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 Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial choice you must make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car shipment or transporting a vehicle to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is a possibility, 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, opt for 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 typically categorized into two types: having someone operate your vehicle to the destination or placing it on a trailer for shipment.
Engage Someone To Operate Your Vehicle
Engaging someone to operate your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for car shipping, whether it's a cross-country or interstate relocation. This approach is often more affordable as it doesn't necessitate trailers or an additional vehicle, & it can be quicker due to its simplicity. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the added mileage to your automobile, especially when shipping a car 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 vehicle on a trailer offers a higher level of safety compared to having someone operate it. Car shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile. Single trailers, while more expensive, are ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars that require extra protection. 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 automobiles at once, are available in different variants:
Open car shipping is the most affordable & common option, where your vehicle is placed on an open carrier & driven to its destination. While all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during transit, making this option less suitable for highly valuable automobiles. 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 minimizing the risk of damage is a priority.
For overseas vehicle transportation, it's best to find a specialist service or a company with experience in overseas car shipping to receive tailored advice based on your requirements.
What Is The Cost To Transport A Vehicle?
The expense of transporting a vehicle varies depending on several factors, but on average, US auto transport companies charge around $2.92 per mile for journeys under 200 miles, $0.93 for distances between 200 & 500 miles, & $0.78 for trips over 1,000 miles. These figures are just averages, & your car transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to obtain vehicle shipping quotes from various companies, which is easily done through platforms like Shiply.
Variables That Can Impact The Expense Of Vehicle Transport
Several factors can influence the expense of car shipping, including:
Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost significantly more than interstate car delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the distance increases.
International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always expensive due to the logistics involved & the distance traveled. It may 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: Flexibility in timings can lead to lower charges, as car shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. Expedited shipping, where you require auto transport within a strict timeframe, typically costs more as it may require a dedicated trailer & driver.
Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the vehicle affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs generally cost more to ship than sedans. Accessories such as bike racks or roof racks can also change the required trailer size.
Vehicle condition: Non-drivable cars may incur higher auto transport costs due to the need for extra equipment like winches or forklifts to load & unload the vehicle. 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 chosen auto transport service impacts the shipping cost. Having someone drive your car is the most affordable option, while single car trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the specialized equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is the most costly method as it involves transporting your car alone while still needing special equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transit.
Pickup & delivery locations: The cost of shipping a car may increase depending on the pickup & drop-off points. Urban areas usually have car shipping services nearby, & common destination routes often offer affordable car shipping. Rural deliveries can be more expensive due to deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. Unusual or hard-to-access pickup or drop-off points may require additional steps to load your vehicle, further increasing the cost.
Auto transport insurance: While auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional coverage. If a company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended to obtain it independently for your vehicle during transit. When considering insurance policies, ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, the deductible, the parts of the vehicle included in the coverage, & any other relevant details.
Time of year: Seasonality can affect car shipping prices, with many services costing more in the winter due to ice & snow slowing routes. Here's a breakdown of how each season can impact auto transport costs:
Winter: Often the most expensive season for vehicle shipping due to potential delays caused by ice, snow, & blizzard conditions, which also reduce the maximum speed of transport. December is a challenging month as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased shipping costs. February, however, is usually quiet, offering great rates from car shipping services.
Spring: An excellent time to ship your vehicle, with improved weather conditions, longer days, & more available drivers, often resulting in affordable rates & high availability. March typically offers better rates than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states.
Summer: The prime season for shipping cars, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving houses. June, July, & August are busy months for the auto transport industry, so expect higher prices during the summer.
Fall: A good time to ship a car if you're looking for slightly more affordable prices. Car shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. October & November are better options than September, which is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding A Vehicle Transport Service
With hundreds of car 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 a detailed quote application.
How Can Shiply Assist In Finding Vehicle Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding a car shipping service. To get started, fill out a simple 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.
After receiving quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure cars during transport. 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 car shipping company. It allows you to view previous customers' experiences & the company's overall score, helping you make an informed decision.
Why Individuals Frequently Relocate Vehicles To & From York Harbor, Maine, US
York Harbor, a picturesque coastal village in southern Maine, is a popular destination for car shipping due to various reasons. Many people choose to relocate to York Harbor for its stunning natural beauty, quaint New England charm, & proximity to larger cities like Portland & Boston. The area attracts retirees, second-home owners, & families seeking a more relaxed lifestyle.
Additionally, York Harbor is home to several prestigious yacht clubs & marinas, drawing boat enthusiasts who may need to transport their vehicles to & from the area. The village also hosts numerous summer events & festivals, which can lead to an influx of visitors requiring car shipping services.
Furthermore, York Harbor's location along the Atlantic coast makes it an ideal starting point or destination for cross-country moves or snowbirds heading to warmer climates during the winter months. With its unique blend of coastal living, historic architecture, & outdoor recreation opportunities, York Harbor continues to be a sought-after location for those looking to ship their cars for both short-term & long-term stays.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transportation
Time-Efficient - Instead of completing a quotation form each time you require a precise price from a company for transporting a vehicle, on our platform you only need to fill out one quotation form & then can receive quotes based on the information you provide from several companies. This can save you a significant amount of time that you would have spent contacting companies & completing forms. Communication with these companies is also possible through our platform, allowing you to keep all of your vehicle shipping information in one location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping quote is the most important factor in choosing which auto transport company to use to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most companies are willing to provide average prices & general estimates, you won't actually receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to supply information & complete details. While this is understandable, it does mean that cost comparison & obtaining a vehicle transport quote is not exactly a simple process. Utilizing Shiply enables you to receive authentic, final price quotes from vehicle shipping companies & compare them in one place, offering the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately decide on the best company for your needs.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping - Auto transport 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, a company on Shiply 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 convenient for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by utilizing our service.
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 vehicle shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire trip would be needed just for your vehicle. Similarly, many vehicle 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 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 released into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your vehicle & feel confident using them, then 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 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 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 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 assess 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 determine 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 need 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 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 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.
Looking for "vehicle shipping york harbor" or "york harbor vehicle shipping"? Shiply has you covered for all your auto transport needs in the York Harbor area!
