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 operate the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online & need to transport it to another state, relocating & requiring long-distance vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas when ferries are not an option. Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Shipping Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial choice you need to make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a long-distance vehicle transport or shipping a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is a possibility, where designated collection & drop-off points, frequently the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. While this option is typically more affordable, it demands more effort on your part to get the automobile home. However, most individuals prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of the distance.
Vehicle shipping services are generally categorized into two types: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Engage Someone To Operate Your Vehicle
Engaging someone to operate your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether it's across the country or to another state. The advantages of this approach include lower costs, as trailers & extra vehicles are not necessary, & quicker delivery due to the simplicity of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to this method that lead some individuals to opt for other types of vehicle transport. Firstly, mileage is added to your automobile during the journey, which can be significant when shipping a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your vehicle during the drive, which is particularly concerning for those buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the car arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Placing your vehicle in a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than 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 a great choice for transporting expensive or classic cars that require extra care to avoid damage. 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 vehicles at once, are another option with a few variants:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. 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. 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 often preferred for more expensive or newer vehicles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during transport.
If you need to move your automobile overseas, it's best to find a specialist service on our platform or one with experience in overseas vehicle shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
What Is The Cost Of Shipping A Vehicle?
The expense of shipping 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 vehicle transport may cost more or less depending 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.
Several factors can affect the cost of auto transport, including:
- Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost 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 more 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 pick-up spot to the delivery location can impact 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 costs, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. Expedited shipping, where you require 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: Non-drivable cars may incur higher transport costs due to the need for extra equipment, such as winches or forklifts, to load & unload the automobile. Most vehicle carriers consider a car in good enough condition to ship easily if it can brake, roll, & steer.
- Auto transport service type: Having someone operate your vehicle is the cheapest option, as you essentially pay for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the specialized equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping is the most costly method, as your car travels alone & still needs special equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
- Pick-up & delivery locations: Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services nearby, & common destination routes often offer cheap vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more due to deviations from normal routes & extra mileage. Unusual or hard-to-access pick-up or drop-off points may require extra steps to load your automobile, increasing the 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 is highly recommended to acquire some for your automobile during transit. Ensure you understand 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 transport often being more expensive due to ice & snow slowing routes. December is typically challenging due to driver holidays, while January sees increased costs as many travel to warmer states. Spring is a great time to ship, with improved weather, longer days, & more available drivers. Summer is the prime season for shipping cars, with June, July, & August being busy months. Fall offers slightly cheaper prices, with less busy companies & more driver availability after the summer rush.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Locating An Auto Transport Service
With hundreds of vehicle transport companies available, finding the right one can be daunting. Searching on Google or through phone books can be time-consuming, & many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without individual quotes. This is where Shiply can help simplify the process.
How Can Shiply Assist In Finding Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply makes it easy to collect quotes from auto transport providers. Simply fill out a simple form with your vehicle's make & model, pick-up & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the automobile. This information allows providers to give you 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.
When you have 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 process.
Shiply's feedback & ratings system is a valuable resource when selecting a quote to ship your automobile. You can view previous customers' experiences with a company & their overall score, helping you make an informed decision.
Why Individuals Frequently Move Vehicles To & From Central, Louisiana
Central, Louisiana, is a developing city situated in the East Baton Rouge Parish. Many individuals transport automobiles to & from Central for various reasons, such as relocating for work, family, or education. The city's proximity to Baton Rouge, the state capital, makes it an attractive location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being close to urban amenities. Additionally, Central is home to several large employers, including the Central Community School System & the City of Central, which may require employees to relocate. With its increasing population & expanding infrastructure, Central has become a popular destination for those looking to move within Louisiana or from other states, leading to a higher demand for vehicle shipping services in the area.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Auto Transport Services
Time-Efficient - Rather than filling out a quotation form each instance you desire an accurate cost from an organization for transporting a vehicle, on our site you complete a single quote form & can then obtain estimates based on the information you supply from several businesses. This can conserve you significant time that you would have otherwise spent phoning companies & inputting details. Communication with these firms is also feasible via our platform, allowing you to store all of your auto transport services information in a centralized location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial aspect in selecting which car transport company to employ to transport your automobile. The challenging aspect is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite car transport quote without having to input information & complete details. While this is reasonable, it does mean that price comparison & obtaining a car transport quote is not exactly a straightforward process. Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from auto shipping companies & compare them in one location, offering the opportunity to message them individually to inquire about any questions you may have & ultimately choose the optimal company for your needs.
Budget-Friendly Auto Transport Services
Vehicle transport businesses on Shiply are generally able to provide their services at a reduced cost compared to going directly to them. This is because they are frequently seeking to fill space on trips they are already making & have already invested the expense for. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to transport your car there, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 of the 6 spots occupied, & they are simply looking to ensure they are not squandering any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations are suitable for you, you can often save up to 75% on vehicle transport by utilizing our service.
Eco-Friendly - Not only is using Shiply for vehicle transport more affordable, but it is also more environmentally friendly! In the above scenario, if your car didn't get on that multi-car transporter & 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 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 individuals who could have utilized that transporter to move their cars in the opposite direction! Many of the vehicle transporters on Shiply are also seeking 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.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
If you have selected a vehicle transport company to transport your car & feel confident using them, then it's time to get your car ready for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Paperwork - It is crucial to ensure that any documents you may require are accessible at pick up or drop off, particularly if you are selling your vehicle.
Cleansing - 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 during transport. It is also highly recommended that you clean your vehicle before transport as this will allow you to assess its condition & notice any damages that may occur during delivery.
Operational 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 operational condition. This means checking that there is sufficient fluid, as well as verifying battery charge & tire pressure levels. Again this can also help you better evaluate the condition of the vehicle upon arrival.
Visual Documentation - One very important thing to do when preparing your vehicle for the car delivery service to collect is to take high-quality photographs of all parts of the car. This provides you with proof of the car's condition before shipping should anything happen to it during transport.
Post-Delivery Steps
Once the car shipping company you chose has completed their delivery, there are a few things you should do:
Verify Vital Functions - Lights, brakes, & engines should all be checked immediately to ensure that the car is in the anticipated condition, as well as enable you to promptly raise concerns with the car delivery service should anything not be functioning as it should.
External Condition - You can compare the exterior of the vehicle to the photos taken of it before to determine whether any additional damage has occurred. Shipping a car can, in rare instances, cause damage, & you want to be sure your car transport service has not done so.
Verify 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 aligns with the journey taken.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could also leave a review for the vehicle transport company you used through Shiply so that others can browse car shipping services with the same peace of mind.
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