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 drive the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online & need to transport it to another state, relocating & requiring long-distance vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas when ferries are not available. Luckily, there are numerous vehicle transport services available to cater to your specific requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial choice you need to make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a long-distance vehicle transport or shipping a car to another 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 used. While this option is typically more affordable, it requires more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. Most individuals, however, opt for a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of the distance. This is often more convenient as it eliminates the need to arrange transportation to collect your vehicle.
Vehicle transport services can be divided into two main categories: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Drive Your Vehicle
Hiring someone to drive your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether it's a long-distance or interstate move. The advantages of this method include lower costs, as trailers & extra vehicles are not required, & faster delivery due to the simplicity of the transport process. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, the mileage on your vehicle will increase, particularly when shipping a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your automobile during the journey. These concerns are especially 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 automobile on a trailer is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection compared to having someone drive your vehicle. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile. For expensive or classic cars, a single trailer may be preferable to minimize the risk of damage, although it is more costly as it only transports one vehicle at a time. The safest way to transport a car is in a shipping container, but this is the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters, which can carry several vehicles at once, are another option with a few variants:
- Open vehicle shipping: The most affordable & common option, where your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. While all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making it less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage.
- Enclosed auto transport: Multiple cars are secured on a carrier but are enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is often preferred for more expensive or newer vehicles to minimize the risk of damage.
If you need to move your vehicle overseas, it's best to find a specialist service or a company with experience in overseas vehicle shipping to provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Tanaina Car Transport
If you've selected a vehicle shipping company to transport your automobile and are satisfied with their services, it's time to get your car ready for transport. Adhere to these guidelines:
Paperwork - Ensure you have all necessary documents on hand for pickup or delivery, particularly if you're selling the vehicle.
Cleansing - Remove all personal belongings from the car prior to shipping to avoid loss or damage during transit. It's also wise to clean the vehicle beforehand so you can identify any issues that may occur during delivery.
Operational State - If the car will be operated at all during shipping or driven home after delivery, ensure it's functioning properly. Inspect fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure. This allows you to assess the condition upon arrival.
Images - Capture numerous high-quality photographs of the entire car before shipping. This documents its condition in case anything happens during transport.
Post-Delivery:
Examine Systems - Immediately check lights, brakes, and engine to confirm the car is as anticipated. Notify the car shipping company if anything isn't functioning correctly.
Exterior - Compare the outside to your photographs to determine if any new damage occurred. Transporting cars can sometimes cause issues, so you want to ensure yours is unharmed.
Odometer - If the car was driven, verify the mileage to ensure it aligns with the journey.
Provide feedback for the Tanaina car shipping company you utilized on Shiply so others know what to anticipate.
Frequently Asked Questions - Common Inquiries
What is the cost to transport a car? Prices vary significantly, 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 to transport a car? Having someone drive it is most cost-effective, but if you require a trailer, then a multi-car hauler is most budget-friendly.
How do I pay? Each Tanaina car shipping company is unique, so inquire with yours about payment before booking.
Can I monitor my shipment online? Some companies allow tracking, but verify with yours to be certain.
Is someone required to be present for pickup/delivery? Usually yes, to sign documents and provide keys.
Can I leave items in the car? A small amount is generally acceptable, but it may increase costs and isn't protected by insurance.
How much fuel for shipping? Approximately 1/4 tank is sufficient.
Can I ship if it's inoperable? Yes, but it's more expensive since specialized equipment is required.
Can I ship modified vehicles? Absolutely, there are transporters for all kinds of automobiles on Shiply.
