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 is useful in various circumstances where operating the vehicle yourself is not practical, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online & requiring it to be delivered to another state, moving to a new residence & needing cross-country vehicle shipping, or transporting your automobile overseas when ferries are unavailable.
Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to accommodate your particular requirements, which we will explore below.
Categories 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 whether you prefer your automobile collected & delivered at specified terminal points (terminal-to-terminal auto delivery) or at your doorstep (door-to-door vehicle transport). While terminal-to-terminal service is typically less expensive, door-to-door delivery is more convenient as it eliminates the need to arrange transportation to retrieve your vehicle.
Auto transport services can be further classified into two primary types: having someone operate your vehicle to the destination or placing it on a trailer for shipping.
Engage Someone To Operate Your Vehicle
Employing someone to drive your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether you need to transport your car across the country or to another state. This approach is often more economical as it doesn't necessitate trailers or an additional vehicle. It can also be quicker due to its simplicity.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, your vehicle will accumulate mileage during the trip, which can be significant when shipping a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage occurring to your automobile during the drive. These concerns are especially relevant for individuals purchasing or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Automobile On A Trailer
Putting your car on a trailer is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection compared to having someone operate it. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various types, & your choice will depend on the value & size of your automobile.
Single trailers are designed to transport one car at a time & are often more costly. However, they are ideal for shipping expensive or classic automobiles that require extra protection. The safest way to transport a vehicle is by placing it in a shipping container, although this is the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters, on the other hand, can carry several vehicles at once & come in different variants:
- Open car shipping: This is the most common & affordable option offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your automobile is secured on an open carrier & transported 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, longer journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage & prolonged exposure to the elements.
- Enclosed auto transport: In this method, multiple cars are secured on a carrier & enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is 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, it's best to find a specialist service on our platform or one with experience in overseas car shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Kenai Car Shipping
If you've selected a vehicle transport company to ship your automobile & are confident in using their services, it's time to get your car ready for shipping. Adhere to these guidelines:
Paperwork - Ensure you have any documents you might require at pickup or delivery, particularly if you're selling the vehicle.
Cleansing - Remove all personal belongings from your vehicle before shipping, so nothing gets misplaced or damaged during transit. It's also wise to clean it beforehand so you can identify if any damages occur during delivery.
Operational Condition - If the car will be operated at all during shipping or driven home from the delivery point, ensure it's functioning properly. Inspect fluid levels, battery charge, & tire pressure. This helps you assess the condition upon arrival.
Images - Capture numerous high-quality photographs of the entire car before car shipping kenai. This provides you with evidence of its condition if anything happens during transport.
After Your Kenai Car Shipping Delivery
Once the car shipping company completes delivery, do the following:
Examine Essentials - Test lights, brakes, engine immediately to ensure the car is in good condition. Inform the kenai car shipping service if anything's not functioning correctly.
Exterior - Compare the outside to your photographs to determine if any new damage occurred. Transporting a car can occasionally cause issues, so you want to be certain.
Odometer - If the car was driven, verify the miles to ensure it matches the journey.
Provide a review for the auto transport company on Shiply so others can choose with confidence.
FAQ - Common Car Shipping Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about transporting cars:
What's the cost to ship a car? Prices vary but typically it's around $2.92/mile for under 200 miles, $0.93 for 200-500 miles, & $0.78 for over 1,000 miles.
What's the most economical method? Having someone drive it is most affordable, but if you require a trailer then a multi-car hauler is most cost-effective.
How do I pay? Each company is different, so inquire with your kenai car shipping service about payment options.
Can I track it online? Many services offer tracking, some with personal updates. Contact companies to see if they provide this.
Does someone need to be present? Usually yes, to sign paperwork & provide keys.
Can I leave items in the car? Some personal belongings are usually acceptable, but they aren't covered by insurance & can impact the shipping cost.
How much fuel? Around 1/4 tank is typical.
Can I ship if it doesn't run? Yes, but it costs more since specialized equipment is needed.
Can I ship modified cars? Absolutely, with all the transport providers on Shiply, there's someone who can handle any vehicle.
