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 drive 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 overseas when ferries are not an option.
Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will explore below.
Types Of Vehicle Shipping Services
When it comes to vehicle shipping services, there are a few crucial decisions you need to make. First, you must determine 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 option, where designated collection & drop-off points are used, often at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. While this option is typically more affordable, 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 vehicle transport or just shipping a car to another state. This option is more convenient as it eliminates the need to collect your automobile from a separate location, which can be challenging without your vehicle.
Vehicle transport services can be categorized into two main types: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Drive Your Vehicle
Hiring someone to drive 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 more affordable as it doesn't require trailers or an extra vehicle, & it can be faster due to its simplicity.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method that lead some individuals 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 driven. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Put Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Placing your automobile on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone drive your vehicle. 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 a great choice for moving expensive or classic cars that you want to protect from damage. The safest way to transport a vehicle is in a shipping container, but this is also the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters can carry many vehicles at once & come in a few variants:
- Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & most common option, where 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, so this may not be recommended for highly valuable automobiles. Long journeys in open trailers also 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 preferable for more expensive or newer automobiles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage.
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 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 & 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 auto transport companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.
To get a rough idea of what to expect, consider the following factors that can affect the price of vehicle transport services:
- Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost more than interstate vehicle 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 & the distance traveled. It may require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container.
- Route: The route taken from the collection spot to the delivery location can impact pricing. Routes with higher traffic, such as in LA, may cost more due to the added time. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs or require a longer alternative route.
- Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can lead to lower costs, as vehicle transport companies can fit your delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. Expedited shipping within a strict timeframe typically costs more, as it may require dedicating a trailer & driver solely for your delivery.
- Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the automobile affect the cost of transport. Larger automobiles like SUVs generally cost more to transport than sedans, as they require larger trailers. Always inform the auto transport company about any accessories like bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the trailer size needed.
- Vehicle condition: Non-drivable cars may cost more to transport, as they require extra equipment like winches or forklifts to load & unload. A vehicle that can brake, roll, & steer is considered in good enough condition for easy shipping by most car carriers.
- Auto transport service type: Having someone drive your vehicle is the most affordable option, as you're essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the specialized equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping is the most expensive method, as your automobile travels alone & still needs special equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
- Collection & delivery locations: Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services nearby, & common destination routes often offer affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more due to deviations from normal routes & extra mileage. Unusual or hard-to-access collection or drop-off points may require extra steps to load your automobile, increasing the cost.
- Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance. If a company doesn't offer cargo insurance, it's highly recommended to acquire some for your automobile during transit. Clarify what type of damage is covered, any deductibles, which parts of the vehicle are covered, & any other relevant details.
- Time of year: Seasonality affects vehicle shipping prices, with winter being the most expensive due to ice, snow, & blizzard conditions causing delays & reduced speeds. December is difficult for shipping due to driver holidays, while January sees increased costs as many travel to warmer states. February is usually quiet, offering great rates. Spring is ideal for shipping, with improved weather, longer days, & more available drivers. March is better than April or May, as there's often a rush to move vehicles from colder to warmer states. Summer is the prime season for shipping cars, with long days, students traveling home, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving house. June, July, & August are busy months, so don't expect affordable vehicle shipping. Fall offers slightly more affordable prices due to less demand & more driver availability after the summer rush. October & November are better than September, which is peak time for students shipping cars to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto 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 a detailed quote application.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding the right vehicle shipping service. To get started, fill out a simple form with your automobile's make & model, collection & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the vehicle. This information allows auto transport providers on Shiply to provide accurate quotes for your job.
Once your listing is live, you'll receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & email. We recommend keeping email notifications on to be immediately informed of new quotes. Quotes can arrive within minutes of posting your listing, but it's best to wait for a few options before making a decision.
When you have a few quotes, ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure vehicles. It's important to ask these questions to ensure a smooth & expected experience.
Shiply's feedback & ratings system is a valuable resource when selecting a vehicle shipping company. It allows you to view previous customers' experiences & overall scores for each company.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Newton, Iowa
Newton, Iowa, is a city located in Jasper County, known for its rich history & diverse economy. Many individuals move automobiles to & from Newton for various reasons, such as relocating for work, attending college, or simply seeking a change of scenery.
One of the main reasons individuals move vehicles to Newton is for employment opportunities. The city is home to several major employers, including TPI Composites, Vermeer Corporation, & Rock Communications. These companies attract skilled workers from across the country, often requiring them to relocate & ship their automobiles to Newton.
Another reason individuals move vehicles to & from Newton is for education. The city is home to Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), which offers a variety of academic programs & attracts students from the surrounding areas. Students often need to ship their automobiles to Newton when attending college & may also require vehicle shipping services when moving back home or to other locations after graduation.
Additionally, Newton's central location within Iowa makes it an attractive place to live for those seeking a balance between small-town charm & easy access to larger cities like Des Moines. This draws individuals from various parts of the state & country, often necessitating vehicle shipping services to facilitate their moves.
When moving an automobile to or from Newton, Iowa, it's essential to choose a reliable & experienced vehicle shipping company. Shiply can help you find the right "newton vehicle shipping" service by connecting you with vetted & trustworthy "vehicle shipping newton" providers, ensuring a smooth & stress-free experience.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport
Time-efficient - Rather than submitting 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 supply. This can conserve you hours of effort you would have spent phoning enterprises and inputting details. Interaction with these businesses is also feasible via our platform, allowing you to store all your vehicle shipping data in a single location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial aspect in choosing which auto transport company to employ to transport your automobile. The challenging part is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average costs & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to input information & complete details. Although this is reasonable, it means that cost comparison & getting a vehicle transport estimate isn't precisely a straightforward process. Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from vehicle shipping businesses & compare them in one place, offering the capability to message them individually to pose any inquiries you may have & ultimately decide on the optimal company for you.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping - Auto transport enterprises on Shiply can usually provide their services at a reduced rate compared to going directly to them. This is because they are frequently seeking to occupy 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 transfer 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 aren't squandering any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations are suitable for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by utilizing our service.
Eco-Friendlier - Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more economical, but it is also more environmentally friendly! In the above scenario, if your vehicle 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 required just for your automobile. 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 cars in the opposite direction! Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are also seeking to fill their trailers on return trips, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being emitted into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Readying Your Vehicle for Shipping
If you have selected an auto transport company to transfer your car & feel confident using them, then it's time to ready your automobile for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Paperwork - It is crucial to ensure that any documents you may require are accessible at pick up or drop off, especially if you are selling your vehicle. Cleansing - You should take care to remove all personal belongings from your automobile prior to shipping, for the obvious reason that you don't want to risk them getting lost or damaged in transit. 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 occur during delivery.
Operational 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 operational condition. This means ensuring that there is sufficient 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 Proof - 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 state before shipping should anything happen to it during transport.
What to Do After Delivery
Once the car shipping company you chose has completed their delivery, there are a few things you should do: Check Vital Functions - Lights, brakes, & engines should all be checked immediately to ensure that the car is in the anticipated condition, as well as enable you to immediately raise concerns with the car delivery service should anything not be working as it should. Exterior State - 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. Whether you need car shipping newton or newton car shipping, Shiply has you covered!
