to avail of certain discounts. If you truly want to save some cash on car shipping rates, then it's best to book your auto shipment in the summer or spring, and at least 30 days before you have to move.
Inquire about special discounts. Most companies have discount provisions for certain groups, such as members of auto clubs, or people who frequently need car shipping services like military personnel and college kids. If you can qualify for a discount, by all means, use it. And don't be shy about it either; special discounts are usually not heavily advertised so you really have to inquire about them.