What Is Vehicle Transportation?
Vehicle transportation, also known 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. It's beneficial for moving a vehicle in various situations where you can't operate the car yourself. For instance, you might be buying or selling a used automobile online and need to transport it to another state, or perhaps you've recently moved and require cross-country vehicle shipping. Auto transport services can also be incredibly useful when you need to move your car overseas and ferries aren't available, in which case you'll have to rely on a vehicle shipping company to manage the task for you.
Luckily, there are numerous vehicle transport services available to satisfy your specific requirements, which we've detailed below.
Types Of Vehicle Shipping Services
Below, we've outlined the various vehicle transport services available. It can be incredibly advantageous to review and determine precisely what kind of auto transportation service you need or prefer for transporting your automobile.
The first decision you need to make is where you want your vehicle collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car transport or moving a vehicle to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, which involves using designated collection and drop-off points that are often the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. As a result, terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is usually more cost-effective but will require some additional effort on your part to get the automobile home. However, the vast majority of people need a door-to-door vehicle transport delivery service so that their cars are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country car transport or just moving a vehicle to another state. This is often preferable because it eliminates the need for you to go anywhere to collect your car - something that can be challenging without your vehicle in the first place!
Vehicle transport services are generally categorized into two types: either someone operates your car to its destination, or it's loaded onto a trailer and moved there.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
This is a straightforward solution to vehicle shipping that involves hiring someone to come and operate your car to its destination - whether you need to transport a vehicle across the country or to another state. The advantages of this auto transport method are that it's often more affordable since trailers and an extra vehicle aren't required, and it can also be quicker due to the straightforward nature of the transport.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method offered by vehicle shipping companies that lead some people to choose other types of car transport. First, mileage is obviously added to your automobile during the journey, meaning that if you're moving a vehicle across the country, there will be significant miles added - less so when simply transporting a car to a nearby state. Second, there is a slight risk of damage occurring to your automobile while it's being operated from point A to point B. These concerns are particularly worrisome for people buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in exactly the same condition as it was advertised.
Put Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Putting your automobile in a trailer is a secure way to guarantee a higher level of safety than having someone operate your car to its destination. With vehicle shipping trailers, there are multiple options available depending on the value & size of your automobile.
First, you need to decide whether you want a single trailer for your vehicle. These are often more expensive as they only transport one automobile at a time but are a great option if you're moving an expensive or classic car that you don't want to risk getting damaged. The absolute safest way to transport a vehicle is to put it in a shipping container, but this is by far the most costly option. The other option is a multi-car transporter, which can move many automobiles at once. There are a few variants of multi-car transporters:
Open vehicle shipping by any car shipping company is the most affordable & by far the most common option when moving a vehicle. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. All cars are safely secured, but as the name suggests, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, so vehicle shipping companies may not recommend this for highly valuable automobiles. Furthermore, while it may be the cheapest way to ship a car cross-country, long journeys in open trailers will obviously run a higher risk of damage & leave your vehicle exposed to the elements for longer periods.
Enclosed auto transport involves multiple cars secured on a carrier, but they are enclosed, meaning they aren't exposed to the dust, weather, and debris of the outside world during transit. This is often preferable for more expensive or newer vehicles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during auto transport.
If you need to move your automobile overseas through an auto transport company, you should try to find one of the specialist services on our platform or one with experience in overseas vehicle shipping, as they can provide you with tailored advice based on your requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Vehicle?
There are several variables to consider when trying to determine the cost of shipping a vehicle, 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 and 500 miles, & $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles.
However, these numbers are just averages for vehicle moving companies, & your car transport may cost more or less depending on the circumstances. The best way to find out how much auto transport will cost you is to collect vehicle shipping quotes from car transport companies, which is very easy to do on Shiply.
If you want to get an idea of how much you can expect your vehicle delivery to cost, take a look below at the factors that can affect the price of car transport services.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Auto Transport
We all want affordable vehicle transport, but there are several factors & variables that can affect how much your car shipping will cost. Below, we'll lay out the main ones so that you can get a rough idea of whether your auto transport requirements will be costly or inexpensive.
As mentioned above, distance is one of the factors that will play a big part in how much your vehicle transport will cost, with cross-state & cross-country journeys costing a lot more than an interstate car delivery, which is often the most affordable vehicle shipping.
While longer distances do cost more, thankfully, the average price per mile drops the longer the journey is, meaning that you aren't paying over the odds.
International shipping will always result in costly vehicle shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring a car overseas & the distance it will need to travel. It can also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container for your automobile.
Route - Along with distance, the route needed to take your vehicle from its collection spot to its delivery spot can affect the pricing of your car carrier service. Routes with known higher traffic, in LA, for example, may end up costing more than quieter roads due to the time this can add to a journey. Likewise, unforeseen circumstances such as major roadworks could also incur extra costs from the vehicle moving companies or mean that a different route is required that may take longer.
Shipping Dates - How fast you need your vehicle transportation service to operate can also affect the price. For example, if you are able to be flexible around timings, you may find that your car shipping service charges a lot less. This is because they are able to fit your automobile delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads for themselves, passing the savings on to you. However, if you require auto transport in a strict timeframe (often known as expedited shipping), this will typically end up costing you more due to the vehicle transport company likely having to dedicate a trailer & driver just for your delivery.
Vehicle Size - The height, length, & width of the automobile will all affect how much it will cost to transport your vehicle. Car shippers will require larger trailers for bigger automobiles, with SUVs typically costing more on average to transport than a sedan. Further, you should always make sure to let the auto transport company know about any bike racks, roof racks, or other accessories on the car, as these can also change the size of the trailer required for the delivery.
Vehicle Condition - If your car is not in a drivable condition, this may make your auto transport cost more expensive. This is because it may require extra equipment such as a winch or forklift to get your automobile on & off the trailer. If your car has a locked wheel, for example, it will be impossible to simply roll it onto a trailer & off again, & it takes more time, effort, & machinery to complete the delivery than a standard vehicle transport service. Most car carriers would consider a vehicle that can brake, roll, & steer to be in good enough condition to ship easily.
Auto Transport Service Type - The type of auto transport service you select will also affect the cost of your vehicle shipping. Having someone operate your car to its destination will always be the most affordable option, as you are essentially just paying for a driver's time & petrol, whereas with single car trailers & enclosed transport, the price is likely to be higher as there is extra equipment required. Something like enclosed vehicle shipping will always be the most expensive method of shipping a car, as it means not only is your automobile traveling on its own, but it still needs specialist equipment to load, unload, & protect your vehicle during transport.
Locations Of Pickup & Delivery - Depending on where you need the vehicle collected from & dropped off, this may also increase the price of shipping a car. Urban areas will usually have vehicle shipping services in close proximity, & if it is a common destination route, you will tend to get affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If a collection or drop-off point is also in an unusual or hard-to-access space, extra steps may need to be taken to load your automobile, which can also increase the vehicle shipping cost.
Auto Transport Insurance - While all auto transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer any additional insurance as it is not required by law. If a vehicle transport company does not offer cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you seek out & acquire some for your automobile during its transit. As with all insurance policies, make sure you are clear on what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, what parts of the vehicle are covered by the insurance, & any other questions you may have.
Time Of Year - Seasonality can also affect the price of vehicle 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 affect auto transport costs:
Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your automobile. This is because ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can all cause delays on the roads, as well as reduce the maximum speed at which the vehicle delivery service can transport cars. December is typically a difficult time to have a vehicle shipped as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased automobile shipping costs. February, however, is usually quiet, & so great rates are often available from vehicle shipping services during this month.
Spring is a great time to ship your automobile with a vehicle transportation service. With improved weather conditions, longer days, & more drivers ready to work, Spring can often mean affordable rates & high availability when it comes to moving your car. March is often a better time to ship than April or May; however, again, there is often a rush to move vehicles from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the prime season for shipping cars - the days are the longest in the year, students are traveling home from universities, employees take vacations, & it is also a very popular time to move house. This means that June, July, & August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, & you should not expect affordable vehicle shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a car if you are looking for a slightly more affordable price. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush; however, you are better off looking to move your automobile in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you know a bit more about what vehicle shipping & a car shipping service are & what sort of auto transport service you need, you probably want to go ahead & actually try to find a vehicle transport service that is going to be right for you.
The issue is that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there. Trying to find them on Google can end up resulting in scrolling through hundreds of pages trying to find the best vehicle shipping company for the best price, & the same is true if you were going to go through phone books. Further, many of these companies are reluctant to give you pricing, meaning you will most likely need to apply for a quote & fill out details with each of them individually, which can become very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Given all of the options & variables involved with finding a vehicle shipping service, actually searching for & finding 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 get started with collecting quotes. All we need from you are the make & model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup location & delivery location, & the dates that you need to move the automobile. This gives the auto transport providers on Shiply enough information to be able to provide you with an accurate quote for your job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & to your email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can know immediately when a new quote comes through. Quotes can start coming through within a few minutes of posting your listing, but we always recommend waiting for a few to come through before making a decision so that you have multiple options to pick from.
Once you have a few, you can ask them any questions you may have, such as when they are available (if a time frame is given), what insurance they have, & how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking any company you may use these questions to ensure that everything goes smoothly & as expected.
Shiply has a feedback & ratings system which we also highly recommend looking at before selecting a quote to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company, as well as view their overall score.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From North Windham, Maine, US
North Windham, located in Cumberland County, Maine, is a popular destination for people moving to & from the area. Many individuals & families relocate to North Windham for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, & proximity to larger cities like Portland. When moving to or from North Windham, people often need to transport their automobiles, leading to an increased demand for vehicle shipping services in the area.
One of the main reasons people move to North Windham is for its stunning natural surroundings. The town is situated near several lakes, including Sebago Lake, which offers a variety of water activities such as boating, fishing, & swimming. The area also boasts numerous hiking & biking trails, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. As a result, many people moving to North Windham choose to bring their vehicles with them to explore the region's natural wonders.
Another factor contributing to the demand for vehicle shipping in North Windham is its proximity to Portland, Maine's largest city. Many people who work in Portland choose to live in North Windham for its more affordable housing options & quieter lifestyle. However, commuting between the two locations often requires a reliable automobile, making vehicle shipping a necessity for those relocating to the area.
Furthermore, North Windham's growing economy & expanding job market attract professionals from various industries. As new residents move to the area for work, they often need to transport their automobiles, creating a steady demand for vehicle shipping services.
In conclusion, North Windham's combination of natural beauty, proximity to Portland, & growing economy make it an appealing destination for many people. As a result, the demand for vehicle shipping services in the area remains consistent, with individuals & families relying on these services to ensure their automobiles arrive safely at their new homes.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport in North Windham
Time-Efficient - Rather than filling out a quotation form each time you desire an accurate cost from a company for north windham vehicle transport, on our platform you complete one quotation form & can then obtain quotes from various companies based on the information you submit. This can save you a significant amount of time that you would have spent contacting companies & providing details. Communication with these businesses is also feasible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your vehicle shipping information in a single location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in selecting which auto transport company to employ to transport your vehicle. The challenge is that, while most companies are willing to provide average prices & rough estimates, you won't receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to supply information & complete details. While this is understandable, it means that comparing prices & obtaining a vehicle transport quote is not a simple task. Utilizing Shiply enables you to receive authentic, final price estimates from vehicle shipping 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 your needs.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping in North Windham - Auto transport businesses on Shiply can usually provide their services at 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 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, & they are simply looking to ensure they are not 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.
Environmentally Friendly - Using Shiply for auto transport is not only less expensive but also more environmentally friendly. In the previous example, if your vehicle 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 journey would be required just for your vehicle. Similarly, many car transporters return from a delivery empty-handed, which is not only costly for them but also for the environment as there are many people who could have used 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 journeys, resulting in even less wasted CO2 being released into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Shipping
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your vehicle & feel confident using them, it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Documents - It is crucial to ensure that any necessary documents 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 during transit. 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.
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 & 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 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, & 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 ascertain 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 north windham 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, & 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 & 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, & 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 & 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.
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