What Is Vehicle Transportation?
Vehicle transportation, also referred to as automobile transport or car delivery, is a service offered by vehicle shipping firms that involves collecting your automobile from one spot & transporting it to another. This service is beneficial in various circumstances where you cannot operate the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online, relocating to a new residence, or moving your automobile overseas. Vehicle shipping services provide a convenient solution when ferries are not available & you must depend on an auto transport company to relocate your automobile.
Fortunately, there are several automobile transport services accessible to satisfy your particular requirements, which we will discuss below.
Types Of Automobile Transport Services
When it comes to vehicle shipping, there are a few crucial decisions you must make. First, you must determine where you want your automobile picked up from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car transport or shipping a vehicle 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 generally less expensive, 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 moving an automobile to another state. This option eliminates the need to arrange transportation to retrieve your vehicle, which can be challenging without your automobile.
Vehicle transport services can be categorized into two main types: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or putting it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
Hiring someone to operate your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether you need to ship a car across the country or to another state. This method is often less expensive as it doesn't require trailers or an extra vehicle. It can also be faster due to the simplicity of the transport process.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method that lead some people 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's being operated. These concerns are particularly relevant for people buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the automobile 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 operate your automobile. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile.
Single trailers are often more expensive as they only transport one vehicle 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 an automobile is in a shipping container, although this is the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters, which can move several vehicles at once, come in a few variants:
Open vehicle shipping is the cheapest & 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, so this may not be recommended for highly valuable vehicles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage & 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 often preferred 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 or a company with experience in overseas vehicle shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship An Automobile?
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 cost may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to collect vehicle shipping quotes from various car transport companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.
To get a rough idea of what factors can affect the price of vehicle transport services, consider the following:
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Auto Transport
While everyone wants inexpensive vehicle transport, several variables can impact the cost of shipping your automobile. Here are the main factors to consider:
Distance: As mentioned earlier, distance plays a significant role in determining the cost of vehicle transport. Cross-state & cross-country journeys are more expensive than interstate car delivery, which is often the cheapest option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases, so you won't be paying excessively for longer distances.
International shipping: Transporting an automobile overseas is always more expensive due to the logistics involved & the distance the vehicle needs to travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or a shipping container.
Route: Along with distance, the route taken to transport your vehicle from its pick-up 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 additional time required. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs or necessitate a longer alternative route.
Shipping dates: The urgency of your vehicle transportation can also impact the price. If you have flexibility in your timings, you may find that vehicle shipping services 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.
Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of your automobile will all affect the cost of transport. Vehicle shippers require larger trailers for bigger automobiles, with SUVs generally costing more to transport than sedans. Be sure to inform the auto transport company about any accessories like bike racks or roof racks, as these can change the size of the trailer needed.
Vehicle condition: If your automobile is not in drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. Non-operational vehicles may require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load & unload them from the trailer. 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. Having someone operate your vehicle to its destination is always the cheapest option, as you're essentially just paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are likely to be more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping is typically the most expensive method, as it involves your automobile traveling alone & still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
Pickup & delivery locations: The locations of your vehicle's pickup & drop-off points can also impact the price. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services nearby, & common destination routes tend to offer inexpensive vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries may cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If a pickup or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access location, additional steps may be needed to load your automobile, which can increase the cost.
Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance, as it's not legally required. If a vehicle transport company doesn't provide cargo insurance, it's highly recommended that you obtain some for your automobile during transit. When considering insurance policies, make sure you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the vehicle are covered, & any other relevant details.
Time of year: Seasonality can also affect the price of vehicle shipping, with many services costing more in the winter due to ice & snow slowing down routes. Here's a quick breakdown of how each season can impact auto transport costs:
Winter: Often the most expensive season to ship your automobile due to potential delays caused by ice, snow, & blizzard conditions, which can also reduce the maximum speed of transport. December is typically challenging, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased vehicle shipping costs. February, however, is usually quiet, & great rates are often available during this month.
Spring: A great time to ship your automobile, with improved weather conditions, longer days, & more available drivers. March often offers better rates than April or May, although there is usually a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states.
Summer: The prime season for shipping vehicles, with the longest days, 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, so don't expect inexpensive vehicle shipping during the summer.
Fall: A good time to ship an automobile if you're looking for slightly cheaper prices. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. October or November are better options than September, which is peak time for students shipping their automobiles to university.
How To Ship An Automobile - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of vehicle shipping, the types of vehicle shipping services available, & what factors can affect the cost, you may be wondering how to find the right vehicle transport service for your needs.
The challenge is that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there. Searching for them on Google can result in scrolling through countless pages trying to find the best vehicle shipping company at the best price. The same is true if you were to go through phone books. Furthermore, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing upfront, meaning you'll 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, the search for the right one can seem daunting. This is where Shiply can help.
On Shiply, you simply need to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. All we need 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'll receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & via email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so you can be immediately notified when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, but we always suggest waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, so you have multiple options to choose from.
When 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 these questions to any company you're considering to ensure a smooth & expected process.
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 & see their overall score.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, is a popular destination for vehicle shipping due to several factors. As a major tourist hub, many people visit Orlando for its world-famous theme parks, such as Walt Disney World & Universal Studios. Some visitors may choose to ship their automobiles to Orlando to have their own transportation during their stay.
Additionally, Orlando is a popular retirement destination, with many people moving to the area from other parts of the country. When relocating, shipping an automobile to Orlando can be more convenient than driving long distances.
The city is also home to several universities, including the University of Central Florida, which attracts students from across the United States. Students may need to ship their vehicles to Orlando at the beginning of the semester & back home during breaks or at the end of the academic year.
Furthermore, Orlando's port, Port Canaveral, is a major hub for cruise ships. Some cruise passengers may choose to ship their automobiles to Orlando, allowing them to drive to the port & have their vehicle waiting for them when they return from their cruise.
Lastly, Orlando's growing economy & job market attract professionals from various industries, who may need to relocate & ship their vehicles to the city for work.
With its diverse range of attractions, educational institutions, & economic opportunities, Orlando, Florida, experiences a significant amount of vehicle shipping traffic, both to & from the city. Whether for leisure, retirement, education, or work, many people find vehicle shipping services to be a convenient solution when moving to or from Orlando.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Orlando
Time-efficient - Rather than filling out a quotation form each instance you desire an accurate cost from a business for transporting a vehicle, on our site you complete one quotation form & can then obtain quotes from various companies based on the information you submit. This can conserve you hours of effort that you would have spent phoning companies & inputting details. Communication with these businesses is also feasible via our platform, allowing you to store all your Orlando vehicle shipping details in a single location.
Rate Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial aspect in choosing which auto transport company to employ for transporting your vehicle. The challenge is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average costs & rough estimates, you won't receive a definite vehicle transport quote without supplying information & completing details. Although this is reasonable, it means that comparing prices & obtaining a vehicle transport estimate is not a simple process. Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from vehicle shipping companies & compare them in one place, offering the opportunity to message them individually to inquire about any concerns you may have & ultimately select the optimal company for your needs.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping - Auto transport businesses on Shiply can typically provide their services at a lower cost than if you approached them directly. This is because they are often seeking to fill space on trips they are already making & have already invested the expense for. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to transport your vehicle there, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 of the 6 spots occupied, & they are simply looking to ensure they are not wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations are suitable for you, you can frequently save up to 75% on auto transport by utilizing our service.
Eco-Friendly - Using Shiply for auto transport is not only more economical but also more environmentally friendly. In the previous example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter & instead you arranged transport from a separate car shipper, the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire trip would be required 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 individuals who could have utilized 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, resulting in even less wasted CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Shipping
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your vehicle & feel confident using them, it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Documents - It's crucial to ensure that any necessary documents 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 before shipping, for the obvious reason that you don't want to risk them getting lost or damaged in transit. It's also highly recommended that you clean your vehicle before transport as this will allow you to determine 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, you should ensure that it's 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, & 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, & 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.
,378 words
