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 spot & transporting it to another. This service comes in handy in various circumstances where you are unable to operate the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online & need to transport it to a different state, relocating to a new residence & requiring cross-country vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas when ferries are not an option.
Luckily, there are numerous auto shipping services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will discuss below.
Varieties Of Vehicle Shipping Services
When it comes to vehicle shipping services, there are several choices to consider. The initial decision you'll need to make is where you want your automobile picked up from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car transport or shipping a vehicle to a different state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, where designated collection & drop-off points, often the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. While this choice is typically less expensive, it demands more effort on your part to get the automobile home.
Most individuals, however, opt for a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country car transport or just shipping an automobile to a different state. This option is more convenient as it eliminates the need to arrange transportation to collect your vehicle.
Vehicle transport services can be categorized into two main types: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
Employing someone to operate your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether you need to ship a car across the country or to a different state. This method is often less expensive as it doesn't require trailers or an additional vehicle, & it can be quicker due to its simplicity.
However, there are some drawbacks to this approach that lead some people to choose other vehicle transport options. Firstly, mileage is added to your automobile during the journey, which can be significant when shipping a car across the country, although less so when shipping to a nearby state. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your vehicle during the drive. These concerns are particularly relevant for people buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the automobile arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Utilizing a trailer to transport your automobile is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection compared to having someone operate your vehicle. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile.
Single trailers are often more expensive as they only transport one vehicle at a time, but they are a great choice for moving expensive or classic cars that you want to protect from potential damage. The safest way to transport an automobile is by using a shipping container, although this is the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters, which can carry several vehicles at once, come in a few variants:
- Open vehicle shipping: The cheapest & most common option, where your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. While all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage & prolonged exposure to the elements.
- Enclosed auto transport: Multiple vehicles are secured on a carrier but are enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is preferable for more expensive or newer automobiles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during transport.
If you need to move your vehicle 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.
What to Do Following Car Shipping Alaska Delivery
Once the alaska vehicle transport company you selected has completed their delivery, there are several actions you should take:
Examine Essential Functions - Headlights, brakes, & motors should all be inspected immediately to confirm the automobile is in the anticipated state, as well as allow you to promptly voice any issues with the car delivery service if anything is not functioning correctly.
Exterior Condition - You can contrast the exterior of the vehicle with the photographs captured previously to determine if any additional harm has occurred. Transporting a car can, infrequently, lead to damage, & you want to ensure your car transport service has not done so.
Verify Mileage - This is more pertinent to car shipping services where the automobile is driven to the destination, but it can be helpful to verify the mileage to ensure it aligns with the route taken.
We would immensely appreciate it if you could also provide a review for the auto transport company you utilized through Shiply, so others can explore car shipping services with the same peace of mind.
FAQ - Commonly Asked Questions
Below, we have addressed some of the most frequently asked questions regarding car shipping:
How much does it cost to ship a car? Car shipping prices can differ significantly depending on the circumstances, but on average, a journey should cost you around $2.92 per mile if the distance is less than 200 miles, $0.93 if the distance is between 200 & 500 miles, & if the distance is over 1,000 miles, this drops to $0.78.
What is the most economical way to ship a car? Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is the most cost-effective way to ship a car; however, if you require a trailer, then a multi-car transporter will be your best option in terms of the most affordable way to ship a car.
How do I pay for my auto transport? This is dependent on each individual auto transport company on Shiply & is something you should discuss with your chosen car delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most companies will be flexible with payment options, however.
Can I track my car transport online? Each car shipping company on Shiply has different methods of operating, but many offer the ability to track your car shipment, with some even able to provide personal updates. If you require tracking, you should message individual car transport companies to confirm that this is possible with them.
Does someone have to be present for pickup & delivery? In most cases, the car 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 car keys.
Can I keep items in my vehicle during my car shipment? Most car 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 car itself.
