People and businesses that want to ship cars often wonder whether bundling cars into a single shipment provides a cost advantage. In most cases, shipping items together saves money as opposed to shipping the items separately. However, it is critical to understand that combined shipping is still subject to pricing factors such as distance, vehicle type, and the selected shipping company.
In this discussion, we will analyze the savings that can be made with regard to bundled car shipments, the factors that influence these costs, and how these car shipping services can provide value for money.
How Shipping Multiple Vehicles Conservatively Impacts Budgets
Here is the reasoning for why lower costs associated with combined vehicle shipments should come as no surprise:
- Bulk vehicle shipments usually receive discounted rates
Bulk vehicle shipments are typically given discounts, which is a benefit that transport companies extend to clients who book multiple shipments at the same time. Most transporters have business-graded cars, so the cost per vehicle significantly decreases when multiple vehicles are booked for a single trip, making it cheaper on a per vehicle basis. This is particularly true for businesses, households, and automotive dealerships that need to ship several vehicles at once.
- Economies of Scale
Usually, car transporters possess large multi-carrier transport trucks (or ‘car haulers’). In their fleet, these vehicles can tow more than one car simultaneously. The Transport Company does not incur loss of resources because they can make use of an entire carrier by filling it into total capacity with several cars. This implies that the cost related to operating the truck, fuel, paying the driver, and other overheads are distributed among several cars instead of one which lowers the Transport Expenses per car significantly.
- Lower Logistics and Scheduling Expenses
Relocating personnel is easier when moved logistics rotate. These two concepts come together best when we speak of the setting of the transport company. When dealing with multiple cars, scheduling logistics becomes far easier. There is no longer the need for several pickups and drop-offs. Only one pickup, one drop off can be handled. This allows less time, resources, and money, which is then passed onto the clients, to be utilized focusing on more pressing issues.
- Less Depot Stops Freer Movement and Enhanced Through Goods Delivery
Transport of multiple car shipments facilitate the company combine the movement of vehicles to fewer stops and reduced handling.
These benefits result in reduced time spent on transport and vehicle handling. The time savings improve delivery schedule management. This means in the future, the higher utility of transport productivity translates to reduced consumer expenditure compared to the carrier cost when each vehicle is individually transported.
Factors that affect the pricing logistics for shipping multiple cars at once
Despite the advantages that arise when shipping a number of vehicles together, the overall cost is still significantly determined by several main considerations. These are:
- Distance
The pickup and delivery geographic locations is a major factor in pricing, as the distance between these two locations determines the cost. The shipping price for multi-car shipments is always more expensive over long distances than short distances. However, while shipping several vehicles simultaneously, the price per vehicle for long distances tends to be more economical than individual shipments.
- Type of Vehicles
The make and model of the vehicle being shipped as well as its weight and size also helps determine the price. Cars deemed larger or heavier like SUVs and luxurious trucks may tend to require more meticulous handling during transport, further adding to the cost as they consume more space. If you are shipping different types of vehicles, there will most likely be an adjustment on the pricing based on the class and weight of the vehicles.
- Shipping Method
In comparison to other services, shipping also features a distinct cost associated with it, further altered by the method of transport. There are two primary categories of shipping methods:
– Open Carrier Shipping: This is the most ideal and straightforward for the shipment of multiple vehicles as it tends to be less expensive. Open carrier by definition transports the vehicle on an open trailer, thus the car is completely visible to the public but secured with ropes. This method offers considerable price drops, particularly with economy shipments intended for bulk purchases.
– Closed Container Vehicle Shipping: Providing superior service, your vehicles are placed in a closed container prior to shipping. This is the method one would select for high-value, classic, or exotic cars that need special attention during transport. However, enclosed shipping will add additional expenses compared to open and this cost will significantly increase when transporting multiple vehicles.
In case you are seeking lower transportation costs, open carrier shipping when hauling multiple cars is the most economical option.
- Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
The site for pick up and drop off of vehicles will affect the overall expense. If these sites are located outside a city, you may incur extra fees for fuel and time. On the other hand, if you usually ship a number of cars simultaneously to or from a metropolitan area, the cost is likely to be more expensive, since these areas feature well-maintained highway and public transport systems.
- Time of Year
Demand seasonally varies and has the potential to impact the cost, for example school breaks during summer and winter will increase demand. Cost also tends to fall during spring and fall, when public demand decreases. For owners of multiple vehicles, selecting a time that is least busy for fleet operators will often lead to cost savings.
Save Money on Shipping Multiple Cars
To save money on transporting a large volume of vehicles simultaneously, the strategies listed below can be helpful:
- Request Estimates from Numerous Suppliers
While I recommend using my attached quote template, as you are inquiring with other transport service providers, I suggest you price check with as many as possible. Even though some companies offer discounts for bulk orders, there’s a stronger possibility of better deals with some other companies. Don’t forget to inquire about the sum of the quotation that is inclusive of all the additional services.
- Make Reservations Early
It’s very apparent that booking the car shipment early will allow them to fetch better prices. Late booking is always an issue because of inflating prices relative to supply and demand, which is usually low. This is especially true if there happens to be a lot of cars getting shipped in at once. This increases the cost of a lot of the services that are offered. Reserving early will help get around these scenarios and yield profit.
It is helpful to verify with the service providers if there are any special offers such as discounts for active service men and women, loyal customers, or other discerning groups. Check what applies in your case so as to minimize spending.
- Select Open Carrier Shipping
Selecting open carrier shipping will best suit your needs in the case where you have several cars to ship and a tight budget to work with. This is the cheapest method of shipping compared to enclosed transport and since you are bringing more than one car, the cost per vehicle will reduce greatly.
Conclusion
If comparing the costs of simultaneously shipping cars versus shipping them one after the other, the first option is more economical due to bulk discounts, economies of scale, and improved operational efficiency. Other important elements that will influence the total cost are the distance to the target place, the number and size of vehicles, the chosen shipping method, and time of the year. Regardless, you can reduce the costs on your car shipment by booking early, asking for multiple quotes, and choosing open carrier shipping.
For the most reliable, economical, and effecting in transporting cars, visit Car Transport Org today. Whether shipping a single vehicle, or multiple cars, we offer competitive pricing and a broad range of shipping solutions to cater your needs. Request your free quote today! Traffic and Transport Studies: An International Journal.
