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 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. Vehicle shipping companies provide a variety of auto transport services to accommodate different 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 & 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 & drop-off points are utilized, frequently at the car transport company's stores or operating bases. While this alternative is typically more affordable, it demands more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. Most individuals, however, favor a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of the distance.
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 it's a cross-country or interstate relocation. 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 consider, such as the addition of mileage to your automobile, especially when shipping a car across country, & the slight risk of damage during the journey. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals 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 on a trailer offers a higher level of safety compared to having someone operate it to its destination. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile. Single trailers, while more expensive, are ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars that require extra protection. The safest way to transport a vehicle is in a shipping container, although this is the most costly option. Multi-car transporters, which can carry several automobiles at once, are available in different variants:
Open car shipping is the most affordable & common option for transporting a vehicle. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to its destination. While all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage & prolonged exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple cars 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 vehicle 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 & 500 miles, & $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles. These figures 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 on Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Auto Transport
While everyone wants cheap vehicle transport, several factors can affect the cost of car shipping services. Some of the main factors include:
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.
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.
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.
Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can lead to lower charges, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. Expedited shipping, where you require auto transport within a strict timeframe, typically costs more due to the dedication of a trailer & driver for your delivery.
Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the automobile affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, generally cost more to transport than sedans. Accessories like bike racks or roof racks can also change the required trailer size.
Vehicle condition: If your car is not drivable, it may increase the cost of auto transport. Non-operational vehicles require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load & unload them from the trailer, taking more time, effort, & machinery compared to a standard vehicle transport service.
Auto transport service type: The type of auto transport service you choose affects the cost. Having someone operate 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 extra equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is the most costly method, as your vehicle travels alone & still needs specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
Pickup & delivery locations: The location of the collection & drop-off points can impact the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have car shipping services nearby, & common destination routes often offer cheap vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more due to deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. Unusual or hard-to-access collection or drop-off points may require extra steps to load your automobile, increasing the vehicle shipping cost.
Auto transport insurance: While auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance. If a company does not provide cargo insurance, it's highly recommended to acquire some for your vehicle during transit. Ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, any deductibles, which parts of the automobile are insured, & any other relevant details.
Time of year: Seasonality can affect the price of vehicle shipping. Winter is often the most expensive season due to ice, snow, & blizzard conditions causing delays & reducing the maximum speed of transport. December is a difficult time to ship, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased vehicle shipping costs. February, however, is usually quiet, offering great rates from car shipping services.
Spring is an ideal time to ship your automobile, with improved weather conditions, longer days, & more available drivers, often resulting in cheap rates & high availability. March is generally better than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the peak season for shipping vehicles, with the longest days, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving house. June, July, & August are busy months for the auto transport industry, so expect higher prices during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a vehicle if you're looking for slightly cheaper prices. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. October or November are better options than September, which is peak time for students shipping their 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 result in scrolling through numerous pages to find the best vehicle shipping company at the best price. Many companies are reluctant to provide pricing upfront, requiring you to apply for a quote & fill out details individually, which can be time-consuming.
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 the make & model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the collection & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the automobile. 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 know immediately when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, but it's best to wait for a few options before making a decision.
After receiving a few quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure your vehicle. 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 quote to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company & their overall score.
Newton, Kansas, US - Vehicle Shipping
Newton, a city in Kansas, US, is a popular destination for vehicle shipping due to its central location & proximity to major highways. Many people move automobiles to & from Newton for various reasons, such as relocating for work, purchasing or selling vehicles online, or transporting classic cars to events. The city's well-connected road network makes it an ideal hub for vehicle transport companies, offering easy access to destinations across the country.
When shipping a vehicle to or from Newton, it's essential to choose a reliable auto transport company that can provide safe & timely delivery. Shiply can help you find the best vehicle shipping service for your needs, connecting you with trusted providers who offer competitive rates & excellent customer service. Whether you require door-to-door delivery, enclosed transport, or expedited shipping, Shiply makes it easy to compare quotes & find the perfect solution for your Newton vehicle shipping needs.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Newton
Time-Efficient - Instead of submitting a quotation request each time you require a precise cost for transporting your automobile, on our platform, you only need to complete one form and can then receive estimates based on the information you supply from various companies. This could save you hours that you would have otherwise spent contacting businesses and completing forms.
Communication with these vehicle transport providers is also possible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your car shipping information in one location.
Price Comparison for "newton car shipping"
Ultimately, the cost of the car transport quote is the most significant factor in deciding which auto shipping company to use to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most are willing to provide rough estimates and ballpark figures, you won't actually receive a firm "car shipping newton" quote without supplying information and filling in details. Although this is understandable, it does mean that price comparison and obtaining a car transport quote isn't exactly straightforward.
Utilizing Shiply enables you to obtain legitimate, final price quotes from car shipping companies and compare them all together, giving you the opportunity to message them individually to ask any questions and ultimately choose the best one for you.
Affordable Car Shipping
Auto transport companies 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 seeking to fill empty space on trips they are already making and have already paid for the expense. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York and needed to transport your vehicle there, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car carrier making that journey with 5 of the 6 spots filled, and they are just looking to ensure they aren't wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, and pick-up/drop-off locations are convenient for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by utilizing our service!
More Environmentally Friendly
Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it's also more eco-friendly! In the example above, if your car didn't get on that multi-car carrier and 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 car.
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 utilized that carrier to transport their vehicles in the opposite direction. Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are also looking 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 Car For Transport
If you've chosen an auto transport company to transport your vehicle and feel confident about using them, then it's time to prepare your car for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Documents - It's crucial to ensure any necessary paperwork is available at pick up or drop off, especially if you are selling your vehicle.
Cleaning - You should take care to remove all personal items from your car before shipping, for the obvious reason that you don't want to risk them getting lost or damaged during transit. It's also highly recommended that you clean your vehicle before transport as this will allow you to see its condition and notice any damages that may occur during delivery.
Running Condition - If the car will be driven at any point during shipping or driven home from the drop-off spot, then you should ensure that it's in running shape. This means checking that there is enough fluid, as well as battery charge and tire pressure levels. Again, this can also help you better judge the car's condition upon arrival.
Photo Evidence - One very essential thing to do when prepping your car for the delivery service to pick up is to take high-quality photos of all angles. This provides evidence of the car's condition before shipping in case anything happens during transport.
What To Do After Delivery
Once the car shipping company you selected has completed delivery, there are a few things you should do:
Check Vital Signs - Lights, brakes, and engines should all be inspected right away to ensure the car is in the expected shape, as well as enable you to immediately raise concerns with the delivery service if anything isn't working properly.
Exterior Condition - You can compare the exterior to the photos taken before to see if any extra damage occurred. Shipping a car can, rarely, cause damage, and you want to be sure your transport service hasn't done so.
Check Mileage - This is more relevant to services where the car is driven to the destination, but it can help to check the mileage to ensure it matches up with the journey taken.
We'd really appreciate it if you could also leave a review for the auto transport company you used through Shiply so others can browse with the same peace of mind!
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Below we've answered some of the most common questions about car shipping:
How much to ship a car? Car shipping prices can vary a lot depending on the circumstances, but on average, a trip should cost around $2.92 per mile if under 200 miles, $0.93 if between 200 and 500 miles, and if over 1,000 miles, then this drops to $0.78.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car? Having someone drive your car to its destination is the most affordable way; however, if you need a trailer, then a multi-car transporter will be your best cheap option for shipping a car.
How do I pay for my auto transport? This is up to each individual auto transport company on Shiply and is something you should discuss with your chosen delivery service before confirming. 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 shipment, with some even able to provide personal updates. If you require tracking, message individual transport companies to confirm.
Does someone have to be present for pickup and delivery? In most cases, the shipping company will require you to be there for the pickup and delivery. This is because there are likely release forms that need to be signed, as well as handing over the keys.
Can I keep items in my vehicle during shipment? Most transport companies will be fine with you keeping some personal belongings in the car when transported. However, remember: 1. The weight may affect the shipping price, and 2. Any items won't be covered by insurance for the car itself.
How much gas should I have during transit? Generally, you should aim to have around a quarter tank full. This allows for easy loading/unloading but won't add too much extra weight.
Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running? You can ship a non-running vehicle; however, this will cost more as specialist equipment is required to load and unload it.
Can I ship a modified vehicle? Almost any type of car is able to be shipped on Shiply, with hundreds of transport providers available to bid, there will always be someone with the right equipment to safely carry it out.
