The cost of living in Los Alamos, New Mexico is among the highest in the country. As a result, it’s no surprise that people are looking for ways to save money, which is why the town has emerged as a hub for those seeking cheap car shipping. One option is to utilize a flat-rate service for car shipping, but there is another way to save even more money: the speedway charge.
What Is A Speedway Charge?
The speedway charge is the minimum fee a carrier will charge to transport a car across the country. The fee varies by truckload, but is usually around $25,000 to $50,000. The savings on car shipping with a speedway charge can be significant, and the method of payment is usually easy to locate: the bank account of the buyer is used as a payment source. If you’re interested in taking advantage of this option, keep reading.
How Does A Speedway Charge Work?
The basic idea behind a speedway charge is to cut out the middle man and negotiate direct with a carrier. The speedway charge is a type of alternative payment that functions like a deposit, but it’s refundable. In other words, if a trucking company can’t beat the price offered by a direct connection, they’ll refund your money. In contrast, a typical shipper’s rate is non-refundable. The net result is that you save money without having to compromise on quality or service.
Negotiating Direct With A Motor Carrier Can Be More Cost Effective
It’s always good to compare apples to apples when shopping for car shipping prices, so let’s compare a typical shipper’s rate to a speedway charge:
- A shipper’s rate usually ranges from $16,000 to $30,000
- A direct connection with a carrier can get you the same vehicle for around $25,000 to $50,000
- So you’re looking at an average of $41,000 in savings
- If you negotiate with a motor carrier directly, you’ll usually save a minimum of $10,000
When Do You Need To Ship Your Car?
The answer to this question is complicated, because there are times when you need to ship your car immediately, and there are other times when you can wait. For instance, if you order a brand new vehicle and it doesn’t arrive in the next few days, you might consider driving it to your local car dealer and trading it in for cash.
The key is to determine how much you’re willing to lose in terms of quality and speed. The faster you want it, the less you might be willing to pay. However, some cars just aren’t meant to be left in the heat of the summer.
What About Insurance?
Depending on the type of insurance you carry, you might be covered for vehicle shipping or you might not. Your insurer might not cover this type of transportation, but the shipper’s insurance might. Make sure you notify your insurer before you make any payments under protest.
If you can find a minimum of three-year insurance coverage, it might be worth the investment. In the event of an accident or damage, you’ll be thankful you have the coverage. You might not want to go through the hassle of claiming damage after a car accident if you’re already holding a tight budget.
Who Needs To Pay For Car Shipping?
If you’re the driver of the car being transported, you’ll need to pay for it. Alternatively, if you’re hiring a driver, that person will need to pay for the transport. In most cases, people who ship their cars do so because they’re facing financial hardship and are seeking ways to save.
If you have a low credit score and can’t get a loan, you might be able to get an advance on your speedway charge. This can alleviate some of your financial concerns, but it might be better to look for other ways to save. For instance, if you’re going to pay for the car shipping anyway, you might consider buying a cheap car that is already in good condition.
Consider All The Options
Before you commit to a particular method of payment for your car shipping, you might want to compare all of your options. This includes looking at what other carriers have to offer, as well as the various ways you can pay with a speedway charge. If you have several credit cards and you’re willing to use them, you might want to consider a cash-back credit card. Some credit cards will even cover part of the cost of your car shipping. It’s important to keep in mind that car shipping is considered an expensive endeavor and most people are seeking ways to save.
The key is to look for the best possible deal and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re looking to save as much as possible, consider all the options and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You might be able to find a quote that’s almost as good as what you get from a direct connection, and it might be worth looking into.