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 Santa Clarita companies provide a variety of auto transport services to accommodate your unique 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 and delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car shipment or transporting a vehicle to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, where designated collection and drop-off points are utilized, frequently at the car transport company's stores or operating bases. While this alternative is typically less expensive, it necessitates more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. However, most individuals prefer a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country car shipment or simply transporting a vehicle to another state.
Vehicle transport services are generally categorized into two types: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for shipment.
Engage Someone To Operate Your Vehicle
Engaging someone to operate your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether you need to transport a car across the country or to another state. This approach is often less expensive as it doesn't necessitate trailers or an additional vehicle. It can also be quicker due to its simplicity. However, there are some drawbacks to this method. Firstly, mileage is added to your automobile during the journey, which can be significant when transporting a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of harm to your vehicle during the drive. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals purchasing or selling automobiles online who want to ensure the car arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Automobile On A Trailer
Placing your automobile on a trailer provides a higher level of security 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 costly, are ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars that require extra protection. The safest way to ship a vehicle is in a shipping container, but this is also the most expensive option. Multi-car transporters, which can carry several automobiles at once, are another option with a few variants:
Open car shipping is the least expensive & most common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. 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 the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage & prolonged exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple cars on a carrier that is enclosed, shielding them from dust, weather, and debris during transit. This option is preferable for more expensive or newer vehicles 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, US auto transport companies charge around $2.92 per mile for journeys less than 200 miles, $0.93 for journeys between 200 and 500 miles, & $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles. However, these are just averages, & 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 Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While everyone wants inexpensive vehicle transport, several factors can impact the cost of car shipping services. Distance plays a significant role, with cross-state & cross-country journeys costing more than interstate car delivery. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases. International shipping is always more expensive due to the logistics of transferring a vehicle overseas & the distance involved. It may also require special enclosed trailers or shipping containers.
The route taken from the collection spot to the delivery location can also affect pricing. Routes with higher traffic, such as in LA, may cost more due to the added time. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs or require a longer alternative route.
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 automobile delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. However, if you require expedited shipping within a strict timeframe, it will typically cost more as the vehicle transport company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.
The size of your automobile, including its height, length, & width, will affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs generally cost more to transport than sedans as they require bigger trailers. 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.
The condition of your automobile can also impact the cost of vehicle transport. If your car is not drivable, it may require extra equipment like a winch or forklift to load & unload it from the trailer, increasing the cost. Most car carriers consider a vehicle in good enough condition to ship easily if it can brake, roll, & steer.
The type of vehicle transport service you choose will also affect the cost. Having someone operate your automobile is the least expensive option as you're essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are more costly due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is the most expensive method as it involves your vehicle traveling alone while still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
The pickup & delivery locations can also influence the price. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services nearby, & common destination routes tend to offer inexpensive car shipping. Rural deliveries may cost more as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If the pickup or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access location, additional steps may be needed to load your automobile, increasing the cost.
While auto transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance. If a company does not provide cargo insurance, it's highly recommended that you seek & acquire additional coverage for your automobile during transit. Make sure you understand what type of damage is covered, any deductibles, which parts of the vehicle are insured, & any other relevant details.
Seasonality can also affect vehicle shipping prices, with many services costing more in the winter due to ice & snow slowing routes. Winter is often the most expensive season to ship an automobile due to potential delays caused by adverse weather conditions. December is a challenging time 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 during this month.
Spring is an excellent time to ship your automobile, with improved weather, longer days, & more available drivers, often resulting in inexpensive rates & high availability. March tends to be better than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the peak season for shipping cars due to the longest days, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, & the popularity of moving houses. June, July, & August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, so don't expect inexpensive car shipping during the summer.
Fall can be a good time to find slightly cheaper prices for shipping a vehicle. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, it's better to move your automobile in October or November rather than September, which is peak time for students shipping their cars 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 overwhelming. Searching on Google or through phone books can be time-consuming, & many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without a detailed quote application.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding the right vehicle shipping service. To get started, fill out a simple form with your car's make & model, pickup & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the automobile. This information allows auto transport providers on Shiply to provide accurate quotes for your job.
Once your listing is live, you'll receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & email. We recommend keeping email notifications on to be notified immediately when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, but it's best to wait for a few options before making a decision.
When you have several quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure cars during transport. It's crucial to ask these questions to ensure a smooth & expected experience.
Shiply's feedback & ratings system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company & their overall score, which we highly recommend checking before selecting a quote to ship your automobile.
Why People Often Move Cars To & From Santa Clarita, California
Santa Clarita, located in Los Angeles County, California, is a popular city for vehicle shipping due to various reasons. Many people move to Santa Clarita for its family-friendly environment, excellent schools, & proximity to Los Angeles. The city's growing job market, particularly in the entertainment industry, also attracts professionals who may need to ship their automobiles when relocating.
Additionally, Santa Clarita is home to several colleges & universities, such as California Institute of the Arts & The Master's University. Students attending these institutions often require vehicle shipping services when moving to or from the city for their studies.
The city's location along major highways, including Interstate 5 & State Route 14, makes it a convenient hub for vehicle shipping companies. This accessibility allows for efficient pickup & delivery of automobiles to & from Santa Clarita.
Furthermore, Santa Clarita's proximity to the Port of Los Angeles & the Port of Long Beach, two of the busiest ports in the United States, makes it an ideal location for international vehicle shipping. Many people moving overseas or receiving automobiles from abroad use Santa Clarita car shipping services to transport their vehicles to & from these ports.
In summary, Santa Clarita's growing population, strong job market, educational institutions, strategic location, & access to major ports contribute to the high demand for vehicle shipping services in the area.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Santa Clarita
Time-Efficient - Instead of completing a quotation form each time you require an exact cost from a business for transporting a vehicle, on our platform, you complete one quotation form and can then receive estimates based on the information you supply from several companies. This can save you hours of time you would have spent phoning companies and filling out forms. Communication with these businesses is also possible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your Santa Clarita vehicle shipping details in one location.
Cost Comparison - The Crucial Aspect
Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in choosing which auto transport company to employ to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most companies are willing to provide average prices and 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 means that price comparison and obtaining a vehicle transport quote isn't exactly a simple task.
Utilizing Shiply allows you to receive authentic, final price estimates from vehicle shipping companies and compare them in one place, providing the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have and ultimately decide on the best company for you.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping Santa Clarita
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 example, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York and needed to transport your vehicle there, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that trip 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 convenient 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 more environmentally friendly! 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 trip would be needed just for your vehicle.
Similarly, many car 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 vehicles in the opposite direction! Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are also looking to fill their trailers on return trips, 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 and feel confident using them, then it's time to prepare 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 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 and 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.
