Why your car shipping quote changed (and how to avoid it)
The most common complaint in car shipping reviews is a price that went up after booking. Here's why it happens and how to get a price that holds.
"The price went up after I booked" is one of the most common complaints in car shipping reviews. It's usually not random. It comes from how the industry works.
Why it happens
Most bookings go through brokers, who post your car on load boards for carriers to accept. Carriers choose the jobs that pay best for their route. If your booked price is below what carriers are taking that week, nobody accepts it. The broker then has two choices: wait and hope, or ask you to pay more.
Prices can also change if:
- The car is bigger, heavier or modified compared with what was quoted.
- The car doesn't run and that wasn't mentioned.
- Pickup or delivery is in a remote area.
- You change dates into a busier period.
How to get a price that holds
- Compare several quotes. If one is far below the rest, ask how they'll get a carrier at that price.
- Describe the vehicle exactly: year, make, model, modifications, and whether it runs.
- Ask directly: "Is this the final price, and what happens if no carrier accepts it?"
- Get it in writing, including what triggers a price change.
- Ask about the deposit refund if the job is never assigned. See deposits and payment.
A low price isn't a good deal if it never ships
A quote that's realistic for the route usually gets your car moving sooner. Read what other customers paid on your route on our shipping cost page, and look for price complaints in a company's reviews before you book.