Monday, September 19, 2011

How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?

By Bob Frost


That Question Is Loaded. Wow !

With all of the information that is available on the internet, we can not only give your great answers, but also provide very good reasons to back them up.

The first thing you must understand are the reasons for the variety in pricing within the auto transport industry. Believe me when I tell you that there are several reasons.

Base Costs: Starting with the cost of the truck and trailer at somewhere around $500,000.00 or more, you have to add insurance at approximately $10,000.00 to $25,000.00 per year. In addition, add maintenance, tires, repairs, depreciation and the cost of hiring a driver. Don't forget to purchase fuel, which is currently over $4.00 per gallon. Also, remember, this truck gets approximately 3 to 4 miles per gallon on that fuel.

Marketing Costs: OK, now you own an auto transport rig, but in order to make any money you must find customers. This typically can run several thousand dollars a month.

In the auto transport business you will find there are several schools of thought on pricing auto shipments. There are high dollars individuals who simply won't move their trucks unless properly compensated. Also, you will find the folks who really want the volume and therefore kind of have the Wal Mart mentality. They try to provide you with super low pricing in order to stay very busy. Somewhere from top to bottom and everywhere in between you will find that price you approve of.

The secret to first discovering the range of prices is to compare several. After doing that, either call or wait to be called (if you provide a phone number). You can also simply provide an email address and most brokers will be happy to forward information in a prompt manner.

In order to really be smart about this you will need to do your homework. The American Trucker is known as an independent spirit. This translates into a wide range of pricing for the same delivery job when you compare the prices across a wide range of quotes. This is not about being right or wrong, several prices are available. This is about being smart and comparing prices.

A word here about differences in business policies. Some brokers will not require a deposit and others will. Both are acceptable practices in the industry. Just about all companies agree that final balance is paid to the driver by cashiers check or money order upon delivery.

Searching Google is one of the best and easiest ways to get pricing. Simply search under auto transport quotes or auto shipping quotes and select one of the many that come up. Provide them with your information and submit. With quotes in hand you will be ready to talk with a broker. This is the time to ask all of the questions you may have concerning your auto transport. Broker's that truly want your business will be happy to provided answers at this point.

Brokers that provide you with quotes will only be selecting the good guys in trucking. This pre-screening done by them is an additional service done for you as an enhancement of your auto shipping experience.




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