Moving a vehicle from one location to another can be a complex task, whether you’re relocating across the country, purchasing a car online from a distant state, or sending a vehicle overseas. That’s where a Car Transport Service comes into play. Also known as auto transport or vehicle shipping, this service involves specialized companies picking up your car and safely delivering it to your desired destination. This guide will explore the various facets of car transport services, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Exploring the Variety of Auto Transport Services
Choosing the right car transport service is crucial, and thankfully, there are several options available to cater to diverse needs and budgets. Understanding these options is the first step in ensuring a smooth and efficient vehicle relocation process.
The initial consideration revolves around pickup and delivery locations. You might opt for terminal-to-terminal car delivery, which is often a more economical choice. This service involves dropping off your vehicle at a designated terminal, usually a storage facility or operating center of the car transport company, and collecting it from a similar terminal at the destination. While budget-friendly, it requires you to handle transportation to and from these terminals.
However, the most popular and convenient choice for many is door-to-door auto transport delivery service. As the name suggests, this service provides pickup directly from your specified location (home, office, etc.) and delivery right to your desired destination. Whether it’s cross-country car transport or simply moving a car to another state, door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of terminal logistics, offering maximum convenience.
Car transport services broadly categorize into two primary methods: having a professional driver transport your car, or utilizing a trailer for shipping.
Driver Car Transport Services
Employing a driver to transport your car is a straightforward and often cost-effective method of car shipping. This involves hiring a professional driver to drive your vehicle to its destination, whether it’s a local move or cross-country car transport. One of the main advantages of this car transport service is its potential for speed and affordability, as it eliminates the need for trailers and additional transport vehicles.
However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks. Firstly, this method adds mileage to your vehicle, which can be a concern, especially for long-distance transport. Secondly, there’s a slightly elevated risk of wear and tear or minor damages during the drive. While reputable car transport companies offering driver services take precautions, this method might not be ideal for those transporting very high-value or classic cars where preserving mileage and pristine condition is paramount.
Trailer Car Transport Services
Opting to put your car on a trailer offers enhanced security and protection compared to driver services. Various trailer options cater to different vehicle types and levels of protection desired for your car transport service.
For those seeking the utmost safety, especially when transporting luxury or classic vehicles, a single car trailer is an excellent choice. Although typically more expensive due to transporting only one vehicle at a time, single trailers minimize the risk of damage and provide dedicated transport. The highest level of protection is achieved with container car shipping, encasing your vehicle in a shipping container. However, this premium option is also the most costly.
For more standard vehicle transport, multi-car transporters are widely used and come in two main forms:
Open car shipping is the most economical and frequently used car transport service. Your vehicle is secured on an open carrier, exposed to the elements during transit. While all vehicles are safely secured, this method might not be recommended by car transport companies for very valuable vehicles due to potential exposure to weather and road debris, especially during long cross-country car transport journeys.
Enclosed auto transport offers a superior level of protection. Multiple cars are transported on a carrier, but they are fully enclosed, shielding vehicles from weather, dust, and road debris. This is the preferred option for owners of new, expensive, or classic cars seeking to minimize any risk of damage during their car transport service.
For international vehicle relocation, it’s essential to choose a car transport company specializing in overseas car shipping. These specialists possess the expertise to navigate international shipping regulations, customs procedures, and can offer tailored advice based on your specific needs.
Decoding Car Transport Service Costs
Understanding the factors influencing the cost of a car transport service is crucial for budgeting and making informed decisions. While getting precise quotes from car shipping companies is always recommended, knowing the average costs and influencing factors can provide a helpful starting point.
On average, within the US, car transport companies might charge around $2.92 per mile for shorter distances (under 200 miles). This rate decreases for longer journeys, averaging around $0.93 per mile for distances between 200 and 500 miles, and further down to approximately $0.78 per mile for distances exceeding 1,000 miles.
These figures are averages, and your actual car transport service cost can vary significantly based on several key factors. Obtaining personalized car shipping quotes is the best way to determine your specific expenses.
Key Factors Influencing Auto Transport Costs
Many variables impact the final price of your car transport service. Understanding these factors allows you to anticipate costs and potentially adjust your requirements to manage expenses.
Distance: As expected, distance is a primary cost determinant. Cross-state and cross-country car transport will naturally be more expensive than shorter, interstate deliveries. While the total cost increases with distance, the per-mile rate typically decreases for longer journeys, making long-distance car transport more economical on a per-mile basis.
International Shipping: Shipping a car overseas inevitably leads to higher costs due to the complexities of international logistics, longer travel distances, and specialized handling, often requiring enclosed trailers or shipping containers.
Route: The chosen route can also affect pricing. Routes passing through congested areas or known for heavy traffic, such as in major metropolitan areas, may incur higher costs due to increased transit times. Unexpected roadworks or detours can also potentially lead to additional charges or route adjustments that may impact the overall cost of your car transport service.
Shipping Dates and Timeframe: Flexibility in your shipping schedule can lead to cost savings. If you can accommodate flexible pickup and delivery dates, car transport companies can often integrate your shipment into existing routes, potentially reducing their operational costs and offering you a lower price. Conversely, requiring expedited shipping with strict timeframes will likely increase costs as the company may need to dedicate resources specifically to your delivery.
Vehicle Size and Type: Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, typically cost more to transport than smaller sedans due to requiring more space on trailers and potentially specialized equipment. Furthermore, any vehicle modifications, like bike racks or roof racks, should be communicated to the car transport company as they can affect the required trailer size and thus the cost of your car transport service.
Vehicle Condition: Non-operable vehicles usually result in higher transport costs. Vehicles that cannot be driven onto or off trailers require specialized equipment like winches or forklifts, adding to the labor and equipment costs for the car transport company. A vehicle that can roll, steer, and brake is generally considered in good condition for standard car transport.
Type of Auto Transport Service: The chosen service type significantly impacts cost. Driver car transport is generally the least expensive, followed by open car transport. Enclosed car transport, offering maximum protection, is typically the most expensive option due to specialized equipment and handling. Single car trailer transport also tends to be pricier than multi-car transport.
Pickup and Delivery Locations: Deliveries to or pickups from urban areas with readily available car transport services and common routes often result in more competitive pricing. Rural locations can incur additional costs due to route deviations and extra mileage for the car transport company. Difficult-to-access locations may also increase costs due to the extra effort and time required for vehicle loading and unloading.
Auto Transport Insurance: While car transport companies are legally required to carry liability insurance, it’s crucial to understand its coverage limits. Many companies do not automatically include comprehensive cargo insurance. It is highly advisable to inquire about and potentially purchase additional cargo insurance to protect your vehicle against damage during transit. Carefully review the insurance policy details, including coverage types, deductibles, and exclusions, to ensure adequate protection for your vehicle during car transport service.
Time of Year and Seasonality: Seasonal variations can influence car transport costs. Winter months often see increased prices due to weather-related delays, road closures, and slower transit times caused by ice and snow. Demand fluctuations throughout the year also play a role, with peak moving seasons like summer often resulting in higher prices.
Finding the Right Car Transport Service
With numerous car transport companies available, finding the ideal service can feel overwhelming. Online searches can yield countless options, and contacting each company for quotes can be time-consuming. This is where platforms like Shiply can streamline the process of finding and comparing car transport services.
How Shiply Simplifies Car Transport
Shiply acts as a marketplace connecting individuals needing car transport with a network of vetted car transport companies. The platform simplifies the quote process, saving you time and effort.
To begin, you simply complete a straightforward online form detailing your car’s make and model, pickup and delivery locations, and desired transport dates. This information allows car transport providers on Shiply to furnish accurate quotes for your specific needs.
Once your listing is active, you’ll start receiving quotes directly in your Shiply inbox and via email notifications. It’s recommended to allow some time for multiple quotes to arrive, enabling you to compare options and make an informed decision.
Shiply facilitates direct communication with car transport companies. You can ask questions about their services, insurance coverage, availability, and vehicle handling procedures. This direct interaction ensures transparency and helps you choose a car transport service provider that meets your requirements.
Shiply also features a feedback and rating system, providing valuable insights into other customers’ experiences with different car transport companies. Reviewing these ratings and testimonials helps build confidence and select a reputable and reliable provider for your vehicle relocation.
Advantages of Using Shiply for Car Shipping
Time Efficiency: Shiply eliminates the need to request quotes individually from numerous car transport companies. A single quote request on Shiply provides access to multiple competitive quotes, saving you significant time and effort in your search for a car transport service.
Price Comparison: Shiply empowers you to compare genuine, final price quotes from various car transport companies side-by-side. This transparency enables you to easily identify the most cost-effective option and make a well-informed decision based on price and service offerings.
Cost Savings: Car transport companies on Shiply often offer more competitive pricing compared to direct bookings. This is because they are frequently looking to fill empty spaces on their existing routes or backhauls, allowing them to offer discounted rates to secure your business and maximize their vehicle utilization. By leveraging this marketplace dynamic, you can potentially achieve significant savings on your car transport service, sometimes up to 75%.
Environmentally Conscious Choice: Utilizing Shiply for car transport contributes to environmental sustainability. By connecting you with companies optimizing their routes and filling empty trailer space, Shiply reduces the need for additional, less efficient transport journeys. This consolidation of shipments minimizes fuel consumption and lowers overall carbon emissions associated with vehicle transport, making it a more eco-friendly option.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Car Transport Service
Once you’ve chosen a car transport service provider, proper preparation is essential for a smooth and damage-free transport process. Follow these steps to ensure your vehicle is ready for shipping:
Documentation: Ensure all necessary vehicle documents, especially ownership paperwork and sales documents if you are selling the car, are readily available for pickup and delivery.
Cleanliness: Remove all personal belongings from your vehicle to prevent loss or damage during transit. Thoroughly clean your car, both inside and out. This allows for a detailed pre-shipping inspection and helps identify any pre-existing damages before transport.
Vehicle Condition Check: If your vehicle will be driven at any point, ensure it is in good running condition. Check fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure. Documenting the vehicle’s mechanical condition prior to shipping provides a baseline for comparison upon arrival.
Photographic Evidence: Take comprehensive, high-resolution photographs of your vehicle from all angles, capturing any existing scratches, dents, or imperfections. This photographic record serves as crucial evidence of your car’s condition before shipping and can be invaluable in case of any disputes regarding damage during transport.
Post-Delivery Vehicle Inspection
Upon delivery, conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle to confirm it arrived in the expected condition.
Vital Systems Check: Immediately check essential functions like lights, brakes, and engine operation to ensure everything is working correctly and as expected. Report any discrepancies to the car transport service provider promptly.
Exterior Examination: Compare the vehicle’s exterior to the pre-shipping photographs you took. Carefully inspect for any new scratches, dents, or damage that may have occurred during transit.
Mileage Verification: For driver car transport services, verify the mileage to ensure it aligns with the expected distance of the journey.
Finally, consider leaving a review for the car transport company on Shiply. Your feedback helps other users make informed decisions and contributes to the platform’s community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Transport Services
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping costs vary widely based on distance, service type, vehicle size, and other factors. Averages range from around $2.92 per mile for short distances to $0.78 per mile for long distances, but obtaining personalized quotes is essential for accurate pricing.
What is the most affordable way to ship a car?
Driver car transport is generally the cheapest option. For trailer transport, multi-car open carriers are typically the most economical choice.
How do I handle payment for auto transport?
Payment methods vary by company. Discuss payment options with your chosen car transport service provider before confirming booking. Most companies offer flexible payment arrangements.
Is real-time tracking available for car transport?
Tracking capabilities differ among companies. Many offer shipment tracking, and some provide personalized updates. If tracking is important, confirm availability with individual car transport companies.
Is someone required to be present for vehicle pickup and delivery?
Typically, yes. The car transport company usually requires your presence for vehicle pickup and delivery to sign release forms and hand over vehicle keys.
Can personal items be left in the car during shipment?
Most car transport companies allow personal items inside the vehicle, but it’s crucial to remember: 1) Item weight may influence shipping costs, and 2) items inside the car are generally not covered by the vehicle transport insurance.
What fuel level is needed in the vehicle during transport?
A quarter tank of fuel is generally recommended. This provides enough fuel for loading/unloading but minimizes extra weight.
Can non-running vehicles be shipped?
Yes, but it will likely cost more due to the need for specialized loading and unloading equipment.
Are modified vehicles eligible for shipping?
Yes, most vehicle types, including modified vehicles, can be shipped. Shiply’s extensive network of transport providers can accommodate diverse vehicle transport needs and equipment requirements.
