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 proves useful 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, or moving your automobile overseas. Auto shipping services provide a practical solution for those who require their vehicles to be transported across states or even nations.
There are numerous types of vehicle transport services available to accommodate various needs & preferences. Whether you need nationwide car shipping, transporting a vehicle to another state, or even global automobile transportation, auto shipping companies can meet your requirements. It's crucial to comprehend the different options available to make a well-informed choice when selecting a vehicle shipping service.
Varieties Of Vehicle Transport Services
When it comes to vehicle transport services, there are two primary options: terminal-to-terminal delivery & door-to-door delivery. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery involves designated collection & drop-off points, typically at the car transport company's stores or operating bases. While this option is generally more cost-effective, it requires additional effort on your part to get the vehicle to & from the terminals. Conversely, door-to-door auto transport is the most favored choice, as it provides the convenience of having your automobile picked up & dropped off right at your doorstep.
Another decision you'll need to make is whether you want someone to operate your vehicle to its destination or have it transported on a trailer. Employing someone to drive your automobile can be a straightforward & economical solution, particularly for shorter distances. However, this method adds mileage to your vehicle & carries a slight risk of damage during the journey.
Transporting your automobile on a trailer offers a higher level of safety & protection. You can opt for a single trailer dedicated to your vehicle, which is ideal for expensive or classic cars. The safest option is to use a shipping container, although this is also the most costly. Alternatively, multi-car transporters are a common choice, offering open or enclosed car shipping. Open car shipping is the most budget-friendly option, but your vehicle will be exposed to the elements during transit. Enclosed auto transport, on the other hand, provides added protection by securing your automobile inside an enclosed carrier, minimizing the risk of damage from dust, weather, & debris.
For overseas vehicle transportation, it's essential to find a specialist service or a company with experience in international car shipping. These providers can offer tailored advice & assistance to ensure a smooth & successful overseas auto transport process.
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 per mile for distances between 200 & 500 miles, & $0.78 per mile for trips over 1,000 miles. However, these figures are just averages, & your actual car transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances.
To get an accurate estimate of your vehicle shipping cost, it's best to gather quotes from multiple car transport companies. Shiply makes this process easy by allowing you to compare quotes from various providers in one place.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
Several variables can impact the cost of your vehicle shipping service. While everyone wants affordable car transport, understanding these factors can help you anticipate the potential expenses involved.
Distance is a significant factor in determining the cost of car transport. Cross-state & cross-country journeys will naturally cost more than interstate car delivery. However, the average price per mile tends to decrease as the distance increases, ensuring that you're not paying excessively for longer trips.
International shipping is always more expensive due to the complex logistics of transferring a vehicle overseas & the greater distances involved. It may also require specialized enclosed trailers or shipping containers to ensure the safety of your vehicle during transit.
The route taken by the car carrier service can also affect pricing. Routes with higher traffic, such as those in Los Angeles, may incur additional costs due to the increased time required for the journey. Similarly, unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks can lead to extra expenses or necessitate alternative, longer routes.
The flexibility of your shipping dates can also influence the cost. If you can accommodate the car transport company's schedule, you may be able to secure lower rates. On the other hand, expedited shipping within a strict timeframe will likely result in higher costs, as the company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.
The size of your vehicle, including its height, length, & width, will impact the cost of transportation. Larger vehicles like SUVs typically cost more to transport than sedans, as they require larger trailers. It's essential to inform the auto transport company about any accessories, such as bike racks or roof racks, as they can alter the size of the trailer needed.
The condition of your vehicle can also affect the cost of auto transport. If your car is not in drivable condition, it may require additional equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load & unload it from the trailer. This extra effort & machinery can increase the overall cost of the car transport service.
The type of auto transport service you choose will also influence the price. Having someone drive your car to its destination is generally the most affordable option, as you're essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive due to the specialized equipment required.
The locations of pickup & delivery can also impact the cost of shipping a car. Urban areas typically have car shipping services in close proximity, & common destination routes often offer cheaper rates. In contrast, rural deliveries may cost more due to the additional mileage & deviations from standard routes required. Unusual or hard-to-access pickup or drop-off points can also increase the car shipping cost, as extra steps may be necessary to load & unload your vehicle.
Auto transport insurance is another factor to consider. While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, not all offer additional coverage. If a car transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it's highly recommended that you obtain supplementary insurance for your vehicle during transit. Be sure to clarify the type of damage covered, deductibles, & any other relevant details when selecting an insurance policy.
Seasonality can also affect the price of car shipping. Winter months often see higher costs due to ice, snow, & blizzard conditions slowing down routes & reducing maximum speeds. December can be particularly challenging, as many drivers are on holiday, while January sees increased demand for vehicle shipping to warmer states. Spring & fall are generally more favorable for shipping cars, with improved weather conditions, longer days, & greater driver availability. Summer is the peak season for the auto transport industry, with higher demand from students, vacationers, & those moving homes, resulting in busier schedules & potentially higher prices.
How To Ship A Car - Finding An Auto Transport Service
With hundreds of car transport companies available, finding the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. Searching through countless websites & phone books, requesting individual quotes, & comparing prices can be a time-consuming & frustrating process.
This is where Shiply comes in. Our platform simplifies the process of finding & comparing car shipping services. To get started, simply fill out a brief form with your vehicle's make & model, pickup & delivery locations, & desired shipping dates. This information allows auto transport providers on Shiply to provide you with accurate quotes tailored to your specific requirements.
Once your listing is live, you'll receive quotes directly in your Shiply inbox & via email. We recommend keeping email notifications enabled to ensure you're promptly informed of new quotes. You can expect to receive quotes within minutes of posting your listing, but it's advisable to wait for a few options before making a decision.
When reviewing quotes, take the opportunity to ask the car shipping companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure vehicles during transport. It's crucial to gather this information from any company you're considering to ensure a smooth & hassle-free experience.
Shiply's feedback & ratings system is another valuable resource when selecting a car shipping service. This feature allows you to view previous customers' experiences & overall satisfaction with each company, helping you make an informed decision based on real-world feedback.
Why People Often Move Cars To & From Prescott Valley, Arizona
Prescott Valley, located in central Arizona, is a popular destination for those looking to relocate or transport their vehicles. The city's mild climate, stunning natural beauty, & thriving community make it an attractive option for many. People often move cars to & from Prescott Valley for various reasons, including:
Retirement: Prescott Valley is a popular retirement destination, thanks to its pleasant weather, affordable cost of living, & wide range of recreational activities. Many retirees choose to ship their cars to Prescott Valley when relocating to the area.
Job opportunities: The city's growing economy & diverse job market attract professionals from various industries. When moving to Prescott Valley for work, many individuals opt to transport their vehicles using car shipping services.
Seasonal living: Some people maintain second homes or vacation properties in Prescott Valley, taking advantage of the region's mild winters & scenic surroundings. These individuals may use car shipping services to transport their vehicles between their primary residence & Prescott Valley.
College students: Prescott Valley is home to several colleges & universities, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University & Yavapai College. Students attending these institutions often rely on car shipping companies to transport their vehicles to & from the area.
Whether you're moving to Prescott Valley for retirement, work, or education, or simply need to transport a vehicle to or from the area, car shipping services can provide a convenient & reliable solution. By using platforms like Shiply, you can easily compare quotes from multiple car shipping prescott valley providers & find the best option for your specific needs & budget.
The Benefits Of Utilizing Shiply For Vehicle Transport In Prescott Valley
Time-saving - Instead of completing a quote form each time you desire an exact price from a business on transporting a vehicle, on our platform you complete one quote form & then can receive quotes based on the information you supply from several companies. This can save you hours of time you would have spent phoning companies & filling out forms.
Communication with these businesses is all possible via our platform too, allowing you to store all of your vehicle shipping info in one location.
Price Comparison - When it comes down to it, the price of the vehicle shipping quote is the most important factor in choosing which auto transport company to utilize to transport your vehicle. The challenging part is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a solid vehicle transport quote without having to give information & complete details. While this is understandable, it does mean that price comparison & getting a vehicle transport quote isn't exactly a simple task.
Using Shiply enables you to obtain genuine, final price quotes from vehicle shipping companies & compare them in one place, 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 In Prescott Valley
Auto transport businesses on Shiply are usually 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. Say, for example, 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, & 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 more affordable, 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 car shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire trip would be needed just for your vehicle.
Similarly, many car 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 cheap transport for our users.
Preparing For Your Vehicle To Be Shipped
If you have decided on an auto transport company 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 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, & 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 occured. 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 & 500 miles, & 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 & 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, & 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 & 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.
