Soaring Gas Prices
Without a doubt, countless truck drivers who remember when gas was cheaper, and someone could fill an entire tank for very little money. Now, however, that is just a distant memory as gas prices continue to rise, making more expensive for everyone, but more-so for truck drivers who have big tanks to fill and use the more expensive diesel. Drivers can expect to pay at least $3.21 per gallon today, which quickly begins to add up for them. So, naturally, to help counter the rising cost of filling their tanks, car transport companies have to raise their transport fees. Otherwise, they will be unable to make a real profit.
The DOT Rules and Regulations
For a long time, truck drivers kept paper log files of the hours they have driven and all of their breaks. While it is a system that was cheap and effective for them, the DOT recently decided that it was not enough. Now, truck drivers are required to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) which use an electronic system to track the hours driven and at rest. While it is a system that is meant to increase efficiency and accountability of companies and drivers, it also adds extra costs for companies, as ELD systems come from outside companies.
Additionally, these are rules and requirements that they cannot ignore. If a company is found not to be following the DOT’s new standards, they can face serious legal trouble. Companies without the ELD system may be required to pay big fines—or may even be put out of business. As a result, this also means that a company’s overhead cost is increased significantly, and forces them to raise their prices so they will still make a profit from their jobs.
Other Factors Affecting Prices
Summer and spring are popular seasons for transporting vehicles, causing prices to become inflated, while prices tend to decrease during winter and fall. Prices for shipping are also affected by the cost of the trucker’s insurance, which comes with a hefty price tag. The kind of car you are looking to ship also affects the price; companies charge more for vehicles that need added protections, like sports cars, classic cars, and motorcycles, to keep them safe from potential harm.
These are some of the most significant factors in the cost of shipping a car. When looking for the right car transport company, it is important to keep these things in mind. Companies are not necessarily trying to cheat you of your money; reputable companies are just trying to ensure that their company can make a profit and that their employees have a decent paycheck.
Call us today at 678-500-8905 to get your car shipping price and information.