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 spot & transporting it to another. This service proves useful 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 moving your automobile overseas. Vehicle shipping services provide a practical solution for people who need to transfer their vehicles without the inconvenience of driving long distances.
There are various types of car transport services available to cater to different requirements, which we will explore in greater detail below.
Varieties Of Car Transport Services
When it comes to transporting your automobile, there are a few crucial choices you'll need to make. First, you'll need to decide on the collection and delivery locations for your vehicle. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an alternative where designated collection and drop-off points, frequently the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. While this alternative is typically less expensive, it demands more effort on your part to get the automobile to and from the terminals.
Most individuals, however, favor door-to-door auto transport delivery service, regardless of whether it's a cross-country car transport or moving a vehicle to another state. With this alternative, your automobile is collected and delivered at your doorstep, eliminating the need for you to arrange transportation to retrieve your vehicle.
Vehicle transport services can be classified into two main categories: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or placing your vehicle 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 you need to transport your car across the country or to another state. This approach is often less expensive as it doesn't require trailers or an additional vehicle, and it can be quicker due to its simplicity.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, your vehicle will accumulate mileage during the journey, which can be significant when transporting a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of harm to your automobile during the drive. 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.
Put Your Automobile On A Trailer
Placing your vehicle on a trailer offers a higher level of safety compared to having someone operate it to the destination. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value and size of your automobile.
Single trailers are often more expensive as they only transport one car at a time, but they are an excellent choice for moving expensive or classic automobiles that require extra protection. The safest way to transport a vehicle is by using a shipping container, although this is the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters, which can carry several vehicles at once, come in a few variants:
- Open car shipping: The cheapest and most common option, where your vehicle is placed on an open carrier and driven to the destination. While all automobiles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Long journeys on open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage.
- Enclosed auto transport: Multiple automobiles are secured on a carrier and enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, and debris during transit. This option is preferable for more expensive or newer vehicles where minimizing the risk of damage is a priority.
If you need to move your vehicle 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.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Vehicle?
The expense of transporting a vehicle varies depending on several factors, but on average, car 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, and $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles.
However, these figures are just averages, and your vehicle transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the expense of car transport services is to obtain vehicle shipping quotes from multiple auto transport companies, which is easily done through platforms like Shiply.
To get a better understanding of the factors that can influence the price of car transport services, please refer to the section below.
Factors That Can Affect The Expense Of Car Transport
While everyone wants inexpensive vehicle transport, several variables can impact the expense of shipping your automobile. Here are the main factors to consider:
- Distance: As mentioned earlier, distance plays a significant role in determining the expense of vehicle transport. Cross-state and cross-country journeys are more expensive than interstate car delivery, which is often the cheapest option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases.
- International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always more expensive due to the logistics involved and the distance the automobile must travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or a shipping container.
- Route: Along with distance, the route taken to transport your vehicle from the collection spot to the delivery location can affect the pricing. Routes with higher traffic, such as those in LA, may cost more due to the additional time required. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs or necessitate a longer alternative route.
- Shipping dates: The urgency of your vehicle transportation can impact the price. If you have flexibility in your timings, you may find that car shipping services charge less, as they can fit your automobile delivery into their schedule and reduce overheads. However, if you require expedited shipping within a strict timeframe, it will typically cost more due to the vehicle transport company having to dedicate a trailer and driver specifically for your delivery.
- Vehicle size: The height, length, and width of your automobile will all affect the expense of transport. Vehicle shippers require larger trailers for bigger automobiles, with SUVs generally costing more to transport than sedans. Always inform the car transport company about any accessories like bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the size of the trailer needed.
- Vehicle condition: If your automobile is not in a drivable condition, it may increase the expense of car transport. Non-operational vehicles may require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load and unload them from the trailer. Most vehicle carriers consider a car that can brake, roll, and steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
- Auto transport service type: The type of car transport service you choose will also affect the expense. Having someone operate your vehicle to its destination is the cheapest option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time and fuel. Single car trailers and enclosed transport are likely to be more expensive due to the specialized equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping is the most expensive method, as it involves transporting your automobile alone while still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, and protection during transit.
- Pickup and delivery locations: The expense of shipping a vehicle may increase depending on the collection and drop-off locations. Urban areas typically have car shipping services in close proximity, and common destination routes often result in cheaper vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more due to the extra mileage and deviations from normal routes required. If a collection or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access location, additional steps may be necessary to load your automobile, which can also increase the expense.
- Auto transport insurance: While all car 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 that you obtain additional coverage for your automobile during transit. When considering insurance policies, ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the vehicle are covered, and any other relevant details.
- Time of year: Seasonality can also affect the price of vehicle shipping, with many services costing more in the winter due to ice and snow slowing down routes. Here's a quick breakdown of how each season can impact car transport costs:
- Winter: Often the most expensive season to ship your automobile due to potential delays caused by ice, snow, and blizzard conditions, which can also reduce the maximum speed at which vehicle delivery services can operate. December is typically a difficult time for car shipping as drivers are on holiday, while many people travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased shipping costs. However, February is usually quiet, and great rates are often available during this month.
- Spring: An excellent time to ship your automobile, with improved weather conditions, longer days, and more available drivers. March often offers better rates than April or May, as there is usually a rush to move vehicles from colder to warmer states during these months.
- Summer: The prime season for shipping automobiles, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, and a popular time for moving houses. June, July, and August are all busy months for the car 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, and there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. October and November are better options than September, which is peak time for students shipping their automobiles to university.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding A Car Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of vehicle shipping services and the type of car transport service you need, you may be wondering how to find the right auto transport company for you.
The challenge lies in the fact that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there. Searching for them on Google can result in scrolling through numerous pages trying to find the best car shipping company at the best price. The same is true if you were to go through phone books. Furthermore, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing upfront, meaning you will likely need to apply for a quote and fill out details with each of them individually, which can be very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Car Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options and variables involved in finding a vehicle shipping service, the task of searching for and selecting the right one can seem daunting. This is where Shiply can help.
On Shiply, you simply need to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. All we require from you is the make and model of the automobile that needs shipping, the collection and delivery locations, and the dates you need to move the vehicle. This information allows the car transport providers on Shiply to provide you with accurate quotes for your job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox and via email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can be immediately notified when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming in within a few minutes of posting your listing, but we always suggest waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, so you have multiple options to choose from.
After receiving a few quotes, you can ask the providers any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), insurance coverage, and how they would secure your automobile. We recommend asking these questions to any company you are considering to ensure a smooth and expected experience.
Shiply has a feedback and ratings system that we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your vehicle. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company and their overall score, helping you make an informed decision.
Why People Often Move Automobiles To & From Worcester, Massachusetts, US
Worcester, Massachusetts, is a vibrant city located in the heart of New England. As the second-largest city in Massachusetts, Worcester attracts many individuals for various reasons, including education, employment, and quality of life. Consequently, there is a significant demand for vehicle shipping services to and from Worcester.
One of the primary reasons people move automobiles to Worcester is due to the presence of numerous colleges and universities in the area, such as Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Students often need to transport their vehicles to the city at the beginning of the academic year and back home during breaks or upon graduation.
Additionally, Worcester's diverse economy, which includes healthcare, biotechnology, and manufacturing industries, draws professionals from across the country. When relocating for work, many individuals choose to ship their automobiles to Worcester rather than driving long distances.
Conversely, people also frequently move vehicles from Worcester to other parts of the country. This may be due to job relocation, retirement, or simply a desire to explore new areas. In such cases, car shipping services provide a convenient and safe way to transport automobiles to their new destinations.
Furthermore, Worcester's proximity to popular tourist destinations like Boston, Cape Cod, and the Berkshires makes it an attractive location for those looking to enjoy the region's natural beauty and cultural offerings. Visitors may choose to ship their vehicles to Worcester and use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas.
In conclusion, the demand for vehicle shipping services in Worcester, Massachusetts, is driven by various factors, including education, employment, and tourism. By understanding these reasons, car shipping companies can better serve the needs of individuals moving to and from this dynamic city.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Worcester
Time-Saving - Instead of completing a quotation form each time you require an exact cost from a business on transporting a vehicle, on our platform you simply complete one quotation form & then can obtain quotes based on the information you supply from several companies. This can save you hours of time you would have had to spend phoning companies and filling out forms.
Communication with these businesses is all possible via our platform too, allowing you to store all of your car shipping worcester details in one location.
Price Comparison Simplified
When it comes down to it, the price of the vehicle shipping quote is the most crucial factor in choosing which auto transport company to utilize to transport your automobile. The tricky thing is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices and rough estimates, you won’t actually be given a solid car transport quote without having to provide details and fill out information. While this is understandable, it does mean that price comparison & getting a car transport quote isn’t exactly a simple task!
Using Shiply allows you to receive authentic, final price quotes from worcester car shipping businesses and compare them in one place, providing the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately decide on the best company for you.
Affordable Car Shipping Worcester Options
Auto transport businesses on Shiply are typically able to offer their services for a lower cost than if you went directly 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 car there. On Shiply, a company may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey 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.
Better For The Environment
Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also better 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 car shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire trip would be needed just for your automobile.
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 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 cheap transport for our users!
Preparing For Your Vehicle To Be Shipped
If you have decided on an auto transport company to move your automobile & feel secure using them, then it’s time to prepare 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 car delivery service to pick up is to take high-quality photographs of all parts of the automobile. 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 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.
