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 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 a car 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 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.
Car transport services can be classified into two primary types: 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 it's 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, 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. Car 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 offered by car shipping companies. Your vehicle is placed on an open carrier & driven to its destination. While all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during transit, making this option less suitable for highly valuable automobiles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage.
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 vehicles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage.
For overseas vehicle transportation, it's best to find a specialist service or a company with experience in overseas car shipping to 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, US auto transport companies 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 car transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to obtain car shipping quotes from multiple companies, which is easily done through platforms like Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Auto Transport
While everyone wants inexpensive car transport, several factors can influence the cost of car shipping services. Understanding these variables can help you estimate whether your auto transport requirements will be costly or affordable.
Distance plays a significant role in determining the cost of car transport, with cross-state & cross-country journeys being more expensive than interstate car delivery. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases, ensuring that you aren't paying excessively for longer distances.
International shipping always results in higher car shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring a vehicle overseas & the distance it must travel. Special enclosed trailers or shipping containers may be required for international vehicle transport.
The route taken from the pick-up spot to the delivery location can also affect the pricing of your car carrier service. Routes with known higher traffic, such as in LA, may cost more than quieter roads due to the additional time required. Unforeseen circumstances, like major roadworks, could also incur extra costs or necessitate a longer alternative route.
The urgency of your car transportation service can impact the price. If you have flexibility in your timings, you may find that the car shipping service charges less, as they can fit your vehicle delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. However, if you require expedited shipping within a strict timeframe, it will typically cost more, as the car transport company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.
The size of the vehicle, including its height, length, & width, will affect the cost of transport. Car shippers require larger trailers for bigger vehicles, with SUVs generally costing more to transport than sedans. It's essential to inform the auto transport company about any accessories on the car, such as bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the size of the trailer required for the delivery.
If your car is not in drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. Non-operational vehicles may require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load & unload them from the trailer. Cars with locked wheels, for example, cannot be simply rolled onto & off a trailer, requiring more time, effort, & machinery to complete the delivery compared to a standard car transport service. Most car carriers consider a car that can brake, roll, & steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
The type of auto transport service you choose will also affect the cost of car shipping. Having someone drive your car to its destination is always the cheapest option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are likely to be more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is the most expensive method of shipping a car, as it involves your car traveling alone while still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
The locations of pickup & delivery can also influence the price of shipping a car. Urban areas typically have car shipping services in close proximity, & common destination routes tend to offer cheap car shipping. Rural deliveries may cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If a pick-up or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access location, additional steps may be necessary to load your vehicle, which can increase the car shipping cost.
While all auto transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance, as it is not legally mandated. If a car transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you obtain some for your vehicle during transit. When considering insurance policies, ensure that you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the vehicle are covered, & any other relevant details.
Seasonality can also affect the price of car shipping, with many services costing more to ship a car in the winter due to ice & snow slowing the routes. Here is a quick breakdown of how each season can impact auto transport costs:
Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your vehicle. Ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can cause delays on the roads & reduce the maximum speed at which the car delivery service can transport cars. December is typically a challenging time to have a vehicle shipped, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased vehicle shipping costs. However, February is usually quiet, & great rates are often available from car shipping services during this month.
Spring is an excellent time to ship your vehicle with a car transportation service. With improved weather conditions, longer days, & more drivers ready to work, Spring can often mean cheap rates & high availability when it comes to moving your car. March is generally a better time to ship than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the prime season for shipping cars, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving houses. June, July, & August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, & you should not expect cheap car shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a car if you are looking for a slightly cheaper price. Car shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, it is better to move your vehicle in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of what car shipping & car shipping services entail, as well as the type of auto transport service you need, you probably want to find a car transport service that suits your requirements.
The challenge lies in the fact that there are hundreds of car transport companies out there. Searching for them on Google can result in scrolling through numerous pages trying to find the best car shipping company at the best price, & the same applies if you were to go through phone books. Moreover, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing upfront, meaning you will likely need to apply for a quote & fill out details with each of them individually, which can be very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options & variables involved in finding a car shipping service, searching for & selecting the right one can seem like a daunting task. This is where Shiply can help.
On Shiply, you simply need to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. All we require from you is the make & model of the car that needs shipping, the pickup & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the vehicle. This information allows the auto transport providers on Shiply to provide you with accurate quotes for your job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & 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 a few minutes of posting your listing, but we always suggest waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, so that you 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, & how they would secure your car. We recommend asking any company you consider these questions to ensure that everything goes smoothly & as expected.
Shiply has a feedback & ratings system that we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your vehicle. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company & their overall score.
Why People Often Move Cars To & From Owensboro, Kentucky
Owensboro, Kentucky, is a city that sees a significant amount of car shipping activity. Many people move to or from Owensboro for various reasons, such as job relocation, family obligations, or a change in lifestyle. When moving long distances, it is often more convenient & cost-effective to use a car shipping service rather than driving the vehicle yourself.
Owensboro car shipping companies offer a range of services to cater to the needs of residents & those moving to the area. Whether you require door-to-door delivery, enclosed transport for a classic car, or expedited shipping, there are car shipping owensboro providers ready to assist you.
When searching for "car shipping owensboro" or "owensboro car shipping," it's essential to compare quotes from multiple companies & read customer reviews to ensure you find a reliable & affordable service. By using a platform like Shiply, you can easily access a network of trusted car shipping companies serving the Owensboro area, making your vehicle transport experience as smooth as possible.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Owensboro
Time-Efficient - Instead of completing a quotation form each time you require an exact price from a company on transporting a vehicle, on our platform you fill out one quotation form & then can receive quotes based on the information you submit from several businesses. This can save you a significant amount of time that you would have spent phoning companies & completing forms.
Communication with these businesses is also possible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your Owensboro vehicle shipping information in a single location.
Price Comparison - Securing the Most Favorable Deal
Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping quote is the most crucial factor in selecting which auto transport company to utilize to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most companies are willing to provide average prices and rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite vehicle shipping Owensboro quote without having to submit information and complete details. Although this is understandable, it does mean that price comparison and obtaining a vehicle transport quote is not exactly a straightforward task.
Utilizing Shiply enables you to obtain genuine, final price quotes from vehicle shipping companies and compare them in one place, offering the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have and ultimately choose the best company for your needs.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping - Save Significant Funds!
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 space on trips they are already making and 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, and they are just looking to ensure they are not wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, and pick-up/drop-off locations are suitable for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by utilizing our service!
Environmentally Friendly - Go Green
Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also more environmentally friendly. In the above example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter 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 needed just for your vehicle.
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 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 trips, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being released 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 transport your vehicle and feel confident using them, then it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Documents - It is crucial to ensure that any documents you may require 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 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 and 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 then 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, and 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 determine whether any extra damage has occurred. Shipping a car can, in rare cases, cause damage, and 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, and 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 most affordable way to ship a car, however, if you require 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 and 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 and 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, and 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 and 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.
