Car shipping is quick and easy, with many companies offering excellent services domestically and internationally. Shipping a truck works the same way as shipping a regular car. However, trucks are typically heavier than other automobiles and may require extra resources to transport to the desired destination successfully.
How does the process work? Like other vehicle shipping processes, it is straightforward and requires no special attention like when transporting luxury cars. However, truck shipping requires attention to a few details. When you know the number of vehicles to ship, research the available companies and provide specific details to get a correct estimate.
Ensure you provide customization details if applicable. Getting quotes from several companies is ideal for making an informed decision. Once you get the best quote, prepare the vehicles for pickup by the company or plan to take them to their office. You can track the movement or trust the service to deliver them safely as scheduled.
You must consider a few factors, such as the type of truck, destination, carrier type, distance, and special requests, as they may affect the cost of the process. This article explains these factors and others that affect shipping prices.
Factors Affecting Truck Shipping Prices
While the shipping of trucks may be the same as for regular cars and other vehicles, the prices may differ for several reasons, including the sizes, heights, and other considerations. Let’s discuss these price-determining factors to help you make an informed decision.
1. Truck Type and Height
Different types of trucks exist, such as pickup trucks and commercial trucks. Not all trucks are the same size or height and transporting them can significantly affect the price. For example, transporting a commercial truck requires special equipment and road considerations. Some companies specialize in heavy-duty shipping and are better suited for such vehicles.
However, because of the size of the goods, it may cost more to use their services than to use regular services. The size and height of pickup trucks may also differ, especially for customized vehicles. Some owners customize their trucks to be bigger and higher than usual by adding extra-large tires.
Transporting them requires special attention and equipment, which should affect the price. While such truck owners do not have to use special services for shipping, they must consider the extra cost of adjusting the vehicles for efficient movement. Here are the benefits of customizing your heavy-duty vehicle.
2. Carrier Type
Two types of carriers are popular with car shipping companies: open carriers and enclosed carriers. An open carrier has no covering to protect the vehicles from the elements, debris, and dirt in transit. That means the goods are exposed to everything, including the day’s heat.
On the other hand, an enclosed carrier has a covering that protects the goods in transit from the elements and debris along the way. They are less susceptible to damage and dents from flying objects and debris.
For this reason, an open carrier is more affordable than an enclosed one. The carrier type affects the overall cost of transporting the vehicle; you must consider whether using an enclosed carrier is worth it, especially since trucks are typically built to withstand exposure, regardless of how harsh. However, since most trucks are expensive, you may want to protect them, especially if they are new.
3. Booking Schedule
Another price-determining factor is the booking schedule and how quickly you want the service. Booking ahead makes the process easy because the company has time to allocate resources to transporting the vehicle, regardless of its size or type. It also saves money because it is not an urgent service, which usually costs more.
However, if you schedule the movement within a few days of booking, you will pay extra for the short notice. Companies consider the short time it takes to find a carrier, inspect the vehicle, make adjustments, and move it before giving a cost estimate. It may be convenient, but it costs more.
4. Distance
The farther the delivery destination is from the pickup point, the higher the price. When broken down into cost per mile, long distances cost less per mile than short distances. But the overall cost is usually higher because of the distance.
So, you may pay more for delivery to another state than within a state unless the distance is shorter across state lines. Consider how that affects your budget and adjust accordingly. For factors affecting costs, check out this resource: https://www.sherpack.com/.
5. Delivery Preference
Consider your delivery preference and how it affects the cost of shipping. Do you want the vehicle delivered to your doorstep, or will you pick it up from the company’s office? Home deliveries are more costly because of their convenience and the extra gas spent driving to your destination.
However, picking it up saves money and allows you to check the truck on the company’s premises, making it easy to report and sort out damage or other issues. If you prefer door-to-door delivery, look for companies that offer this service because not all shipping services do. Discuss how that service will affect the price and compare the estimate to other options before deciding.
Conclusion:
Shipping a truck is straightforward if you know what to do. The simple process of transporting a car applies to heavy-duty commercial trucks or pickups. Research companies to find credible ones. Get a quote from multiple options and pick the most suitable one. Ensure you provide specific details of the vehicle, especially if customized.
Decide if you want an enclosed or open carrier and if home delivery is more convenient than picking it up from the shipping office. Sometimes, truck shipping is more expensive because of size and height, but using a company specializing in such shipping may be more efficient and cost-effective.
