What Is Vehicle Transportation?
Vehicle transportation, also referred to as car shipping or auto transport, is a service offered by vehicle transportation companies that involves collecting your automobile from one location & transporting it to another. This service is beneficial in various circumstances where you are unable to drive the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online & need to transport it to another state, or when you've relocated & require cross-country vehicle shipping. Moreover, auto transport services are crucial when you need to move your car overseas, & unless ferries are available, you'll have to depend on a car shipping company to manage the task. Luckily, there are numerous vehicle transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we'll discuss below.
Varieties Of Car Shipping Services
When it comes to car shipping services, there are several choices to consider. It's crucial to comprehend these options to determine the best auto transportation service for your needs, whether you require cross-country vehicle transport or shipping a car to another state.
The first choice you'll need to make is where you want your automobile picked up from & delivered to. Terminal-to-terminal car delivery is an option, where designated collection & drop-off points, often the auto transport company's stores or operating bases, are used. While terminal-to-terminal vehicle delivery is typically less expensive, it requires more effort on your part to get the car home. However, most people prefer door-to-door car shipping delivery service, where their vehicles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country auto transport or just shipping a car to another state. This option is more convenient as it eliminates the need to arrange transportation to collect your automobile.
Vehicle transport services can be categorized into two main types: having someone drive your car to its destination or placing it on a trailer for shipping.
Hire Someone To Drive Your Vehicle
Hiring someone to drive your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether you need to transport a car across the country or to another state. The benefits of this car transport method include lower costs, as trailers & an extra vehicle are not required, & faster delivery due to the simplicity of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to this method offered by auto shipping companies that lead some people to choose other types of vehicle transport.
Firstly, mileage is added to your car during the journey, which can be significant when shipping a vehicle across the country, although less so when shipping a car to a nearby state. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your automobile during the drive from point A to point B. These concerns are particularly relevant for people buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Automobile On A Trailer
Placing your car on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection compared to having someone drive your vehicle to its destination. When it comes to auto shipping trailers, there are several options available depending on the value & size of your automobile.
Firstly, you'll need to decide whether you want a single trailer for your car. Single trailers are often more expensive as they only transport one vehicle at a time, but they are an excellent choice for moving expensive or classic automobiles that you want to protect from potential damage. The safest way to transport a car is by placing it in a shipping container, although this is by far the most expensive option.
The other option is a multi-car transporter, which can ship several vehicles simultaneously. There are a few variants of multi-car transporters:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & common option offered by auto shipping companies. Your car is placed on an open carrier & driven to its destination. While all automobiles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage & prolonged exposure to the elements, even though it may be the cheapest way to ship a car cross-country.
Enclosed car transport involves securing multiple vehicles on a carrier, but they are enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is often preferred for more expensive or newer automobiles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during vehicle transport.
If you need to move your car overseas, it's best to find a specialist service on our platform or one with experience in overseas vehicle shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Vehicle?
The cost of transporting a car varies based on several factors, but on average, vehicle shipping companies in the US charge around $2.92 per mile for journeys less than 200 miles, $0.93 for journeys between 200 & 500 miles, & $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles. However, these are just averages, & your auto transport may cost more or less depending on your specific circumstances.
To get an accurate estimate of how much vehicle shipping will cost you, it's best to collect car transportation quotes from various auto transport companies, which is easy to do on Shiply. If you want to get a rough idea of what to expect, consider the factors that can affect the price of vehicle transport services, which we'll discuss below.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Car Shipping
While we all want inexpensive vehicle transport, several factors & variables can impact the cost of your car shipping. Let's explore the main ones to help you understand whether your auto transport requirements will be costly or affordable.
As mentioned earlier, distance plays a significant role in determining the cost of your vehicle transport. Cross-state & cross-country journeys are more expensive than interstate car delivery, which is often the cheapest option. Although longer distances cost more, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases, ensuring you're not paying excessively.
International shipping always results in costly car shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring a vehicle overseas & the distance it needs to travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container for your automobile.
The route required to take your car from its pick-up spot to its delivery location can also affect the pricing of your vehicle carrier service. Routes with known higher traffic, such as in LA, may cost more than quieter roads due to the additional time added to the journey. Similarly, unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could incur extra costs from the car moving companies or require a different, longer route.
The speed at which you need your vehicle transportation service to operate can also impact the price. If you're flexible with timings, you may find that your car shipping service charges less, as they can fit your automobile delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads, passing the savings on to you. However, if you require auto transport within a strict timeframe (often known as expedited shipping), it will typically cost more, as the vehicle transport company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.
The height, length, & width of the automobile will all affect the cost of transport. Car shippers will require larger trailers for bigger vehicles, with SUVs typically costing more on average to transport than sedans. It's essential to inform the auto transport company about any bike racks, roof racks, or other accessories on the car, as these can change the size of the trailer required for delivery.
If your vehicle is not in drivable condition, it may make your car transport more expensive. This is because it may require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load & unload your automobile from the trailer. For example, if your car has a locked wheel, it will be impossible to simply roll it onto a trailer & off again, requiring more time, effort, & machinery to complete the delivery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most car carriers consider a vehicle that can brake, roll, & steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
The type of car transport service you select will also affect the cost of your vehicle shipping. Having someone drive your automobile to its destination will always be the cheapest option, as you're essentially just paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport will likely be more expensive, as they require specialized equipment. Enclosed vehicle shipping is always the most expensive method of transporting a car, as it means your automobile travels alone & still requires specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
The pickup & delivery locations can also increase the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have car shipping services in close proximity, & if it's a common destination route, you'll tend to get inexpensive vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If a pick-up or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access space, extra steps may be needed to load your automobile, which can also increase the car shipping cost.
While all car transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance, as it's not required by law. If an auto transport company does not offer cargo insurance, it's highly recommended that you seek out & acquire some for your vehicle during transit. As with all insurance policies, make sure you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the automobile are covered by the insurance, & any other relevant questions.
Seasonality can also affect the price of vehicle shipping, with many services costing more to ship a car in the winter due to ice & snow slowing the routes. Here's a quick breakdown of how each season can affect car transport costs:
Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your automobile. Ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can cause delays on the roads & reduce the maximum speed at which the vehicle delivery service can transport cars. December is typically a difficult time to have a car shipped, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased automobile shipping costs. However, February is usually quiet, so great rates are often available from car shipping services during this month.
Spring is a great time to ship your vehicle with an auto transportation service. With improved weather conditions, longer days, & more drivers ready to work, Spring can often mean inexpensive rates & high availability when it comes to moving your car. March is often a better time to ship than April or May, as there is often a rush to move vehicles from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the prime season for shipping automobiles - the days are the longest in the year, students are traveling home from universities, employees take vacations, & it's also a very popular time to move house. This means that June, July, & August are all busy months for the car transport industry, & you should not expect inexpensive vehicle shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a car if you're looking for a slightly cheaper price. Auto shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, you're better off looking to move your vehicle in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Auburn, Alabama, US
Auburn, Alabama, is a vibrant city known for its thriving university community, diverse economy, & high quality of life. Many people move to Auburn for educational opportunities at Auburn University, one of the largest universities in the state. The university attracts students, faculty, & staff from across the country, leading to a significant influx of people & their automobiles.
Additionally, Auburn's strong job market, particularly in industries such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, & technology, draws professionals to the area. As people relocate for work, they often need to transport their cars to their new homes.
Auburn's proximity to major cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, & Montgomery also makes it an attractive location for those seeking a smaller, more affordable city while still having access to larger metropolitan areas. This leads to people moving to & from Auburn, often requiring vehicle shipping services to transport their automobiles.
Furthermore, Auburn's mild climate, outdoor recreation opportunities, & family-friendly atmosphere make it a desirable place to live for many. As families & individuals move to the area, they often need to ship their cars to their new homes.
Whether it's for education, work, or a change of lifestyle, the frequent movement of people to & from Auburn creates a steady demand for vehicle shipping services in the area. Companies specializing in Auburn car shipping can help ensure a smooth & efficient process for those relocating to or from this charming Southern city.
Yo, Are You Lookin' to Transport Your Vehicle? Here's How to Make It a Breeze!
Yo, are you searchin' for a way to transport your vehicle? Discovering the ideal car transport service can be a real pain, but don't worry! We've got the scoop on how to make it a piece of cake. There are numerous auto shipping companies out there, & it can be a hassle to go through 'em all. That's where Shiply comes in handy.
With Shiply, you simply need to complete a straightforward form with the info on your ride, where you need it collected & delivered, & the dates. Voila - the car transport providers on Shiply can provide you with estimates based on that data. You'll receive those estimates in your inbox & email, so keep an eye out. Don't go with the first one though, wait for a few to come in so you can evaluate & select the top offer.
Once you've got some estimates lined up, feel free to reach out to 'em with any inquiries you might have. Things like when they're available, what kind of coverage they got, how they'll safeguard your precious cargo - ya know, the crucial stuff. Shiply's got a rating system too, so you can check out what other folks thought of the companies before you make your decision.
Utilizing Shiply to transport your car is a total time-saver. Instead of completin' forms for every single company, you just do it once on our site & let the estimates come rollin' in. No more wastin' hours on the phone or searchin' through outdated directories. It's all right there in one convenient location.
But that's not all! Shiply lets you effortlessly compare prices from different companies to snag the best bargain. Most companies won't give you a firm estimate until you jump through hoops, but on Shiply, you get the genuine deal upfront. No games, no gimmicks - just honest-to-goodness estimates you can pit against each other.
Speakin' of sweet bargains, car shipping through Shiply is usually way more affordable than going direct. These transport companies are often just tryna fill up empty spots on trips they're already makin', so they can cut you an awesome rate. We're talkin' up to 75% off sometimes! Plus, it's better for the environment since they're not wastin' fuel on unnecessary trips.
Once you've secured your car shipping service, it's time to get your ride ready for transport. Make sure you've got all the paperwork in order, give it a thorough cleanin', check that it's runnin' right, & snap plenty of pics to document its condition before shipping. That way, if anything sketchy happens during transit, you've got evidence.
After your precious cargo arrives safe & sound, do a quick inspection. Check that everythin's functionin' properly, examine the exterior for any new dings or scratches, & make sure the mileage matches up. If everything looks good, leave a review for the shipping company so other folks know what to expect.
Oh, & in case you were curious - shipping a car usually costs around $2.92 per mile for trips under 200 miles, $0.93 for 200-500 miles, & $0.78 for anything over 1,000 miles. Not too shabby, right? Just remember, the most economical option is always gonna be havin' someone drive it themselves. But if you need a trailer or can't make that happen, a multi-car hauler is definitely the way to go for affordable "car shipping auburn" or "auburn car shipping".
There ya have it, folks! Shipping your ride doesn't have to be a nightmare. Just hit up Shiply, compare those estimates, & get your precious cargo safely to its new home without breakin' the bank. Easy breezy lemon squeezy!
