Tuesday, June 07, 2011

How Much Will It Cost To Ship My Vehicle?

By Bob Frost


WOW, NOW THERE IS A LOADED QUESTION !

For really good answers backed up by very good reasons for them, simply go to the internet where all of that information is available,.

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.

Firm Costs: Start off with the cost of a tractor/trailer rig which in today's world can run up around $500,000.00. Add to that insurance of about $10,000.00 - $25,000.00 per year, fuel costs of over $4.00 per gallon (these trucks will average 3 - 4 miles per gallon) maintenance, repairs, tires, and depreciation. Don't forget to include the cost of licensing, permitting, and paying a driver and you are starting to get the idea. Operating an auto hauler is a very expensive operation

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.

Pricing in the auto transport industry will run the gamit from top to bottom. From those who practice the Walmart strategy of offering low discount pricing in order to encourage high volumes of business to those who would rather charge top prices and not move their trucks unless they obtain them. The auto transport industry certainly has many schools of thought represented when it comes to pricing. There is a price that will meet with your approval somewhere between the top prices and the bottom as you search.

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.

Some differences in the way brokers do business are deposits. Some require deposits up front and some don't. Both are correct in the way they do things, they just don't agree. Most if not all will want final payment in the form of a cashier's check or money order paid to the driver and that is the normal way of doing it.

As you search for pricing, one of the best ways is to simply do a Google search for auto shipping quotes. You will see many selections to choose from for a pricing source. Simply pick the one that appeals to you and give them the requested information. Once you receive all of your quotes you will want to be sure and ask all of the questions you have concerning any areas not fully understood. The broker you will be speaking with will be happy to answer those questions should he really want your business.

Quotes received will be from brokers that will only select the really good guys to transport your vehicle. This pre-screening done for you is an additional service that really enhances your auto transport experience.




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