All auto transport companies are transparent. They will give you all the information you need, along with brochures on how it is done and what to expect. Sometimes, they will even throw you a tip or two on how to choose the best moving company for your needs and how to spot if you’re dealing with fly-by-nights and scammers. All these information are duly provided when visiting their websites, calling their hotlines and of course when you pay a visit to their offices. They will give you straight, precise explanation on how they conduct their business—all of it BUT not when it comes to their pricing structure.

Most auto moving companies tend to be vague when they’re asked how they construct their prices. Yes, you’ll be given pre-made quotes and estimates but never a specific price structure where you alone can make your calculations. In the end, you’ll have to settle, hope and pray that the one who put together your bill had a great day and in a sunny mood.

Generally, prices and fees set by most auto transport companies depend on the travel time, weight of the vehicle/s, number of vehicle/s and the distance. It also varies from one location to another and the amount of cars they transport within that location. A standard sized car receives the lowest rate and a bigger automobile such as carriers and trucks, of course, receives higher rate. If you’re thinking of sending your car from port to port then certain shipping fees are applied.

Then there is weather condition; not to mention fuel prices and everything else in between. When you try checking with several moving companies, you’ll see that estimates vary widely from lowly $500 to whopping $900 all for the same car. This alone can confuse a first time auto shipper.

Bottomline is, it pays to get estimates and talk personally to customer reps, if prices get too blurry then head out of their office’s doors and move on to the next.

If you are moving then chances are you are going to need a lot of packaging materials.  In order to cut cost you can call your moving company as they usually purchase their packaging materials direct from the source.  Make sure that you order a lot of tape, boxes, labels and all the necessities.

If you are concerned about all that going to waste, there are environment friendly manufacturers who make “green” boxes.  These are made from recycled materials.  Also you can donate or sell your used packaging materials like boxes to ecobox.com.  They also sell used boxes so you can cut your moving costs even more.

There are also special packaging materials that you can buy for valuables, oddly shaped furniture, antiques and collectibles.  You have to stock up on tissue, cushioning, crates and other packaging materials to protect your valuables.

Stocking up on packaging materials allow you to get an early start on your packing and avoid stress as the big move comes.  Start with items you do not normally use.  If you have items that can be shipped away earlier, pack them up.  This would minimize the things you need to keep track of.

Not all of us have the option of going full service during a move.  And even if some of us do have this option, the anxiety of having people go over our things may bee too much for some of us to handle.  So here are a few tips in order to better manage your time as the big moving day comes nearer.

As soon as you find out that you are going to move make a list of the people you have to notify immediately.  This might include your bank, your kids’ school, your realtor or landlord, Utilities Company and any others.  As soon as you can, start buying packaging materials and boxes so that you can pack a little at a time and not feel overwhelmed with the idea of packing all your belongings.

Now that you have boxes, start by packing away things you do not use everyday.  Also begin sorting things which you may want to bring with you and things that need to be donated.  If you are thinking of hiring a moving company, start looking for one as soon as possible. Shop around and find one that you are most comfortable with.   Agree on terms and begin working as a team in order to make your move as efficient as possible.

One week before your move, boxes and crates should be sorted accordingly.  All of these should be labeled with its contents.  Most of these should be ready for pick up by the moving company.

On the day itself, there should only be the actual loading of the van to be done.  Once the van is packed you will only need to secure your jewelry and other small valuables to your person.  Before completely leaving your old location, be sure to do a one last walk over.  Check and make sure that everything is empty and that nothing has been left behind.