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 & need to transport it to another state, or perhaps you've recently moved & need to ship your vehicle across the country. Auto shipping services can also be extremely useful when you need to transport your car overseas & ferries aren't available, requiring you to depend on a vehicle transport company to manage the task.
Luckily, there are several vehicle shipping services available to fulfill your specific requirements, which we'll discuss below.
Types Of Vehicle Shipping Services
When it comes to vehicle shipping services, there are a few choices to consider. It's crucial to carefully review these options & determine the type of car transportation service that best suits your needs for transporting your automobile.
The first decision you'll need to make is where you want your vehicle collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country auto transport or moving a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal vehicle delivery is one option, where designated collection & drop-off points are used, often at the auto shipping company's stores or operating bases. This choice is typically more affordable but requires more effort on your part to get the automobile home. However, most people prefer a door-to-door vehicle transport delivery service, where their cars are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country auto transport or just moving a vehicle to another state. This is often more convenient as it eliminates the need to travel to collect your car, which can be challenging without your automobile in the first place!
Vehicle shipping services generally fall into two categories: having someone operate your car to the destination or loading it onto a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
One straightforward solution for auto shipping is to hire someone to operate your vehicle to its destination, whether you need to transport a car across the country or to another state. The advantages of this vehicle transport method include lower costs, as trailers & an additional automobile aren't required, & faster delivery due to the simplicity of the shipping process.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method offered by auto shipping companies that lead some individuals to choose other types of vehicle transport. Firstly, mileage is added to your car during the journey, which can be significant when moving a vehicle across the country, although less so when transporting a car to a nearby state. Secondly, 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 relevant for people buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Put Your Automobile On A Trailer
Placing your vehicle on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection compared to having someone operate your car to its destination. When it comes to auto shipping trailers, there are several options available depending on the value & size of your automobile.
First, you'll need to decide whether you want a single trailer for your vehicle. These are often more expensive as they only transport one car at a time, but they're an excellent choice if you're moving a costly or classic automobile that you don't want to risk damaging. The safest way to ship a vehicle is to place it in a shipping container, but this is by far the most expensive option. The other choice is a multi-car transporter, which can move multiple automobiles simultaneously. There are a few variants of multi-car transporters:
Open auto shipping by any vehicle shipping company is the most affordable & common option for transporting a car. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. All vehicles are securely fastened, but as the name suggests, they are exposed to the elements during the drive. Therefore, auto shipping companies may not recommend this option for highly valuable cars. Furthermore, while it may be the cheapest way to transport a vehicle cross-country, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage & expose your automobile to the elements for extended periods.
Enclosed vehicle transport involves securing multiple cars on a carrier, but they are enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is often preferred for more expensive or newer automobiles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during vehicle shipping.
If you need to move your car overseas through a vehicle transport company, it's best to find a specialist service on our platform or one with experience in overseas auto shipping. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Vehicle?
The cost of shipping a vehicle varies based on several factors, but on average, vehicle 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 for vehicle moving companies, & your auto transport may cost more or less depending on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of vehicle shipping is to obtain auto transport quotes from multiple car shipping companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.
If you want to get an idea of how much you can expect your vehicle delivery to cost, consider the factors that can affect the price of auto transport services, which we'll discuss below.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Vehicle Shipping
While we all want cheap auto transport, several factors & variables can impact the cost of your vehicle shipping. Let's explore the main ones to give you a rough idea of whether your car transport requirements will be expensive or affordable.
As mentioned earlier, distance plays a significant role in determining the cost of your auto transport. Cross-state & cross-country journeys will cost more than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the cheapest option.
Although longer distances do cost more, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases, ensuring you're not paying excessively.
International shipping will always result in expensive auto shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring a vehicle overseas & the distance it needs to travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container for your car.
Route - Along with distance, the route required to ship your vehicle from its collection location to its delivery spot can affect the pricing of your auto carrier service. Routes with known higher traffic, such as in LA, may end up costing more than quieter roads due to the additional time added to the journey. Similarly, unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs from the vehicle moving companies or necessitate a different, longer route.
Shipping Dates - The speed at which you need your auto transportation service to operate can also impact the price. If you have flexibility in timings, you may find that your vehicle shipping service charges significantly less. This is because they can fit your car delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads, passing the savings on to you. However, if you require vehicle transport within a strict timeframe (often referred to as expedited shipping), it will typically cost more due to the auto transport company likely having to dedicate a trailer & driver solely for your delivery.
Vehicle Size - The height, length, & width of the car will all affect the cost of transporting your automobile. Auto shippers will require larger trailers for bigger vehicles, with SUVs typically costing more on average to ship than sedans. Additionally, always inform the vehicle transport company 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 automobile is not in a drivable condition, it may increase the cost of your vehicle transport. This is because it may require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load & unload your car from the trailer. For example, if your vehicle has a locked wheel, it will be impossible to simply roll it onto a trailer & off again, requiring more time, effort, & machinery to complete the delivery compared to a standard auto transport service. Most car carriers consider a vehicle that can brake, roll, & steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
Vehicle Transport Service Type - The type of auto shipping service you choose will also affect the cost of your vehicle shipping. Having someone operate your car to its destination will always be the cheapest option, as you're essentially just paying for the driver's time & fuel. On the other hand, single car trailers & enclosed transport will likely be more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed auto shipping is always the most expensive method of shipping a vehicle, as it means your car travels alone & still requires specialized equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
Locations Of Pickup & Delivery - The locations of the vehicle's collection & drop-off points can also impact the price of shipping a car. Urban areas typically have auto shipping services in close proximity, & if it's a common destination route, you'll often find cheap 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 in an unusual or hard-to-access location, additional steps may be necessary to load your car, which can also increase the auto shipping cost.
Vehicle Transport Insurance - While all auto shipping companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance as it is not legally mandated. If a car transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you seek out & acquire coverage for your vehicle during transit. As with all insurance policies, ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the car are covered by the insurance, & any other relevant questions you may have.
Time Of Year - Seasonality can also affect the price of auto shipping, with many services costing more to transport a vehicle in the winter due to ice & snow slowing down routes. Here's a quick breakdown of how each season can impact vehicle transport costs:
Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your car. Ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can cause delays on the roads & reduce the maximum speed at which the vehicle delivery service can transport automobiles. December is typically a challenging time to have a car shipped, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased auto shipping costs. However, February is usually quiet, & great rates are often available from vehicle shipping services during this month.
Spring is an excellent time to ship your car with an auto transportation service. With improved weather conditions, longer days, & more drivers ready to work, Spring often means cheap rates & high availability when it comes to moving your vehicle. March is generally a better time to ship than April or May, as there is often a rush to move automobiles from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the prime season for shipping vehicles - 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 vehicle transport industry, & you should not expect cheap auto shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a vehicle if you're looking for a slightly cheaper price. Auto shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, you're better off looking to move your car in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their automobiles to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding A Vehicle Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of what auto shipping & a vehicle shipping service entail, as well as the type of car transport service you need, you're probably ready to find an auto transport service that suits your requirements.
The challenge is 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 auto shipping company at the best price, & the same is true if you were to go through phone books. Moreover, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing upfront, meaning you'll likely need to apply for a quote & fill out details with each of them individually, which can be very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Vehicle Transport Companies?
Given all the options & variables involved in finding an auto shipping service, 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 start collecting quotes. All we need from you are the make & model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup location & delivery location, & the dates you need to move the car. This provides the vehicle transport providers on Shiply with enough information to provide you with an accurate quote for your job.
Once your listing is live, you'll receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & to your email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can be immediately notified when a new quote comes through. Quotes can start arriving within a few minutes of posting your listing, but we always recommend waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, so you have multiple options to choose from.
Once you have a few quotes, you can ask the providers any questions you may have, such as their availability (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 that we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your car. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company, as well as their overall score.
Long Beach, Mississippi, US - Vehicle Shipping
Long Beach, Mississippi, is a popular destination for people moving their vehicles to & from the area. Located on the Gulf Coast, Long Beach offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle & easy access to nearby cities like Gulfport & Biloxi. Many people choose to move their cars to Long Beach when relocating for work, retirement, or a change of scenery.
When shipping a vehicle to or from Long Beach, it's essential to work with a reputable auto shipping company that has experience in the area. Shiply can help connect you with reliable long beach vehicle shipping providers who can ensure your car arrives safely & on time. Whether you're moving to Long Beach permanently or just need to transport your automobile for a temporary stay, long beach auto shipping services can make the process stress-free & convenient.
In conclusion, shipping a vehicle can be a complex process with many factors to consider, but understanding the different types of car transport services, the factors that affect pricing, & how to find the right auto shipping company can make the experience much smoother. By using Shiply to compare quotes & read reviews from previous customers, you can find the best long beach vehicle shipping provider for your needs & budget, ensuring your car arrives at its destination safely & efficiently.
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The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Long Beach
Time-Efficient - Rather than filling out a quotation form each time you desire an accurate cost from a business for transporting a vehicle, on our platform, you complete one quotation form and can then obtain quotes from various companies based on the information you submit. This can save you hours of time that you would have spent phoning companies and completing forms. Communication with these businesses is also possible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your Long Beach vehicle shipping details in a single location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in choosing which auto transport company to employ to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most companies are willing to provide average prices and rough estimates, you won't receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to supply information and fill in details. While this is understandable, it means that comparing prices and obtaining a vehicle transport quote is not a simple task. Using Shiply enables you to receive genuine, final price quotes from vehicle shipping companies and compare them in one place, providing the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have and ultimately decide on the best company for you.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping - Auto transport businesses on Shiply can typically offer their services at 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 and have already invested the cost for. For example, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York and 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 filled, and they are just looking to ensure they are not wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, and pick-up/drop-off locations work for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service.
Environmentally Friendly - Using Shiply for auto transport is not only cheaper but also more environmentally friendly. In the above example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter and instead, you arranged transport from a separate car shipper, the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire journey would be needed 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 vehicles in the other direction. Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are also looking to fill their trailers on return journeys, 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 and feel confident using them, it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We recommend 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 items from your vehicle 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 assess its condition and 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 and 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, and 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, 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 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 and 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 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 and 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 and 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, and 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 and 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 and 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 and has the right equipment to safely carry it out.
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