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 spot & 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 & need to transport it to another state, relocating & requiring cross-country vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile abroad when ferries are unavailable.
Luckily, there are numerous vehicle transport services available to satisfy your particular requirements, which we will discuss below.
Varieties of Auto Shipping Services
When it comes to auto shipping services, there are a few choices to consider. The initial decision you'll need to make is where you want your vehicle picked up from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or shipping a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, where designated collection & drop-off points are used, often at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. While this choice is generally less expensive, it requires more effort on your part to get the vehicle home.
Most individuals, however, prefer a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or just shipping a car to another state. This option is more convenient as it eliminates the need to collect your automobile from a separate location, which can be challenging without your vehicle.
Vehicle transport services are typically divided into two categories: having someone operate your car to the destination or putting it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
One straightforward solution to vehicle shipping is hiring someone to operate your car to its destination, whether it's shipping a vehicle across the country or to another state. The benefits of this auto transport method include lower costs, as trailers & an extra automobile are not required, & faster delivery due to the straightforward nature of the transport.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method offered by vehicle shipping companies that lead some people to choose other types of car transport. Firstly, mileage is added to your automobile during the journey, which can be significant when shipping a vehicle across the country, although less so when shipping 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.
Put Your Automobile on a Trailer
Putting your automobile 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 several options available depending on the value & size of your automobile.
Firstly, you need to decide whether you want a single trailer for your vehicle. These are often more expensive as they only transport one automobile at a time, but they are a great option for moving expensive or classic cars that you don't want to risk damaging. The safest way to transport a vehicle is to put it in a shipping container, but this is by far the most expensive option.
The other option is a multi-car transporter, which can transport many automobiles at once. There are a few variants of multi-car transporters:
Open vehicle shipping is the cheapest & most common option when transporting a car. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. While all vehicles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, so this may not be recommended by vehicle shipping companies for highly valuable automobiles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage & exposure to the elements, although it may be the cheapest way to ship a vehicle cross-country.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple automobiles on a carrier, but they are enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is often 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 automobile overseas through an auto transport company, 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.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Wasilla Car Transport
If you've selected a car shipping company to transport your vehicle & are confident in their services, it's time to get your automobile ready for wasilla car transport. Adhere to these guidelines:
Paperwork - Ensure you have any necessary documents on hand for pickup or delivery, particularly if you're transferring ownership of the vehicle.
Decluttering - Remove all personal belongings from the car prior to transport to avoid loss or damage during transit. It's also wise to tidy up the vehicle beforehand so you can identify any potential damage that may occur during shipping.
Operational State - If the automobile will be operated at any point during transport or upon arrival, ensure it's functioning properly. Verify fluid levels, battery charge, & tire inflation. This allows you to detect any issues when it reaches its destination.
Images - Capture numerous detailed photographs of the entire vehicle before shipping. This provides evidence of its condition in case any damage happens during wasilla car transport.
Upon Delivery of Your Vehicle
Once the auto shipping company drops off your ride, take these actions:
Inspect Essentials - Immediately test lights, brakes, engine to confirm everything operates as expected. Notify the transport service if anything seems amiss.
Exterior - Refer to your pre-shipping photos to identify any new damage that may have occurred. Car transport can sometimes cause wear and tear, so it's crucial to verify.
Odometer - If your vehicle was driven, review the mileage to ensure it aligns with the journey.
Provide Feedback - It would be greatly appreciated if you could share your experience with the car shipping company on Shiply to inform others of what to anticipate.
Frequently Asked Questions - Common Car Shipping Queries
Here are responses to some commonly asked questions regarding vehicle transport:
What's the cost to transport a car? Rates fluctuate but typically range from $2.92 per mile for distances under 200 miles, $0.93 for 200-500 miles, & $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 carrier is the optimal low-cost choice.
How do I submit payment? Each provider on Shiply has their own payment procedures, so inquire with yours about their preferred method before finalizing.
Can I monitor my shipment online? Some companies offer online tracking & updates, but you'll need to check if yours provides that service.
Is it necessary for someone to be present for pickup/delivery? Yes, typically they require you to sign documents & provide the keys.
Am I allowed to keep items in the car? You can store some personal belongings but: 1) Additional weight may incur extra fees, & 2) Your items aren't protected by insurance.
How much fuel is needed for shipping? Approximately 1/4 tank is ideal - sufficient for easy loading/unloading without excessive extra weight.
Is it possible to 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 usually someone equipped to handle customized automobiles.
