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What Is The Cost Of Auto Transport ?


by Bob Frost


Now That Is A Loaded Question

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.

Fixed Costs: You must first purchase the truck and trailer, around $500,000.00 or more. Then add the cost of insurance at $10,000.00 - $25,000.00 per year, plus the cost of a driver, maintenance, tires, depreciation, and fuel (which is currently running over $4.00 per gallon. Consumed at a rate of around 3 - 5 miles per gallon). You can't forget the cost of licensing, permitting and other unmentioned costs. You start to get the idea of how expensive it really is.

Marketing: The owner/operator of an auto transport rig must now find customers in order to make any money. This can typically cost several thousand dollars per month.

From those with high prices (they simply won't move their truck unless they are getting top prices) to those with the Walmart plan of offering super low pricing in order to stay busy with high volumes of business, you will find many different schools of thought when it comes to pricing. The auto transport industry will have all types from top to bottom. If is certain that somewhere from top to bottom and most places in between, you will find the price that meets with your approval.

Comparing several prices is of course the secret to discovering that range of pricing you desire. Simply provide them with your email address and phone number and then wait to be contacted in a prompt manner. Or you can simply pickup the phone and give them a call.

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.

Just a word about differences in business methodology. Some brokers expect a deposit up front and some don't. Both are correct, they just don't agree and that's perfectly OK. Most want final payment in the form of a cashier's check or money order, and that is the norm for trucking.

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.

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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