What Is Vehicle Transportation?
Vehicle transportation, also referred to as car shipping or auto transport, is a service offered by car 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. Car shipping albany services are especially useful when you need to transport a vehicle across the nation or to a different state.
Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to accommodate your specific requirements. These services are outlined below to assist you in identifying the type of vehicle transportation service that best meets your needs for relocating your automobile.
Categories Of Auto Transport Services
The initial step in selecting an auto transport service is determining where you want your vehicle to be 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 and drop-off points, frequently the car transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. While terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is typically less expensive, it necessitates 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 whether it's a cross-country car transport or simply shipping a vehicle to a nearby state. This option eliminates the need to arrange transportation to collect your automobile, which can be difficult without your vehicle.
Car transport services are generally divided into two categories: having someone operate your vehicle to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
Employing someone to operate your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for car shipping, whether you need to transport an automobile across the country or to another state. This method is often less expensive as it doesn't require trailers or an additional vehicle. It can also be quicker due to the simplicity of the transport process.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method offered by car shipping companies that lead some people to choose other types of car transport. 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 a vehicle to a nearby state. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your car during the drive. These concerns are especially relevant for people buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Positioning your automobile on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection compared to having someone operate your vehicle to its destination. Car shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile.
Single trailers, which transport only one vehicle at a time, are often more expensive but are an excellent choice for moving expensive or classic cars that you want to protect from damage. The safest way to transport an automobile is by placing it in a shipping container, although this is the most costly option.
Multi-car transporters, which can carry several automobiles at once, come in a few variants:
- Open car shipping: The most affordable & common option offered by car shipping companies. Your vehicle is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. While all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable automobiles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage & prolonged exposure to the elements.
- Enclosed auto transport: Multiple vehicles are secured on a carrier but are 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.
What Is The Cost To Transport A Vehicle?
The expense of transporting an automobile 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 figures are just averages, & your car transport cost may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the expense of auto transport is to obtain car shipping quotes from various car transport companies, which is easily done on Shiply.
To get an idea of the factors that can affect the price of car transport services, consider the following:
- Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost significantly more than interstate car delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases.
- International shipping: Always results in expensive car shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring a vehicle overseas & the distance it must travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or a shipping container for your automobile.
- Route: Along with distance, the route required to transport your car 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 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 car transportation service can impact the price. Flexibility in timings may result in lower charges, as car moving companies can fit your vehicle delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. However, expedited shipping within a strict timeframe typically costs more, as the car transport company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver solely for your delivery.
- Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the vehicle affect the cost of transport. Car shippers require larger trailers for bigger automobiles, with SUVs generally costing more to transport than sedans. Always 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 required for delivery.
- Vehicle condition: If your car is not drivable, 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 car 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 affects the cost of car shipping. Having someone operate your vehicle to its destination is the most affordable option, as you are essentially 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 car shipping is always the most expensive method, as it involves your vehicle traveling alone & still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
- Pickup & delivery locations: The locations of pickup & delivery can also impact the price of shipping a car. Urban areas usually have car shipping services in close proximity, & common destination routes tend to offer cheap car shipping. Rural deliveries can 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 space, extra steps may be needed to load your vehicle, which can also increase the car shipping cost.
- Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance, as it is not legally required. If a car transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you seek out & acquire coverage for your vehicle during transit. When considering insurance policies, ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the vehicle are covered, & any other relevant questions.
- Time of year: Seasonality can affect the price of car shipping, with many services costing more to ship a car in the winter due to ice & snow slowing the routes. Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your vehicle, as ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can cause delays & reduce the maximum speed at which the car delivery service can transport cars. December is typically a difficult time to have a vehicle 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 car shipping services during this month.
Spring is a great time to ship your vehicle with a car transportation service. With improved weather conditions, longer days, & more drivers ready to work, Spring can often mean cheap rates & high availability when it comes to moving your car. 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 cars, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving houses. June, July, & August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, & you should not expect cheap car shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a car if you are looking for a slightly cheaper price. Car shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, you are better off looking to move your vehicle in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of what car shipping & car shipping services entail, as well as the type of auto transport service you need, you probably want to find a car transport service that suits your requirements.
The challenge lies in the fact that there are hundreds of car transport companies out there. Searching for them on Google can result in scrolling through numerous pages trying to find the best car 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, 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 car shipping service, the task of searching for & finding 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 require from you is the make & model of the car that needs shipping, the pickup & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the vehicle. 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 received 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 car. 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 vehicle. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company, as well as their overall score.
Why People Often Move Cars To & From Albany, Georgia, US
Albany, Georgia, is a city located in the southwestern part of the state, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, & thriving economy. Many people find themselves moving cars to or from Albany for various reasons.
One of the primary reasons people move cars to Albany is for work-related purposes. Albany is home to several large employers, including Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Albany State University, & Procter & Gamble. As individuals relocate to Albany for job opportunities, they often need to transport their vehicles to their new home.
Another reason people move cars to & from Albany is for educational purposes. Albany State University attracts students from across the country, & many of these students choose to bring their cars with them to campus. Similarly, when students graduate & move away from Albany, they often need to ship their cars to their new location.
Retirement is another factor that contributes to the movement of cars to & from Albany. The city's mild climate, affordable cost of living, & various recreational activities make it an appealing destination for retirees. As retirees move to Albany, they often bring their vehicles with them or ship them separately.
Lastly, people may move cars to or from Albany for personal reasons, such as family obligations or lifestyle changes. For example, individuals may need to transport a car to Albany to help care for a family member or move a vehicle away from the city as they embark on a new adventure elsewhere.
Regardless of the reason, albany car shipping services play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of vehicles to & from this vibrant city in Georgia.
Why Utilize Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Albany?
Transporting your vehicle can be a genuine inconvenience, but Shiply makes it incredibly simple & conserves you lots of effort. Rather than completing quote forms for every company, you just input your details once on our platform & receive quotes from several vehicle transport albany businesses. This can conserve you hours that you'd have to invest phoning around & filling out forms.
All the correspondence with these businesses occurs right on our website, so you can maintain everything about albany vehicle transport in one handy location. No more juggling emails & phone numbers!
Effortlessly Compare Prices
Let's be honest, the expense is the most significant consideration when selecting a vehicle transporter. But obtaining an actual final quote instead of just a rough estimate is challenging. Most businesses won't provide you with a firm price until you supply all your info, which is a complete nuisance.
With Shiply, you get legitimate final quotes from multiple vehicle transport companies to compare side-by-side. You can message them directly with any inquiries & select the best choice for your requirements & budget.
Inexpensive Vehicle Transport Rates
The auto transport businesses on Shiply can usually provide way less expensive rates than if you went directly to them. Here's why: they're often seeking to fill up empty spaces on trips they're already making to save on expenses.
Say you're relocating from LA to NYC & need to transport your ride. A company might already have a multi-car hauler going that route with 5 out of 6 spots filled. As long as the timing & locations work for you, they'll give you a great deal - sometimes up to 75% off regular rates - just to fill that last spot!
Environmentally-Friendly Vehicle Transport
Utilizing Shiply for vehicle transport is also better for the environment. In that LA to NYC example, if your vehicle didn't get on that hauler, a whole other trip would be required just for your automobile. Double the emissions!
Lots of times, haulers have to drive back empty after dropping off vehicles. Such a waste of fuel & CO2! With Shiply, they can fill up those return trips too & reduce unnecessary pollution.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Once you've selected an auto transporter, here's how to prep your ride:
Documents - Have any paperwork ready for pickup/dropoff, especially if you're selling the vehicle.
Cleaning - Take out all your personal belongings so nothing gets lost or damaged. Give it a thorough cleaning so you can check for any new scratches or dents after shipping.
Running Condition
If your vehicle needs to be driven during shipping or you're driving it home after dropoff, ensure it's running properly. Top off fluids, check battery & tire pressure. This also helps you see if anything's wrong after delivery.
Photos - Take plenty of pics from every angle to document the condition before shipping. That way you have evidence if any damage happens during transport.
After Delivery
When your vehicle arrives, do these things immediately:
Check lights, brakes, engine to ensure everything's working right.
Inspect the exterior & compare to your photos for any new damage.
Note the mileage to confirm how far it was driven.
Don't forget to leave a review of the shipper on Shiply so others know what to expect!
FAQs About Vehicle Shipping
How much does it cost to ship a vehicle? Prices vary but on average 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 most economical, but a multi-car hauler is most affordable for shipping.
How do I pay? Payment is between you & the shipper. Most offer flexible options.
Can I track my shipment? Some shippers provide tracking & updates. Message them to inquire.
Do I need to be there for pickup/dropoff? Yes, usually. You'll likely need to sign paperwork & hand off keys.
Can I leave items in the vehicle? Some personal belongings are typically fine, but they aren't covered by insurance & could affect the shipping cost based on weight.
How much gas for transit? Around 1/4 tank is recommended - enough to load/unload easily without adding too much weight.
What if my vehicle doesn't run? You can still ship it, but it'll cost more since special equipment is needed.
Can I ship modified vehicles? Yep, with so many haulers on Shiply, there's usually someone able to accommodate any type of vehicle.
