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 proves useful in various circumstances where you are unable to operate 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 unavailable. Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial choice you must make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or shipping a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an alternative, where designated collection & drop-off points, frequently the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. While this alternative is typically more affordable, it demands more effort on your part to get the automobile home. However, most individuals prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of the distance.
Vehicle transport services are generally categorized into two types: having someone operate your automobile 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 vehicle shipping, whether it's across the country or to another state. The advantages of this approach 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 opt for 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 during the drive, which is particularly concerning for those purchasing 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 in a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone operate 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 vehicles at once.
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 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 & 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 transport.
If you need to move your automobile overseas, it's best to find a specialist service or a company with experience in overseas vehicle shipping to provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Vehicle?
The cost of transporting a vehicle varies depending on several factors, but on average, US auto transport companies 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 based on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to obtain vehicle shipping quotes from multiple companies, which is easily done through Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While everyone wants affordable vehicle transport, several factors can impact the cost of vehicle shipping services. These include:
1. 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.
2. International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always expensive due to the logistics involved & the distance traveled. It may also require special enclosed trailers or shipping containers.
3. Route: The route taken from the collection spot to the delivery location can affect 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 can also incur extra costs or require a longer alternative route.
4. Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can result in lower charges, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. Expedited shipping within a strict timeframe typically costs more, as it may require a dedicated trailer & driver.
5. Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the automobile affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs cost more to transport than sedans, as they require larger trailers. Accessories such as bike racks or roof racks can also change the trailer size needed.
6. Vehicle condition: Non-drivable vehicles may incur higher transport costs due to the need for extra equipment like winches or forklifts to load & unload the automobile. Most vehicle carriers consider a car in good condition if it can brake, roll, & steer.
7. Auto transport service type: Having someone operate your vehicle is the most affordable option, as you only pay for the driver's time & fuel. Single vehicle trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the specialized equipment required.
8. Collection & delivery locations: Urban areas with common destination routes often have more affordable vehicle shipping services. Rural deliveries can cost more due to deviations from normal routes & extra mileage. Unusual or hard-to-access collection or drop-off points may also increase costs.
9. Auto transport insurance: While auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional coverage. If cargo insurance is not provided, it's highly recommended to acquire it separately for your automobile during transit. Clarify the type of damage covered, deductibles, & parts of the vehicle included in the policy.
10. Time of year: Seasonality affects vehicle shipping prices, with winter being the most expensive due to ice, snow, & blizzard conditions causing delays & reduced speeds. Spring is a great time to ship, with improved weather, longer days, & more available drivers. Summer is the busiest season, with higher demand & prices. Fall offers slightly more affordable rates due to lower demand after the summer rush.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding A Vehicle Transport Service
With hundreds of vehicle transport companies available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Searching on Google or through phone books can be time-consuming, & many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without individual quotes.
How Can Shiply Assist In Finding Vehicle Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding a vehicle shipping service. By filling out a simple form with your vehicle's make & model, collection & delivery locations, & desired shipping dates, you can easily collect quotes from auto transport providers. Quotes start arriving in your Shiply inbox & email within minutes of posting your listing, allowing you to compare multiple options before making a decision.
Before selecting a quote, ask the companies about their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure vehicles during transport. Shiply's feedback & ratings system allows you to view previous customers' experiences & overall scores, helping you make an informed choice.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Lafayette, Indiana, US
Lafayette, Indiana, is a vibrant city located in the heart of the United States. As a hub for education, industry, & commerce, many individuals find themselves relocating to or from Lafayette for various reasons. Purdue University, a renowned research institution, attracts students & faculty from around the world, often requiring vehicle shipping services to transport their automobiles. The city's thriving economy, with major employers in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, & technology, also contributes to the frequent need for vehicle transport to & from Lafayette. Additionally, Lafayette's central location makes it a popular choice for those relocating across the country, as it serves as a convenient midpoint for cross-country moves. With its mix of urban amenities & small-town charm, Lafayette continues to draw new residents, fueling the demand for reliable vehicle shipping services in the area.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Lafayette
Shiply provides several advantages when it comes to shipping cars in Lafayette. Instead of investing hours completing quote forms for each company, our platform simplifies the procedure. You simply need to fill out one form & then obtain multiple estimates based on your information. This can save you a considerable amount of time that would have been spent reaching out to companies individually. Additionally, all communication with these businesses can be conducted through our platform, enabling you to maintain your vehicle shipping details organized in one convenient place.
Price comparison is an essential aspect when selecting an auto transport company. While most companies offer average prices & general estimates, acquiring a firm vehicle transport quote typically requires completing forms & supplying detailed information. Shiply streamlines this process by allowing you to receive & compare genuine, final price estimates from multiple vehicle shipping companies in one location. You can easily message them individually to inquire about any questions you may have & ultimately choose the best company for your requirements.
Auto transport companies on Shiply frequently provide their services at a lower cost compared to going directly through them. This is because they often aim to fill empty space on pre-planned trips. For instance, if you need to transport your vehicle from Los Angeles to New York, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 out of 6 spots filled. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations are suitable for you, you can potentially save up to 75% on auto transport by utilizing our service.
Using Shiply for auto transport is not only more affordable but also more eco-friendly. In the previous example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter & you arranged separate transport, the emissions released into the atmosphere would have doubled. Many vehicle transporters return empty-handed after a delivery, which is costly for them & the environment. Shiply helps fill these return trips, reducing wasted CO2 emissions & providing continued affordable transport for our users.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport
Once you've selected an auto transport company on Shiply, follow these steps to prepare your vehicle for shipping:
1. Documents - Ensure any necessary documents are available at pick-up or drop-off, especially if you're selling the vehicle.
2. Cleaning - Remove all personal items from your vehicle to avoid the risk of loss or damage during transit. Clean your vehicle thoroughly to assess its condition & identify any pre-existing damages.
3. Running Condition - If the vehicle will be driven at any point during shipping or from the drop-off location, ensure it has sufficient fluids, battery charge, & proper tire pressure. This also helps you better evaluate the vehicle's condition upon arrival.
4. Photographic Evidence - Take high-quality photos of all parts of the car before shipping. This provides evidence of the car's condition in case any damage occurs during transport.
Post-Delivery Steps
After your selected car shipping company completes the delivery, take the following actions:
1. Check Vital Signs - Immediately check the lights, brakes, & engine to ensure the car is in the expected condition. Raise any concerns with the car delivery service promptly.
2. Exterior Condition - Compare the vehicle's exterior to the pre-shipping photos to identify any new damage. While rare, shipping a car can sometimes cause damage, & you want to ensure your car transport service is not responsible.
3. Check Mileage - For car shipping services where the car is driven to the destination, check the mileage to confirm it matches the journey taken.
We greatly appreciate if you could leave a review for the auto transport company you used through Shiply. This helps others browse car shipping services with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to ship a car?
A: Car shipping prices vary based on circumstances, but on average, a journey costs around $2.92 per mile for distances under 200 miles, $0.93 for 200-500 miles, & $0.78 for over 1,000 miles.
Q: What is the most affordable way to ship a car?
A: Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is the cheapest option. If you require a trailer, a multi-car transporter is the most cost-effective choice.
Q: How do I pay for my auto transport?
A: Payment methods vary among auto transport companies on Shiply. Discuss payment options with your chosen car delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most companies offer flexible payment options.
Q: Can I track my car transport online?
A: Each car shipping company on Shiply operates differently, but many provide tracking capabilities, with some even offering personal updates. Message individual car transport companies to confirm if tracking is available.
Q: Is someone required to be present for pickup & delivery?
A: In most cases, the car shipping company will require your presence for pickup & delivery to sign release forms & hand over car keys.
Q: Can I keep personal items in my vehicle during car shipment?
A: Most car transport companies allow you to keep some personal items in the vehicle during transport. However, keep in mind that the weight of the items may affect the shipment price, & any items in the vehicle won't be covered by the car transport insurance.
Q: How much gas should I have in my vehicle during transit?
A: Aim to have around a quarter tank of gas. This allows for easy loading & unloading without adding too much extra weight to the vehicle.
Q: Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running?
A: Yes, you can ship a non-running vehicle, but it will be more expensive as specialized equipment is needed for loading & unloading.
Q: Can I ship a modified vehicle?
A: Almost any type of vehicle can be shipped on Shiply. With hundreds of transport providers available to bid on your job, there will always be someone equipped to safely handle your specific requirements.
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