What Is Vehicle Transportation?
Vehicle transportation, also referred to as car shipping or auto transport, is a service offered by vehicle transportation companies that involves collecting your automobile from one location & transporting it to another. This service is beneficial in various circumstances where operating the vehicle yourself is not practical, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online, relocating to a new residence across the nation, or transporting your automobile overseas. Vehicle transportation companies provide a variety of auto transport services to accommodate different requirements.
Categories Of Auto Transport Services
When selecting an auto transport service, the initial choice you must make is where you want your vehicle collected from & delivered to. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an alternative where designated collection & drop-off points, frequently the car transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. While this alternative is typically less expensive, it necessitates more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. However, most individuals prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country car transport or just shipping a car to another state.
Car transport services can be broadly classified into two categories: having someone operate your vehicle to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transportation.
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 ship a car across the country or to another state. This approach is often less expensive as it doesn't require trailers or an additional vehicle, & it can be quicker due to its simplicity. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the addition of mileage to your automobile, especially when shipping a car across the country, & 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 car arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Placing your vehicle on a trailer provides a higher level of safety compared to having someone operate it. Car shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile. Single trailers, while more expensive, are ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars that require extra protection. The safest way to transport a car is in a shipping container, although this is the most costly option. Multi-car transporters, which can carry several vehicles at once, are available in different variants:
Open car shipping is the most affordable & common option offered by car shipping companies. 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 vehicles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage.
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 more expensive or newer vehicles 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 or a company with experience in overseas car shipping to provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Vehicle?
The expense of shipping a vehicle varies depending on several factors, but on average, US auto transport companies 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 car transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances. The optimal way to determine the expense of auto transport is to obtain car shipping quotes from various companies, which is easily done through platforms like Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Expense Of Auto Transport
While everyone wants inexpensive car transport, several factors can impact the expense of car shipping services. Understanding these variables can help you estimate whether your auto transport requirements will be costly or economical.
Distance plays a significant role in determining the expense of car transport, with cross-state & cross-country journeys being more costly than interstate car delivery. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases, ensuring that you don't pay excessively for longer distances. International shipping always results in higher car shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring a vehicle overseas & the distance it must travel. Special enclosed trailers or shipping containers may also be required.
The route taken to transport your car from its pick-up spot to its delivery location can also affect the pricing. Routes with known higher traffic, such as in LA, may cost more than quieter roads due to the additional time required. Unforeseen circumstances, like major roadworks, could also incur extra costs or necessitate a longer alternative route.
The urgency of your car transportation can impact the price. If you are flexible with timings, you may find that car shipping services charge less, as they can fit your vehicle delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. However, if you require expedited shipping within a strict timeframe, it will typically cost more, as the car transport company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.
The size of your vehicle, including its height, length, & width, will affect the cost of transport. Car shippers require larger trailers for bigger vehicles, with SUVs generally costing more to transport than sedans. It's essential to inform the auto transport company about any accessories on the car, such as bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the size of the trailer needed.
If your car is not in drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. Extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, may be necessary to load & unload your car from the trailer. A car with a locked wheel, for example, cannot be simply rolled onto & off a trailer, requiring more time, effort, & machinery to complete the delivery compared to a standard car transport service. Most car carriers consider a car that can brake, roll, & steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
The type of auto transport service you choose will also influence the cost of car shipping. Having someone drive your car to its destination is always the cheapest option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are likely to be more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is the most expensive method of shipping a car, as it involves your car traveling alone while still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
The locations of pickup & delivery can also affect the price of shipping a car. Urban areas usually have car shipping services in close proximity, & common destination routes tend to offer cheap car shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & 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 vehicle, which can increase the car shipping cost.
While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance, as it is not legally required. If a car transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you seek out & acquire coverage for your vehicle 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, & any other relevant details.
Seasonality can also affect the price of car shipping, with many services costing more to ship a car in the winter due to ice & snow slowing the routes. Here is a quick breakdown of how each season can impact auto transport costs:
Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your vehicle. Ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can cause delays on the roads & reduce the maximum speed at which car delivery services can operate. December is typically a difficult time to have a vehicle shipped, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased vehicle shipping costs. However, February is usually quiet, & great rates are often available from car shipping services during this month.
Spring is an excellent time to ship your vehicle with a car transportation service. With improved weather conditions, longer days, & more drivers ready to work, Spring can often mean cheap rates & high availability for moving your car. March is generally a better time to ship than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the prime season for shipping cars, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving houses. June, July, & August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, so you should not expect cheap car shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a car if you are looking for slightly cheaper prices. Car shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, it is better to move your vehicle in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of what car shipping & car shipping services entail, as well as the type of auto transport service you need, you probably want to find a car transport service that suits your requirements. The challenge lies in the fact that there are hundreds of car transport companies out there. Searching for them on Google can result in scrolling through numerous pages to find the best car shipping company at the best price, & the same applies if you were to go through phone books. Moreover, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing, meaning you will likely need to apply for a quote & fill out details with each of them individually, which can be very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Assist In Finding Auto Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options & variables involved in finding a car shipping service, searching for & finding the right one can seem like a daunting task. This is where Shiply can help.
On Shiply, you simply need to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. All we require from you is the make & model of the car that needs shipping, the pickup & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the vehicle. 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 & 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 through within a few minutes of posting your listing, but we always recommend waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, so that you have multiple options to choose from.
Once you have a few quotes, you can ask the providers any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), what insurance they offer, & how they would secure your car. We recommend asking any company you may use these questions to ensure that everything goes smoothly & as expected.
Shiply has a feedback & ratings system that we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your vehicle. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company, as well as their overall score.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Peoria, Arizona, US
Peoria, Arizona, is a growing city in the Phoenix metropolitan area that has become increasingly popular for people relocating or shipping their vehicles. There are several reasons why people often move cars to & from Peoria:
Peoria has experienced significant population growth in recent years, with many people moving to the city for its affordable housing, good schools, & pleasant weather. As a result, there is a high demand for car shipping services to & from Peoria as people relocate for work or personal reasons.
The city's proximity to Phoenix, which is a major transportation hub, makes it easy for car shipping companies to access Peoria. This accessibility helps keep car shipping costs relatively low compared to more remote locations.
Peoria is home to several large employers, including the Peoria Unified School District, Arrowhead Hospital, & multiple technology companies. As these businesses attract new employees from other parts of the country, the demand for car shipping services to Peoria increases.
Retirees are also drawn to Peoria for its warm climate, outdoor recreation opportunities, & retirement communities. Many retirees choose to ship their vehicles to Peoria when they move to the city, contributing to the demand for car shipping services.
In summary, the combination of population growth, accessibility, employment opportunities, & retiree appeal has made Peoria a popular destination for people moving to & from the area, leading to a high demand for car shipping services in the city.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Peoria
Time-Efficient - Instead of completing a quotation form each time you require a precise cost from a company on transporting your automobile, on our platform you only need to fill out one quotation form & then can receive estimates based on the information you supply from various businesses. This can save you hours of time you would've had to invest in contacting companies and completing forms.
Communication with these businesses is all feasible through our platform as well, allowing you to maintain all of your Peoria vehicle shipping information in one location.
Price Comparison - The Crucial Factor
Ultimately, the price of the Peoria vehicle shipping estimate is the most significant factor in choosing which auto transport company to utilize to transport your automobile. The challenging aspect is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to give information and complete details. While this is understandable, it does mean that price comparison and obtaining a vehicle transport quote isn't exactly a simple task.
Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from vehicle shipping companies & compare them in one location, offering the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately decide on the best company for you.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping - The Cost-Effective Way
Auto transport businesses on Shiply are typically able to provide their services for a lower cost than if you went directly to them. This is because they are often seeking to fill space on trips they are already making & have already invested the cost for. For example, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to move your vehicle there, on Shiply, a company may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 of the 6 spots filled, and they are just looking to ensure they are not wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, and pick-up/drop-off locations are suitable for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service!
Superior For The Environment
Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also superior 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 car shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire trip would be needed just for your automobile.
Similarly, many vehicle transporters return from a delivery empty-handed, which is not only expensive for them but also for the environment as there are many people who could have used that transporter to move their automobiles 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 affordable transport for our users.
Readying For Your Vehicle To Be Transported
If you have chosen an auto transport company to move your vehicle & feel secure using them, then it's time to ready your automobile 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 and 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 car delivery service to pick up is to take high-quality photographs of all parts of the car. This provides you with evidence of the car's condition before shipping should anything happen to it during transport.
What To Do After Delivery
Once the car shipping company you selected has completed their delivery, there are a few things you should do:
Check Vital Signs - Lights, brakes, and engines should all be checked immediately to ensure that the car is in the expected condition, as well as enable you to immediately raise concerns with the car 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 car can, in rare cases, cause damage, & you want to be sure your car transport service has not done so.
Check Mileage - This is more relevant to car shipping services where the car is driven to the destination but it can help to check the mileage to ensure that it matches up with the journey taken.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could also leave a review for the auto transport company you used through Shiply so that others can browse car shipping services with the same peace of mind!
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have answered some of the most asked questions about car shipping:
How much to ship a car? Car shipping prices can vary drastically depending on the circumstances, but on average a journey should cost you around $2.92 per mile if the journey is less than 200 miles, $0.93 if the journey is between 200 and 500 miles, and if the journey is over 1,000 miles then this drops to $0.78.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car? Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is the cheapest way to ship a car, however, if you need a trailer then a multi-car transporter will be your best option with regard to the cheapest way to ship a car.
How do I pay for my auto transport? This is down to each individual auto transport company on Shiply & is something you should discuss with your chosen car delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most companies will be flexible with payment options, however.
Can I track my car transport online? Each car shipping company on Shiply has different ways of operating, but many offer the ability to track your car shipment, with some even able to provide personal updates. If you require tracking, you should message individual car transport companies to confirm that this is possible with them.
Does someone have to be present for pickup and delivery? In most cases, the car shipping company 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 car keys.
Can I keep items in my vehicle during my car shipment? Most car transport companies 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 price of the vehicle shipment, and 2. Any items in the vehicle will not be covered by insurance for the transport of the car 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 and 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.
