Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is known as the country’s entertainment capital. It boasts Hollywood celebrities, movies, music, and art and museums. Its sandy beaches, top-notch schools, and work opportunities attract people to move to the city and settle there.
Hence, it’s not surprising that people want to move to Los Angeles for these and more. When they do so, they’ll find that aside from moving their belongings, they will also need the services of car shipping companies to transport their vehicles.
Having a car will help you move around the city more easily. According to Bungalow.com, Los Angeles is the ninth most expensive city in the U.S., so it’s understandable to find ways to cut car shipping costs. Here are some tips on how to get a cheaper car shipping service to and from Los Angeles.
Why Ship Your Car?
If you’re moving from across the country, it would mean hundreds of miles of travel from your old home to your new location in Los Angeles. You’d spend a few days on the road, and you’d get yourself exposed to various risks, including inclement weather and road accidents. Driving the car yourself would also mean spending money on gas, lodging, and food while on the road.
It would be best if you’d travel safely and comfortably by air and hire a car shipping company to transport your vehicle to your new home. This method will also prevent your car from accumulating extra mileage and additional wear and tear from a road trip.
Average Shipping Costs
The cost and time to ship your car to and from Los Angeles will depend on the point of origin or destination. A-1 Auto Transport says that the estimated cost of shipping a vehicle from Los Angeles to Seattle, Washington, is $681. It will take about 4-6 days to cover the 1,135-mile distance.
Meanwhile, shipping your car from New York to Los Angeles would cost around $1,118 and take 7-9 days to cover 2,797 miles. Prices may increase or decrease further, depending on the season and vehicle type.
Get Multiple Quotes and Book Early
Get quotes from multiple service providers and compare them to get the lowest possible car shipping cost. Make your booking as early as you can so that you’ll have more time to compare offers. This method increases your chance of bagging a good deal.
Use Terminal-to-Terminal Delivery
Although door-to-door delivery may seem more convenient since you only have to wait for your car to arrive at your doorstep, it’s more expensive. Choose terminal delivery instead. It may take a bit more effort since you need to drop off and pick up at a designated terminal, but it’s way cheaper than door-to-door.
Select Open Shipping
Enclosed shipping is considered a more secure way to transport cars since the truck carrying the vehicles is fully enclosed. This method protects the cars from damage caused by external elements, such as wind, rain, and direct sunlight.
But if you’re not shipping a luxury vehicle or a customized car with low ground clearance, open shipping is a better choice cost-wise.
Top Car Shipping Companies in Los Angeles
When choosing a car transport provider, pricing is not the only criteria you should consider. Since your car is one of your most valuable properties, only hire a reputable company with extensive experience in the industry. In 2019, ConsumerAffairs came out with a list of the top car shipping companies in Los Angeles.
Among the list is Montway Auto Transport, a nationwide car shipping firm founded in 2007. Clients know Montway for its guaranteed pickup dates. It offers open, enclosed, and expedited shipping and implements no upfront charges. The company’s average shipping cost is between $588 and $930.
Meanwhile, Sherpa Auto Transport built its reputation on providing excellent customer service and detailed pricing based on real-time data. Unlike other companies that may change pricing at the last minute, Sherpa has its Price Lock Promise that serves as a guarantee that the shipper would stick to the price it quoted you.
On the other hand, AmeriFreight focuses its services on quality. The company, founded in 2004, maintains an internal quality rating of at least 95% for its car shipping services. It also offers discounts to students, first responders, and seniors. Its price range is from $495 to $1,300.
Final Thoughts
Moving into a new city, particularly one with a high cost of living, can be challenging financially, emotionally, and physically. Having a reliable yet affordable car shipper to transport your vehicle would greatly help lessen your stress. This way, you can start fresh in your new home.
