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How To Determine Your Quote!

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How Auto Transport Works

Car Transport Service


We believe it’s essential for you to understand how we calculate your car transport quote. At Transport Masters USA, we are committed to ensuring that informed clients experience the smoothest and most successful shipments.

Our goal is to make your transport process stress-free and cost-effective. Looking for a car shipping quote? Discover the key factors that affect pricing, our approach, and the strategies we use to secure the best rates, while ensuring the safest transport and timely delivery of your vehicle to its destination.



How Auto Transport Works

Best Car Shipping Company

At Transport Masters USA, we not only negotiate the best rates and schedules for you, but we also conduct thorough background checks on every carrier we work with. This includes verifying their ratings, checking references, and obtaining certified copies of their insurance certificates.

We also ensure that all carriers are properly licensed with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and thoroughly investigate any past complaints from previous clients to guarantee the highest level of service and reliability.






Transport Masters USA Quote Process

First, just a bit of background: auto transport brokers and auto shippers serve different roles, and it’s crucial to know the difference.



How Auto Transport Works

Transport Masters USA is an Auto Transport Broker

As a transport broker, we do not ship vehicles ourselves. Rather, we charge a service fee and find the appropriate carrier for you. With access to a wide range of car transporters through national dispatch boards, we work together with you to strategize and negotiate the best possible rates. Not all brokers have this level of skill and expertise in negotiation.



How Auto Transport Works

Auto Transport Carriers

Auto transport carriers do the actual work of picking up your vehicle and delivering it to your chosen destination. They are on the road full-time and usually don’t have the time, resources, or desire to interact directly with customers. This is why they rely on auto transport brokers like Transport Masters USA to find jobs for them.



How Auto Transport Works

Determining Your Car Transport Quote

First, we contact our network of carriers who frequently travel your route, and post your vehicle on the national dispatch boards for auto transport – this exposes your vehicle to every auto carrier in the country. Prices are based on seasonal market demand for vehicles to be moved. Our quotes are prepared based on the current national rates, and we periodically review them throughout the process.

Our experienced transport coordinators strategize to develop the most appropriate price to offer carriers in order to meet your specific requirements.



How Auto Transport Works

Strategizing Offer Prices for Auto Transport

The car shipping industry operates as an open market system, similar to a bidding platform like eBay. Your timing and flexibility play a significant role in determining the strategy – the more lead time you provide before your vehicle needs to be shipped, the more money you can potentially save. We begin with a lower offering to attract carriers who are seeking cost-effective rates, and gradually increase the offer as needed.

An alternative strategy we provide is standby mode. This allows a carrier to fill an empty spot with your vehicle as a filler. If one of their loads gets canceled, your vehicle moves up the available load list. This option saves you money and helps the carrier fill their load.

Keep in mind, the lower the rate we offer, the longer it may take for the vehicle to be picked up. On the other hand, offering a higher rate will expedite the pickup process.



How Auto Transport Works

Why Transport Masters USA?

When speaking with other brokers, remember there is no fixed or guaranteed price until your broker secures a carrier for your shipment. Beware of companies that offer lowball quotes to win your business – this can lead to significant delays as carriers may not accept the underpriced load. In an open market system, loads that are mispriced are often ignored or delayed.

At Transport Masters USA, our car transport specialists work diligently to negotiate a fair and realistic quote and timeline upfront. Our goal is to find the most reputable driver who will accept the best price for your transport needs.



FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle shipping process.

What is the cost of shipping a car?

The cost of shipping a car depends on a range of factors and market trends going on at the time. The factors that together decide the shipping cost of a car include the size and weight of the vehicle, the condition of the car, transport type, and lastly, the shipping distance.

Do you offer insurance coverage during the relocation process?

Yes. By booking Transport Masters USA, you never have to worry about any damages being caused to your car as we offer complete insurance coverage. It is included in our price quote and there are no additional charges.

How do I track my vehicle online?

Transport Masters USA offers a live tracking feature for you to know about your vehicle during the relocation process. It will keep you informed about the current location of your vehicle.

At what time should I expect my vehicle to be delivered?

The moment you book us, you’ll get an estimated time from our specialists and drivers to let you know the estimated time to deliver your vehicle. The time depends on the distance. Still, our drivers always try to deliver the vehicle before the given estimated time.

Am I allowed to keep personal items in my car during relocation?

Yes, you can keep your personal items in the car but only up to a certain limit. You are allowed to keep the personal items weighing around 100 lbs in a secure suitcase or a box. Let us know if you intend to keep more personal items to avoid last-minute chaos.

Do I have to pay in advance?

No, we don’t want you to pay us anything in advance becasue we are Best Auto Transport Company. You only have to make the final payment when we deliver your vehicle at your preferred location and that too safely. Get a price quote from us and keep the final payment ready.

Does the Weight of My Shipment Matter?

Indeed, the overall mass of your cargo significantly influences shipping rates, as carriers have a set cargo limit they can transport. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), which includes the cargo, trailer, and carrier, must not exceed 80,000 lbs. For instance, if a truck combined with a car hauler has a total weight of 35,000 lbs, the carrier can effectively carry an additional 45,000 lbs of cargo. Hence, shipping a pick-up truck weighing 7,000 lbs would use up more of the available cargo space compared to a 3,000 lbs sedan. Consequently, the pick-up truck owner would incur higher charges from the car shipping company due to the additional weight.

Why Is It More to Ship Cars in an Enclosed Carrier Transport Trailer?

Utilizing an enclosed car shipping trailer provides your vehicle with optimal protection from environmental elements and significantly lowers the risk of any damage. However, due to their heavier weight, these trailers can carry fewer cars compared to their open counterparts. Consequently, to ensure profitability, auto shipping companies typically need to charge a higher rate per vehicle when using enclosed shipping methods.

Cheapest Way to Ship My Car?

The most economical option for domestic car shipping typically involves the use of an open-air trailer. Furthermore, opting for terminal-to-terminal delivery can enhance cost savings and provide the most affordable rate when calculating car shipping costs. On the other hand, options like upgrading to an enclosed carrier transport, choosing door-to-door delivery, or arranging transportation for a non-running vehicle are likely to increase the overall cost.

How Much Does Domestic Car Shipping Near Me Cost?

The cost of domestic car shipping can significantly vary, influenced by a multitude of factors. When determining your shipping costs, these are the crucial elements Transport Masters USA takes into account:

Distance – The most significant factor contributing to car shipping cost is the travel distance. Almost all carriers charge per mile, with rates adjusted based on demand, fuel expenses, and other factors. For instance, a carrier might charge $2 per mile for distances below 500 miles and decrease the rate to $1.50 per mile for distances exceeding 500 miles.

Weight – The standard gross vehicle weight limit for semi-trucks and trailers in the U.S. is 80,000 pounds, including the vehicle, trailer, and cargo. If your vehicle has an exceptionally high weight, it limits the number of cars a carrier can transport, potentially increasing your auto shipping costs.

Shipping Method – Open car transport and enclosed trailer vehicle shipping are the two primary domestic cross-country car shipping methods. Open car transport, while accommodating more vehicles, is cost-effective. On the other hand, choosing enclosed trailer vehicle transport, which carries fewer vehicles, will necessitate a premium fee.

Season and Carrier Availability – Demand for long-distance auto shipping services peaks during summer, leading to higher shipping costs. Opting for fall or winter shipping may fetch cheaper rates but also increases the risk of delays, particularly for destinations with harsh winter conditions.

Delivery Method – Car transporters usually provide two main delivery options: terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door car shipping. The latter, although offering greater convenience, is typically pricier. The former reduces car shipping costs but necessitates you to pick up your vehicle from a designated receiving facility in your selected city. Comparing both options through a car shipping quote can aid in decision-making.

Does Transport Masters USA Provide Shipping Insurance Coverage?

Indeed, auto shipping companies, including ours, provide 250,000 cargo insurance coverage for all vehicle makes and years as part of their shipping services. It's mandatory for all carriers to have liability insurance to undertake and fulfill shipping assignments. However, it's important to note that the insurance coverage provided by the carrier may not fully cover the value of your vehicle, necessitating additional coverage. We highly advise securing supplementary coverage either through your own auto insurance provider or a third-party vendor. This is particularly crucial when shipping high-value vehicles, such as exotic or classic cars.

Can I Make Full Payment Via Credit Card

Top car shipping companies in the auto transport sector, including ours, accept all major credit cards. You can secure your services by paying a minimum deposit or choose to pay the full amount at the time of booking using your credit card. We offer the convenience of accepting payments both online and via phone, providing you with flexibility and ease in managing your transactions.

Can Transport Masters USA Facilitate International Car Transport

Indeed, Transport Masters USA collaborates with a broad network of partner carriers, enabling us to arrange quick and efficient domestic car transport. Additionally, we provide international car shipping services to virtually every corner of the world.

Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge that international shipping is a highly intricate process. To prevent any potential delays, we recommend initiating the booking process for international shipping services at your earliest convenience.

As a rule of thumb, it's advised to contact a car transport company roughly a month prior to your desired pick-up date for international transport. This allows ample time to coordinate logistics and ensure a smooth transportation process.

Why Do Car Shipping Rates Vary by Season?

Shipping rates fluctuate seasonally primarily due to changes in demand for car shipping services. Most customers prefer to transport their vehicles during the warmer summer months, leading to a surge in demand for carrier resources, which subsequently influences the final cost of your car shipping quote..

Concerns over possible delays caused by adverse weather conditions likely drive this preference for summer shipping. Hence, the abundance of auto shipping bookings during this season.

Can I Ship a Car Purchased from Auctions?

Indeed, Transport Masters USA orchestrates thousands of such shipments annually. While most auction houses do offer shipping services, they often come at a premium cost and could take weeks for your car to be delivered.

Transport Masters USA provides a cost-efficient and dependable alternative to auction house shipping. We liaise with our partnered carrier and the auctioneer to arrange the collection of your car. Our carrier ensures that your newly acquired vehicle is delivered to your doorstep swiftly, making the entire process streamlined and hassle-free.

Can I ship cars to/from Manheim Auto Auctions?

At Transport Masters USA, we specialize in seamlessly moving vehicles from Manheim Auto Auctions. Our professional team collaborates with the auctioneer to ensure efficient and reliable collection of your newly purchased vehicle. With our extensive network of carriers and commitment to prompt delivery, we ensure your vehicle reaches your doorstep without any hassles. Opt for Transport Masters USA for a cost-effective, reliable, and swift auto transport solution from Manheim Auto Auctions.

Can I ship cars to/from Copart Auctions?

We are perferred authorized transporter for Copart Auto Auctions, we understand all the requirements needed to load from these facilities.

Why Do Car Shipping Rates Vary by Season?

Shipping rates fluctuate seasonally primarily due to changes in demand for car shipping services. Most customers prefer to transport their vehicles during the warmer summer months, leading to a surge in demand for carrier resources, which subsequently influences the final cost of your car shipping quote..

Concerns over possible delays caused by adverse weather conditions likely drive this preference for summer shipping. Hence, the abundance of auto shipping bookings during this season.

What Can Transport Masters USA Help Me Ship?

While Transport Masters USA is renowned for providing top-notch auto shipping services, our expertise extends beyond cars. We offer a comprehensive range of transportation services, accommodating a variety of vehicles and shipments. Transport Masters USA can facilitate the shipping of:

  • Motorcycles
  • SUVs
  • Luxury and exotic cars
  • Pickup trucks
  • RVs
  • Boats
  • Heavy machinery
  • Non-mobile machinery
  • Household goods
  • Golf carts
  • ATVs
  • UTVs
  • Snowmobiles
  • Freight
  • And more...

If it's powered by an engine and needs transportation, we're the team to call! Additionally, we're equipped to handle the transportation of inoperative vehicles and equipment. With Transport Masters USA, you're entrusting your assets to an experienced and versatile transportation specialist.

How Can I Qualify for Car Shipping Services Discounts?

Shipping rates fluctuate seasonally primarily due to changes in demand for car shipping services. Most customers prefer to transport their vehicles during the warmer summer months, leading to a surge in demand for carrier resources, which subsequently influences the final cost of your car shipping quote..

Concerns over possible delays caused by adverse weather conditions likely drive this preference for summer shipping. Hence, the abundance of auto shipping bookings during this season.

Do Gas Prices Affect Car Shipping Costs?

Shipping rates fluctuate seasonally primarily due to changes in demand for car shipping services. Most customers prefer to transport their vehicles during the warmer summer months, leading to a surge in demand for carrier resources, which subsequently influences the final cost of your car shipping quote..

Concerns over possible delays caused by adverse weather conditions likely drive this preference for summer shipping. Hence, the abundance of auto shipping bookings during this season.

How Does Distance Impact Pricing?

Shipping rates fluctuate seasonally primarily due to changes in demand for car shipping services. Most customers prefer to transport their vehicles during the warmer summer months, leading to a surge in demand for carrier resources, which subsequently influences the final cost of your car shipping quote..

Concerns over possible delays caused by adverse weather conditions likely drive this preference for summer shipping. Hence, the abundance of auto shipping bookings during this season.

How Do I Prepare My Car for Shipping?

Disable the Alarm – Your vehicle is about to embark on a journey of hundreds, possibly thousands of miles. Although the auto transporter will take utmost care, inevitable bumps could trigger your car’s alarm, causing the carrier to stop and resolve the issue. Deactivating your alarm saves the transporter significant time and hassle.

Clean the Interior – Cleaning the interior serves dual purposes. Firstly, it's your final opportunity to ensure all personal belongings have been removed. Secondly, your car will be clean and ready when it arrives at your destination.

Wash the Exterior – It's beneficial to clean your car's exterior thoroughly. Removing dirt and debris reduces the risk for other vehicles on the road and facilitates a smooth inspection upon delivery.

Check for Leaks – Oil and transmission fluid leaks can be hazardous. The excess fluid can be blown around, especially during open-air transport, potentially damaging other vehicles. If possible, fix any leaks before arranging transport. If you can't, inform our team so we can relay this information to the carrier. This could result in your car being placed on the lower level of the trailer to minimize issues.

Run the Fuel Down – Remember, you're charged for shipping services based on distance and weight. Don't pay more by having a full tank before transport. Run your fuel down to about a quarter of a tank. Your vehicle will only be driven for loading, unloading, and perhaps short distances at the destination.

Document the Condition of the Vehicle – Document your vehicle's condition thoroughly before the carrier loads it onto the trailer. Take photographs from multiple angles post-cleaning. Compare these with the condition of the vehicle upon delivery. If you notice discrepancies, report them immediately.

Remove Personal Property – Filling your car with luggage is not allowed. This can increase cost due to added weight, pose a safety risk, and potentially damage your car's interior. Moreover, carriers could be subjected to fines from the Department of Transportation, for which you might be held responsible.

Remove Toll Transponder – While a transponder is convenient for passing toll checkpoints, it should be removed before transport. If left in place, your account could be charged for every toll the carrier passes. As your car is about to travel potentially thousands of miles, these tolls could accumulate rapidly.

Can I Store Luggage in My Car When It is Being Shipped?

No, in the auto transport industry, it is not permitted to store luggage or spare car parts in your vehicle during shipping. This practice can lead to fines for the auto carrier, potential damage to your car, and even pose a risk to other drivers. It's crucial to remove all items that are not standard components of the vehicle. Your spare tire and jack can remain in place, provided they are securely fastened as intended by the vehicle manufacturer. Ensuring your vehicle is appropriately prepared for shipping is part of guaranteeing a smooth and safe transport process.

How Soon Should I Book My Auto Transport From The Vehicle Shipping Company?

The ideal time to book your auto transport with a vehicle shipping company is as soon as you know your transport needs. However, a general rule of thumb is to aim for at least two to four weeks in advance. This window allows the shipping company to adequately plan for your vehicle's journey and secure the best routes and rates.

If your auto transport needs are more urgent, many companies offer expedited services, but these can come with higher costs. If you're moving overseas or require international shipping, the process can be more complex, so reaching out to the shipping company at least a month in advance is advisable.

Ultimately, the sooner you book your auto transport, the more flexibility and options you will have when it comes to scheduling, pricing, and available services.

Can I Schedule Auto Transport Services Without an Exact Address?

Absolutely! At Transport Masters USA, we understand that plans can sometimes be fluid. Therefore, we provide the convenience of scheduling your services using just the city and state or zip code. This allows us to establish the initial route for shipping your car. If you decide to avail of our door-to-door delivery service, we will need the specific pick-up and drop-off addresses before finalizing your order. This process offers you the flexibility you need while enabling us to ensure that we can deliver your vehicle as precisely as possible to your desired location.

Can I Ship My Vehicle If It Does Not Run?

Indeed, at Transport Masters USA, we are well-equipped to manage auto shipping even for non-operational vehicles. However, it's crucial that you notify us in advance when booking your services. We need to arrange for specialized equipment to safely load and unload your vehicle onto the carrier.

Failure to notify us could lead to delays as the carrier might be unable to accommodate your non-running vehicle without the necessary equipment. Consequently, this may require a rescheduling of the transport and potentially incur additional fees. We're committed to providing smooth and efficient service, so any information you can provide upfront helps us better serve your needs.

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