The thought of shipping a car from California to NYC might be daunting, especially if you have never done it before. Aside from the hefty cost, many challenges can arise when transporting an automobile. But don’t be discouraged! The correct information can help you avoid problems and unnecessary bills. That’s why this blog exists for you. Here are the cheapest ways you can ship your car from the Golden State to the Big Apple.
How Much Does It Cost?
Starting with the most crucial question, how much will you pay for this transport? While the answer depends on many factors, the approximate car shipping cost of a shipment from Cali to NYC ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. These figures depend on several factors, mainly distance together with other specifics, such as:
- Time Of the Year: Car shipping is more in demand during summer and riskier during winter. Both conditions can affect the price.
- Vehicle Size, Model, and Weight: Heavy vehicles like SUVs, fragile ones like classic cars, and luxury cars require more precautions to ship properly; hence, the price increases.
- Type of Transport: Air freight is the most expensive but is undoubtedly the safest and the fastest. Land transport is the more practical and cheaper approach.
- Delivery Timeframe: Asking for expedited transport will result in additional charges.
- Specialized Services: For example, if you opt for your car to be the only passenger in the trailer, you will have to buy out the other spaces.
Cheapest Ways to Transport a Car from CA to NY
Listed below are some options if you’re looking to save on car shipping costs:
Use an Open-Air Trailer
As the cheapest way to ship a car, an open-air trailer is perfect for those who want to save up for NYC’s horrendous living costs. This type of trailer has no cover and does not have any sides or ends, which results in the downside of having no extra protection against harsh weather and theft during transit. Plus, if your car is on the bottom row, the cars above could leak oil or fluids on it. Yes, it’s not the most secure form of transport, but if you’re tight on budget, this method will serve you well.
Hire a Reputable Shipping Company
This step is the most important one in your planning process. You’ll want to hire a carrier that knows what to do, has ample experience when it comes to shipping vehicles, and won’t take advantage of you. We recommend that you work with one that has years of expertise, provides transparent pricing models with no hidden fees, and is well-known for its customer service. You might be paying a little extra, but you’ll be ensuring the safety of your car in exchange. That’s way cheaper than having to send it in for repairs.
Compare Multiple Quotes
An excellent way to ensure you’re paying the right price is by obtaining several quotes. Before you decide, ask for multiple estimates from different carriers and compare them side-by-side before selecting one that suits your needs. It might take a little while, but it’ll save money in the end. You should also consider the insurance coverage provided by the company. In the end, you’ll want your vehicle to be adequately taken care of in case problems arise during transit.
Rent a Tow Dolly
Another way to save money on shipping is by renting a tow dolly and driving the car to NYC yourself. You can find tow dollies at many auto parts stores. They’re relatively inexpensive and provide an “all in one” solution with built-in brakes, axles, and tie-downs.
One significant disadvantage to this is the risk of damage is significantly greater than hiring a professional transporter. On top of that, you will have to spend time making preparations, troubleshooting problems, and studying tutorials if it’s your first time. Typically, a tow dolly should work fine for short trips but is not the safest option for long distances. But still, it deserves mention as an affordable way to transport a car.
Ship During the Off-Season
Many people ship their cars to NY during the summer when the weather is nice. This timing leads to more traffic on the road and more hassle for the carrier. On the other hand, winter isn’t that great when people are coming home for the holidays. Not to mention the slippery road conditions and frigid weather that makes things more complicated. So, if you want to save money on your shipping costs, try waiting until springtime or fall when rates are down for shippers and there’s less demand in general.
Opt to Pick Up the Car at the Terminal
Door-to-door delivery, especially in New York, can be really pricey, considering the traffic and lack of parking space. That’s why if you’ve got the time, try opting for the terminal pickup option. This way, your shipping company won’t have to charge you extra for the effort of sending the car to your doorstep!
Affordably shipping a car from California to NYC means making some compromise. Make sure you’ve done enough research on each approach, so you minimize the risks while still getting your money’s worth.
