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, relocating to a new residence, or transporting your automobile overseas. Vehicle shipping services provide a practical solution when ferries are not accessible & you must depend on an auto transport company to transport your vehicle.
Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will explore below.
Categories Of Auto Transport Services
When it comes to vehicle shipping, there are a few crucial decisions you must make. First, you need to decide where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car transport or shipping a vehicle 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 less expensive, it necessitates more effort on your part to get the vehicle home.
However, most individuals prefer a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of the distance. This is often the most convenient choice as it eliminates the need to arrange transportation to collect 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 less expensive as it doesn't require trailers or an additional vehicle, & it can be quicker due to its simplicity.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, your vehicle will accumulate mileage during the journey, which can be significant when shipping a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage occurring to your automobile while it's being driven. These concerns are particularly relevant for people 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 automobile on a trailer is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection compared to 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 ideal for moving expensive or classic automobiles that require extra care. The safest way to transport a vehicle is by using a shipping container, although this is the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters, which can move several automobiles at once, come in a few variants:
Open car shipping is the cheapest & most common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to the 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. 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 preferable for more expensive or newer automobiles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during auto transport.
If you need to move your vehicle 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.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Ottawa
When it comes to ottawa vehicle shipping, Shiply provides several advantages that make the procedure more convenient, economical, and eco-friendly. Instead of investing hours completing quote forms for each company, Shiply enables you to fill out one form and obtain multiple estimates based on your information. This time-saving feature allows you to evaluate prices and interact with companies through a single interface, keeping all your vehicle shipping details organized in one location.
Price comparison is essential when selecting an auto transport company to transport your vehicle. While most companies offer average prices and rough estimates, acquiring a firm vehicle transport quote typically requires completing forms and supplying detailed information. Shiply streamlines this process by allowing you to receive authentic, final price estimates from vehicle shipping companies and compare them side by side. You can message each company individually to ask questions and ultimately choose the best option for your needs.
Utilizing Shiply for vehicle shipping in Ottawa frequently results in lower costs compared to going directly through auto transport companies. This is because these companies often seek to fill space on pre-planned trips, having already invested in the cost. For instance, if you need to transport your vehicle from Los Angeles to New York, a company on Shiply may have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 out of 6 spots filled. As long as the dates, times, and pick-up/drop-off locations align with your requirements, you can save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service.
In addition to being more cost-effective, using Shiply for ottawa vehicle shipping is also more environmentally friendly. By filling empty spots on existing transporters, you help decrease the emissions that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere if a separate trip was required solely for your vehicle. Many auto transporters on Shiply also aim to fill their trailers on return journeys, further reducing wasted CO2 emissions while providing continued affordable transport for our users.
Readying Your Vehicle for Transport
Once you've chosen an auto transport company through Shiply, it's crucial to prepare your vehicle for shipping. Gather any necessary documents, especially if you're selling the vehicle. Remove all personal items from the car to avoid potential loss or damage during transit. Clean your vehicle thoroughly to assess its condition and identify any pre-existing damages.
If the vehicle will be driven at any point during shipping or from the drop-off location, ensure it's in running condition by checking fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure. Take high-quality photographs of all parts of the car before shipping to have evidence of its condition in case any issues arise during transport.
Post-Delivery Steps
After the car shipping company completes the delivery, there are several steps you should take. Check vital components like lights, brakes, and the engine to confirm they're in the expected condition. Compare the exterior of the vehicle to the pre-shipping photos to identify any new damage. If the car was driven to its destination, verify that the mileage 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 and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car? Car shipping prices vary based on distance, but on average, expect to pay around $2.92 per mile for journeys under 200 miles, $0.93 for trips between 200 and 500 miles, and $0.78 for distances over 1,000 miles.
What's the most economical way to ship a car? Having someone drive your vehicle is the most affordable option. However, if you require a trailer, a multi-car transporter is your best bet for the cheapest way to ship a car.
How do I pay for auto transport? Payment methods vary by company, so discuss this with your chosen car delivery service before confirming the shipment. Most companies offer flexible payment options.
Can I track my car transport online? Many car shipping companies on Shiply provide tracking options, with some even offering personal updates. Message individual companies to confirm if tracking is available.
Does someone need to be present for pickup and delivery? In most cases, yes. You'll likely need to sign release forms and hand over the car keys.
Can I keep items in my vehicle during shipment? While most companies allow some personal items, keep in mind that the weight may affect the price and these items won't be covered by insurance.
How much gas should I have in my vehicle during transit? Aim for around a quarter tank. This allows for easy loading and unloading without adding too much extra weight.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle? Yes, but it will be more expensive due to the specialized equipment required.
Can I ship a modified vehicle? Shiply has hundreds of transport providers capable of safely shipping almost any type of vehicle, including modified ones.
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