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 & need to transport it to another state, relocating & requiring long-distance vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas 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 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. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, where designated collection & drop-off points, frequently the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. While this option 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 method include lower costs, as trailers & extra vehicles are not necessary, & quicker delivery due to the simplicity of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to this approach that lead some individuals to opt for other types of vehicle transport. 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 operated. 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 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 several automobiles 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, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
Why Utilize Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Iowa City? The Benefits Clarified
Transporting your vehicle can be a genuine inconvenience, but with Shiply, it becomes significantly simpler. Rather than completing numerous quotation forms & squandering hours phoning businesses, you simply input your details once on our platform & receive estimates from several vehicle transport iowa city firms. This saves you considerable time!
You can also communicate with these businesses directly on our website, so all your iowa city vehicle shipping information remains in one location. Convenient!
Evaluate Prices Effortlessly to Obtain the Optimal Deal
Let's be honest, the expense is probably the most significant consideration when selecting an automobile transport company. But acquiring a precise estimate instead of just rough figures is such a hassle. With Shiply, you receive legitimate final quotes from multiple businesses to compare - no more wasting time!
You can even message them on our platform to inquire about any concerns. Then you can choose the optimal option for your requirements & budget.
Inexpensive Vehicle Transport That's Also Environmentally-Friendly? Absolutely!
Automobile transport businesses on Shiply tend to provide lower rates than going direct. Here's why: they frequently already have trucks traveling certain routes & just need to occupy any vacant spots. Suppose you're relocating from LA to NYC & need to transport your ride. A company might have a truck with 5 of 6 spots occupied going that direction.
If the timing & locations work for you, you could save up to 75% by taking that last spot instead of booking an entirely new shipment! Plus, it's significantly better for the environment since there's no additional emissions from an unnecessary trip.
Many businesses are also seeking to fill their trucks on return trips to avoid driving empty, which again reduces costs & emissions. Win-win!
Readying Your Vehicle for Transport: The Essentials
Once you've selected a shiply company, it's time to prepare your vehicle. First up, have any crucial documents handy for pickup/dropoff, especially if you're selling the automobile. Next, remove all your personal belongings - you don't want anything getting misplaced or damaged!
Give the vehicle a thorough cleaning too so you can inspect for any existing damage. If it'll be driven during shipping, ensure it's running well with sufficient fluids, charged battery, etc.
Taking numerous photos is also essential so you have evidence of the vehicle's condition before transport. That way if any problems arise, you're protected!
After Delivery: The Checklist
When your vehicle arrives, there are a few things to do immediately. First, test all the essentials - lights, brakes, engine, etc - to ensure everything's functioning correctly. If not, you can inform the shipper asap.
Next, examine the exterior & compare to your pre-shipment photos to check for any new damage. Uncommon, but it occurs, so you want to be certain. For drive-aways, confirm the mileage matches up too.
Don't forget to leave a review of the shiply company! It really assists others in choosing reliable services.
FAQs on Vehicle Transport
How much to transport a vehicle? Prices vary but typically 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 cheapest, but for shipping, a multi-car trailer is your best budget option.
How do I pay? Payment is between you & the shiply company, but most are flexible.
Can I track my shipment? Some businesses offer tracking, so just ask if that's important to you.
Do I need to be present for pickup/dropoff? Yes, usually - to sign paperwork, hand off keys, etc.
Can I leave items in the vehicle? A few personal belongings are typically fine, but they aren't covered by insurance & could affect the shipping cost if heavy.
How much fuel? Around 1/4 tank is recommended.
What if my vehicle doesn't run? No problem, but it'll cost more since special equipment is needed.
Can I ship modified vehicles? Yes, with so many shippers on Shiply, there's someone who can handle any custom ride.
