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 operating the vehicle yourself is not practical, 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 different requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial choice you must make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, 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 & drop-off points are utilized, frequently at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. While this option is typically more affordable, it necessitates more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. Most individuals, however, opt for a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of the distance.
Vehicle transport services generally fall into two categories: 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 vehicle shipping, whether it's a cross-country or interstate relocation. This method is often more affordable as it doesn't necessitate trailers or an additional vehicle, & it can be quicker due to its simplicity. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the added mileage to your automobile, especially for long-distance shipping, & the slight risk of damage during the journey. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals purchasing or selling automobiles 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 offers a higher level of safety compared to having someone operate it. Vehicle 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 vehicle is in a shipping container, but this is also the most costly option. Multi-car transporters, which can carry several automobiles at once, come in different variants:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & most common option, where your automobile 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 minimizing the risk of damage is a priority.
For overseas vehicle transportation, it's best to find a specialist service or a company with experience in overseas vehicle shipping to receive 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, US auto transport companies charge around $2.92 per mile for journeys under 200 miles, $0.93 for journeys between 200 & 500 miles, & $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles. However, these are just averages, & your vehicle transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to obtain quotes from vehicle transport companies, which is easily done on Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While everyone wants affordable vehicle transport, several factors can impact the cost of vehicle shipping services:
Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost significantly more than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases.
International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always expensive due to the logistics involved, the distance traveled, & the need for special enclosed trailers or shipping containers.
Route: The route taken from the collection 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 can also incur extra costs or require a longer alternative route.
Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can result in lower charges, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. Expedited shipping, where you require auto transport within a strict timeframe, typically costs more as it may require a dedicated trailer & driver.
Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the automobile affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs cost more to transport than sedans, as they require larger trailers. Accessories such as bike racks or roof racks can also change the trailer size needed.
Vehicle condition: If your automobile is not drivable, it may cost more to transport, as it requires extra equipment like a winch or forklift to load & unload the vehicle. A car that can brake, roll, & steer is considered in good enough condition for easy shipping.
Auto transport service type: The type of auto transport service you choose affects the cost. Having someone operate your vehicle is the most affordable option, while single car trailers & 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 & still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
Pickup & delivery locations: Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services nearby, & common destination routes tend to offer affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more due to deviations from normal routes & extra mileage. Unusual or hard-to-access collection or drop-off points may require extra steps to load your automobile, increasing the cost.
Auto transport insurance: While auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance. If a company does not provide cargo insurance, it's highly recommended to acquire some for your automobile during transit. Ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, any deductibles, & which parts of the vehicle are insured.
Time of year: Seasonality can affect vehicle shipping prices, with winter being the most expensive due to ice, snow, & blizzard conditions causing delays & reducing maximum transport speeds. December is difficult for shipping due to driver holidays, while January sees increased costs as many travel to warmer states. Spring is a great time to ship, with improved weather, longer days, & more available drivers. Summer is the prime season for shipping cars, with long days, students traveling home, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving houses. Fall offers slightly cheaper prices, with less busy vehicle shipping companies & more driver availability after the summer rush.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding A Vehicle Transport Service
With hundreds of vehicle transport companies available, finding the right one can be daunting. Searching on Google or through phone books can be time-consuming, & many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without individual quotes.
How Can Shiply Help Find Vehicle Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding a vehicle shipping service. By filling out a simple form with your automobile's make & model, pickup & delivery locations, & required dates, you can easily collect quotes from auto transport providers. Quotes start arriving in your Shiply inbox & email within minutes of posting your listing, & it's recommended to wait for a few options before making a decision.
Before selecting a quote, ask the companies about their availability, insurance, & how they secure automobiles during transport. Shiply's feedback & ratings system allows you to view previous customers' experiences & overall scores, helping you make an informed choice.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Moreno Valley, California
Moreno Valley, located in Riverside County, California, is a growing city that attracts many new residents & businesses. People often move automobiles to & from Moreno Valley for various reasons, such as relocating for work, family, or education. The city's proximity to major highways like Interstate 215 & State Route 60 makes it a convenient location for vehicle shipping moreno valley. Additionally, the affordable housing market & expanding job opportunities in Moreno Valley contribute to the demand for moreno valley vehicle shipping services. Whether you're moving to or from Moreno Valley, reliable vehicle transport companies can ensure your automobile arrives safely at its destination.
The Benefits Of Utilizing Shiply For Vehicle Transport In Moreno Valley
Time-efficient - Instead of completing a quotation form each time you desire an exact price from a business on transporting a vehicle, on our platform you complete one quotation form & then can obtain quotes based on the information you supply from several companies. This can conserve you hours of time you would have spent phoning companies & inputting details. Communication with these businesses is also feasible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your "car shipping moreno valley" data in a single location.
Price Comparison - The Crucial Aspect
Ultimately, the expense of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most significant factor in choosing which auto transport company to utilize to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices and rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to input information and complete details. While this is understandable, it means that price comparison and obtaining a vehicle transport quote isn't precisely a simple task. Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from "moreno valley car shipping" businesses and compare them in one location, offering the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have and ultimately decide on the optimal company for you.
Inexpensive Vehicle Shipping - Save Significantly!
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 and have already invested the cost for. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York and 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 utilizing 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 and instead you arranged transport from a separate car shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire journey 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 many people who could have used that transporter to move their vehicles in the opposite direction. Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are looking to fill their trailers on return journeys too, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being released into the atmosphere, as well as continued inexpensive transport for our users!
Readying For Your Vehicle To Be Transported
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your vehicle and feel secure using them, then it's time to ready your vehicle for shipping. We recommend following these steps:
Documents - It is crucial 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 belongings 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, and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and has the right equipment to safely carry it out.