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 advantageous 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 Transport Services
When it comes to vehicle transport services, there are several choices to consider. The initial decision you'll need to make is whether you prefer your automobile collected & delivered at designated terminals (terminal-to-terminal auto delivery) or at your doorstep (door-to-door vehicle transport). Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is typically less expensive but necessitates more effort on your part to get the vehicle to its ultimate destination. Conversely, door-to-door vehicle transport is more convenient as your automobile is collected & delivered at your specified locations, regardless of whether it's a cross-country car transport or simply shipping a vehicle to another state.
Vehicle transport services can be further classified into two primary 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 car shipping, whether you need to transport a car across the country or to another state. This approach is often less expensive as it doesn't necessitate trailers or an additional vehicle. It can also be quicker due to the simplicity of the transport process.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, your automobile will accumulate mileage during the journey, which can be significant when shipping a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage occurring to your vehicle while it's being operated. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals purchasing or selling cars online who want to ensure the automobile arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Placing your automobile on a trailer is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection compared to having someone operate your vehicle. When it comes to car shipping trailers, there are several choices available 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 an excellent choice for moving expensive or classic cars 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, which can carry several automobiles at once, come in a few variants:
- Open car shipping: The most affordable & common option, where your vehicle is placed on an open carrier & driven to its destination. While all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during transit, making this option less suitable for highly valuable automobiles. Long journeys using open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage.
- Enclosed auto transport: Multiple vehicles are secured on a carrier & 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.
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.
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 & 500 miles, & $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles.
However, these are just averages, & your vehicle transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to collect car shipping quotes from various vehicle transport companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.
To get a rough idea of what factors can affect the price of auto transport services, take a look at the following section.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While everyone wants affordable car transport, several variables can impact the cost of shipping your automobile. Here are the main factors to consider:
- Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost more than interstate car delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases.
- International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always more expensive due to the logistics involved & the distance traveled. It may also require special enclosed trailers or shipping containers.
- Route: The route taken from the pick-up spot to the delivery location can affect pricing. Routes with higher traffic, such as in LA, may cost more due to the additional time required. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs or necessitate a longer alternative route.
- Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can lead to lower costs, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. Expedited shipping within a strict timeframe typically costs more, as it may require a dedicated trailer & driver.
- Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the automobile affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs generally cost more to ship than sedans. Inform the auto transport company about any accessories like bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the required trailer size.
- Vehicle condition: Non-drivable cars may incur higher shipping costs due to the need for extra equipment like winches or forklifts to load & unload the automobile. Most car carriers consider a vehicle in good condition if it can brake, roll, & steer.
- Auto transport service type: Having someone operate your vehicle is the most affordable option, while single car trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the specialized equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is the most expensive method, as it involves transporting your automobile alone while still needing special equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transit.
- Pick-up & delivery locations: Urban areas usually have car shipping services nearby, & common destination routes often offer affordable car shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more due to deviations from normal routes & extra mileage. Unusual or hard-to-access pick-up or drop-off points may require extra steps to load your automobile, increasing the cost.
- Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional coverage. If a company doesn't provide cargo insurance, it's highly recommended to acquire some for your vehicle during transit. Clarify what type of damage is covered, any deductibles, & which parts of the automobile are insured.
- Time of year: Seasonality can affect car shipping prices, with winter being the most expensive due to ice, snow, & blizzard conditions causing delays & reduced speeds. December is difficult for shipping due to driver holidays, while January sees increased costs as many travel to warmer states. Spring is a great time to ship, with improved weather, longer days, & more available drivers. Summer is the prime season for shipping cars, with June, July, & August being busy months. Fall offers slightly cheaper prices, with less busy companies & more driver availability after the summer rush.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of vehicle shipping services & what type of auto transport you need, you may be wondering how to find the right car transport service for you.
The challenge lies in the fact that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there. Searching for them on Google can be overwhelming, as you may need to scroll through numerous pages to find the best car shipping company at the best price. Many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing upfront, meaning you'll likely need to apply for quotes & fill out details with each one individually, which can be time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options & variables involved in finding a vehicle shipping service, the task can seem daunting. This is where Shiply comes in to help.
On Shiply, you simply need to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. Provide the make & model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the automobile. This information allows the auto transport providers on Shiply to provide you with accurate quotes for your job.
Once your listing is live, you'll receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & via email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so you can be immediately notified when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, but we always suggest waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, so you have multiple options to choose from.
After receiving a few quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), insurance coverage, & how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking these questions to any company you're considering to ensure a smooth & expected process.
Shiply has a feedback & ratings system that we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company & their overall score.
The Benefits Of Using Shiply For Vehicle Shipping
- Time-saving: Instead of filling out a quote form every time you want an accurate price from a company, on our platform, you fill out one quote form & can receive quotes from multiple companies based on the details you provide. This can save you hours of time that you would have spent calling companies & filling in forms. You can also communicate with these companies through our platform, keeping all your vehicle shipping information in one place.
- Price comparison: Cost is the most important factor when deciding which auto transport company to use. While most companies provide average prices & ballpark figures, you won't get a firm vehicle transport quote without providing information & filling in details. Using Shiply allows you to receive genuine, final price quotes from car shipping companies & compare them in one place. You can message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately decide on the best company for you.
- Affordable car shipping: Auto transport companies on Shiply can often offer their services at a lower fee than if you went directly to them. This is because they are frequently looking to fill space on journeys they are already making, having already invested in the cost. For example, if you were moving from Los Angeles to New York & needed to move your vehicle, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 of the 6 spots filled. 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: Using Shiply for auto transport is not only cheaper but also more environmentally friendly. In the example above, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter & you arranged transport from a separate car shipper, the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire journey would be needed just for your automobile. Similarly, many car transporters return from a delivery empty-handed, which is costly for them & the environment, as there are many people who could have used that transporter to move their vehicles in the other direction. Many auto transporters on Shiply look to fill their trailers on return journeys, resulting in less wasted CO2 being released into the atmosphere & continued affordable transport for our users.
Vehicle Shipping in South Lakes, Alaska, US
South Lakes, located in Alaska, US, is a popular destination for people moving to & from the area. Many individuals require vehicle shipping services to transport their automobiles to or from South Lakes due to various reasons, such as relocating for work, moving to a new home, or purchasing a car from a different state.
When searching for vehicle shipping services in South Lakes, it's essential to consider companies that have experience in navigating the unique challenges of transporting automobiles in Alaska. The state's vast distances, remote locations, & harsh weather conditions can make car shipping more complex than in other parts of the country.
Reliable vehicle shipping companies servicing South Lakes should be well-equipped to handle these challenges & ensure that your automobile arrives at its destination safely & on time. They should also offer a range of services to suit your specific needs, whether you require door-to-door shipping, terminal-to-terminal delivery, or specialized transport for classic or luxury vehicles.
By using a platform like Shiply, you can easily compare quotes from multiple vehicle shipping companies serving the South Lakes area, read reviews from previous customers, & choose the best option for your budget & requirements. This can help take the stress out of moving your automobile to or from South Lakes, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your relocation or vehicle purchase.
Preparing Your Vehicle for "Car Shipping South Lakes"
You've selected a vehicle transport company to ship your automobile and feel confident in their services. Now it's time to get your ride ready for "south lakes car shipping". Adhere to these guidelines:
Documentation - Ensure you have any paperwork you might require at pickup or delivery, especially if you're transferring ownership of your vehicle.
Tidy It Up - Remove all your personal belongings from the car prior to shipping, as you don't want to chance losing or harming them during transit. It's also wise to clean your automobile so you can identify any damage before it gets transported.
Operational Status - If the vehicle will be driven during shipping or you're operating it from the delivery location, ensure it's functioning properly. Inspect fluids, battery, & tire pressure. This'll assist you in detecting any issues when it reaches its destination.
Visual Documentation - Extremely crucial to capture high-resolution images of your car from all perspectives before the car delivery service collects it. Demonstrates the state if anything occurs during transport.
After Your Vehicle's Delivered
Once the car shipping company completes delivery, take these actions:
Inspect Essentials - Lights, brakes, engine - ensure they're all functioning correctly immediately. Inform the car transport service if anything isn't working properly.
Exterior State - Contrast the outside to your images from before to determine if it sustained any fresh damage. Shipping can occasionally harm a car, so you want to ensure yours is in good shape.
Odometer Check - If your vehicle was driven, verify the miles to ensure it aligns with the journey.
Post a review for the auto transport company on Shiply so others know what to anticipate when using their car shipping services.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common inquiries about shipping cars:
What's the cost to ship a car? Rates differ but typically it's around $2.92 per 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 budget-friendly, but if you require a trailer then a multi-car transporter is most cost-effective.
How do I pay? Each company is unique, so inquire with your selected car delivery service about payment options before confirming.
Can I track it online? Some companies allow you to monitor the shipment & provide updates, but you'll need to ask each one.
Does someone need to be present? Yes, the car shipping company will likely want you available for pickup & dropoff to sign paperwork & provide keys.
Can I leave items in the car? You can store some personal belongings but remember - 1) It might impact the shipping cost based on weight. 2) Your items won't be insured, only the car itself.
How much fuel? Around 1/4 tank is sufficient - enough to load/unload easily without excessive extra weight.
What if it's inoperable? You can ship a non-running car but it'll be pricier since they require specialized equipment.
Can I ship a customized vehicle? Yes, with all the transport providers on Shiply, there's someone who can accommodate any type of custom or modified ride.
