The short answer
- A useful quote states the price, the route, the vehicle, open or enclosed, and the pickup window it assumes.
- It should show what the carrier is paid and what the broker's fee is.
- A quote is an estimate, not a guaranteed price. It can change if lane conditions or the vehicle details change.
- Nothing should be charged until a driver is booked for your vehicle.
What the quote should state
- The price, as one total, and how it splits between the carrier payment and the brokerage fee.
- Pickup and delivery locations, as cities or ZIP codes.
- The vehicle, including anything that affects size or loading, and whether it runs.
- Transport type: open or enclosed.
- The pickup window the price assumes. A tighter date usually costs more.
- Service type: door-to-door is standard with Vector; expedited is quoted separately.
- Payment terms: when the deposit is due, how much, and how the balance is paid on delivery.
What is normally included in the price
- Transport from your pickup address to your delivery address, or to agreed nearby meeting points where a truck cannot reach.
- The carrier's fuel and tolls on the route.
- The carrier's cargo insurance while your vehicle is in their care, verified before dispatch. See insurance and claims.
- Carrier vetting and management of the shipment until delivery.
What a quote cannot promise
A quote is an estimate of the price at which a carrier will take your vehicle, based on availability on your lane when it is issued. It is not a guaranteed price. Rates move with carrier supply, fuel and season. If they change before a driver is booked, a good broker tells you and re-quotes rather than leaving the load unassigned.
A quote also cannot promise a delivery hour. Transit depends on federal driving limits, weather and routing. See how long car shipping takes.
What can change the price after you book
- The vehicle turns out to be different from the booking: larger, modified, or not running.
- The vehicle is not ready or reachable in the pickup window, and the driver has to return.
- You change the addresses or dates.
- Carrier rates on the lane move before a driver is booked. You are told before anything is charged.
How to compare quotes fairly
- Check that each quote describes the same vehicle, the same transport type and a similar pickup window.
- Be wary of a quote far below the others. The carriers are the same trucks whoever books them.
- Ask when you pay. A deposit taken before a carrier is assigned is a warning sign.
- Ask whether the carrier's cargo insurance is confirmed before dispatch, and whether you will get the carrier's name.
Common questions
Are there hidden fees?
There should not be. The quote should state the total and how it is paid. The price can change for specific reasons, such as an undisclosed non-running vehicle or changed dates, and those should be explained before you book.
Is a written quote a contract?
No. It is an estimate. Your agreement is the order you confirm, and nothing is charged until a driver is booked for your vehicle. See our terms of service for the full position.
How do I get a quote from Vector?
Send the two ZIP codes and the vehicle through any quote form on the site, or call (929) 412-2935, 8am to 8pm Eastern, seven days. Most quotes come back within the same business hour.