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 proves useful in various circumstances where you are unable to drive the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online & requiring it to be shipped to a different state, relocating & needing cross-country vehicle shipping, or transporting your automobile overseas when ferries are unavailable. Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements.
Varieties Of Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial decision you must make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car transport or shipping a vehicle to a different state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, 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, irrespective of the distance.
Vehicle transport services are generally categorized into two types: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Engage Someone To Drive Your Vehicle
Engaging someone to drive your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether it's across the country or to a different state. The advantages of this method include lower costs, as trailers & extra vehicles are not necessary, & faster delivery due to the simplicity of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to this approach 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 automobile arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Placing your automobile in a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone drive 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 an excellent 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 car shipping is the most affordable & common option for transporting a vehicle. 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 cost of shipping 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 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 easy to do on Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While everyone wants affordable vehicle transport, several factors can influence the cost of car shipping. 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 pick-up spot to the delivery location can affect 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: The speed at which you need your vehicle transported can impact the price. Flexibility in timings may result in lower charges, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. However, expedited shipping within a strict timeframe typically costs more, as it may require a dedicated trailer & driver.
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, as they require larger trailers. It's essential to inform the auto transport company about any accessories like bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the size of the trailer needed.
Vehicle Condition: If your automobile 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, taking more time, effort, & machinery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most car carriers consider a vehicle that can brake, roll, & steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
Auto Transport Service Type: The type of auto transport service you choose will also affect the cost. Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is 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 vehicle shipping is the most expensive method, as it involves your automobile traveling alone while still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
Locations Of Pickup & Delivery: The pick-up & drop-off locations can also influence the cost of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services nearby, & common destination routes tend to offer affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. Unusual or hard-to-access pick-up or drop-off points may also require extra steps to load your automobile, increasing the vehicle shipping cost.
Auto Transport Insurance: While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance. If a vehicle transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you obtain some for your automobile during transit. When considering insurance policies, ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the vehicle are covered, & any other relevant details.
Time Of Year: Seasonality can also affect the price of vehicle shipping, with many services costing more in the winter due to ice & snow slowing down routes. Here's a quick breakdown of how each season can impact auto transport costs:
Winter: Often the most expensive season to ship your automobile due to potential delays caused by ice, snow, & blizzard conditions, which can also reduce the maximum speed of transport. December is typically challenging, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased vehicle shipping costs. February, however, is usually quiet, & great rates are often available during this month.
Spring: An excellent time to ship your automobile, with improved weather conditions, longer days, & more available drivers, often resulting in affordable rates & high availability. March is generally better than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states.
Summer: The prime season for shipping vehicles, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving house. June, July, & August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, so don't expect affordable vehicle shipping during the summer.
Fall: A good time to ship a vehicle if you're looking for slightly cheaper prices. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. October or November are better options than September, which is peak time for students shipping their automobiles to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of vehicle shipping, the types of vehicle shipping services available, & what you need, you're probably ready to find the right vehicle transport service for you. The challenge is that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there, & searching for them on Google can be overwhelming, requiring you to scroll through numerous pages to find the best vehicle shipping company at the best price. Many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing upfront, meaning you'll likely need to apply for quotes & fill out details with each of them individually, which can be very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Assist In Finding Auto Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options & variables involved in finding a vehicle shipping service, the search process can seem daunting, & this is where Shiply can help. On Shiply, you simply need to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. All we need from you is the make & model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup & delivery locations, & 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 job.
Once your listing is live, you'll 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 recommend waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, so you have multiple options to choose from.
After receiving a few quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), insurance coverage, & how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking these questions to any company you're considering to ensure a smooth & expected process.
Shiply has a feedback & ratings system that we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company & their overall score, helping you make an informed decision.
Why People Frequently Move Vehicles To & From Monroe, Louisiana, US
Monroe, Louisiana, is a city that sees a significant amount of vehicle shipping activity due to various reasons. One of the primary factors is the presence of the University of Louisiana at Monroe, which attracts students from across the country. Many students choose to bring their automobiles with them to Monroe for convenience & flexibility during their time at the university. Additionally, Monroe's central location in the northern part of the state makes it a popular hub for vehicle shipping companies, as it is easily accessible from major highways & interstates.
Another reason people frequently move vehicles to & from Monroe is related to the city's growing economy & job market. As more businesses establish themselves in Monroe, professionals from other parts of the country are relocating to the area, often bringing their automobiles with them. Furthermore, Monroe's proximity to other major cities in Louisiana, such as Shreveport & Alexandria, makes it an attractive location for those who need to commute for work or leisure.
The city's diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, & manufacturing, also contributes to the demand for vehicle shipping services in Monroe. As employees in these sectors move to the area or transfer to other locations, they often require reliable vehicle transport services to ensure their automobiles arrive safely & efficiently at their new destinations.
Lastly, Monroe's climate & weather conditions can also play a role in the need for vehicle shipping services. The city experiences hot & humid summers, which can be challenging for those driving long distances. By opting for vehicle shipping, individuals can avoid the discomfort & potential automobile wear & tear associated with long drives in extreme weather conditions.
In conclusion, the combination of educational opportunities, economic growth, industrial diversity, & geographic location makes Monroe, Louisiana, a popular destination for vehicle shipping services. As the city continues to thrive & attract new residents, the demand for reliable & efficient auto transport is likely to remain strong.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Monroe
Time-Efficient - Instead of submitting a quotation request each time you require a precise cost for transporting your automobile, on our platform you complete one form & then can receive quotes from various companies based on the information you submit. This can save you hours of time you would've spent phoning companies and completing forms. Communication with these companies is also possible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your "monroe car shipping" details in a single location.
Rate Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the car shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in selecting which auto transport company to employ 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 car transport quote without having to supply information & complete details. While this is understandable, it means that price comparison and obtaining a car transport quote isn't exactly a simple process. Using Shiply enables you to obtain genuine, final price estimates from car 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 you.
Affordable Car Shipping in Monroe
Auto transport companies on Shiply can usually provide their services for 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 making & have already invested the cost for. For example, 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, 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 convenient for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by utilizing our service.
More Environmentally Friendly
Using Shiply for auto transport is not only less expensive but also more environmentally friendly! In the above example, if your car didn't 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 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 people who could have utilized that transporter to move their cars in the opposite direction! Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are also looking to fill their trailers on return trips, resulting in even less wasted CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Getting Your Car Ready for Shipping
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your car & feel confident using them, it's time to get your car ready 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 before 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 & 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 and 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, & 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 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 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.
