What Is Vehicle Transportation?
Vehicle transportation, also referred to as auto shipping or car 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 and need to transport a vehicle to another state, relocating and requiring cross-country vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile abroad when ferries are unavailable. Fortunately, there are numerous vehicle transport services available to fulfill your requirements.
Categories Of Auto Shipping Services
When selecting an auto shipping service, the initial choice you must make is where you want your vehicle collected from and transported to, whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or moving 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 necessitates more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. Most individuals, however, favor a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it is a cross-country vehicle transport or just moving a car to another state. This is often preferable as it eliminates the need to arrange transportation to collect your automobile.
Vehicle transport services are generally categorized into two types: having someone operate your vehicle to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
This straightforward solution to vehicle shipping involves hiring someone to operate your vehicle to its destination, whether you need to transport a car across the country or to another state. The advantages of this auto transport method include lower costs, as trailers and extra vehicles are not required, and faster delivery due to the straightforward nature of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to this method offered by vehicle shipping companies. Firstly, mileage is added to your automobile during the journey, which can be significant when moving a car across the country, although less so when moving a car 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 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 than having someone operate your vehicle to its destination. With vehicle shipping trailers, there are multiple options available depending on the value & size of your automobile. You can choose between a single trailer for your vehicle, which is more expensive as it only transports one car at a time but is a great option for moving expensive or classic cars, or a multi-car transporter that can transport many vehicles at once. The safest way to transport a car is to place it in a shipping container, but this is by far the most expensive option.
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable and common option when transporting a car. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. While all vehicles are safely secured, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, so this may not be recommended by vehicle shipping companies for highly valuable automobiles. Furthermore, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage and expose your vehicle to the elements for longer periods.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple vehicles on a carrier, but they are enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, and debris during transit. This option is often preferable for more expensive or newer automobiles where the owner wants 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.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Vehicle?
The cost of transporting a vehicle 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. However, these are just averages, and your vehicle transport may cost more or less depending on the circumstances. The best way to find out how much auto transport will cost you is to collect vehicle shipping quotes from vehicle transport companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Auto Transport
While we all want affordable vehicle transport, several factors can affect the cost of vehicle shipping services. Distance plays a significant role, with cross-state and cross-country journeys costing more than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases, ensuring you aren't paying over the odds for longer distances.
International shipping always results in expensive vehicle shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring a car overseas & the distance it needs to travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container for your automobile.
The route taken by the vehicle carrier service can also affect pricing. Routes with known higher traffic, such as in LA, may cost more than quieter roads due to the added time. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs or require a different, longer route.
Shipping dates can impact the price of your vehicle transportation service. If you are flexible with timings, you may find that the vehicle shipping service charges less, as they can fit your automobile delivery into their schedule & 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 just 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. Always inform the auto transport company about any bike racks, roof racks, or other accessories on the vehicle, as these can change the size of the trailer required for the delivery.
If your vehicle 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 required to load and unload your car from the trailer. If your vehicle has a locked wheel, for example, it will be impossible to simply roll it onto a trailer & off again, taking more time, effort, and machinery to complete the delivery than a standard vehicle transport service. Most vehicle carriers consider a car that can brake, roll, and steer to be in good enough condition to ship easily.
The type of auto transport service you select will also affect the cost of your vehicle shipping. Having someone operate your vehicle to its destination will always be the most affordable 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 moving a car, as it means your vehicle travels on its own & still needs specialist equipment to load, unload, and protect it during transport.
The locations of pickup & delivery can also increase the price of moving a vehicle. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services in close proximity, and if it is a common destination route, you will tend to get affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If a pick-up 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 is not required by law. If a vehicle transport company does not offer cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you seek out & acquire some for your automobile during its 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 move a car in the winter due to ice & snow slowing the routes. Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your automobile, as ice, snow, and blizzard conditions can cause delays on the roads & 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, & 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, & more drivers ready to work, Spring can often mean affordable rates & high availability when it comes to moving your vehicle. March is often a better time to ship than April or May, as there is often a rush to move vehicles from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the prime season for moving vehicles - the days are the longest in the year, students are traveling home from universities, employees take vacations, & it is also a very popular time to move house. This means that June, July, and August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, & you should not expect affordable vehicle shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a vehicle if you are looking for a slightly more affordable price. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, & 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 moving their vehicles to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you know more about what vehicle shipping & a vehicle shipping service are, & what sort of auto transport service you need, you probably want to go ahead & find a vehicle transport service that is 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, & the same is true if you were going to go through phone books. Further, many of these companies are reluctant to give you pricing, meaning you will likely need to apply for a quote & fill out details with each of them individually, which can be very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Given all of the options & variables involved with finding a vehicle shipping service, actually searching for & finding the right one can seem like a daunting task, & this is where Shiply can help. On Shiply, you simply need to fill out a simple form to get started with collecting quotes. All we need from you are the make & model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup location & delivery location, & the dates that you need to move the automobile. This gives the auto transport providers on Shiply enough information to be able to provide you with an accurate quote for your job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & to your email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can know immediately 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 that you have multiple options to pick from.
Once you have a few, you can ask them any questions you may have, such as when they are available (if a time frame is given), what insurance they have, & how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking any company you may use these questions to ensure that everything goes smoothly & as expected.
Shiply has a feedback & ratings system which we highly recommend looking at before selecting a quote to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company, as well as view their overall score.
The Benefits Of Using Shiply For Vehicle Shipping
Time-saving - Rather than filling out a quote form every time you want to get an accurate price from a company on moving a vehicle, on our platform, you fill out one quote form & then can receive quotes based on the details you provide from multiple companies. This can save you hours of time you would have had to spend calling up companies & filling in forms. Contact with these companies is all possible through our platform as well, meaning you can keep all of your vehicle shipping information in one place.
Price Comparison - When it comes down to it, the cost of the vehicle shipping quote is the most important factor in deciding which auto transport company to use to move your vehicle. The difficult thing is that, while most companies are happy to give average prices & ballpark figures, you won't actually be given a firm vehicle transport quote without having to provide information & fill in details. While this is understandable, it does mean that price comparison & getting a vehicle transport quote isn't exactly an easy task. Using Shiply allows you to receive genuine, final price quotes from vehicle shipping companies & compare them in one place, 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 are typically able to offer their services for a lower fee than if you went direct to them. This is because they are often looking to fill space on journeys they are already making & have already sunk the cost for. Say, for example, you were moving from Los Angeles to New York & needed to move your vehicle there. On Shiply, a company may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 of the 6 spots filled, & they are just looking to ensure they are not wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations work for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service.
Better For The Environment - Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also better for the environment! 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 journey would be needed just for your vehicle. Similarly, many vehicle transporters return from a delivery empty-handed, which is not only costly for them but also for the environment, as there are lots of people who could have used that transporter to move their vehicles in the other direction! Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are looking to fill their trailers on return journeys too, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being released into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Knik-Fairview, Alaska
Knik-Fairview, Alaska, is a popular destination for people moving to & from the state. Many individuals relocate to Knik-Fairview for job opportunities, a change of scenery, or to be closer to family. When moving to or from Knik-Fairview, people often need to transport their automobiles, which is where vehicle shipping services come in handy. Vehicle shipping companies can safely & efficiently move your automobile to or from Knik-Fairview, saving you time & effort. Whether you're moving to Knik-Fairview for a new adventure or leaving the area for a new chapter in your life, vehicle shipping services can make the process of transporting your automobile much easier.
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Preparing Your Vehicle for Knik-Fairview Car Transport
If you've selected a car shipping company to transport your vehicle and feel confident in their services, it's time to get your automobile ready for transport. Consider these suggestions:
Paperwork - Ensure you have any documents you might require at pickup or delivery, especially if you're transferring ownership of your vehicle.
Cleanliness - Remove all personal belongings from the car before transport to avoid the risk of loss or damage during transit. It's also wise to wash your vehicle so you can easily identify any potential damage that may occur during shipping.
Operational Status - If the automobile needs to be operated during transport or driven from the delivery location, ensure it's functioning properly. Inspect fluids, battery, and tire pressure. This allows you to detect any issues upon arrival.
Visual Documentation - It's crucial to capture numerous photographs of your vehicle from various angles before the Knik-Fairview car shipping service collects it. This serves as evidence of its condition in case any incidents occur during transport.
Upon Delivery of Your Vehicle
Once the auto transport company completes the delivery, take these steps:
Inspect Essentials - Immediately test lights, brakes, and engine to confirm they're functioning correctly. Notify the shipping service if anything isn't working as it should.
Exterior Condition - Refer to your pre-shipping photos to determine if any new damage occurred. While uncommon, shipping can occasionally cause issues.
Odometer - If they drove your vehicle, verify the mileage aligns with the journey.
Share your experience with the Knik-Fairview car shipping service you chose on Shiply to inform others of what to anticipate!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common inquiries about transporting vehicles:
What's the cost to transport a car? Rates vary but typically average $2.92 per mile for distances under 200 miles, $0.93 for 200-500 miles, and $0.78 for over 1,000 miles.
What's the most economical method to ship a car? Having someone drive it is most budget-friendly, but if you require a trailer, then a multi-car transporter is the most cost-effective option.
How do I pay for vehicle transport? It depends on each Shiply company, so inquire with your selected service about payment methods.
Can I monitor my car shipment online? Some companies provide tracking, possibly even personalized updates. Contact them to inquire if they offer this service.
Is someone required to be present for pickup and delivery? Yes, typically. You'll likely need to sign paperwork and provide the keys.
Can I leave items in my vehicle? Some personal belongings are generally acceptable, but they aren't protected by insurance and can impact the shipping cost if they add significant weight.
How much fuel for transport? Approximately a 1/4 tank is ideal - sufficient for easy loading/unloading without excessive extra weight.
Can I ship a non-operational vehicle? Yes, but it's more expensive since they require specialized equipment for loading/unloading.
Can I transport modified vehicles? Absolutely! With the wide range of shipping providers on Shiply, there's always a company that can safely handle your custom automobile.
