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 moving your automobile overseas. Auto shipping services provide a practical solution for people who require their vehicle to be transported to another state or even across the nation.
Luckily, there are numerous car transport services available to accommodate your specific requirements. These services range from terminal-to-terminal auto delivery, where designated collection and drop-off points are utilized, to door-to-door vehicle transport, which provides the convenience of having your automobile picked up and delivered directly at your doorstep. Whether you need cross-country car shipping or simply require your vehicle to be transported to a neighboring state, auto transport companies have you covered.
Varieties Of Vehicle Transport Services
When it comes to transporting your automobile, you have two primary options: employing someone to operate your vehicle to its destination or having it moved on a trailer. Each approach has its pros and cons, which we will investigate further.
Employing someone to drive your car is a straightforward solution that can be more cost-effective as it eliminates the necessity for trailers and additional vehicles. It can also be a faster option due to its simplicity. However, this method does come with some drawbacks. Firstly, your automobile will accumulate mileage during the trip, which can be significant if you are transporting your vehicle across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage occurring to your car while it is being operated.
On the other hand, moving your automobile on a trailer offers a higher level of security compared to having someone drive it. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the size and value of your automobile. Single car trailers, while more costly, are ideal for transporting expensive or classic vehicles that require extra protection. For the utmost safety, shipping containers are the most secure option, albeit the most expensive.
Multi-car transporters are another popular choice, allowing multiple automobiles to be moved simultaneously. Open car shipping is the most affordable and common option, where vehicles are securely fastened onto an open carrier. However, the automobiles are exposed to the elements during transit, making it less suitable for highly valuable cars. Enclosed auto transport provides an added layer of protection by enclosing the vehicles, shielding them from dust, weather, and debris.
If you need to move your automobile overseas, it is recommended to seek out specialist services or companies with experience in overseas vehicle shipping. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Vehicle?
The cost of transporting a vehicle varies depending on several factors, but on average, car shipping companies in the US charge around $2.92 per mile for journeys less than 200 miles, $0.93 per mile for distances between 200 and 500 miles, and $0.78 per mile for trips over 1,000 miles. However, these figures are just averages, and your actual vehicle transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances.
To get an accurate estimate of how much it will cost to ship your automobile, it is best to obtain quotes from multiple vehicle transport companies. Shiply makes this process easy by allowing you to collect car shipping quotes from various providers in one place.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
Several variables can impact the cost of your automobile shipping service. While we all desire affordable car transport, understanding these factors can help you estimate whether your vehicle transport requirements will be costly or economical.
Distance plays a significant role in determining the cost of vehicle transport. Cross-state and cross-country journeys will naturally cost more than interstate car delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile tends to decrease as the distance increases, ensuring that you are not paying excessively for longer trips.
International shipping will always result in higher vehicle shipping quotes due to the logistics involved in transferring an automobile overseas and the distance it needs to travel. Specialized enclosed trailers or shipping containers may be required for such services.
The route taken by the car carrier service can also affect pricing. Routes with known traffic congestion, such as those in LA, may incur additional costs compared to quieter roads. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks can also lead to extra charges or necessitate alternative routes that may take longer.
The urgency of your shipping dates can influence the price as well. If you have flexibility in your timings, you may find that vehicle shipping services offer lower rates. This is because they can accommodate your automobile delivery into their schedule, reducing overheads and passing the savings on to you. On the other hand, if you require expedited shipping within a strict timeframe, it will likely cost more due to the car transport company having to dedicate resources specifically for your delivery.
The size of your vehicle, including its height, length, and width, will impact the cost of transportation. Larger automobiles like SUVs typically cost more to transport than sedans, as they require larger trailers. It is crucial to inform the auto transport company about any accessories such as bike racks or roof racks, as they can alter the size of the trailer needed for the delivery.
The condition of your vehicle can also affect the cost of auto transport. If your car is not in a drivable state, it may require additional equipment like a winch or forklift to load and unload it from the trailer. This extra effort and machinery can increase the cost compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most car carriers consider an automobile to be in good enough condition for easy shipping if it can brake, roll, and steer.
The type of auto transport service you choose will also impact the overall cost. Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is generally the most affordable option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time and fuel. Single car trailers and enclosed transport, on the other hand, may be more expensive due to the specialized equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is typically the most costly method, as it involves transporting your automobile individually while still needing specialized equipment for loading, unloading, and protection during transit.
The locations of pickup and delivery can also influence the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have car shipping services in close proximity, and if the route is commonly traveled, you can expect more affordable rates. Rural deliveries, however, may cost more as they require deviations from standard routes and additional mileage for the company. If the pickup or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access location, extra steps may be necessary to load your automobile, which can increase the vehicle shipping cost.
Auto transport insurance is another factor to consider. While all auto transport companies are legally required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional coverage. If a car transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly advisable to obtain supplementary insurance for your vehicle during transit. When reviewing insurance policies, ensure that you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the automobile are included in the coverage, and any other relevant details.
Lastly, the time of year can impact the cost of vehicle shipping. Many services charge more to ship a car during the winter months due to the potential delays caused by ice and snow. Here is a brief overview of how each season can affect auto transport costs:
- Winter: Often the most expensive season to ship a vehicle due to potential delays caused by ice, snow, and blizzard conditions. December is typically challenging as drivers are on holiday, while January sees increased demand for vehicle shipping to warmer states. February, however, is usually quieter, offering better rates from car shipping services.
- Spring: An ideal time to ship your vehicle, with improved weather conditions, longer days, and more available drivers. March often provides better rates than April or May, as there is a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states during the latter months.
- Summer: The peak season for shipping cars, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, and a popular time for moving houses. June, July, and August are busy months for the auto transport industry, and affordable car shipping is less likely during this period.
- Fall: A good time to ship a car if you are looking for slightly cheaper prices. Car shipping companies are less busy, and there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. October and November are better options than September, which is peak time for students shipping their vehicles to university.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of what vehicle shipping entails and the types of auto transport services available, you may be wondering how to find the right car transport service for your needs.
The challenge lies in the fact that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there. Searching for them on Google can be overwhelming, as you may find yourself scrolling through countless pages trying to find the best car shipping company at the most competitive price. The same holds true if you were to go through phone books. Moreover, many of these companies are hesitant to provide pricing upfront, meaning you would likely need to apply for a quote and fill out details with each of them individually, which can be a time-consuming process.
How Can Shiply Assist In Finding Auto Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options and variables involved in finding a vehicle shipping service, the task of searching for and selecting the right one can seem daunting. This is where Shiply comes in to help.
With Shiply, you only need to complete a simple form to start collecting quotes. All that is required from you is the make and model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup and delivery locations, and the dates you need to move the automobile. This information allows the auto transport providers on Shiply to provide you with accurate quotes for your specific job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox and via email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can be immediately notified when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, but we always suggest waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, allowing you to have multiple options to choose from.
After receiving a few quotes, you can ask the providers any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), the insurance they offer, and how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking these questions to any company you are considering to ensure a smooth and expected experience.
Shiply also features a feedback and ratings system, which we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company and their overall score, providing valuable insights into their reliability and quality of service.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Overland Park, Kansas
Overland Park, located in the state of Kansas, US, is a popular destination for individuals relocating or needing to transport their automobiles. As a thriving city with a strong economy and excellent quality of life, Overland Park attracts people from various parts of the country.
One of the primary reasons people move cars to Overland Park is for employment opportunities. The city is home to numerous major corporations and businesses, making it an attractive location for professionals seeking career advancement. When relocating for work, many individuals choose to ship their vehicles to Overland Park to ensure a smooth transition and avoid the hassle of driving long distances.
Another reason people move cars to Overland Park is for educational purposes. The city boasts excellent schools and higher education institutions, drawing students from across the country. Whether attending college or enrolling children in top-rated schools, families often opt to ship their automobiles to Overland Park to facilitate their move and ensure convenient transportation upon arrival.
Conversely, people also move vehicles from Overland Park for various reasons. Retirees, for example, may choose to relocate to warmer climates or areas with a lower cost of living. In such cases, they may need to ship their cars from Overland Park to their new destination. Similarly, individuals who have completed their education or are moving for new job opportunities may require vehicle shipping services to transport their automobiles from Overland Park to their next location.
Regardless of the reason for moving a vehicle to or from Overland Park, Kansas, reliable car shipping services play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and stress-free relocation process. By utilizing the expertise of professional auto transport companies, individuals can have their automobiles safely and efficiently transported, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their move.
The Benefits Of Using Shiply For Vehicle Transport in Overland Park
Time-Saving - Rather than filling out a quotation form each time you desire an accurate cost from a business for transporting a vehicle, on our platform you complete one quotation form & can then obtain quotes from various companies based on the information you submit. This can save you hours of time that you would have spent phoning companies & providing details.
Communication with these businesses is also feasible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your Overland Park vehicle shipping details in a single location.
Price Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in choosing which auto transport company to employ to transport your vehicle. The challenge is that, while most companies are willing to provide average prices & rough estimates, you won't receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to give information & complete details. While this is understandable, it means that comparing prices & obtaining a vehicle transport quote is not a simple task.
Using Shiply enables you to receive authentic, final price estimates from vehicle shipping companies & compare them in one location, with the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately choose the best company for you.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping - Auto transport businesses on Shiply can usually offer their services at a lower cost than if you went directly to them. This is because they are frequently seeking to fill space on trips they are already taking & have already invested the cost for. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to transport your vehicle there, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that trip with 5 of the 6 spots occupied, & they are simply looking to ensure they are not wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations are convenient for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service.
Environmentally Friendly - Using Shiply for auto transport is not only less expensive but also more environmentally friendly. In the example above, if your vehicle did not get on that multi-car transporter & instead you arranged transport from a separate car shipper, the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire journey would be required just for your vehicle.
Similarly, many car transporters return empty-handed after a delivery, which is not only expensive for them but also for the environment, as there are many people who could have used that transporter to move their vehicles in the opposite direction. Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are also looking to fill their trailers on return journeys, resulting in even less wasted CO2 being released into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Preparing Your Vehicle For Shipping
If you have selected an auto transport company to transport your vehicle & feel confident using them, it's time to get your vehicle ready for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Documents - It is crucial to ensure that any necessary documents are available at pick-up or drop-off, especially if you are selling your vehicle.
Cleaning - You should take care to remove all personal belongings from your vehicle before shipping, for the obvious reason that you don't want to risk them getting lost or damaged during 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.
Running Condition - If the vehicle will be driven at any point during shipping or driven home from the drop-off location, you should ensure that it is in running condition. This means ensuring that there is enough 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 Evidence - 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 condition before shipping should anything happen to it during transport.
What To Do After Delivery
Once the car shipping company you selected has completed their delivery, there are a few things you should do:
Check Vital Signs - Lights, brakes, & engines should all be checked immediately to ensure that the car is in the expected condition, as well as enable you to immediately raise concerns with the car delivery service should anything not be working as it should.
Exterior Condition - You can compare the exterior of the vehicle to the photos taken of it before to ascertain 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.
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