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 & need to transport it to another state, relocating & requiring long-distance vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas when ferries are not an option. Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Shipping Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial choice you need to make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a long-distance vehicle transport or shipping a car to another state. One option is terminal-to-terminal auto delivery, where designated collection & drop-off points, often the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. Although this option is typically more affordable, it requires more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. However, most individuals prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of the distance.
Vehicle shipping services are generally divided into two types: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Drive Your Vehicle
Hiring someone to drive your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether it's across the country or to another state. The advantages of this method include lower costs, as trailers & extra vehicles are not necessary, & faster delivery due to the simplicity of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to this approach that lead some individuals to choose other vehicle transport options. Firstly, mileage is added to your automobile during the journey, which can be significant when shipping a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your vehicle while it is being driven. These concerns are especially relevant for individuals buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Placing your automobile on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone drive it 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 but ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars, or a multi-car transporter that can carry multiple automobiles at once. The safest way to transport a vehicle is in a shipping container, but this is also the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters come in a few variants:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & 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. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage & prolonged exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple cars on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is often preferred 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 on our platform or one with experience in overseas vehicle shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Vehicle?
The cost of shipping 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 for journeys between 200 & 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 vehicle transport companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While we all want affordable vehicle transport, several factors & variables can impact the cost of vehicle shipping. Some of the main factors include:
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 the automobile must travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container.
Route: The route required to transport your vehicle from its collection spot to its delivery location can affect the 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, could also incur extra costs or require a longer alternative route.
Shipping Dates: The speed at which you need your vehicle transportation service can also impact the price. Flexibility in timings may result in lower charges, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your automobile delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. However, if you require auto transport within a strict timeframe (known as expedited shipping), it will typically cost more, as the vehicle transport company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.
Vehicle Size: The height, length, & width of the automobile will all affect the cost of transport. Vehicle shippers will require larger trailers for bigger automobiles, with SUVs typically costing more on average to transport than sedans. Always inform the auto transport company about any bike racks, roof racks, or other accessories on the vehicle, as these can change the size of the trailer required for the delivery.
Vehicle Condition: If your automobile is not in a drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. This is because extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, may be required to load & unload your vehicle from the trailer. A car with a locked wheel, for example, cannot simply be rolled onto & off a trailer, & requires more time, effort, & machinery to complete the delivery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most vehicle carriers consider an automobile that can brake, roll, & steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
Auto Transport Service Type: The type of auto transport service you choose will also affect the cost of vehicle shipping. Having someone drive your automobile to its destination is always the most affordable option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single vehicle trailers & enclosed transport are likely to be more expensive, as they require extra equipment. Enclosed vehicle shipping is always the most expensive method of shipping an automobile, as it means your vehicle travels alone & still needs specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
Locations Of Pickup & Delivery: The collection & drop-off locations can also increase the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services in close proximity, & common destination routes tend to offer affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If a collection or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access space, extra steps may be needed to load your automobile, which can also increase the vehicle shipping cost.
Auto Transport Insurance: While all auto transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance, as it is not legally required. If a vehicle transport company does not offer cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you seek out & acquire coverage for your automobile during transit. As with all insurance policies, ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the automobile are covered, & any other relevant questions.
Time Of Year: Seasonality can also affect the price of vehicle shipping, with many services costing more to ship an automobile in the winter due to ice & snow slowing the routes. Here is a quick breakdown of how each season can affect auto transport costs:
Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your automobile, as ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can cause delays & reduce the maximum speed at which the vehicle delivery service can transport cars. December is typically a difficult time to have an automobile shipped, 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 from vehicle shipping services during this month.
Spring is a great time to ship your automobile with a vehicle transportation service. With improved weather conditions, longer days, & more drivers ready to work, Spring can often mean affordable rates & high availability when it comes to moving your vehicle. March is often a better time to ship than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the prime season for shipping vehicles, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving house. June, July, & August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, & you should not expect affordable vehicle shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a vehicle if you are looking for a slightly more affordable price. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, you are better off looking to move your automobile in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of what vehicle shipping & vehicle shipping services entail, as well as the type of auto transport service you need, you probably want to find a vehicle transport service that suits your requirements. The challenge lies in the fact that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there. Searching for them on Google can result in scrolling through numerous pages trying to find the best vehicle shipping company at the best price, & the same applies if you were to go through phone books. Moreover, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing, meaning you will likely need to apply for a quote & fill out details with each of them individually, which can be very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options & variables involved in finding a vehicle shipping service, searching for & finding the right one can seem like a daunting task. This is where Shiply can help.
On Shiply, you simply need to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. All we require from you is the make & model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the automobile. This information allows the auto transport providers on Shiply to provide you with accurate quotes for your job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & via email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can be immediately notified when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming through within a few minutes of posting your listing, but we always recommend waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, so that you have multiple options to choose from.
Once you have a few quotes, you can ask the providers any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), what insurance they offer, & how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking any company you may use these questions to ensure that everything goes smoothly & as expected.
Shiply has a feedback & ratings system that we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company, as well as their overall score.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington, Delaware, is a popular destination for vehicle shipping due to several factors. As the largest city in Delaware, Wilmington is home to many businesses & industries, attracting professionals who may need to relocate for work. The city's proximity to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia & Baltimore also makes it a convenient location for those commuting to these cities for work or leisure.
Additionally, Wilmington's location along the I-95 corridor makes it a common stop for vehicle shipping companies transporting automobiles along the East Coast. This high volume of vehicle shipping traffic can often lead to more competitive pricing for those looking to ship a vehicle to or from Wilmington.
Another reason people may ship vehicles to or from Wilmington is for personal reasons, such as moving to the area for retirement or to be closer to family. Wilmington's lower cost of living compared to nearby cities & its access to beaches & other outdoor activities make it an attractive destination for retirees & families.
Whether you're moving to Wilmington for work, personal reasons, or simply need to transport an automobile to or from the area, vehicle shipping companies can provide a convenient & safe solution for getting your vehicle where it needs to be. By using a platform like Shiply, you can easily compare quotes from multiple vehicle shipping wilmington providers & find the best option for your specific needs & budget.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Wilmington
Time-Efficient - Instead of completing a quotation form each time you require an exact price from a company on transporting a vehicle, on our platform you complete one quotation form & then can receive quotes based on the information you supply from several businesses. This can save you a significant amount 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 Wilmington car shipping information in one location.
Cost Comparison - The Crucial Aspect
Ultimately, the price of the Wilmington car shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in choosing which auto transport company to utilize 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 car transport quote without having to supply information and complete details. While this is understandable, it means that price comparison and obtaining a car transport quote isn't exactly a simple task. Using Shiply allows you to receive genuine, final price estimates from car 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 Car Shipping - The Budget-Friendly Choice
Auto transport companies 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 looking to fill space on trips they are already making & have already invested the cost for. For example, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to transport your car 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 work for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service!
Environmentally Friendly - The Eco-Conscious Option
Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also more environmentally friendly. In the above example, if your car 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 car. 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 cars in the opposite 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 affordable transport for our users.
Readying Your Car for Shipping
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your car and feel confident using them, then it's time to prepare your car 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 determine 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 & tire pressure levels. Again this can also help you better assess 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 determine 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 & 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 most affordable 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 most budget-friendly 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 and 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, 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 & 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 & has the right equipment to safely carry it out.
