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Why You Shouldn’t Jump at Cheap Auto Transport Quotes

By  Bigfella Auto Express  ·  3 minute read

When you’re ready to ship your vehicle, finding a reputable auto transport company is key to a smooth, reliable experience. While it can be tempting to go for the lowest quote you receive, opting for "cheap" auto transport can lead to poor service, vehicle damage, and unexpected expenses. Here’s why quality matters and why choosing a reputable transporter at a fair price pays off in the long run.

5 Reasons to Avoid Cheap Auto Transport Quotes

  1. Risk of Hidden Fees and Surprises

    • Low quotes often leave out key costs and can lead to surprise charges later. A budget quote might look good initially but often excludes fees for insurance, delivery location adjustments, or certain vehicle types.

  2. Lack of Adequate Insurance Coverage

    • Many budget carriers cut costs by reducing insurance coverage. This can put you at risk if your vehicle is damaged during transport. Reliable carriers typically offer insurance policies worth at least $250,000.

  3. Lower Quality of Service and Fewer Transport Options

    • Budget-friendly carriers may have limited transport options, like open carriers, and may not offer tracking services. With reliable services, you often get options for both open and enclosed carriers, real-time tracking, and customer support.

  4. Longer Delivery Times

    • Cheaper carriers may overbook or wait to fill up a carrier before making the trip, leading to delays. Quality carriers have established schedules and predictable delivery times.

  5. Increased Risk of Damage or Delays

    • Low rates often mean shortcuts: cutting back on maintenance, loading safety, and qualified drivers. When carriers are paid fair rates, they’re able to use better-maintained equipment and follow best practices for secure loading and delivery.

Industry-Standard Carrier Cost Breakdown for a 9-Car Transporter

For a standard 1,000-mile trip, let’s consider the main expenses that reliable carriers face. Each of these costs affects the final quote, ensuring safe, timely, and fully insured transport.

  1. Fuel Costs

    • A 9-car transporter typically consumes 5 to 6 miles per gallon. For a 1,000-mile trip, it would require around 167–200 gallons of diesel.
    • Diesel Cost: With diesel averaging around $4 per gallon (varies by location), fuel alone can cost $668–$800 for this trip.

  2. Driver’s Wage

    • Industry rates for qualified, experienced drivers generally range from $300–$400 per day. Given that this 1,000-mile trip likely spans two days (including loading/unloading and possible layovers), the wage cost would be approximately $600–$800.

  3. Insurance Premiums

    • Carriers need comprehensive insurance for cargo, liability, and physical damage. Annual premiums for this coverage can reach $15,000 to $30,000, or about $1,250–$2,500 per month. For a single trip, insurance costs could proportionally be estimated at $100–$150.

  4. Equipment Maintenance and Depreciation

    • Monthly maintenance for transporters, including tires, brakes, and essential engine work, averages $1,000 to $1,500. Factoring depreciation, repairs, and regular upkeep, costs per trip average $100–$200.

  5. Permits, Tolls, and Miscellaneous Fees

    • Transportation fees vary, but interstate trips often include tolls, permits, and weigh station fees. For a cross-state or interstate 1,000-mile trip, these fees can total $50–$150.

Real Costs Per Mile for a Quality 9-Car Carrier

Combining these expenses, let’s calculate the per-mile cost per vehicle for a fully-loaded 9-car transporter:

  • Total Costs (Fuel + Wages + Insurance + Maintenance + Miscellaneous): $1,518–$2,100.
  • Cost Per Mile: Approximately $1.50–$2.10 per mile for the entire transporter, equaling $0.17–$0.23 per mile per vehicle.

Comparison of Low-Cost vs. Quality Auto Transport

Here’s how these costs impact the pricing for a 1,000-mile transport:

  • Low-Cost Option (e.g., $0.20 per mile)

    • Quote: $200
    • Challenges: Often excludes full insurance, experienced drivers, reliable equipment, or tracking, leading to higher risks.

  • Quality Option (e.g., $0.40 per mile)

    • Quote: $400
    • Benefits: Includes skilled drivers, full insurance, consistent schedules, secure loading, tracking options, and customer service.

Why You Get What You Pay For in Auto Transport

By choosing a reputable carrier with fair, industry-standard pricing, you ensure:

  • Skilled Drivers and Secure Handling: Trained professionals handle your vehicle securely and manage routes responsibly.
  • Insurance and Peace of Mind: Full coverage in case of accidents or damage.
  • Timely Delivery: Efficient scheduling and consistent delivery times.
  • Reliable Service and Support: Track your vehicle, get updates, and have customer support readily available.

Choosing an ultra-cheap quote often means sacrificing these benefits, resulting in potential damage, delays, and unplanned fees. A slightly higher investment brings reliability and peace of mind, which can save you from potential hassles or hidden costs down the line.

By selecting a carrier that charges industry-standard rates, you’re investing in the safe, insured, and reliable transport of your vehicle.