What Is Car Shipping?
Vehicle relocation, also known as auto transport or vehicle transport, is a service provided by car shipping companies that will collect your car from one location and transport it to another. This service is useful in various situations where you are unable to drive the car yourself, such as buying or selling a vehicle online and needing to transport it to another state or moving to a new home and requiring car shipping across the country. Another situation where car shipping services are beneficial is when you need to transport your vehicle abroad, and unless ferries are available, you will need to rely on an auto transport company to carry out the transportation.
Fortunately, there are various car transport services available to cater to your needs, which are listed below. If you're in Opelika, Alabama, US, and looking for Opelika car shipping services, then this article is for you.
Types Of Auto Transport Services
There are several auto transport services available, summarized below. It's essential to read through and determine the type of vehicle transportation service you need to transport your car.
The first decision you need to make is where you want your car picked up from and delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car transport or shipping a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal Opelika car shipping is an option, where designated pick-up and drop-off points are used, often the car transport company's stores or operating bases. This option is often cheaper but requires more effort on your part to get the car home. However, most people prefer a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their cars are picked up and dropped off at their door, regardless of whether it's a cross-country car transport or just Opelika car shipping to another state.
Car transport services are generally split into two categories: either having someone drive your car to the destination or putting it on a trailer and transporting it.
Have Someone Drive Your Car
This is a straightforward solution to car shipping, where you hire someone to drive your car to its destination, whether it's a cross-country car transport or Opelika car shipping to another state. The benefits of this auto transport method are that it's often cheaper, as trailers and an extra vehicle are not required, and it can also be faster due to the straightforward nature of the transport.
Put Your Car On A Trailer
Transporting your car on a trailer is a safe way to ensure a higher level of safety than having someone drive your car to its destination. With car shipping trailers, there are multiple options to choose from, depending on the value and size of your vehicle.
First, you need to decide whether you want a single trailer for your Car. These are often more expensive, as they only transport one car at a time, but are a great option if you're moving an expensive or classic car that you don't want to risk getting damaged. The safest way to transport a car is to put it in a shipping container, but this is the most expensive option. Another option is a multi-car transporter, which can transport many cars at once, including variants such as open car shipping, enclosed auto transport, and more.
Open car shipping by any car shipping company is the cheapest and most common option when transporting a car. Your vehicle is placed on an open carrier and driven to the destination. All cars are safely secured, but, as the name suggests, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, so this may not be recommended by car shipping companies for highly valuable vehicles.
Enclosed Car Shipping involves multiple cars secured on a carrier, but they are enclosed, meaning they are not exposed to dust, weather, and debris during transit. This is often preferable for more expensive or newer vehicles, where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during auto transport.
If you need to move your vehicle overseas through an auto transport company, you should try to find one with experience in overseas car shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
Have You Heard About Opelika, Alabama, US?
Located in the state of Alabama, USA, Opelika is a popular destination for many, whether it's for business or leisure. But, have you ever wondered why people frequently move cars to and from Opelika?
With its strong economy and growing population, Opelika has seen a steady rise in the demand for car shipping services in recent years. Whether it's for personal or commercial use, car shipping has become an essential service for many.
What Does Car Shipping Cost?
There are many variables when trying to determine the cost of Car Shipping, but on average in the US, auto transport companies like Opelika car shipping charge around $2.92 per mile if the journey is less than 200 miles, $0.93 if the journey is between 200 and 500 miles, and if the journey is over 1,000 miles, then this drops to $0.78.
These numbers are just averages, however, and your car transport may cost more or less than these figures, depending on the circumstances. The best way to find out how much auto transport will cost you is to collect some car shipping quotes from car transport companies, something that is very easy to do on Shiply.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Auto Transport
We all want cheap car transport, but there are several factors and variables that can affect how much your car shipping will cost. Below, we will outline the main ones so that you can get a rough idea of whether your auto transport requirements will be expensive or cheap.
Distance is one of the factors that will play a significant role in how much your car transport will cost, with cross-state and cross-country journeys costing a lot more than an interstate car delivery, which is often the cheapest car shipping.
International shipping will always result in expensive car shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring a car overseas and the distance it will need to travel. It can also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container for your vehicle.
Route - Along with distance, the route needed to take your car from its pick-up spot to its delivery spot can affect the pricing of your car carrier service. Routes with known higher traffic, such as in LA, may end up costing more than quieter roads due to the time this can add to a journey. Likewise, unforeseen circumstances such as major roadworks could also incur extra costs from the car moving companies, or mean that a different route is required that may take longer.
Shipping Dates - How fast you need your car transportation service to operate can also affect the price. For example, if you are able to be flexible around timings, then you may find that your car shipping service charges a lot less, as they are able to fit your vehicle delivery into their schedule and reduce overheads for themselves, passing the savings on to you. However, if you require auto transport in a strict timeframe (often known as expedited shipping), then this will typically end up costing you more due to the car transport company likely having to dedicate a trailer and driver just for your delivery.
Vehicle Size - The height, length, and width of the vehicle will all affect how much it will cost to transport your vehicle. Car shippers will require larger trailers for bigger vehicles, with SUVs typically costing more on average to transport than a sedan. Further, you should always make sure to let the auto transport company know about any bike racks, roof racks, or other accessories on the car, as these can also change the size of the trailer required for the delivery.
Vehicle Condition - If your car is not in a drivable condition, then this may make your auto transport cost more expensive. This is because it may require extra equipment such as a winch or forklift to get your car on and off of the trailer. If your car has a locked wheel, for example, then it will be impossible to simply roll it onto a trailer and off again, and takes more time, effort, and machinery to complete the delivery than a standard car transport service. Most car carriers would consider a car that can brake, roll, and steer to be in good enough condition to ship easily.
Auto Transport Service Type - The type of auto transport service you select will also affect the cost of your car shipping. Having someone drive your car to its destination will always be the cheapest option, as you are essentially just paying for a driver's time and petrol, whereas with single car trailers and enclosed transport, the price is likely to be higher, as there is extra equipment required. Something like enclosed car shipping will always be the most expensive method of shipping a car, as it means not only is your car traveling on its own, but it still needs specialist equipment to load, unload, and protect your car during transport.
Locations Of Pickup & Delivery - Depending on where you need the car picked up from and dropped off, this may also increase the price of shipping a car. Urban areas will usually have car shipping services in close proximity, and if it's a common destination route, you will tend to get cheap car shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes and extra mileage for the company. If a pick-up or drop-off point is also in an unusual or hard-to-access space, extra steps may need to be taken to load your vehicle, which can also increase the car shipping cost.
Auto Transport Insurance - Whilst all auto transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer any additional insurance, as it is not required by law. If a car transport company does not offer cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you seek out and acquire some for your vehicle during its transit.
Time Of Year - Seasonality can also affect the price of car shipping, with many services costing more to ship a car in the winter due to ice and snow slowing the routes. Here is a quick breakdown of how each season can affect auto transport costs:
Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your vehicle. This is because ice, snow, and blizzard conditions can all cause delays on the roads, as well as reduce the maximum speed at which the car delivery service can transport cars.
Spring is a great time to ship your vehicle with a car transportation service. With improved weather conditions, longer days, and more drivers ready to work, Spring can often mean cheap rates and high availability when it comes to moving your car.
Summer is the prime season for shipping cars - the days are the longest in the year, students are traveling home from universities, employees take a vacation, and it is also a very popular time to move house.
Fall is a good time to ship a car if you are looking for a slightly cheaper price. Car 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 vehicle in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
Streamlining Vehicle Transportation - Key Tips For car shipping Opelika
Vehicle transportation can be a complex & pricey process, especially when you're unsure where to begin. Finding the right auto transport service in Opelika can be daunting - numerous companies offer similar services, making it challenging to choose the best option. So, how do you select the most suitable choice for your needs? Opelika car shipping is a sought-after service, with many individuals utilizing it to relocate vehicles to & from this Alabama city. In this article, we'll delve into the best methods for shipping your Car to or from Opelika, AL, US. We'll examine the advantages of utilizing a car shipping service, how to prepare your vehicle for transport, & what to do post-delivery.
What Is Car shipping & How Does It Function?
Car shipping, or auto transport, is the process of relocating a vehicle from one location to another via a third-party service. This can be a convenient option for individuals who need to transport a vehicle long-distance but lack the time or resources to drive it themselves. Car shipping services typically utilize large trucks or trailers to transport multiple vehicles at once, making it a cost-effective option for many people.
Why Utilize A car shipping Service In Opelika, AL?
Opelika is a popular city in eastern Alabama, with many individuals moving to & from the area every year. Whether you're relocating to Opelika for work, school, or personal reasons, you may need to transport a vehicle as part of your relocation. Car shipping can be a convenient & cost-effective way to do this, especially if you're moving a long distance. By utilizing a car shipping service, you can avoid the hassle & expense of driving your vehicle yourself, & focus on more important things.
Selecting A Car shipping Company In Opelika
With numerous car shipping companies to choose from in Opelika, it can be tricky to know where to start. Here are a few tips to help you find the best option for your needs: Conduct research: Look for companies that specialize in car shipping & have experience transporting vehicles to & from Opelika. Peruse online reviews: See what other customers have to say about their experiences with different car shipping companies. Obtain quotes: Reach out to several companies & ask for quotes to compare prices & services. Be sure to read the fine print & ask questions before making a decision.
Advantages Of Using Shiply For Opelika car shipping
Shiply is an online marketplace that connects customers with car shipping companies. By utilizing Shiply, you can save time & money by comparing quotes from multiple companies & choosing the best option for your needs. Here are a few advantages of utilizing Shiply for car shipping: Time-saving: Rather than spending hours researching & contacting different car shipping companies, you can use Shiply to get quotes from multiple companies quickly & easily. Price comparison: By comparing quotes from different companies, you can find the best price for your car shipping needs. Environmentally friendly: Shiply's platform encourages companies to fill their trucks to capacity, reducing the number of journeys & minimizing carbon emissions.
Preparing Your Vehicle For car shipping
Prior to your vehicle being shipped, there are a few things you should do to prepare it for transportation: Documents: Ensure all necessary documents, such as the title & registration, are available at pickup or drop off. Cleaning: Remove all personal items from your vehicle & clean it thoroughly to ensure it's in good condition for transport. Running condition: If your vehicle will be driven during transport, ensure it's in running condition & has enough fuel, oil, & other fluids. Photographic evidence: Take photos of your vehicle before it's shipped to document its condition & provide evidence in case of any damage.
Post-Delivery Procedures
After your vehicle is delivered, there are a few things you should do to ensure everything goes smoothly: Check vital signs: Ensure all lights, brakes, & other essential systems are functioning properly. Exterior condition: Inspect your vehicle's exterior for any damage & compare it to the photos you took before it was shipped. Check mileage: Verify that the mileage on your vehicle matches the distance it was transported. Review & provide feedback: If you utilized a car shipping service, be sure to leave a review & provide feedback to help others make informed decisions.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping
Here are a few frequently asked questions about car shipping: How much does it cost to ship a Car? The cost of car shipping varies depending on the distance, type of vehicle, & other factors. On average, it costs between $0.78 & $2.92 per mile, depending on the distance. What is the cheapest way to ship a Car? The cheapest way to ship a Car is often to have someone drive it for you, but this may not always be practical. Utilizing a car shipping service can be a cost-effective option, especially for long-distance moves. How do I pay for Car Shipping? Payment options vary depending on the car shipping company you choose. Be sure to ask about payment methods before booking a service. Can I track my Car shipment online? Many car shipping companies offer tracking services, but this may vary depending on the company you choose. Be sure to ask about tracking options before booking a service.
Opelika, AL, US - A Popular Destination For car shipping
Opelika is a popular city in eastern Alabama, with many individuals moving to & from the area every year. Whether you're relocating to Opelika for work, school, or personal reasons, you may need to transport a vehicle as part of your relocation. car shipping can be a convenient & cost-effective way to do this, especially if you're moving a long distance. By utilizing a Car shipping service, you can avoid the hassle & expense of driving your vehicle yourself, & focus on more important things.
Opelika car shipping - How Shiply Can Assist
Shiply is an online marketplace that connects customers with car shipping companies. By utilizing Shiply, you can save time & money by comparing quotes from multiple companies & choosing the best option for your needs. Whether you're relocating to Opelika or shipping a vehicle from the area, Shiply can help you find the best Car shipping service for your needs.
