One of the most frequently asked questions in the car shipping industry is if carriers charge extra for heavy vehicles. Your cars weight and dimensions can influence the shipping cost if you move a large SUV, heavy-duty truck, or luxury vehicle. We will explore the heaviness of the vehicle that influences the transport cost, and also give you some tips to get the best freight deal in this guide.
It is advisable dealing with the weight if you intend to ship a heavy vehicle as it will enable you to understand the shipping fees and make an informed decision. Keep reading if you want to know everything about heavy vehicle shipping and the possible extra charges that can apply.
1. Why Are Carriers Charging More for Heavy Vehicles?
The cost of shipping a car will usually depend on various factors such as distance, the size and weight of the car. In the case of heavy vehicles, there are also some other matters that the carrier has to consider and these can cause him to reach to a higher figure of money. Here is the reason:
A. Higher Transport Costs
One of the main reasons for charging high fees for heavy vehicles is the higher transport costs. Heavily-loaded vehicles need a higher amount of materials and energy to be transported than the normal ones. This includes not only the bigger car but also special equipment for loading and unloading and thus, the companies have to use more money on that enabled. These extra resources are increasing the operational costs of the shipping company. In order to cover these costs, carriers are doublecharged for cars that weigh more than the allowed limit.
B. Less Carriers to Choose From
It is not possible for every car transporter to carry heavy vehicles. Typically car carriers are designed to transport regular passenger cars but in the case of heavy vehicles, the task may be difficult for these carriers and, hence, they may need to be replaced by others with a stronger suspension, a tougher frame, or more space. For this reason, the equipment for a heavy vehicle and the related logistics make the carriers that are available for them charge higher.
C. Danger and Responsibility
First of all, heavy vehicles can lead to dangerous situations. Especially those that are too big, and have unusual shapes are difficult to handle. It is possible to cause an accident with them or some kind of damage easily during the process of loading and unloading, and this is a tough situation to deal with. Carriers assess the risk and put their money on the liability which means adding more money on the price of taking good care of transportation.
2. How Do Carriers Determine Weight and Size for Extra Charges?
Carriers typically look at a set of factors when checking if a shipment will incur any additional charges. Some of these factors are:
A. Weight Limits
Most of the time, weight limits are the main determinants of the number of the standard vehicles. For instance, a car shipping standard carrier might be able to take cars that weigh not more than 4,000-5,000 pounds. If the weight of the vehicle goes over this limit, for example, if it is a large truck, SUV, or commercial vehicle, then it will be charged extra. Then again, a few carriers may even add on a surcharge for a vehicle that goes beyond some limitations with respect to size even if it is within the weight limit.
B. Vehicle Dimensions
Although the weight of the vehicle is very crucial in the determination of the extra charges, the total size of the vehicle should not be ignored as well. The bigger the vehicle, the more space it will take on the transport carrier, and hence, the price rises as well. Certain companies might increase their fees for the vehicles that have a great length, width, or height, which possibly makes shipping more difficult and therefore, the costs will be higher.
C. Custom Vehicles
The shipping of a customized or heavily modified vehicle would also imply that there are extra charges. As the customized vehicles may have different weight and size requirements, this eventually makes them harder to be transported. Let it be an off-road, super-sized truck or a high-end car that is lowered; modifications can make the vehicles transportation and handling become more challenging, which in turn increases the costs.
3. What Are the Extra Costs for Shipping Heavy Vehicles?
The additional cost for the shipping of a heavy vehicle is a certain amount that depends on the vehicle type, the shipping company, and the route. The following is the list of possible additional fees:
A. Oversize Surcharge
If a vehicle is beyond the standard size or weight, it will be charged an oversize surcharge most of the time. The volume of this extra charge may be from $100 to over $500 depending on the detailed requirements of the transport.
B. Specialized Equipment Fees
In case your automobile is transported in a carrier with an enclosure or one that has a suspension system that is reinforced for heavy loads, you will be the one to pay for the usage of specialized equipment i.e. you will pay a higher amount than usual. These fees are for the accommodation of the additional weight or dimensions of your vehicle.
C. Fuel Surcharges
Transporting heavy vehicles, in particular if they are big or need special carriers, usually takes more fuel than usual. To compensate for the extra fuel, a number of shipping companies decide to impose a fuel surcharge. Since the additional rate depends on the changes in fuel prices, it is advisable that you check the current prices with the carrier.
D. Insurance Costs
The shipping of a heavy vehicle may be complemented with the provision for additional insurance to ensure that the vehicle is completely safe during the delivery process. The large-size and heavy-weight vehicles may thus be more vulnerable to getting damaged than the others, so shipping companies might ask for extra insurance cover to be able to halt any risks that can arise.
4. How can you reduce additional charges for heavy vehicle transportation?
It is true that trucks are often charged with extra fees, however, by doing some steps, you will be able to reduce the total shipping cost:
A. Collect the prices provided by different companies
Many shipping companies may have different rates for ship heavy vehicles. Carriers will always better to get quotes from the fewest companies and compare their prices. Many car shipping websites such as Car Shipping Source provide online instant quotes which allow you to quickly calculate the lowest price for the shipment.
B. Get your Booking slot earlier
Frequently booking your transportation ahead of time will let you save some money. Throwing a last-minute heavy vehicle shipping request may lead to paying an extra fee for the expedited service. So, by preplanning, you can dodge the rush fees and grant the carrier more time to find an ideal path to your vehicle.
C. Choose Open Transport
In case your heavy vehicle is not a luxury or unique one, and you are not in need of a closed transport, then choosing open transport will be more advantageous in terms of price, as the cost will be lower. Usually, an open transport is less costly than an enclosed one, so if your vehicle is not going to be treated with the extra protection, the difference in price will be the main reason to choose open transport.
D. Work with Experienced Carriers
Carriers who have the experience and the knowledge in heavy vehicle transport might be the source of lower rates together with the right equipment and the good practice to do your shipment in a comfortable way. This will mean shipping your car at a lower final price.
5. Is It Worth Paying Extra for Heavy Vehicle Shipping?
Although the shipping of a heavy vehicle is associated with additional costs, one should not forget to weigh the worth of the service provided to him/her. The use of specialized equipment, faster transport, and extra protection are some of the factors that, in combination, provide the user with overall safety and shipping efficiency. If you own a large or heavy-duty vehicle, then these additional charges are often the only way of guaranteeing that your vehicle is safely and punctually transported.
At Car Shipping Source, we are aware of the heavy vehicle shipping ordeal. This is why we provide customized solutions for the varying requirements of different types of vehicles, including the oversized and the heavy-duty ones. No matter if you are shipping a commercial vehicle, an SUV, or a luxury car; we are the right people with the right tools to achieve a successful transport that will be safe, efficient, and economical.
