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 numerous situations 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 services provide a practical solution for individuals who require relocating their vehicles across states or even nations.
There are various types of auto transport services available to accommodate different requirements and preferences. Whether you need cross-country vehicle transport or shipping a car to another state, vehicle shipping companies provide options like terminal-to-terminal auto delivery and door-to-door auto transport. Terminal-to-terminal delivery involves designated collection and drop-off points, frequently at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, which can be more cost-effective but requires additional effort on your part to retrieve your automobile. Conversely, door-to-door auto transport is a popular choice as it offers the convenience of having your vehicle collected and dropped off right at your doorstep.
When it comes to the actual transportation method, vehicle shipping services generally fall into two categories: having someone operate your car to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport. Hiring a driver to move your automobile can be a straightforward and cost-effective option, especially for shorter distances. However, this method adds mileage to your vehicle and carries a slight risk of damage during the journey. Alternatively, using a trailer ensures a higher level of safety for your automobile, particularly for expensive or classic cars. Trailers come in various forms, including single-car trailers, multi-car transporters (open or enclosed), and even shipping containers for overseas transport.
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 distances between 200 and 500 miles, and $0.78 for trips over 1,000 miles. However, these figures are just averages, and the actual cost of your vehicle transport may differ based on your specific circumstances. To get an accurate estimate, it's best to collect vehicle shipping quotes from multiple vehicle transport companies, which is easily done through platforms like Shiply.
Several factors can influence the cost of auto transport, including distance, route, shipping dates, vehicle size, vehicle condition, auto transport service type, pickup and delivery locations, insurance, and time of year. Longer distances, international shipping, expedited services, larger vehicles, inoperable cars, enclosed transport, rural deliveries, and winter months tend to increase the cost of vehicle shipping. On the other hand, shorter distances, flexible timelines, smaller vehicles, operable cars, open transport, urban deliveries, and off-peak seasons can result in more affordable rates.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
When it comes to finding the right vehicle shipping service, the process can be overwhelming due to the numerous options available. Searching for vehicle transport companies online or through phone books can be time-consuming, and many companies may be reluctant to provide pricing without a detailed quote request. This is where Shiply comes in to simplify the process and help you find the best auto transport service for your needs.
Shiply is a platform that connects individuals who need to ship their vehicles with reliable vehicle transport companies. By filling out a simple form with details about your car, pickup and delivery locations, and desired dates, you can receive multiple quotes from auto transport providers in your Shiply inbox and email. This streamlined process saves you time and effort, allowing you to compare options and select the most suitable vehicle shipping service for your requirements.
When evaluating quotes, it's essential to ask questions about availability, insurance coverage, and how the company secures vehicles during transport. Shiply's feedback and ratings system provides valuable insights into previous customers' experiences, helping you make an informed decision. By leveraging Shiply's platform, you can find a reliable and affordable vehicle shipping service that meets your needs, whether you're moving across the country or shipping your automobile to another state.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Auburn, Maine, US
Auburn, Maine, is a charming city located in the southern part of the state, known for its rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and thriving community. Many people find themselves moving vehicles to and from Auburn for various reasons. One common reason is relocation, either for work or personal reasons. As individuals and families move to Auburn to start new chapters in their lives, they often need to transport their automobiles to their new homes. Similarly, when residents of Auburn move away, they may require vehicle shipping services to take their cars with them.
Another reason people move vehicles to and from Auburn is for buying or selling automobiles. With the rise of online marketplaces, it's becoming increasingly common for individuals to purchase cars from distant locations, including Auburn. In such cases, vehicle shipping services play a crucial role in delivering the automobile to its new owner. Conversely, when Auburn residents sell their cars to buyers in other states or cities, they may need to arrange for auto transport to complete the transaction.
Seasonal relocations and vacations also contribute to the demand for vehicle shipping services in Auburn. Some residents may choose to spend winters in warmer climates, necessitating the transport of their automobiles to their temporary homes. Similarly, tourists visiting Auburn may opt to have their cars shipped to the city to enjoy the area's scenic drives and outdoor activities without the need to rent a vehicle.
In conclusion, the need to move vehicles to and from Auburn, Maine, arises from various circumstances, including relocation, buying and selling automobiles, and seasonal moves. By understanding these reasons and the available vehicle shipping options, individuals can make informed decisions when it comes to transporting their cars to or from this delightful New England city.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Auburn
Time-Efficient - Instead of completing a quotation form each time you require an exact cost from a company on transporting a vehicle, on our platform you fill out one quotation form & then can receive estimates based on the information you supply from several businesses. This can save you hours of time you would have spent phoning companies & completing forms. Communication with these firms is also possible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your vehicle shipping details in one location.
Cost Comparison for Auburn Vehicle Transport
Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most important consideration in deciding which auto transport company to employ to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most companies are willing to offer average prices & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to provide information & complete specifics. While this is understandable, it means that cost comparison & obtaining a vehicle transport quote isn't exactly a straightforward process.
Utilizing Shiply enables you to obtain actual, final price estimates from vehicle shipping companies & compare them in one location, giving you the opportunity to message them individually to ask any questions you might have & ultimately choose the best firm for you.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping in Auburn
Auto transport firms on Shiply are usually able to offer their services for a lower cost than if you went directly to them. This is because they are often seeking to fill empty space on trips they are already making & have already paid for the expense. For instance, if you were moving 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 journey with 5 of the 6 spots occupied, & they are just looking to ensure they aren't wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, & 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
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 & 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 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, meaning even less wasted CO2 is 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 move your vehicle & feel confident using them, then 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 items from your car 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 see its condition & notice any damages that may occur during delivery.
Running Condition - If the car 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 shape. This means making sure there is enough fluid, as well as checking battery charge & tire pressure levels. Again this can also help you better assess the state of the vehicle upon arrival.
Photographic Evidence - One very important thing to do when preparing your car for the car delivery service to pick up is to take high-quality photos of all parts of the vehicle. This gives you proof 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 right away to make sure that the car is in the expected state, as well as enable you to immediately raise concerns with the car delivery service should anything not be working properly.
Exterior Condition - You can compare the exterior of the car to the photos taken of it before to see whether any extra damage has occurred. Shipping a vehicle 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 vehicle 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 common questions about car shipping:
How much to ship a car? Car shipping prices can vary a lot 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 choice regarding the cheapest way to ship a car.
How do I pay for my auto transport? This is up 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 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, and 2. Any items in the car 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 car 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 car if it isn't in running condition, however, this will be more expensive as special equipment is required to load & unload the vehicle.
Can I ship a modified vehicle? Almost any type of car 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 task & has the right equipment to safely carry it out.