5 Tips to Save When Shipping Your Car

5 Tips to Save When Shipping Your Car

If you’re on a budget and wondering how to transport your vehicle cross country, you’ve come to the right place. Today we’re sharing the cheapest way to ship a car while working with a top-quality auto broker and carrier. 

1. Open Carriers Are Most Cost-Effective 

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to ship a car, you should consider scheduling an open carrier auto transport for your vehicle. This is a great option if you’re relocating domestically, transporting a new or used car, or moving due to a military relocation assignment. Open carriers ship multiple vehicles at the same time, making it the most cost-effective way to ship your car

2. Complete Your Own Vehicle Inspection

Complete two self-inspections during the auto transport process: before your car is picked up and once it arrives at the final destination. Take before and after photos so you can document any damage that was done during the shipping process and immediately report it to the carrier during the drop off process. 

3. Flexing Shipping Time Frame

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to ship a car and aren’t in a rush, consider waiting to schedule auto transport during an off-peak period. You’ll pay much less when you schedule your transport ahead of time instead of booking transport last minute.

4. Opt For Terminal to Terminal Transport

If you’re searching for how to transport your vehicle while saving money, consider terminal to terminal shipping. It’ll cost less to drop off and pick up your car at the nearest terminal than to have it delivered to your door. Simply meet the driver at the carrier’s terminal to pick up your vehicle.

5. Work With a Trusted Auto Broker

We understand that finding the balance between saving money and finding reliable and safe transportation for your vehicle is important. Metti International is a licensed and bonded broker with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. We work with over 3,500 trusted car carriers throughout the United States to ensure you get the best price and have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good hands throughout the shipping process. 

Don’t wait! Give Metti International a call today to schedule your upcoming car transport at 866.620.1776 or request a quote online. We look forward to serving you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.