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 you are unable to drive the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online & need to transport it to another state, relocating & requiring long-distance vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas when ferries are not available. Vehicle shipping companies provide a variety of auto transport services to accommodate your specific 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 long-distance vehicle transport or shipping a car to another 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 terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is typically less expensive, it demands more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. However, most individuals prefer 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 divided into two types: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport. Employing someone to drive your vehicle is a straightforward solution that is often less costly as it doesn't require trailers or an additional vehicle. It can also be quicker due to the straightforward nature of the transport. However, this method has some drawbacks, such as increasing mileage on your automobile, especially when shipping a car across the country, & a slight risk of damage during the journey. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals buying or selling vehicles online who want to ensure the automobile arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Placing your vehicle on a trailer is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection than having someone drive your automobile. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options depending on the value & size of your automobile. Single trailers, while more costly, are ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars that require extra care. The safest way to transport a vehicle is in a shipping container, although it is the most expensive option. Multi-car transporters, which can transport several automobiles at once, are another option with a few variants:
Open vehicle shipping is the least expensive & most common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. While all vehicles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making it less suitable for highly valuable automobiles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage & exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple vehicles on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is preferable for more expensive or newer automobiles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during auto transport.
If you need to move your automobile overseas, it's best to find a specialist service or a company with experience in overseas vehicle shipping to provide 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, 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 expense of auto transport is to collect vehicle shipping quotes from various companies, which is easily done on Shiply.
Several factors can influence the expense of auto transport, including:
Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost significantly more than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the least expensive option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases.
International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always costly 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 impact 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 from vehicle shipping services, as they can fit your automobile delivery into their schedule & reduce 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 specifically for your delivery.
Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the automobile affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs generally cost more to transport than sedans. It's essential to inform the auto transport company about any accessories such as bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the required trailer size.
Vehicle condition: If your automobile is not in a drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. Non-operational vehicles may require extra equipment like a winch or forklift to load & unload them from the trailer, taking more time, effort, & machinery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most vehicle carriers consider a car 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 affects the cost of vehicle shipping. Having someone drive your automobile is the least expensive option, as you essentially pay for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are likely to be more costly due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping is the most expensive method, as your automobile travels alone & still needs specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
Pickup & delivery locations: The locations of pickup & delivery can impact the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services in close proximity, & common destination routes tend to offer cheap vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries may 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 increase the vehicle shipping cost due to the extra steps needed to load your automobile.
Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance as it is not legally required. If a vehicle transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended to seek & acquire additional coverage for your automobile during transit. When considering insurance policies, ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, the deductible, the parts of the vehicle covered, & any other relevant details.
Time of year: Seasonality can 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 cheap 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 expect higher prices 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 Transport 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 a detailed quote application.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding the right vehicle shipping service. To get started, fill out a simple form with the make & model of the automobile, 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 know immediately when a new quote arrives. 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 a few quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure your vehicle. 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 quote to ship your automobile. It allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company & their overall score, helping you make an informed decision.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Beverly, Massachusetts, US
Beverly, Massachusetts, is a popular city for vehicle shipping due to several factors. As a coastal city north of Boston, Beverly attracts many people who are relocating for work or personal reasons. The city's proximity to major highways & airports makes it a convenient location for vehicle transport services.
Additionally, Beverly is home to several colleges & universities, including Endicott College & the Montserrat College of Art. Students often require vehicle shipping services when moving to or from the city for their studies. The city's vibrant arts & culture scene, as well as its beautiful beaches & parks, also make it an attractive destination for those looking to move to the area.
Furthermore, Beverly's diverse economy, which includes healthcare, manufacturing, & technology sectors, draws professionals from various industries who may need to ship their automobiles when relocating for work. The city's high quality of life & strong sense of community also make it a desirable place to live, leading to increased demand for vehicle shipping services to & from Beverly.
The Benefits Of Using Shiply For Vehicle Transportation
Time-efficient - Rather than filling out a quotation form each instance you desire an accurate cost from a business on transporting a vehicle, on our site you complete one quotation form & then can obtain quotes based on the information you supply from several companies. This can conserve you hours of effort you would have had to invest phoning companies & inputting details. Communication with these businesses is all feasible through our platform too, allowing you to store all of your vehicle shipping beverly data in a single location.
Cost Comparison - When it comes down to it, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in choosing which auto transport company to utilize to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average costs & rough estimates, you won't actually be given a definite vehicle transport estimate without having to supply information & fill in details. While this is understandable, it does mean that cost comparison & getting a vehicle transport estimate isn't exactly a simple task. Utilizing Shiply allows you to receive genuine, final cost quotes from vehicle shipping companies & compare them in one place, providing the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately decide on the best business for you.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping - Auto transport businesses on Shiply are typically able to offer their services for a lower cost than if you went direct to them. This is because they are often looking to fill space on trips they are already making & have already sunk the cost for. Say, for example, you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to move your vehicle there. On Shiply, a business may already have a multi-vehicle 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 work for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by using 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-vehicle 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 lots of people who could have used that transporter to move their vehicles in the other direction. Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are looking 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.
Readying For Your Vehicle To Be Transported
If you have decided on an auto transport business to move your vehicle & feel secure using them, then it's time to ready your vehicle for shipping. We recommend following these steps:
Documents - It is important to ensure that any documents you may need 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 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 ascertain 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 business 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 ascertain 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 business you used through Shiply so that others can browse beverly 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 costs 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-vehicle 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 business on Shiply & is something you should discuss with your chosen vehicle delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most businesses will be flexible with payment options, however.
Can I track my vehicle transport online? Each vehicle shipping business 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 businesses to confirm that this is possible with them.
Does someone have to be present for pickup & delivery? In most cases, the vehicle shipping business 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 businesses 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 cost 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.
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