HOLLYWOOD, Md. – There are many residents that skip out on the winters here in the state. The first snowfall usually arrives in December for Southern Maryland, but most Snowbirds are long gone before that. They will leave as early as September or October. By far, the most popular state is Florida.
Most Snowbirds have a home or condo waiting for at their warm winter getaway. If you are one of them, you will drive your vehicle or have it brought down with an auto transport company. You won’t get around much if you don’t. Renting a vehicle for months at a time can cost a fortune.
Many make the drive, but with the affordability and availability of auto shipping companies it will be pretty easy to ditch the highway for a smooth and fast plane ride.
Shipping Your Vehicle for the First Time
Maybe you’ve had a neighbor who has done it. Perhaps you are the first person in your circle that has decided driving is getting tedious and tiring. Regardless, knowing how to make a good choice with both pricing and the level of service will be the winning combination. Preparation is important so you can choose the best and the safest option.
Getting Price Quotes
Most start their search online and begin to look for rates that way. It’s important to know that the time of year will have a lot to do with how much you pay. Typically, coming from Maryland to a Snowbird destination will be at a premium during the onset of winter. For example, on average you could expect to pay about $950 for sending a mid-sized sedan to Florida. The same rate will apply for the trip back during the spring. However, if you use the same transport company you should expect a discount.
If you’re heading the opposite way then you are getting the best deal possible. With rates going down to as low as $450. This is because carriers are willing to take vehicles on the cheap to not return back to Maryland empty before they bring down the next set of vehicles. The same will apply when everyone’s heading back in Spring. If you ship at a different time of the year than everyone else, this can make a big dent on the price.
Researching Auto Transporters
As mentioned, just as important as the price is the quality service you find. When beginning to do research on shipping your car, you will find various reviews and testimonials talking about the experiences others have had. The most common complaints are either for late or missed pick-ups, delays in delivery, or paying more than the original rate that is in the agreement. The result is a missed flight, rental car expense, and of course frustration. So that is why it is very important to carefully research the company you plan on hiring to move your vehicle as well as who you will decide to contact for a quote.
Reviews are key in this industry. Third party testimonials from reputable sources will show a theme. If they have many complaints you stand to increase your chances of having a similar situation. Remember, many companies advertise they have licensing and a bond, but to actually open their doors they must have this by law. It’s not a highlight, it’s requirement. The key then is in their reputation.
You should verify they are current with their licensing. The MC (Motor Carrier Number) should easily be found on the website. You can verify that the company is in good standing by heading to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and entering the number there. If all the credentials are up to date, then they will have an active status.
The terms and conditions (also known as the contract) should also be easily accessible on the company’s website. If you cannot find it, you can ask them to send it to you ahead of time. That way, you know exactly what is being agreed to if you book with them later. It should clearly state the price includes everything and no hidden fees. There should also not be any wording that says they can adjust the price later to a higher amount.
Types of Auto Transport Companies
In this industry, there are three types of companies out there you will find. These are brokers, carriers, and broker referral websites. Each one works very differently.
Brokers
The first and most common is the auto transport broker. They offer you a price based on what they have charged to other customers and have paid truckers hired to move vehicles from one place to another. They also have a variety of tools that offer them rates other carriers have accepted for similar vehicle shipments like yours. They outsource the process of shipping the vehicle to carriers and will not have trucks. About 95% of the companies you find out there will be brokers. Brokers are popular because they have access to thousands of carriers nationwide and this makes for good availability in even some remote locations. In turn, carriers like them because they can just pick the vehicles they want to take to fill their trucks week after week.
The drawback of dealing with a broker is that they will rely on the carrier to schedule the pickup. They typically will not know when exactly the pickup will occur until the date you selected gets closer. This means that they go by the first date your vehicle is available and have it solicited within their various partner carriers. They will also have it listed in a marketplace called a load board where carriers can pick vehicles they want to take on.
Carriers
The next type of transport company is a carrier. These companies handle everything from providing you a price, putting you on the schedule, and sending out their truck to get your vehicle. Ideally, many would prefer to do it this way because it eliminates a person in the middle. For example, if a carrier says their truck will be there on a certain day then they should know because it’s their truck. You know the price they are quoting you is also completely accurate (although some may have hidden fees) because you are paying them directly.
The drawback here is availability. Since there are so few carriers that deal directly it is like finding a needle in a haystack. Additionally, many carriers have only a couple of trucks and restricted to the times of the week or month that they are in town to pick up your vehicle.
Broker Referral Websites
The next type of company is the broker referral website. They will usually advertise that you will receive multiple quotes upon entering your information. Depending on how determined you are to pay a low price will tell you if this this is a good option. You be receiving calls by several brokers. They are very aware that there will be several others contacting you to get the business at the same time. As a result, they will try very hard to get you the lowest rate possible so you will want to go with them.
There are a couple of drawbacks here. Since competition is so fierce, there is a tendency to have hidden fees in the rate. You will have to take a really good look at the company before booking your vehicle. Additionally, salespeople here are very persistent. There will be a heavy amount of phone calls and emails. They won’t know you booked with someone else when you do unless you tell them. So each one needs to be addressed independently.
Comparing Prices
Years ago, getting pricing required making several phone calls and filling out online forms awaiting your rate. However, now you can find out instantly. Many companies will have a car shipping calculator like this one. You’ll find out right away what you should expect to pay and with minimal information from you.
While comparing prices you will be trying to figure out which will be the best price for the best service. The old saying “you get what you pay for” is pretty accurate although you don’t need to pay a crazy price to get the service you deserve. Still, do keep in mind that most cases the bargain basement rates will most likely cost you more at the end.
The quotes you are looking at looking at should be around the same ballpark. The main thing you’ll be looking for is that all taxes, tolls, insurance, and fuel surcharges are in the rate.
Carrier, Broker, Broker Referral, Which is Better?
If you have been able to find a carrier that services your route, then going direct is the best option for you. This is especially true if you want to only deal with a trucking company. It’s good practice to remember that just like there are bad brokers, there are bad carriers. Check licensing, reviews and get to know them before booking.
If you have specific dates, have not found any carriers in your area, or need just somebody to come right away, then a broker will get it done a lot faster. A direct carrier may not in your area for a little while so if you are working with a limited amount of time, a broker would be much more suited for you.
Those that like to hunt for the best deal possible won’t mind filling in their information a website that will give multiple quotes form various companies. Within minutes they will reach out by giving you their best offer. If you have the time to find, filter, and review each company calling you will get a good variety of pricing options.