If you are preparing for a move, dealership delivery, relocation or seasonal shipping well ahead of time and are wondering, “Can I lock in a quote for future shipping”? Fortunately, the answer is yes. Most auto transport companies will permit you to lock in a rate well in advance. The key to avoiding curve ball rates at the last minute is knowing the system, and what affects that rate.
Learn how to lock in a rate for vehicle shipping, how long quotes last and how to get accurate quotes without feeling rushed using sites like ShippingCarQuotes.com.
Why Locking In a Quote Matters
Car shipping prices frequently depend on:
- Fuel costs
- Seasonal demand
- Weather patterns
- Driver availability
- Route shifts
Lock in a rate to protect against market fluctuations. If fuel prices go up or demand is high during the moving season, you don’t have to pay more.
With that in mind, let’s walk through:
Knowing this, let’s walk through the process.
Step 1: Understand Whether Future Rate Locking Is Available
Most legitimate companies will honor a lock on the quoted price for a specific period of time, but the length of time varies from company to company. When getting a quote through a quote comparison website (eg. ShippingCarQuotes.com), you typically get:
- A validity period (usually 7–14 days)
- A guaranteed price for that period
- An option to schedule a future pickup at the locked rate
If transportation dates are not far in the future, some carriers will lock a quote for 30 days.
Expert Tip:
Expert Tip:
If your shipment will take 1 to 3 months, call closer to your ship date to make sure you have the most updated quote, not the first one.
Step 2: Provide Accurate Information for a Valid Lock
A locked quote is only as good as the information you provide. Carriers calculate prices:
- Pickup and delivery ZIP codes
- Vehicle type, condition, and size
- Preferred shipping method (open or enclosed)
- Requested dates
- Any special requirements (non-running, modifications, etc.)
However, this price may change if any details change.
What You Must Include for a Valid Future-Locked Quote:
- Exact address or ZIP code
- Correct vehicle details
- Realistic shipping dates
- Delivery preferences (door-to-door, enclosed, or urgent)
By providing complete information, the quote is certain and guaranteed.
Step 3: Lock Your Rate Within the Validity Window
The validity timeframe for an online quote may vary, e.g:
- 7-day lock
- 10-day lock
- 14-day lock
- 30-day lock (less common but available through some services)
To fully lock the quote, most companies require:
- Confirmed scheduling
- A signed transport agreement
- A small deposit or no-deposit confirmation (depending on policy)
It is important to use a reliable system, such as ShippingCarQuotes.com, because quotes are given immediately with a validation period.
Step 4: Know What Can Cause a Locked Quote to Change
Also, if a locked quote has been created, sending back a few changes may result in a new price.
Address Changes
Even a 5 to 10 miles difference can change the difficulty of a route and its cost.
Vehicle Changes
If you later report:
- Mods
- Increased weight
- Running issues
…the locked quote may no longer apply.
Extreme Market Shifts
Carrier considerations, such as massive national changes like spikes in diesel prices, may impact how future bookings are accommodated.
Major Weather Events
These routes are dependent on storm seasons.
Quote locking gives some protection against normal price fluctuation, but not against rapid price changes.
Step 5: Schedule Early to Avoid Losing Your Locked Rate
You can’t just receive a quote and forget about it either. Locking requires action during the associated period. If you wait too long, the system may:
- Expire your quote
- Recalculate based on new market conditions
- Provide a new, updated rate
Pro Tip for Best Savings:
Typically, if you’re willing to book between 1 and 4 weeks ahead of time, you can find the best locked-in price.
- Real-World Example: Saving Money with a Locked Quote
Say, for example, you wanted to ship something from New York to Texas in two months.
- Quote in January: $1,250
Stable fuel is also damped.
Shipping in March:
Inflation increases fuel prices; spring migration sees even more people attempting the same route. $1550+.
But since you locked in your quote in January, you are stuck paying $1,250 even though the market increased more than $300.
This is the power of locking in future pricing.
Step 6: Use an Online System That Clearly Shows Lock Options
The easiest way to get a rate is to go through an automated website such as ShippingCarQuotes.com.
- Enter your details
- Get an instant, accurate quote
- See validity and lock-in periods
- Schedule ahead confidently
- Avoid calling multiple carriers
It’s fast, simple, and helps you plan without confusion.
Advantages of Locking a Future Car Shipping Quote
Here’s what you get when you lock your price:
✔ Protection from rising demand
Prices tend to be higher in the summer, holidays, and snowbird season.
✔ Fuel-related stability
Fuel spikes will not affect you once you lock in.
✔ Easier budgeting
This means you know the exact cost before you travel or move.
✔ Peace of mind
You won’t pay surprise fees or last-minute price increases.
✔ Priority scheduling
Locked bookings are frequently granted preferential placement on carrier routes.
Final Thoughts: Yes—You Can Lock In a Quote for Future Shipping
That means, you can get a quote locked in for shipping. And if you want a reliable, accurate, and easy way to do it, using something like ShippingCarQuotes.com is the smartest thing you can do.
Since we give you instant quotes and tell you how long the price is good for, you can book ahead of your transport and know that your price will not change unexpectedly. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving down the street within the state or from a car to a relative.
