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 not accessible.
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 designated terminal points (terminal-to-terminal auto delivery) or at your doorstep (door-to-door vehicle transport). While terminal-to-terminal service is typically more affordable, door-to-door delivery is more convenient as it eliminates the need to arrange transportation to retrieve your vehicle.
Vehicle transport services can be further classified into two primary categories: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for shipping.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
Employing someone to operate your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for automobile shipping, whether it's cross-country or interstate. This method is often more cost-effective as it doesn't necessitate trailers or additional vehicles. It can also be quicker due to its simplicity. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the added mileage to your automobile (especially for cross-country shipping) & the slight risk of damage during the journey. These concerns are particularly relevant for those purchasing or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Automobile On A Trailer
Placing your automobile on a trailer provides a higher level of safety compared to having someone operate it. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options depending on the size & value of your automobile. Single trailers, while more expensive, are ideal for transporting costly or classic cars as they minimize the risk of damage. For ultimate protection, shipping containers are the safest option, albeit the most expensive.
Multi-car transporters are another choice, with several variants available:
Open vehicle shipping is the most common & affordable method offered by auto shipping companies. Your automobile is securely placed on an open carrier & transported to its destination. While this is the cheapest way to ship a car cross-country, the exposure to elements during long journeys may not be recommended for highly valuable vehicles.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple cars on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is preferable for newer or more expensive vehicles where minimizing the risk of damage is a priority.
For overseas vehicle transportation, it's best to seek out specialist services or companies with experience in international car shipping to receive tailored advice based on your requirements.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Sterling Car Shipping
You've selected a car transport company to ship your vehicle and are confident in their services. Now it's time to get your automobile ready for sterling car shipping. Adhere to these guidelines:
Paperwork - Ensure you have any documents you might require at pickup or delivery, especially if you're transferring ownership of the car.
Cleansing - Remove all your belongings from the vehicle prior to shipping, so nothing gets misplaced or damaged during transit. It's also wise to wash it beforehand so you can identify any damage that occurs during transport.
Operational State - If the car will be operated at all during sterling car shipping or driven home after delivery, ensure it functions properly. Inspect fluids, battery, and tire pressure. This allows you to assess the condition upon arrival.
Images - Capture numerous high-resolution photos of the entire car before pickup. This demonstrates its state in case anything happens during transport.
After Your Vehicle Arrives
Once the car shipping sterling company delivers, follow these steps:
Examine Essentials - Immediately test lights, brakes, engine to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Notify the shipper if not.
Exterior - Compare the outside to your images to identify any new damage that occurred. Shipping can occasionally harm a car, so you want to be certain.
Odometer - If they operated it, verify the miles correspond to the journey. This is more significant for driving shipments.
Feedback - Provide a review about the sterling car shipping company on Shiply so others know what to anticipate!
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common inquiries about auto transport:
What is the cost to ship a car? Prices fluctuate but average $2.92/mile for under 200 miles, $0.93 for 200-500 miles, and $0.78 for over 1,000 miles.
Most economical method? Having someone drive it is most affordable, but a multi-car hauler is the best inexpensive choice if you require a trailer.
Payment? Each shipper on Shiply is unique, so inquire with yours about payment before booking.
Online tracking? Some companies provide this, but check with yours if you need it.
Be present for pickup/dropoff? Yes, they typically require you to sign documents and provide them with the keys.
Items inside? You can keep some personal belongings in, but it might impact the cost and isn't covered by insurance.
How much fuel? Around 1/4 tank is sufficient - enough to load/unload but not too heavy.
Non-operational cars? You can transport them but it costs extra for specialized equipment.
Customized cars? Shiply has numerous haulers with the appropriate equipment to transport virtually any custom vehicle.
