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 numerous situations where you are unable to drive the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online & need to transport it to another state, relocating & requiring cross-country vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile abroad when ferries are not available.
Luckily, there are various auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will discuss below.
Types Of Car Shipping Services
When it comes to car shipping services, there are a few crucial decisions you need to make. Firstly, you must determine where you want your vehicle collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car transport or shipping an automobile to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, where designated collection & drop-off points are used, often at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. While this option is typically more affordable, it requires more effort on your part to get the automobile 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 car transport or just shipping an automobile to another state. This option is more convenient as it eliminates the need to collect your vehicle from a separate location, which can be challenging without your automobile.
Car transport services can be categorized into two main types: having someone drive your vehicle to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Drive Your Automobile
Hiring someone to drive your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for car shipping, whether you need to ship an automobile across the country or to another state. This method is often more affordable as it doesn't require trailers or an extra vehicle, & it can be faster due to its simplicity.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method that lead some individuals to choose other car transport options. Firstly, mileage is added to your vehicle during the journey, which can be significant when shipping an automobile across the country, although less so when shipping to a nearby state. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your car during the drive. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals buying or selling automobiles online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Put Your Automobile On A Trailer
Using a trailer to transport your vehicle is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection compared to having someone drive your automobile. Car shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your vehicle.
Single trailers are often more expensive as they only transport one automobile at a time, but they are an excellent choice for moving expensive or classic cars that you want to protect from potential damage. The safest way to transport a vehicle is in a shipping container, although this is the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters, which can carry several automobiles at once, come in a few variants:
Open car shipping is the most affordable & most common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to its destination. While all vehicles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable automobiles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage & prolonged exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple vehicles on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is 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 vehicle overseas, it's best to find a specialist service on our platform or one with experience in overseas car shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
Why Utilize Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Norwich?
Transporting your vehicle can be a genuine inconvenience, but Shiply makes it incredibly simple & conserves you tons of effort. Rather than completing quotation forms for each company, you only need to do it once on our platform. Then you'll receive estimates from several vehicle transport norwich businesses based on your details. This can conserve you hours that you'd have to invest calling companies & filling out forms.
You can communicate with all the businesses through Shiply too, so you maintain everything about norwich vehicle transport in one location. Clever, right?
Cost Comparison Made Easy
Let's be honest, the price is the most significant factor when selecting a vehicle transporter. But obtaining an actual estimate instead of just a rough figure can be challenging since you need to supply all your info first. Shiply allows you to get legitimate final estimates from shippers & compare them effortlessly. You can message them individually with any inquiries to determine who's best for you.
Inexpensive Vehicle Transport? Yes Please!
Auto shipping businesses on Shiply tend to provide lower rates than if you went direct. Here's why - they're often seeking to fill space on trips they're already making to reduce expenses. Say you're relocating from LA to NYC & need your vehicle shipped. A business may have a multi-car trailer with 5 of 6 spots filled for that route. As long as the timing & locations work for you, you could get that last spot for way less - like up to 75% off!
Environmentally-Friendly Transport
Utilizing Shiply for vehicle shipping is also better for the environment! In that LA to NYC example, if your vehicle didn't get on that trailer, a whole new trip would be required just for your car - doubling the emissions. Many shippers also return empty after deliveries, squandering fuel & releasing more CO2. On Shiply, they can fill those return trips too, reducing unnecessary emissions & keeping costs low for you.
Readying Your Vehicle for Transport
Once you've selected a shipper, it's time to get your vehicle ready. Follow these tips:
Documents - Have any paperwork ready for pickup/dropoff, especially if selling the vehicle.
Cleaning - Remove all personal items so nothing gets lost or damaged. Give it a thorough clean too so you can check the condition before shipping.
Running Condition - If it needs to be driven during shipping, ensure it's running properly with enough fluids, charged battery, & proper tire pressure.
Photos - Take numerous pics from all angles as proof of the vehicle's condition before shipping in case any damage occurs.
After Delivery
Once your vehicle's delivered, do this stuff:
Check Vitals - Test lights, brakes, engine, etc. to ensure everything works as it should. Let the shipper know right away if not.
Exterior - Compare to your pics & note any new damage from shipping.
Mileage - If it was driven, check that the miles match up with the trip.
Leave a review too so others know how the shipper performed!
FAQs About Vehicle Shipping
How much to ship a vehicle? Prices vary but usually it's around $2.92/mile for under 200 miles, $0.93 for 200-500 miles, & $0.78 for over 1,000 miles.
What's the most economical way? Having someone drive it is cheapest, but for a trailer, a multi-car hauler is most affordable.
How do I pay? Payment is between you & the shipper, but most are flexible.
Can I track it online? Some shippers offer tracking, so inquire if you need it.
Do I need to be there for pickup/dropoff? Yes, usually to sign paperwork & hand off keys.
Can I leave items in the vehicle? Some personal belongings are usually ok, but they aren't covered by insurance & may affect the price based on weight.
How much gas? Around 1/4 tank is recommended.
What if it doesn't run? You can ship non-running vehicles but it costs more since special equipment is needed.
Can I ship modified vehicles? Yes, with so many shippers on Shiply, there's someone who can handle any type of vehicle.
