April 12, 2022

Is There a Way to Save Money on Car Transport in Canada?

Hiring a Car Hauler Edmonton is a smart choice for making car transportation easier. However, it can often feel like a considerable expense for something that can be done on your own. While you’re unlikely to find a better way to ship your car, there are a few ways you can save on car hauler services in Edmonton.

Chose an Open-Air Carrier

Pricing for car transport climbs significantly when opting for an enclosed trailer over an open-air carrier- particularly for long-haul or cross Canada moves. Enclosed trailers weigh more and can typically carry fewer cars than an open-air carrier can. There are also fewer of them on the road so they command a premium. Open-air trailers can accommodate up to 10 vehicles versus an enclosed trailer which usually only houses 1-2 vehicles.

Unless you are transporting an exotic car that requires special attention and white-glove service, you can save a good deal of money opting for an open-air car hauler when in Edmonton.

Be Flexible on Shipping Dates

If you have no fixed shipping deadlines or are not in a rush, you can save a bundle on car transport in Canada simply by being flexible with the pickup and delivery dates.

In Canada, it is often cheaper to ship a car in late spring and over the summer than during the winter due to the extreme road conditions and unpredictable weather. However, there are also busier times throughout the spring and summer. The best way to save on car transportation is to book early, avoid holidays, and be flexible with your dates.

Chose Terminal to Terminal Shipping

If your starting point and destination are located within a reasonable distance from a shipping terminal, you can save a lot by choosing the terminal to terminal shipping option. Most major cities in Canada have large shipping terminals including Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, Montréal, and Halifax. These are generally easily accessible off major routes.

If you live in a suburban area 30 minutes or more from the nearest major city, highway, or shipping terminal, you can still save money by choosing a more central location for your pickup and delivery. Arrangements can be made to meet your car hauler closer to the route they are traveling. Therefore, driving 30 minutes to meet your transport carrier saves the driver a lot of time and saves you a lot of money.

Shop Around

One of the easiest ways you can help reduce the cost of car shipping is by getting more than one quote. Shop around for local carriers or transporters that service your region and compare prices. You may be surprised to find dramatic differences between shipping rates from carrier to carrier.

There are two important notes to consider when comparing rates. Ensure you are getting the all-in cost of auto transportation as some carriers will try to undercut the competition only to spring surprise fees later. It’s also wise to read a few online reviews- good and bad to get a better feel for the company you are considering.