Car Shipping Tips When Moving To or Out of Los Angeles

Moving in or out of Los Angeles can be an exciting but challenging experience, especially when it comes to shipping your vehicle. At Bigfella Auto Express, we’re here to make the process smoother and more affordable. Here are some essential tips to help you save money, avoid delays, and make smart decisions during your vehicle transport.

1. Book Early to Lock in Better Rates

• Tip: Booking your auto transport early helps secure lower rates, especially in busy cities like Los Angeles. Last-minute bookings often result in higher prices.
• Savings Tip: Schedule your transport 2–4 weeks in advance for the best deals.

2. Be Flexible with Pickup and Delivery Locations

• Tip: Shipping your car directly to or from congested areas in LA can be more expensive due to traffic, limited parking, and access issues.
• Savings Tip: Opt for terminal-to-terminal shipping or meet your carrier in a nearby suburb for lower costs.

3. Choose Open Transport for Cost Savings

• Tip: If your car doesn’t need the extra protection of enclosed transport, choose open car shipping, which is the most cost-effective option.
• Savings Tip: Open carriers are about 30-40% cheaper than enclosed trailers, perfect for standard vehicles.

4. Avoid Peak Moving Seasons

• Tip: Car shipping demand in and out of Los Angeles spikes during summer and holiday seasons, leading to higher costs.
• Savings Tip: If possible, schedule your move during the off-peak months (fall or winter) to benefit from lower prices.

5. Bundle Services for Multi-Car Discounts

• Tip: If you’re moving more than one vehicle, some companies offer multi-car discounts for shipping multiple cars at once.
• Savings Tip: Ask your auto transport company about special rates when shipping more than one car or bundling other services.

6. Consider Door-to-Door Shipping for Convenience

• Tip: If time is a priority, consider door-to-door service to have your car picked up and delivered to your new home, saving you the hassle of driving to a terminal.
• Savings Tip: While door-to-door may be pricier, it saves you time and effort—an important factor in cities like LA, known for long commutes.

7. Prep Your Vehicle for Transport

• Tip: Make sure to clean out your car and reduce the gas tank to about a quarter full to avoid extra weight charges.
• Savings Tip: Removing personal items and unnecessary weight can help keep your transport costs lower.

8. Use a Reliable Auto Transport Company

• Tip: Los Angeles is a big market, so you’ll want to use a reputable company to avoid scams or poor service.
• Savings Tip: Research companies, check reviews, and look for one that offers a price match guarantee (like we do at Bigfella Auto Express) to ensure you get the best rate possible.

9. Look for Referral Discounts and Price Match Options

• Tip: Many auto transport companies offer referral programs and price matching, which can significantly reduce your final cost.
• Savings Tip: Take advantage of Bigfella Auto Express's $100 referral reward and price match guarantee to save on shipping costs.

10. Be Prepared for Traffic-Related Delays

• Tip: LA’s notorious traffic can lead to delays in pickup or delivery, so plan accordingly and stay in communication with your carrier.
• Savings Tip: Consider a delay discount credit if your vehicle's pickup is delayed, which some companies offer to ensure compensation for any inconvenience.

These tips should help you save money and reduce stress when moving your car to or out of Los Angeles. By planning ahead, being flexible, and choosing the right transport options, you can make the process much smoother and cost-effective. If you're ready to get started, reach out to us at Bigfella Auto Express for a quote today!