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 is beneficial 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 & requiring cross-country vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas when ferries are not an option.
Luckily, there are numerous vehicle transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will explore below.
Varieties Of Auto Shipping Services
When it comes to auto shipping services, there are several choices to consider. The initial decision you'll need to make is where you want your vehicle collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or shipping an automobile 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 requires more effort on your part to get the automobile home.
However, most individuals prefer 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 vehicle transport or just shipping an automobile to a different state. This option is more convenient as it eliminates the need to collect your automobile from a separate location, which can be challenging without your vehicle.
Vehicle transport services are generally categorized into two types: having someone operate your automobile to its destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
Employing someone to operate your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether you need to ship an automobile across the country or to a different state. The advantages of this auto transport method include lower costs, as trailers & an extra vehicle are not necessary, & faster delivery due to the simplicity of the transport process.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method offered by vehicle shipping companies that may 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 an automobile 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 automobiles online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Placing your vehicle on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection compared to having someone operate your automobile to its destination. When it comes to vehicle 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 vehicle. While more expensive, as they only transport one automobile at a time, single trailers are an excellent choice for moving expensive or classic vehicles 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.
Alternatively, you can opt for a multi-car transporter, which can carry several vehicles at once. There are a few variants of multi-car transporters:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to its destination. While all vehicles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable automobiles. Additionally, long journeys using open trailers pose a higher risk of damage & prolonged exposure to the elements, even though it may be the cheapest way to ship an automobile cross-country.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple vehicles on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is often preferred for more expensive or newer automobiles, where owners want to minimize the risk of damage during auto 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.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Anchorage Car Transport
If you've selected a car shipping company to transport your vehicle and are satisfied with their services, it's time to get your automobile ready for Anchorage car shipping. Adhere to these guidelines:
Paperwork - Ensure you have all necessary documentation you might require at pickup or delivery, particularly if you're selling the vehicle.
Cleansing - Remove all your personal belongings from the car before transport, so nothing gets misplaced or damaged during transit. It's also wise to clean it beforehand so you can identify any damage that occurs during shipping.
Operational State - If the vehicle will be operated at all during transport or driven home from the delivery point, ensure it's functioning properly. This involves checking fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure. This also allows you to assess the condition upon arrival.
Images - Capture numerous high-quality photographs of the entire automobile before shipping. This provides you with evidence of its condition in case anything happens during transport.
After Anchorage Car Transport Delivery
Once the auto shipping company completes delivery, take these actions:
Inspect Essentials - Immediately test lights, brakes, and engine to ensure everything functions as it should. Notify the transporter if anything's amiss.
Exterior - Compare the outside to your images to determine if any new damage occurred. Shipping can occasionally harm a vehicle, so you want to be certain.
Odometer - If the automobile was driven, verify the miles match the journey. This is more important for services where they operate it.
Post a review on Shiply about the car transport company you employed so others know what to anticipate.
FAQ - Common Car Shipping Questions
Here are responses to some frequently asked questions about auto shipping:
What's the cost to transport a vehicle? Prices vary but typically it's around $2.92 per mile for under 200 miles, $0.93 for 200-500 miles, and $0.78 for over 1,000 miles.
What's the most economical method? Having someone operate it is most affordable, but if you require a trailer then a multi-car transporter is most cost-effective.
How do I pay? Each transporter on Shiply has their own payment methods, so discuss with them before booking.
Can I track online? Many shippers provide tracking, some with personal updates. Contact them to confirm if this is available.
Does someone need to be present? Usually yes, to sign paperwork and provide keys at pickup/delivery.
Can I leave items in the vehicle? Some personal belongings are typically acceptable, but they aren't covered by insurance and can affect the shipping cost based on weight.
How much fuel? Around a 1/4 tank is standard - enough for loading/unloading but not too much extra weight.
Can I ship if it doesn't operate? Yes, but it costs more since special equipment is needed for loading/unloading.
Can I ship modified automobiles? Absolutely, with all the transport providers on Shiply, there's usually someone capable of handling any type of vehicle.
