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 across the nation, or moving 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 & transported to. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an alternative where designated collection & drop-off points, frequently the car transport company's facilities or operating bases, are utilized. While this alternative is typically more affordable, it necessitates more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. However, most individuals prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country car transport or simply moving a car to another state.
Vehicle transport services can be broadly classified into two categories: having someone operate your vehicle to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transportation.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
Employing someone to operate your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for car shipping, whether you need to transport a car across the country or to another state. This approach is often more affordable as it doesn't necessitate trailers or an additional vehicle, & it can be quicker due to its simplicity. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the addition of mileage to your automobile, especially when shipping a car across the 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. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile. A single trailer, while more expensive, is ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars that require extra protection. The safest way to transport a vehicle is in a shipping container, but this is also 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 offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to its destination. Although all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during transit, making this option less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers 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 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 car shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Vehicle?
The cost of transporting 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 differ based on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to collect vehicle shipping quotes from various companies, which is easily done on Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Auto Transport
While everyone wants affordable vehicle transport, several factors can influence 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 cheapest 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 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 costs, 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 like SUVs cost more to transport than sedans, as they require larger trailers. Always inform the auto transport company about any accessories on the car, as they can change the trailer size needed.
Vehicle condition: Non-drivable cars may incur higher auto transport costs due to the extra equipment, such as winches or forklifts, required to load & unload them. Most car carriers consider a vehicle in good enough condition to ship easily if it can brake, roll, & steer.
Auto transport service type: The type of auto transport service selected affects the cost. Having someone operate your vehicle is the cheapest option, while single car trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the specialized equipment needed.
Pickup & delivery locations: Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services in close proximity, & common destination routes often offer affordable car 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 also increase costs.
Auto transport insurance: While auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance. If cargo insurance is not provided, it's highly recommended to acquire it separately for your automobile during transit. Clarify what type of damage is covered, any deductibles, & which parts of the vehicle are insured.
Time of year: Seasonality can affect vehicle shipping prices, with winter being the most expensive due to ice, snow, & blizzard conditions causing delays & reduced speeds. Spring is a great time to ship, with improved weather, longer days, & more available drivers. Summer is the prime season for shipping cars, making it a busy & costly period. Fall offers slightly cheaper prices due to reduced demand after the summer rush.
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 individual quotes.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding a vehicle shipping service. By filling out a simple form with your car's make & model, pickup & delivery locations, & required dates, you can easily collect quotes from auto transport providers. Quotes start arriving in your Shiply inbox & email within minutes of posting your listing, allowing you to compare multiple options before making a decision.
Before selecting a quote, ask the companies about their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure vehicles during transport. Shiply's feedback & ratings system allows you to view previous customers' experiences & overall scores, helping you make an informed choice.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Shawnee, Kansas
Shawnee, a city in Johnson County, Kansas, is a popular destination for vehicle shipping due to various reasons. Many people move to Shawnee for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, & convenient location near Kansas City. The city's growing job market, particularly in the healthcare & technology sectors, attracts professionals from across the country. Additionally, Shawnee's proximity to major highways, such as I-35 & I-435, makes it an ideal location for vehicle shipping companies to pick up & deliver automobiles. When relocating to or from Shawnee, many residents choose to ship their cars using auto transport services to avoid the hassle of driving long distances & to ensure their vehicles arrive safely at their new homes. With its combination of livability & accessibility, Shawnee has become a common route for vehicle shipping companies serving the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Why Utilize Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Shawnee? The Advantages Clarified
Transporting your vehicle can be a genuine inconvenience, but Shiply makes it incredibly simple & convenient. Rather than completing numerous quotation forms, you only need to do it once on our platform to receive estimates from several vehicle transport Shawnee businesses. This saves you hours that you'd otherwise spend phoning around & filling out forms. All the communication with these businesses happens right on Shiply too, so you can keep everything related to Shawnee vehicle transport in one place.
At the end of the day, the price is what matters most when selecting an automobile transport service. But getting a precise estimate isn't always straightforward - businesses usually give rough figures until you provide all the details. Shiply lets you compare actual final estimates from different vehicle transport Shawnee providers, so you can easily find the best deal. Plus, you can message them directly if you have any inquiries.
Utilizing Shiply often means cheaper Shawnee vehicle transport rates too. The automobile transport businesses on our platform are usually looking to fill up empty spaces on trips they're already making, so they can offer lower prices. Say you're relocating from LA to NYC & need to ship your vehicle - a business might have a multi-car carrier going that way with 5 out of 6 spots filled. As long as the timing & locations work for you, you could save up to 75% compared to arranging separate transport!
Not only is it cheaper, but vehicle transport Shawnee through Shiply is better for the environment too. In that LA to NYC example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car carrier, there'd be double the emissions from a separate trip just for your automobile. Lots of auto transporters also return empty after deliveries, wasting CO2. On Shiply, they can fill those return trips too, cutting down on unnecessary emissions while offering you affordable Shawnee vehicle transport.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport
Once you've picked an automobile transport business, it's time to get your vehicle ready. Here are some tips:
- Have any needed documents on hand for pickup/dropoff, especially if you're selling the vehicle.
- Clean out all personal items, so nothing gets lost or damaged in transit.
- Give the vehicle a good cleaning so you can check its condition before shipping.
- Make sure it's running if it needs to be driven for pickup/dropoff. Check fluids, battery, & tire pressure.
- Take tons of photos to document the vehicle's condition before Shawnee vehicle transport.
After Your Vehicle Arrives
When the vehicle transport Shawnee business delivers your automobile, do these things:
- Check that lights, brakes, engine, etc. are all working right away.
- Inspect the exterior & compare to your pre-shipping photos for any new damage.
- Verify the mileage matches the distance it traveled (if it was driven).
- Leave a review about your experience with that Shawnee vehicle transport provider!
FAQs on Vehicle Transport
How much does it cost to ship a vehicle? Prices vary but generally it's around $2.92/mile for under 200 miles, $0.93/mile for 200-500 miles, & $0.78/mile for over 1,000 miles.
What's the cheapest way to ship a vehicle? Having someone drive it is cheapest, but for a trailer, a multi-car carrier is your best affordable option.
How do I pay? Payment methods are up to each vehicle transport Shawnee business, so discuss with them beforehand.
Can I track my shipment online? Some Shawnee vehicle transport providers offer tracking & updates - message them to ask.
Does someone need to be there for pickup/dropoff? Yes, usually, to sign paperwork & hand off keys.
Can I leave items in the vehicle? Generally yes, but the weight could affect the cost, & your items won't be insured.
How much gas for transit? Around a 1/4 tank is recommended.
What if my vehicle doesn't run? You can still ship it, but it'll cost more since special equipment is needed.
Can I ship modded automobiles? Yep, with all the businesses on Shiply, there's someone who can handle any type of automobile.
