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 operate the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online, relocating to a new residence, or transporting your automobile overseas. Vehicle shipping companies provide a variety of auto transport services to accommodate your unique requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, you must decide on the pickup and delivery locations, whether it's a cross-country car shipment or transporting a vehicle to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an alternative where designated collection and drop-off points are utilized, frequently at the car transport company's facilities or operating bases. This option is typically more affordable but requires more effort on your part to get the automobile home. However, most individuals prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of the distance.
Vehicle transport services are categorized into two main types: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for shipment.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
Employing someone to operate your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for car shipping, whether it's across the country or to another state. The advantages of this method include lower costs, as trailers and additional vehicles are not necessary, and quicker delivery due to the simplicity of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the addition of mileage to your automobile, especially when shipping a car across the country, and the slight risk of damage during the journey. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals purchasing 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 option that guarantees a higher level of protection compared to having someone operate your automobile. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value and size of your automobile. You can choose between a single trailer for your vehicle, which is more expensive but ideal for transporting costly or classic cars, or a multi-car transporter, which can carry multiple automobiles at once.
Open car shipping is the most affordable and common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. 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, making this option less suitable for highly valuable automobiles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage and prolonged exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple vehicles on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, and debris during transit. This option is preferable for more expensive or newer automobiles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during transport.
If you need to move your automobile 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.
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, and $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles. However, these are just averages, and your vehicle transport may cost more or less depending on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to collect vehicle shipping quotes from various companies, which is easily done on platforms like Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
Several factors can impact the cost of vehicle shipping, including:
1. Distance: Cross-state and cross-country journeys cost more than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases.
2. International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always more expensive due to the logistics involved and the distance traveled. It may require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container for your automobile.
3. 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 than quieter roads due to the added time. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs or require a different, longer route.
4. Shipping dates: The flexibility of your shipping dates can impact the price. If you can be flexible with timings, vehicle shipping services may charge less as they can fit your delivery into their schedule, reducing overheads. However, if you require expedited shipping within a strict timeframe, it will typically cost more as the company may need to dedicate a trailer and driver specifically for your delivery.
5. Vehicle size: The height, length, and width of your automobile will affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs generally cost more to transport than sedans. Be sure to inform the auto transport company about any accessories such as bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the size of the trailer required.
6. Vehicle condition: If your automobile is not in drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. Non-operational vehicles require extra equipment like winches or forklifts to load and unload them from the trailer, taking more time, effort, and machinery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most car carriers consider a vehicle that can brake, roll, and steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
7. Auto transport service type: The type of auto transport service you choose will affect the cost. Having someone operate your vehicle is the most affordable option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time and fuel. Single car trailers and enclosed transport are more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping is the most expensive method as it involves your automobile traveling alone and still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, and protection during transport.
8. Pickup and delivery locations: The locations of pickup and delivery can impact the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas typically have vehicle shipping services in close proximity, and common destination routes often offer cheap car shipping. Rural deliveries may cost more as they require deviations from normal routes and extra mileage for the company. If a pick-up or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access space, additional steps may be needed to load your automobile, increasing the vehicle shipping cost.
9. Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance as it is not legally required. If a vehicle transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you seek out and acquire additional coverage for your automobile during transit. When considering insurance policies, ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the vehicle are covered, and any other relevant details.
10. Time of year: Seasonality can affect the price of vehicle shipping, with many services costing more to ship a car in the winter due to ice and snow slowing the routes. Here's a quick breakdown of how each season can impact auto transport costs:
- Winter: Often the most expensive season to ship your automobile due to potential delays caused by ice, snow, and blizzard conditions, which can also reduce the maximum speed of transport. December is typically a difficult time to ship a vehicle as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased shipping costs. February, however, is usually quiet, and great rates are often available during this month.
- Spring: A great time to ship your automobile, with improved weather conditions, longer days, and more available drivers, often resulting in cheap rates and high availability. March is generally a better time to ship than April or May, as there is often a rush to move vehicles from colder to warmer states.
- Summer: The prime season for shipping vehicles, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, and a popular time for moving houses. June, July, and August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, and cheap vehicle shipping is less likely during the summer.
- Fall: A good time to ship a vehicle if you're looking for slightly cheaper prices. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, and there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. October or November are better options than September, which is peak time for students shipping their automobiles to university.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
With hundreds of vehicle transport companies available, finding the right one can be a daunting task. Searching on Google or through phone books can be time-consuming, and many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without a detailed quote application, which can be tedious when done individually for each company.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding the right vehicle shipping service by providing a platform where you can easily collect quotes from various auto transport providers. To get started, simply fill out a simple form with the make and model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup and delivery locations, and 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 will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox and via email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can be immediately notified when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, but it's advisable to wait for a few options before making a decision.
When you have received a few quotes, you can ask the providers any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), insurance coverage, and how they would secure your vehicle. It's important to ask these questions to any company you are considering to ensure a smooth and expected process.
Shiply also offers a feedback and ratings system, which we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company and their overall score, helping you make an informed decision.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona, US - Vehicle Shipping Destination
Lake Havasu City, located in Mohave County, Arizona, is a popular destination for people moving their automobiles to and from the area. The city is known for its warm climate, beautiful lake, and outdoor recreational activities, making it an attractive place to live or visit. Many people choose to ship their vehicles to Lake Havasu City when relocating for work, retirement, or to enjoy the area's amenities.
Vehicle shipping companies, such as those found on Shiply, offer services to transport automobiles to and from Lake Havasu City. Whether you're moving across the country or from a nearby state, these companies can provide door-to-door service, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its destination. When searching for vehicle shipping services to or from Lake Havasu City, be sure to include keywords like "vehicle shipping lake havasu city" or "lake havasu city vehicle shipping" to find providers that specialize in this area.
By using a platform like Shiply, you can easily compare quotes from multiple vehicle shipping companies serving Lake Havasu City, allowing you to find the best price and service for your needs. With the right auto transport company, moving your automobile to or from this beautiful Arizona city can be a stress-free experience.
The Advantages of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transportation
Time-efficient - Rather than completing a quotation form each instance you desire to obtain a precise cost from an organization on transporting a vehicle, on our platform you complete one quotation form & then can receive estimates based on the information you supply from several companies. This can conserve you hours of effort you would have had to invest phoning companies & inputting details.
Communication with these organizations is all feasible through our platform as well, implying you can maintain all of your vehicle shipping data in one location.
Cost Comparison - When it comes down to it, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in choosing which auto transport company to utilize to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most organizations are willing to provide average costs & rough estimates, you won't actually be given a definite vehicle transport estimate without having to supply information & fill in details. While this is understandable, it does mean that cost comparison & getting a vehicle transport estimate isn't exactly a simple task.
Utilizing Shiply allows you to receive genuine, final cost estimates from vehicle shipping companies & compare them in one place, providing the ability to message them individually to inquire about any questions you may have & ultimately decide on the best organization for you.
Inexpensive Vehicle Shipping - Auto transport organizations on Shiply are typically able to provide their services for a lower cost than if you went direct to them. This is because they are often looking to fill space on trips they are already making & have already invested the cost for. Say, for example, you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to move your vehicle there. On Shiply, an organization may already have a multi-car transporter making that trip 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 less expensive, 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 trip 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 trips too, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being released into the atmosphere, as well as continued inexpensive transport for our users.
Preparing For Your Vehicle To Be Shipped
If you have decided on an auto transport organization to move your vehicle & feel secure using them, then it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We recommend following these steps:
Documents - It is important to ensure that any documents you may need are available at pick up or drop off, especially if you are selling your vehicle.
Cleaning - You should take care to remove all personal items from your vehicle prior to shipping, for the obvious reason that you don't want to risk them getting lost or damaged in transit. It is also highly recommended that you clean your vehicle before transport as this will allow you to ascertain its condition & notice any damages that may occur during delivery.
Running Condition - If the vehicle will be driven at any point during shipping or driven home from the drop-off location then you should ensure that it is in running condition. This means ensuring that there is enough fluid, as well as checking battery charge & tire pressure levels. Again this can also help you better judge the condition of the vehicle upon arrival.
Photographic Evidence - One very important thing to do when preparing your vehicle for the vehicle delivery service to pick up is to take high-quality photographs of all parts of the vehicle. This provides you with evidence of the vehicle's condition before shipping should anything happen to it during transport.
What To Do After Delivery
Once the vehicle shipping organization you selected has completed their delivery, there are a few things you should do:
Check Vital Signs - Lights, brakes, & engines should all be checked immediately to ensure that the vehicle is in the expected condition, as well as enable you to immediately raise concerns with the vehicle delivery service should anything not be working as it should.
Exterior Condition - You can compare the exterior of the vehicle to the photos taken of it before to ascertain whether any extra damage has occurred. Shipping a vehicle can, in rare cases, cause damage, & you want to be sure your vehicle transport service has not done so.
Check Mileage - This is more relevant to vehicle shipping services where the vehicle is driven to the destination but it can help to check the mileage to ensure that it matches up with the trip taken.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could also leave a review for the auto transport organization you used through Shiply so that others can browse vehicle shipping services with the same peace of mind.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have answered some of the most asked questions about vehicle shipping:
How much to ship a vehicle? Vehicle shipping costs can vary drastically depending on the circumstances, but on average a trip should cost you around $2.92 per mile if the trip is less than 200 miles, $0.93 if the trip is between 200 & 500 miles, & if the trip is over 1,000 miles then this drops to $0.78.
What is the most inexpensive way to ship a vehicle? Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is the most inexpensive way to ship a vehicle, however, if you need a trailer then a multi-car transporter will be your best option with regard to the most inexpensive way to ship a vehicle.
How do I pay for my auto transport? This is down to each individual auto transport organization on Shiply & is something you should discuss with your chosen vehicle delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most organizations will be flexible with payment options, however.
Can I track my vehicle transport online? Each vehicle shipping organization on Shiply has different ways of operating, but many offer the ability to track your vehicle shipment, with some even able to provide personal updates. If you require tracking, you should message individual vehicle transport organizations to confirm that this is possible with them.
Does someone have to be present for pickup & delivery? In most cases, the vehicle shipping organization will require you to be in attendance for the pickup & delivery of the vehicle. This is because there are likely to be release forms that you need to sign, as well as handing over the vehicle keys.
Can I keep items in my vehicle during my vehicle shipment? Most vehicle transport organizations will be fine with you keeping some personal items in the vehicle when it is transported. However, there are two important things to remember: 1. The weight of the items may affect the cost of the vehicle shipment, & 2. Any items in the vehicle will not be covered by insurance for the transport of the vehicle itself.
How much gas should I have in my vehicle during transit? Generally, you should aim to have around a quarter of your tank full. This allows for easy loading & unloading of the vehicle but will not add too much extra weight to the vehicle.
Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running? You can ship your vehicle if it isn't in running condition, however, this will be more expensive as specialist equipment is required to load & unload the vehicle.
Can I ship a modified vehicle? Almost any type of vehicle is able to be shipped on Shiply, with hundreds of transport providers available to bid on your job there will always be someone that is up for the job & has the right equipment to safely carry it out.
If you're looking for reliable & affordable vehicle shipping lake havasu city or lake havasu city vehicle shipping services, Shiply is the perfect platform to connect with trusted auto transport organizations. Get free estimates, compare costs, & choose the best provider for your needs. With Shiply, shipping your vehicle to or from Lake Havasu City has never been easier.