What Are the Hidden Fees That Can Double Your Auto Transport Quote?\n\nSo you’re looking to ship a car. Maybe you’re relocating to Florida. Perhaps you’re moving from Houston to Los Angeles. You punch in your details, get a few quotes, and some seem too good to be true. Spoiler alert: they probably are. Hidden fees are a big problem in this business. We see it all the time. At AMG Transport Co., we deal with these situations so you don't have to.\n\n## The Bait and Switch: An Industry Problem\n\nThis isn't a new trick. Some brokers will quote you an impossibly low price upfront. You book with them. Then, suddenly, the price jumps. They'll say it's due to \"market changes\" or \"carrier availability.\" It’s often a flat-out bait-and-switch. This is why you need a reliable auto transport broker. A good one, like AMG Transport Co., provides honest quotes from the start. We work with an extensive network of vetted, insured carriers. This means we know real market rates. We don't play games.\n\n## Common Hidden Fees to Watch Out For\n\nLet’s break down where these extra costs often come from.\n\n### 1. The \"Too Good to Be True\" Lowball Quote\n\nThis is the most common one. You get a quote that's significantly lower than everyone else. This isn't usually a deal. It's often a line you won't ship for. Carriers aren't going to take a load for less than what it costs them to run. When a quoted price is too low, carriers won’t touch it. Your car will sit. Then, you'll be told you need to pay more to get it moved. This is why comparing auto transport quotes is essential. But you need to compare apples to apples.\n\n AMG Transport Co. stands apart: We provide transparent, honest quotes. We use real data to price your job correctly the first time. We aim for a smooth, 72-hour pickup window, not endless delays due to a bad price.\n\n### 2. Fuel Surcharges and \"Additional Fees\"\n\nSome companies will add fuel surcharges after you book. Or they'll hit you with vague \"additional fees.\" These aren't always disclosed upfront. Always ask for an all-inclusive price. Get it in writing. \n\n Our approach: Your quote from AMG Transport Co. includes all standard costs. There are no surprise fuel surcharges.\n\n### 3. Non-Running Vehicle Surcharges\n\nAre you shipping a non-running vehicle? This usually costs more. It requires special equipment. Some brokers don't ask this upfront. Then they surprise you with an extra charge. We make sure to ask about your vehicle's condition early on. This gives you an accurate how much does it cost to ship a car cross country quote. For instance, shipping a non-running car from Texas to California will carry a different cost. This is true whether it’s an open car carrier transport or an enclosed auto transport for luxury cars.\n\n### 4. Residential Delivery/Pickup Fees\n\nSome carriers charge extra for door-to-door car shipping service. They might prefer larger terminals. You want door pick-up and delivery. Make sure it's included in your quote. Nationwide vehicle shipping door to door should cover this.\n\n AMG Transport Co. advantage: We specialize in door-to-door service. It's part of our standard offering for customers seeking best auto transport company for out-of-state moves.\n\n### 5. Insurance Deductibles or Limited Coverage\n\nAll carriers are required to carry insurance. But the level of coverage can vary. Some quotes might be low because they offer minimal insurance. Or they might have high deductibles. Always ask about the insurance policy. Understand what's covered. An experienced car shipping broker you can trust will explain this clearly. At AMG, we partner with carriers that maintain robust insurance policies. This gives you peace of mind.\n\n Our Promise: Your vehicle is in good hands. We vet all our carriers for proper insurance. We ensure their auto transport safety record and reputation are top-notch. \n\n### 6. Payment Processing Fees\n\nSome companies charge extra for credit card payments. Or they might demand full payment upfront via less secure methods. Be wary of this. \n\n AMG Transport Co.'s Secure Payment: We use Stripe for secure deposits. This means your financial information is protected. We don't demand full payment upfront. You pay the remaining balance to the carrier upon delivery.\n\n### 7. Enclosed vs. Open Carrier Costs\n\nThe type of carrier dramatically affects cost. Open car carrier transport cost is generally lower. Enclosed auto transport for luxury cars or classic car transport enclosed carrier is more expensive. It offers better protection. Some questionable brokers will quote you an open carrier price, then try to upsell you to enclosed later. Be clear about what you're getting. Know the enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars. Understand what affects car shipping cost per mile for different carrier types.\n\n| Feature | Open Car Carrier Transport | Enclosed Auto Transport |\n| :---------------- | :--------------------------- | :---------------------------- |\n| Cost | Lower | Higher |\n| Protection | Exposed to elements | Full protection from elements |\n| Availability | More widespread | Less common |\n| Ideal for | Standard vehicles, budget-conscious | Luxury, classic, custom cars |\n\n## How AMG Transport Co. Illuminates the Path\n\nThe auto transport industry can feel like a minefield. It's full of opaque pricing and broken promises. This is particularly true if you are looking for car shipping services Texas or a vehicle logistics company Texas. This is where AMG Transport Co. shines. We are a broker. We do the legwork carriers don't want to do. The front-end sales, coordinating, and backend systems. Carriers are busy driving. They rely on brokers to solve the customer service issues. They also rely on us for payment. Many customers don't pay. That's why carriers don't like dealing with the public directly anyway. They also tend to charge regular people more. Your margin for a broker is always better.\n\nAs a Texas based auto transport broker, we're deeply integrated with the carrier network. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier. This means we understand both sides of the coin. We know what it takes to get a vehicle moved efficiently and affordably. We ensure carriers are invested in taking care of you, our client. \n\n### Our Commitment to Transparency\n\n Honest Quotes: Our quotes are accurate and all-inclusive. What you see is what you get. No surprises. This helps when comparing how much does it cost to ship a car cross country services. \n Vetted Carriers: We only work with carriers with excellent safety records and proper insurance. This is crucial for single-car transport vs multi-car load cost considerations. Especially if you're shipping an SUV vs sedan. We verify VINs through VIN scans. This ensures the correct vehicle is being moved. \n Clear Communication: We explain every step of the process. From door pick-up and delivery to how long does car shipping take cross country. We answer your questions. We guide you through the process.\n Reliable Service: We set realistic expectations for pickup windows. Our 72-hour pickup window is standard. We avoid the endless waiting game. We ensure your vehicle doesn't just sit. This applies to relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, or shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles.\n\n## Don't Get Caught Off Guard\n\nWorking with an experienced, trusted car shipping broker is almost required for a smooth process. You couldn't work with most carriers directly, even if you wanted to. They are not set up for it. They're busy with the roads. The dangers. The breakdowns. The driving. That's their job. Our job is to connect you with the best carrier for your needs. Whether it's multi-car transport for families or luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open. Whether it is shipping a non-running vehicle what to know or open carrier car shipping pros & cons. We help manage vehicle shipping for dealerships too. We are the best auto transport company Texas. \n\n## Choose AMG Transport Co.\n\nWhen you get a quote from AMG Transport Co., you're getting an honest quote. You're getting peace of mind. You're getting a commitment to transparency. Don't risk hidden fees that can double your auto transport quote. Choose the Texas based auto transport broker nationwide that puts you first. Choose AMG Transport Co. We make car shipping simple, affordable, and stress-free. Get your honest, accurate quote today.\n\nWritten by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.*\n\nGet a Free Quote Now!