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 operate the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online, relocating to a new residence, or transporting your automobile overseas. Vehicle shipping companies provide a variety of auto transport services to accommodate your unique requirements.
Categories Of Auto Transport Services
When selecting an auto transport service, the initial choice you must make is where you want your vehicle collected from and transported to. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, where designated collection and drop-off points are utilized, frequently at the car transport company's facilities or operating bases. While this alternative is typically more affordable, it necessitates more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. However, the majority of individuals prefer a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected and dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country car transport or simply shipping a car to another state.
Vehicle transport services are generally categorized into two types: 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 ship a car across the country or to another state. The advantages of this method include lower costs, as trailers and additional vehicles are not necessary, and quicker delivery due to the straightforward nature of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the addition of mileage to your automobile, particularly when shipping a car across the country, and the slight risk of damage during the journey. 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 vehicle on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone operate your automobile to its destination. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value and size of your automobile. Single trailers, while more expensive, are ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars that require extra care to avoid damage. The safest way to transport a vehicle is by using a shipping container, although this is the most costly option.
Multi-car transporters, which can carry several automobiles at once, come in different variants:
- Open car shipping: The most affordable and common option, where your vehicle is placed on an open carrier and 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 and prolonged exposure to the elements.
- Enclosed auto transport: Multiple cars are secured on a carrier and enclosed, protecting 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 car 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 and 500 miles, and $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles. However, these are just averages, and your car 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 car transport companies, which is easily done on platforms like Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Auto Transport
Several factors can impact the cost of vehicle shipping, including:
- Distance: Cross-state and cross-country journeys cost 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: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always more expensive due to the logistics involved and the distance traveled. It may also require special enclosed trailers or shipping containers.
- Route: The route taken from the collection spot to the delivery location can affect pricing. Routes with higher traffic or unforeseen circumstances like roadworks may incur extra costs or require alternative, longer routes.
- Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can result in lower costs, as car shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule and reduce overheads. Expedited shipping within a strict timeframe typically costs more.
- Vehicle size: The height, length, and width of the automobile affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs generally cost more to transport than sedans. Accessories such as bike racks or roof racks can also change the required trailer size.
- Vehicle condition: Non-drivable cars may incur higher transport costs due to the need for extra equipment like winches or forklifts for loading and unloading.
- Auto transport service type: Having someone operate your vehicle is the most affordable option, while single car trailers and enclosed transport are more expensive due to the specialized equipment required.
- Pick-up and delivery locations: Urban areas with common destination routes often have lower car shipping costs, while rural deliveries may cost more due to deviations from normal routes and extra mileage.
- Auto transport insurance: While auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, additional cargo insurance is recommended and may affect the overall cost.
- Time of year: Seasonality can impact car shipping prices, with winter being the most expensive due to potential delays caused by ice, snow, and blizzard conditions.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
With numerous car transport companies available, finding the right one can be a daunting task. Searching on Google or through phone books can be time-consuming, and many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without a detailed quote application.
How Can Shiply Assist In Finding Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding a vehicle shipping service. By filling out a simple form with your automobile's make and model, collection and delivery locations, and desired shipping dates, you can easily gather quotes from auto transport providers on the platform. Quotes start arriving in your Shiply inbox and email within minutes of posting your listing, and it's recommended to wait for a few options before making a decision.
Before selecting a quote, ask the companies any relevant questions, such as availability, insurance coverage, and how they secure your vehicle during transport. Shiply's feedback and ratings system allows you to view previous customers' experiences and overall scores, helping you make an informed decision.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To And From Waihee-Waiehu, Hawaii, US
Waihee-Waiehu, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is a popular destination for those looking to relocate or purchase a second home. Many people choose to ship their automobiles to and from Waihee-Waiehu for various reasons, such as:
- Relocating for work or retirement: Waihee-Waiehu's stunning natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle attract many individuals and families who are moving to the area for work or retirement.
- Buying or selling a vehicle: Some people may purchase a car in Waihee-Waiehu and need it shipped to their primary residence, while others may sell an automobile to someone in the area and require car shipping services.
- Seasonal residents: Waihee-Waiehu is a popular spot for seasonal residents who may want to have their personal vehicles available during their stay.
- Car enthusiasts: The scenic roads and beautiful weather in Waihee-Waiehu attract car enthusiasts who may want to ship their prized automobiles to the area for leisure drives or car shows.
When shipping a vehicle to or from Waihee-Waiehu, it's essential to choose a reliable car shipping company with experience in handling the unique challenges of transporting automobiles to and from Hawaii, such as navigating port regulations and ensuring proper documentation. By using a platform like Shiply, you can easily compare quotes from multiple car shipping companies and find the best option for your Waihee-Waiehu vehicle shipping needs.
The Incredible Advantages Of Utilizing Shiply For "car shipping waihee-waiehu"
Time-efficient - Rather than completing quote forms each & every time you require a precise price from businesses to transport your vehicle, on our platform you simply fill out one quote form & can then receive quotes based on the information you provided from several companies. This can save you a lot of time that you would've spent calling companies & filling out forms.
Communication with these businesses is all possible through our platform as well, allowing you to store all of your "waihee-waiehu car shipping" details in a single location.
Price Comparison
When it comes down to it, the price of the car shipping estimate is the most important factor in choosing which auto transport company to use to move your vehicle. The tricky part is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a solid car transport quote without having to give info & complete details. While this is understandable, it does mean that comparing prices & getting a car transport quote isn't exactly a simple task.
Using Shiply allows you to get real, final price estimates from car shipping companies & compare them in one place, offering the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately choose the best company for you.
Affordable Car Shipping
Auto transport businesses on Shiply are usually 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 move your car there, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 of the 6 spots filled, & they are just looking to make sure they aren't wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations work for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service.
Better For The Enviroment
Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also more eco-friendly! In the above example, if your car didn't get on that multi-car transporter & 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 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.
Getting Your Car Ready To Be Shipped
If you have chosen an auto transport company to move your car & feel confident using them, then it's time to get your car ready for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Documents - It is important to make sure 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 before shipping, for the obvious reason that you don't want to risk them getting lost or damaged during transport. It is also highly recommended that you clean your vehicle before transport as this will allow you to determine its condition & notice any damages that may happen 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 making sure that there is enough fluid, as well as checking battery charge & 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 photos of all parts of the car. This provides you with proof 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 ascertain 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 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 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.
