What Is Vehicle Transportation?
Vehicle transportation, also referred to as car shipping or auto transport, is a service offered by vehicle shipping companies that involves collecting your automobile from one location & transporting it to another. This service proves useful in various circumstances where you are unable to drive the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online and needing to transport it to another state, relocating and requiring long-distance vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas when ferries are not an option. Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements.
Varieties Of Vehicle Transport Services
When it comes to vehicle transport services, there are several options to consider. The initial decision you'll need to make is where you want your automobile collected from and transported to, whether it's a long-distance vehicle transport or shipping a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, where designated collection and drop-off points, frequently the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. While this option is typically more affordable, it demands more effort on your part to get the automobile home. However, most individuals prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a long-distance vehicle transport or simply shipping a car to another state. This eliminates the need to arrange transportation to collect your automobile.
Vehicle transport services can be divided into two main categories: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Drive Your Automobile
Hiring someone to drive your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether you need to ship a car across the country or to another state. This method is often more affordable as it doesn't require trailers or an additional vehicle, and it can be quicker due to its simplicity. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, mileage will be added to your automobile during the journey, which can be significant when shipping a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage occurring to your car while it's being driven. These concerns are particularly relevant for people buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the car arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Put Your Automobile On A Trailer
Placing your automobile on a trailer is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection compared to having someone drive it. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile. You can choose between a single trailer, which is more expensive but ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars, or a multi-car transporter, which can carry multiple vehicles at once. The safest method is to put your car in a shipping container, but this is also the most costly option.
Multi-car transporters have a few variants:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your automobile is securely placed on an open carrier and driven to its destination. While all cars are safely secured, they are exposed to the elements during transit, making this option less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage and prolonged exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple cars on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, and debris during transit. This option is preferable for more expensive or newer vehicles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during transport.
If you need to move your automobile 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 Ship An Automobile?
The cost of shipping an automobile varies depending on several factors, but on average, auto transport companies in the US charge around $2.92 per mile for journeys less than 200 miles, $0.93 for journeys between 200 and 500 miles, & $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles. These figures are just averages, and your vehicle transport cost may be higher or lower based on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to collect vehicle shipping quotes from various vehicle transport companies, which is easily done on Shiply.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While everyone wants affordable vehicle transport, several factors can impact the cost of vehicle shipping services. Understanding these variables can help you estimate whether your auto transport requirements will be expensive or affordable.
Distance plays a significant role in determining the cost of vehicle transport, with cross-state and cross-country journeys being more expensive than interstate vehicle 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 expensive vehicle shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring an automobile overseas & the distance it must travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container for your automobile.
The route required to transport your automobile from its collection 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. Unforeseen circumstances, like major roadworks, could also incur extra costs from the vehicle moving companies or necessitate a different, longer route.
The urgency of your vehicle transportation service can also impact the price. If you have flexibility in your timings, you may find that your vehicle shipping service charges less, as they can fit your automobile delivery into their schedule and reduce overheads, passing the savings on to you. However, if you require auto transport within a strict timeframe (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 size of your automobile, including its height, length, and width, will affect the cost of transport. Vehicle shippers will require larger trailers for bigger automobiles, 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 automobile is not in drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. This is because extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, may be needed to load and unload your car from the trailer. If your car has a locked wheel, for example, it will be impossible to simply roll it onto a trailer and off again, requiring more time, effort, and machinery to complete the delivery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most vehicle carriers consider an automobile that can brake, roll, and steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
The type of auto transport service you choose 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 are essentially just paying for the driver's time & petrol. Single car trailers and enclosed transport will likely be more expensive, as they require extra equipment. Enclosed vehicle shipping is always the most expensive method of shipping an automobile, as it involves your car traveling alone and still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, and protection during transport.
The locations of pickup and delivery can also increase the price of shipping an automobile. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services in close proximity, and if it's a common destination route, you'll tend to get affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes and extra mileage for the company. If a collection 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 vehicle shipping cost.
While all auto transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance, as it's not required by law. If a vehicle transport company does not offer cargo insurance, it's highly recommended that you seek out and acquire some for your automobile during transit. As with all insurance policies, make sure you are clear on what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, what parts of the vehicle are covered by the insurance, and any other questions you may have.
Seasonality can also affect the price of vehicle shipping, with many services costing more to ship an automobile in the winter due to ice and snow slowing the routes. Here's a quick breakdown of how each season can affect auto transport costs:
Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your automobile. Ice, snow, and blizzard conditions can cause delays on the roads and reduce the maximum speed at which the vehicle delivery service can transport cars. December is typically a difficult time to have a vehicle shipped, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased automobile shipping costs. February, however, is usually quiet, and great rates are often available from vehicle shipping services during this month.
Spring is a great time to ship your automobile with a vehicle transportation service. With improved weather conditions, longer days, and more drivers ready to work, Spring can often mean affordable rates and 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 cars from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the prime season for shipping cars - the days are the longest in the year, students are traveling home from universities, employees take vacations, and it's also a very popular time to move house. This means that June, July, and August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, and you should not expect affordable vehicle shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a car if you are looking for a slightly cheaper price. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, and there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, you are better off looking to move your automobile in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Ship An Automobile - Finding A Vehicle Transport Service
Now that you know more about vehicle shipping, vehicle shipping services, and the type of auto transport service you need, you probably want to go ahead and find a vehicle transport service that's right for you. The issue is that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there. Trying to find them on Google can result in scrolling through numerous pages trying to find the best vehicle shipping company for the best price, and the same is true if you were to go through phone books. Furthermore, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing, meaning you will likely need to apply for a quote and fill out details with each of them individually, which can be very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Vehicle Transport Companies?
Given all the options and variables involved in finding a vehicle shipping service, searching for and finding the right one can seem like a daunting task, and this is where Shiply can help. On Shiply, you simply need to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. All we need from you are the make and model of the car that needs shipping, the pickup location and delivery location, and the dates you need to move the vehicle. This information allows the auto transport providers on Shiply to provide you with an accurate quote for your job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox and via email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can be immediately notified when a new quote comes through. Quotes can start coming through within a few minutes of posting your listing, but we always recommend waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, so you have multiple options to choose from.
Once you have a few quotes, you can ask the providers any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), what insurance they have, and how they would secure your car. We recommend asking any company you may use these questions to ensure that everything goes smoothly and as expected.
Shiply has a feedback and ratings system, which we highly recommend looking at before selecting a quote to ship your vehicle. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company and their overall score.
Why People Often Move Cars To & From Dothan, Alabama
Dothan, Alabama, is a city located in the southeastern part of the state, known for its peanut production and annual National Peanut Festival. People often move cars to and from Dothan for various reasons, such as relocating for work, attending school, or purchasing a vehicle from a dealership or private seller in the area. Dothan is home to several major employers, including Southeast Alabama Medical Center, Dothan City Schools, and Michelin North America, which may attract individuals and families to the area, necessitating vehicle shipping services. Additionally, Dothan is located near the borders of Georgia and Florida, making it a convenient location for those moving between states. When moving to or from Dothan, many people opt for vehicle shipping services to ensure their automobiles arrive safely and efficiently at their new destination. By using a reputable vehicle shipping dothan or dothan vehicle shipping company, individuals can save time, money, and stress associated with driving long distances or arranging alternative transportation methods.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transportation
Time-efficient - Rather than submitting a quotation form whenever you need an accurate estimate from a business on transporting a vehicle, on our platform you complete one quotation form & can then receive estimates based on the information you submit from several companies. This can save you hours of time you would have spent phoning businesses & filling out forms. Communication with these companies is also possible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your vehicle shipping details in a single location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most important consideration in choosing which auto transport company to employ to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite vehicle transport estimate without having to supply information & complete details. While this is understandable, it means that price comparison & obtaining a vehicle transport estimate is not exactly a straightforward process. Using Shiply enables you to receive authentic, final price estimates from vehicle shipping businesses & compare them in one location, providing the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately decide on the best company for you.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping - Auto transport companies on Shiply can usually provide their services for a lower cost than if you went directly to them. This is because they are frequently seeking to fill space on trips they are already taking & have already invested the cost for. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to transport your vehicle there, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that trip with 5 of the 6 spots occupied, & they are just looking to ensure they are not wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations are convenient for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by utilizing our service.
Environmentally Friendly - Using Shiply for auto transport is not only less expensive but also more environmentally friendly! In the above example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter & instead you arranged transport from a separate vehicle shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire trip would be required just for your automobile. Similarly, many vehicle transporters return from a delivery empty-handed, which is not only expensive for them but also for the environment as there are many people who could have utilized that transporter to move their vehicles in the opposite direction! Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are also looking to fill their trailers on return trips, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being emitted into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your vehicle & feel confident using them, then it's time to get your automobile ready for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Documents - It is crucial to ensure that any documents you may require are available at pick up or drop off, especially if you are selling your vehicle.
Cleaning - You should take care to remove all personal belongings from your vehicle before shipping, for the obvious reason that you don't want to risk them getting lost or damaged in transit. It is also highly recommended that you clean your vehicle before transport as this will allow you to determine its condition & notice any damages that may occur during delivery.
Running Condition - If the vehicle will be driven at any point during shipping or driven home from the drop-off location then you should ensure that it is in running condition. This means ensuring that there is enough fluid, as well as checking battery charge & tire pressure levels. Again this can also help you better assess the condition of the vehicle upon arrival.
Photographic Evidence - One very important thing to do when preparing your vehicle for the vehicle delivery service to pick up is to take high-quality photographs of all parts of the vehicle. This provides you with evidence of the vehicle's condition before shipping should anything happen to it during transport.
What to Do After Delivery
Once the vehicle shipping company you selected has completed their delivery, there are a few things you should do:
Check Vital Signs - Lights, brakes, & engines should all be checked immediately to ensure that the vehicle is in the expected condition, as well as enable you to immediately raise concerns with the vehicle delivery service should anything not be working as it should.
Exterior Condition - You can compare the exterior of the vehicle to the photos taken of it before to determine whether any extra damage has occurred. Shipping a vehicle can, in rare cases, cause damage, & you want to be sure your vehicle transport service has not done so.
Check Mileage - This is more relevant to vehicle shipping services where the vehicle is driven to the destination but it can help to check the mileage to ensure that it matches up with the journey taken.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could also leave a review for the auto transport company you used through Shiply so that others can browse vehicle shipping services with the same peace of mind.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have answered some of the most asked questions about vehicle shipping:
How much to ship a vehicle? Vehicle shipping prices can vary drastically depending on the circumstances, but on average a journey should cost you around $2.92 per mile if the journey is less than 200 miles, $0.93 if the journey is between 200 & 500 miles, & if the journey is over 1,000 miles then this drops to $0.78.
What is the cheapest way to ship a vehicle? Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is the cheapest way to ship a vehicle, however, if you need a trailer then a multi-car transporter will be your best option with regard to the cheapest way to ship a vehicle.
How do I pay for my auto transport? This is down to each individual auto transport company on Shiply & is something you should discuss with your chosen vehicle delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most companies will be flexible with payment options, however.
Can I track my vehicle transport online? Each vehicle shipping company on Shiply has different ways of operating, but many offer the ability to track your vehicle shipment, with some even able to provide personal updates. If you require tracking, you should message individual vehicle transport companies to confirm that this is possible with them.
Does someone have to be present for pickup & delivery? In most cases, the vehicle shipping company will require you to be in attendance for the pickup & delivery of the vehicle. This is because there are likely to be release forms that you need to sign, as well as handing over the vehicle keys.
Can I keep items in my vehicle during my vehicle shipment? Most vehicle transport companies will be fine with you keeping some personal items in the vehicle when it is transported. However, there are two important things to remember: 1. The weight of the items may affect the price of the vehicle shipment, & 2. Any items in the vehicle will not be covered by insurance for the transport of the vehicle itself.
How much gas should I have in my vehicle during transit? Generally, you should aim to have around a quarter of your tank full. This allows for easy loading & unloading of the vehicle but will not add too much extra weight to the vehicle.
Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running? You can ship your vehicle if it isn't in running condition, however, this will be more expensive as specialist equipment is required to load & unload the vehicle.
Can I ship a modified vehicle? Almost any type of vehicle is able to be shipped on Shiply, with hundreds of transport providers available to bid on your job there will always be someone that is up for the job & has the right equipment to safely carry it out.
If you're looking for reliable & affordable vehicle shipping Dothan or Dothan vehicle shipping services, Shiply is the perfect platform to connect with trusted auto transport companies. With our user-friendly quote system & price comparison features, you can easily find the best deal for your specific needs. Save time, money, & hassle by using Shiply for all your vehicle shipping requirements in Dothan & beyond.
