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, relocating to a new residence, or transporting your automobile overseas. Vehicle shipping services provide a practical solution when ferries are unavailable & you must depend on an auto transport company to transport your vehicle.
Luckily, there are numerous vehicle transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will discuss below.
Types Of Vehicle Transport Services
When it comes to vehicle transport services, there are several options to consider. The first choice you'll need to make is where you want your automobile collected 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, frequently at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. While this option is typically 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 vehicles 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 you don't need to go anywhere to collect your automobile, which can be challenging without your vehicle in the first place!
Vehicle transport services generally fall into two categories: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or putting it on a trailer & transporting it.
Have Someone Drive Your Vehicle
Hiring someone to drive your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether you need to ship a car across the country or to another state. The advantages of this auto transport method include lower costs, as trailers & extra vehicles are not required, & faster delivery due to the simplicity 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 vehicle transport. Firstly, mileage is added to your automobile during the journey, which can be significant when shipping a car across the country & 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 Vehicle On A Trailer
Putting your automobile on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone drive your vehicle to its destination. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile.
You can choose between a single trailer for your vehicle, which is more expensive as it only transports one automobile at a time but is 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 in a shipping container, but this is by far the most expensive option.
Alternatively, you can opt for a multi-car transporter, which can transport many vehicles at once & comes in a few variants:
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 vehicle shipping companies may not recommend this option for highly valuable automobiles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage & exposure to the elements for extended periods.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple vehicles 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 automobiles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during auto transport.
If you need to move your automobile overseas, 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.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Auto Transport in Phoenix
When it comes to shipping a car in Phoenix, Shiply provides several advantages that make the process more efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly. Instead of investing hours completing quote forms for each company, Shiply enables you to fill out a single form and receive multiple estimates based on your unique requirements. This time-saving aspect allows you to maintain all your vehicle shipping details in one location, simplifying communication with companies.
Comparing prices is an essential consideration when selecting an auto transport company to move your vehicle. Although most companies offer average rates and rough estimates, acquiring a definite car transport quote typically involves filling out forms and supplying comprehensive information. Shiply streamlines this process by permitting you to obtain authentic, final price estimates from car shipping companies and compare them side by side. You can easily contact each company individually to inquire about questions and ultimately select the optimal choice for your needs.
Affordable car shipping is another benefit of utilizing Shiply. Auto transport companies on the platform frequently provide lower prices compared to going directly through them. This is because they often strive to fill space on pre-planned trips, having already invested in the cost. For instance, if you need to transport your car from Los Angeles to New York, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 out of 6 spots occupied. As long as the dates, times, and pick-up/drop-off locations align with your requirements, you can save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service.
In addition to being cost-effective, employing Shiply for auto transport is also more environmentally friendly. By filling empty spots on existing trips, emissions into the atmosphere are reduced, as separate journeys for individual cars are eliminated. Many car transporters on Shiply also aim to fill their trailers on return trips, further minimizing wasted CO2 emissions while offering affordable transport options for our users.
Readying Your Vehicle for Auto Transport in Phoenix
Once you've chosen an auto transport company on Shiply, it's crucial to prepare your car for shipping. Collect any necessary documents, especially if you're selling the vehicle. Remove all personal items from your car to prevent potential loss or damage during transit. Thoroughly clean your vehicle to evaluate its condition and identify any pre-existing damages.
If your car will be driven at any point during shipping or from the drop-off location, ensure it's in running condition. Check fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure. Taking high-quality photographs of your car before shipping provides evidence of its condition, which can be useful if any issues arise during transport.
Post-Delivery Steps for Phoenix Car Shipping
After your selected car shipping company completes the delivery, there are several steps you should take. Check vital components like lights, brakes, and the engine to confirm they're in the expected condition. Compare the exterior of the vehicle to the pre-shipping photos to identify any new damage. If your car was driven to the destination, verify that the mileage aligns with the journey taken.
We greatly appreciate if you could leave a review for the auto transport company you used through Shiply. Your feedback helps others browse car shipping services with confidence and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Shipping Phoenix
How much does it cost to ship a car? Car shipping prices vary based on distance, but on average, expect to pay around $2.92 per mile for journeys under 200 miles, $0.93 for trips between 200 and 500 miles, and $0.78 for distances over 1,000 miles.
What's the cheapest way to ship a car? Having someone drive your vehicle is the most affordable option. However, if you require a trailer, a multi-car transporter is your best bet for cheap car shipping.
How do I pay for auto transport? Payment methods vary by company, so discuss options with your chosen car delivery service before confirming the shipment. Most providers offer flexible payment solutions.
Can I track my car transport online? Many car shipping companies on Shiply provide tracking capabilities, with some offering personalized updates. Message individual companies to confirm if tracking is available.
Is someone required to be present for pickup and delivery? In most cases, yes. You may need to sign release forms and hand over car keys.
Can I keep items in my vehicle during car shipment? While most companies allow personal items in the car, keep in mind that the weight may affect the shipment price and these items won't be covered by transport insurance.
How much gas should I have in my vehicle during transit? Aim for around a quarter tank. This facilitates easy loading and unloading without adding excessive weight.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle? Yes, but it will be more expensive due to the specialized equipment required for loading and unloading.
Is it possible to ship a modified vehicle? Shiply has hundreds of transport providers capable of safely shipping almost any type of vehicle, including modified ones.
