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 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 an automobile 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 more affordable, 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.
Vehicle transport services are generally categorized into two types: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
Employing someone to operate your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether it's across the country or to another 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 consider, such as the addition of mileage to your vehicle, especially when shipping an automobile 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 automobile on a trailer offers a higher level of safety compared to 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, minimizing the risk of 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, come in a few variants:
Open car shipping is the most affordable & most common option, where your vehicle is placed on an open carrier & driven to the 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. 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.
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, 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.
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:
Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost significantly more than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable 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 than quieter roads due to the added time. Unforeseen circumstances, like major roadworks, could also incur extra costs or require a longer alternative route.
Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can result in lower charges, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule, reducing overheads. Expedited shipping, where you require auto transport within a strict timeframe, typically costs more, as the company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver solely for your delivery.
Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the vehicle 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 trailer size needed.
Vehicle condition: If your car is not drivable, it may increase the cost of auto transport, as extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, may be required to load & unload the car. A car that can brake, roll, & steer is considered in good enough condition for easy shipping by most car carriers.
Auto transport service type: The type of auto transport service you choose affects the cost. Having someone drive your car is the most affordable option, as you're essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is the most expensive method, as your car travels alone & still needs specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
Pickup & delivery locations: The cost of shipping a car may increase depending on the pickup & drop-off locations. Urban areas usually have car shipping services nearby, & common destination routes tend to offer affordable car shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more due to deviations from normal routes & extra mileage. Unusual or hard-to-access pickup or drop-off points may require extra steps to load your vehicle, 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's highly recommended to acquire some for your vehicle during transit. Ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, any deductibles, which parts of the vehicle are covered, & any other relevant details.
Time of year: Seasonality can affect the price of car shipping, with many services costing more in the winter due to ice & snow slowing routes. December is typically challenging for vehicle shipping due to driver holidays, while many travel to warmer states in January, increasing costs. February is usually quiet, offering great rates. Spring is ideal for shipping, 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 more affordable prices, with less busy companies & more driver availability 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. This is where Shiply can help simplify the process.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a vehicle shipping service. Simply fill out a form with your car's make & model, pickup & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the vehicle. This information allows auto transport providers on Shiply to provide 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 receive immediate updates when new quotes arrive. 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 several quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure cars. It's crucial to ask these questions to ensure a smooth & expected experience.
Shiply's feedback & ratings system is a valuable resource when selecting a company to ship your vehicle. It allows you to view previous customers' experiences & overall scores, helping you make an informed decision.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Maine
Maine, a state in the northeastern United States, is known for its rugged coastline, picturesque lighthouses, & abundant natural beauty. Many people choose to move to or from Maine for various reasons, often requiring vehicle shipping services.
One common reason for moving to Maine is retirement. The state's tranquil atmosphere, stunning landscapes, & lower cost of living compared to other northeastern states make it an attractive destination for retirees. As a result, many people ship their cars to Maine when relocating for retirement.
Another reason for vehicle shipping to or from Maine is seasonal living. Some people own vacation homes in Maine, enjoying the state's mild summers & vibrant fall foliage. These individuals may need to transport their vehicles to & from Maine at the beginning & end of each season.
Additionally, Maine's thriving tourism industry attracts visitors from across the country, some of whom may choose to ship their cars for extended stays or road trips along the state's scenic coastal routes.
Lastly, job relocation is another common reason for moving cars to or from Maine. As people move to the state for work opportunities, they often need to transport their vehicles, relying on car shipping services to simplify the process.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Maine
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 you would have spent contacting companies & completing forms.
Communication with these businesses is all possible through our platform as well, allowing you to store all of your maine vehicle transport information in one location.
Price Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle transport quote is the most significant factor in deciding which auto shipping company to utilize to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most companies are willing to provide average prices & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to submit information & fill in details. While this is understandable, it does mean that price comparison & obtaining a vehicle transport quote isn't exactly a simple task.
Utilizing Shiply enables you to receive genuine, final price quotes from vehicle transport maine companies & compare them in one place, offering the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately choose the best company for you.
Affordable Vehicle Transport Maine
Auto shipping companies on Shiply are typically 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 & have already invested the cost for. For example, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to transport your vehicle there. On Shiply, a company may already have a multi-car transporter making that trip with 5 of the 6 spots filled, & they are just looking to ensure they are not wasting 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 auto shipping by utilizing our service.
Superior For The Environment
Not only is using Shiply for auto shipping more affordable, but it is also superior for the environment! In the above example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter & instead you arranged transport from a separate vehicle shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire trip would be required just for your vehicle.
Similarly, many vehicle 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 transport their vehicles in the opposite direction! Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are seeking to fill their trailers on return trips too, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being emitted into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Readying For Your Vehicle To Be Transported
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your vehicle & feel confident using them, then it's time to ready 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 see 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 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 judge the condition of the vehicle upon arrival.
Photographic Evidence - One very important thing to do when preparing your vehicle for the vehicle delivery service to pick up is to take high-quality photographs of all parts of the vehicle. This provides you with evidence of the vehicle's condition before shipping should anything happen to it during transport.
What To Do After Delivery
Once the vehicle 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 vehicle is in the expected condition, as well as enable you to immediately raise concerns with the vehicle 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 see whether any extra damage has occurred. Shipping a vehicle can, in rare cases, cause damage, & you want to be sure your vehicle transport service has not done so.
Check Mileage - This is more relevant to vehicle shipping services where the vehicle is driven to the destination but it can help to check the mileage to ensure that it matches up with the trip 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 vehicle shipping services with the same peace of mind.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have answered some of the most asked questions about vehicle shipping:
How much to ship a vehicle? Vehicle shipping prices can vary drastically depending on the circumstances, but on average a trip should cost you around $2.92 per mile if the trip is less than 200 miles, $0.93 if the trip is between 200 & 500 miles, & if the trip is over 1,000 miles then this drops to $0.78.
What is the most affordable way to ship a vehicle? Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is the most affordable way to ship a vehicle, however, if you require a trailer then a multi-car transporter will be your best option with regard to the most affordable way to ship a vehicle.
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 vehicle delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most companies will be flexible with payment options, however.
Can I track my vehicle transport online? Each vehicle shipping company on Shiply has different ways of operating, but many offer the ability to track your vehicle shipment, with some even able to provide personal updates. If you require tracking, you should message individual vehicle transport companies to confirm that this is possible with them.
Does someone have to be present for pickup & delivery? In most cases, the vehicle 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 vehicle keys.
Can I keep items in my vehicle during my vehicle shipment? Most vehicle transport companies will be fine with you keeping some personal belongings 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 vehicle 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.
