What is a car shipping price lock?

It's a company's written commitment to honor a quoted price for a set period, as long as your vehicle, route and dates stay within the terms.

Is a locked price guaranteed?

Only as far as the written terms say. If the vehicle, pickup or delivery location, or your dates change, the price can change too. Read what the company commits to before you rely on it.

What can void a price lock?

Common reasons include a different or larger vehicle than described, a non-running car you didn't mention, new addresses or dates outside the agreed window.

What if prices drop after I lock?

It depends on the company. Some will match a lower current price, others won't. Ask before you lock.

Is an estimate the same as a quote?

No. Estimates help you plan and compare. A quote is a company's offer for your specific shipment, and the price is only confirmed once a carrier accepts it.

Car Shipping Price Lock

Understand how locking a car shipping price works, what the terms usually cover and when a lock can protect you from rising prices.

Estimates clearly labeled
Independent company rankings
Free to compare

Free · No obligation · About a minute

Get exact quotes for your car

How a price lock works

Most locks follow the same four steps.

Get a detailed quote
Give exact addresses, vehicle details, condition and your pickup window.
Ask for a lock period
Companies that offer locks often hold a price for about one to four weeks.
Get the terms in writing
Confirm the price, the expiry date and what would change it.
Book before it expires
Confirm your shipment inside the lock period to keep the price.

Estimate vs. quote vs. locked price

Differences between an estimate, a quote and a locked price
	Estimate	Quote	Locked price
What it is	A typical price range for planning	A company's offer for your shipment	A quote the company agrees to hold for a set time
Can the price change?	Yes, anytime	Yes, until a carrier accepts	Only if your details change or the lock expires
Needs your details	Route and vehicle type	Addresses, vehicle, dates	Everything in the quote, confirmed in writing
Commitment	None	None until you book	Depends on the company's terms

Before you rely on a price lock

How long the price is held, with an exact expiry date
Whether a deposit is needed, and if it's refundable
What voids the lock: vehicle, condition, addresses or dates
Whether a carrier is already assigned or still being found
What happens if market prices drop before you book

Frequently asked questions

All FAQs

What is a car shipping price lock?
It's a company's written commitment to honor a quoted price for a set period, as long as your vehicle, route and dates stay within the terms.
Is a locked price guaranteed?
Only as far as the written terms say. If the vehicle, pickup or delivery location, or your dates change, the price can change too. Read what the company commits to before you rely on it.
What can void a price lock?
Common reasons include a different or larger vehicle than described, a non-running car you didn't mention, new addresses or dates outside the agreed window.

What if prices drop after I lock?
It depends on the company. Some will match a lower current price, others won't. Ask before you lock.
Is an estimate the same as a quote?
No. Estimates help you plan and compare. A quote is a company's offer for your specific shipment, and the price is only confirmed once a carrier accepts it.
How Haulwide works