Car shipping is a costly undertaking and just like that, the price of your shipment depends on several factors including the destination. Many people are interested to know if there are extra charges for deliveries at apartments. A brief response would be that additional charges might be there depending on the situation but by knowing the details of shipping your car to an apartment, you can be able to steer away from unexpected charges.
Car Shipping Center desires that you comprehend the procedure, the possible expenses that may be incurred, and how to have the easiest delivery. We will cover every detail about apartment deliveries, the reasons that the extra fees may occur, and the ways of them reduction.
1. Why Are Apartment Deliveries Sometimes Charged Additional Fees?
Often, vehicle shipping to an apartment complex is full of special problems that lead to raising the shipping price. These problems may be hard access to the place, lack of space, and so forth. Some of the principal reasons that lead to charging extra fees are:
1.1 Limited Access
In many cases, apartment complexes have extremely narrow streets, tiny parking spaces, or are closed off in a way that trucks transporting large items cannot get to the location. Car shipping firms generally load the vehicles on large, open car-trailer transportation. Nevertheless, these transports might not be able to fit into smaller or jam-packed apartment parking lots.
If the truck is not allowed to reach the place, the driver may have to park somewhere else, and this is where a “delivery deviation” or “escort service” fee is applied. It refers to the vehicle being relocated on a smaller one for the last part of the trip, or the driver using the bypass to finish the delivery.
1.2 Parking Challenges
It is common to find many apartment complexes that have restricted or limited parking for large vehicles. Therefore, in such situations, the car carrier might have to park outside the complex and then organize the transport of the vehicle a short distance to the destination. An extra fee is usually charged for this additional step.
1.3 Gated Communities
The delivery company could have been asked to pick a specific time to enter the gate in case the apartment complex is gated. You, on the other hand, might have to hand over the package to the driver at the gate. The issue of extra costs is raised depending on the difficulty of accessing the apartment. Some carriers can take money for the hours it takes to arrange entry into the complex.
1.4 Special Handling
There are some apartments that have certain stipulations about the delivery of cars which entail the operator to adhere to some procedures or present additional documents. This extra clearance and paperwork may entail a fee.
2. How to Minimize Extra Fees for Apartment Deliveries
There is a possibility that you are going to be charged some extra fees for delivering your package to the apartment, but there are several steps that you can take in order to minimize them. Here are some tips that can help you to lower the potential costs:
2.1 Provide Accurate Address Information
Be sure to give a very detailed location when you are making your shipment booking. The details should include:
- The precise address and the apartment number.
- Any limitations relating to the access such as narrow streets or tight turns.
- Whether the complex is an area that is gated or has restricted entry times.
By being more detailed and accurate with shipping information, the company that is handling the delivery will be better prepared to make the delivery and also avoid any surprise charges.
2.2 Request Delivery to a Nearby Location
Maybe your apartment is in a place that is quite difficult to access. You can then ask the car to be delivered to a parking lot, mall, or any other open place near the location. It is a way to ensure that you are not charged the extra fees that are usually for the areas that are not accessible or the small roads. It can be a win-win situation if you are not strict about the exact place of delivery. In this case, you and the shipping company can be saved a great deal of time and the bother.
2.3 Be Available to Meet the Driver
On the other hand, apartment delivery can be made cheaper in some instances if you are able to meet the driver in a location that is easily accessible, such as the nearest street or parking lot. It is thus, a situation that you can coordinate with the driver to be at a place that is more accessible, so that he can hand over the vehicle to another person who will transport the car to the apartment. In this way, you will be charged only for one transport and thus, you will be saving your money.
Car shipping is a costly undertaking and just like that, the price of your shipment depends on several factors including the destination. Many people are interested to know if there are extra charges for deliveries at apartments. A brief response would be that additional charges might be there depending on the situation but by knowing the details of shipping your car to an apartment, you can be able to steer away from unexpected charges.
3. How to Steer Clear of Surprise Charges
Unexpected fees for vehicle shipment to an apartment may be avoided by taking the following steps:
3.1 Finding Out Every Possible Fee Upfront
Once you get a shipping company’s estimate for your car, you should inquire whether they expect additional charges for delivery to an apartment. Ask if they might need to use smaller vehicles or if there are any other logistical issues that could cause them to add money.
It is possible to plan your budget in advance and avert any surprises when your car is delivered by asking in advance.
3.2 Find a Well-Known and Trusted Shipping Company
Each vehicle shipping business doesn’t follow the same rules or offer the same service quality. The wise decision to take a company with a great reputation and long experience like Car Shipping Center is going to change the game for you. A well-known company will be open about the charges and communicate with you all the procedures before the delivery is made.
4. How Is The Fee Charged?
Apartment delivery fees that include the money for different deliveries can greatly vary due to different situations and companies. Generally, the rates expressed in the following ways may be:
Flat fee for delivery deviation – The money paid when the driver has to park far from the delivery site and the driver has to transfer the vehicle is a fixed amount that is added to the total shipping cost.
Hourly rate for additional services – The company can request an hourly money for the time spent in a difficult access and coordination of entry into a gated community as a part of the additional services.
Fuel surcharges – If the delivery is made by a small vehicle that is different from the original one, you will also be charged for the fuel used in the delivery besides the delivery fee.
Yes, apartment deliveries can be charged extra, however, the extra money can be kept to a minimum if you plan it right and communicate with the delivery person. Just by supplying the necessary information, arranging for a delivery at a location near you, and being open about the place where the delivery will be made, you can cut the extra charges.
At Car Shipping Center, we are all about providing the clients with the most dependable and efficient car shipping services. If you are going to an apartment, the team of our company, we, can not only assist you in the procedure but also make the delivery as easy as possible. Get in touch with us now for more details or to get a free estimate!
If you follow the steps and cooperate with your carrier, you can have a transport without any trouble and with fewer surprise fees. Happy shipping!
