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 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 those who require their car to be transported to another state or even across the nation.
Luckily, there are various auto transport services available to accommodate your unique requirements. Whether you need nationwide vehicle transport, moving a car to a different state, or even global auto shipping, vehicle transportation companies have you covered.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When it comes to vehicle transport services, there are a few crucial choices you'll need to make. First, you must establish the pickup and delivery spots for your automobile. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an alternative where designated collection & drop-off points, frequently the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. While this approach is typically more affordable, it demands more effort on your part to get the vehicle to its ultimate destination.
However, most individuals prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery service. With this option, your automobile is collected and dropped off right at your doorstep, regardless of whether it's a nationwide vehicle transport or just moving a car to a different state. Door-to-door service eliminates the necessity for you to arrange transportation to collect your vehicle, which can be difficult without your automobile.
Vehicle transport services can be broadly classified into two categories: having someone operate your car to the destination or moving it on a trailer.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
Employing someone to operate your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping. This approach is often more affordable as it doesn't require trailers or an additional automobile. It can also be quicker due to the simplicity of the transport process. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, your vehicle will accumulate mileage during the journey, which can be significant when moving a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your automobile while it's being operated. 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
Transporting your automobile on a trailer offers a higher level of safety compared to having someone operate it. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value and size of your automobile. For expensive or classic cars, a single trailer is often the preferred choice. Although more costly, it ensures that your automobile is transported alone, minimizing the risk of damage. The safest way to transport a car is by using a shipping container, but this is also the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters, which can carry several vehicles at once, are another popular choice. Open vehicle shipping is the most common and affordable option, where your automobile is placed on an open carrier and driven to its destination. While all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during transit, making this method less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Long journeys on open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple cars on a carrier that is fully enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, and debris during transit. This option is preferable for newer or more expensive vehicles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage.
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. 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 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 distances between 200 and 500 miles, and $0.78 for trips over 1,000 miles. However, these are just averages, and your vehicle transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances.
To get an accurate estimate of how much your vehicle shipping will cost, it's best to collect quotes from multiple vehicle transport companies. Shiply makes this process easy by allowing you to compare quotes from various providers in one place.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While everyone wants affordable vehicle transport, several factors can influence the price of vehicle shipping services. Some of the main factors include:
1. Distance: Cross-state and cross-country journeys cost more than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the cheapest option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the distance increases.
2. International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always more expensive due to the logistics involved and the distance traveled. It may also require special enclosed trailers or shipping containers.
3. Route: The route taken to transport your vehicle can affect the pricing. Routes with higher traffic, such as in LA, may cost more due to the additional time required. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks can also incur extra costs or necessitate a longer alternative route.
4. Shipping dates: The urgency of your vehicle transportation can impact the price. Flexible timings often result in lower costs, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule, reducing overheads. Expedited shipping, where you require transport within a strict timeframe, typically costs more.
5. Vehicle size: The height, length, and width of your vehicle will affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs generally cost more to ship than sedans. Be sure to inform the auto transport company of any accessories like bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the required trailer size.
6. Vehicle condition: If your car is not in drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. Non-operational vehicles require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load and unload them from the trailer, taking more time and effort compared to a standard vehicle transport service.
7. Auto transport service type: The type of auto transport service you choose will impact the cost. Having someone operate your vehicle is the cheapest option, while single car trailers and enclosed transport are more expensive due to the specialized equipment needed.
8. Pickup and delivery locations: The location of your pickup and drop-off points can affect the price. Urban areas typically have vehicle shipping services nearby, and common destination routes often offer affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries may cost more due to the extra mileage and deviation from normal routes. Hard-to-access spaces can also increase the cost.
9. Auto transport insurance: While auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, not all offer additional coverage. If a company doesn't provide cargo insurance, it's highly recommended to acquire some for your vehicle during transit. Clarify what type of damage is covered, the deductible, and which parts of the vehicle are insured.
10. Time of year: Seasonality can affect vehicle shipping prices. Winter months often see higher costs due to ice, snow, and blizzard conditions slowing down routes. Spring is a great time to ship, with improved weather and more available drivers. Summer is the busiest season, with longer days, students traveling, and people moving homes, resulting in higher prices. Fall can offer slightly cheaper rates due to reduced demand after the summer rush.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
With numerous vehicle transport companies available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Searching on Google or through phone books can be time-consuming, and many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without a detailed quote request.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding a vehicle shipping service. To get started, fill out a simple form with your vehicle's make and model, pickup and delivery locations, and the dates you need to move the automobile. 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 and email. We recommend keeping email notifications on to stay informed about new quotes, which can start arriving within minutes of posting your listing. It's best to wait for a few quotes before making a decision, giving you multiple options to choose from.
Feel free to ask the transport companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, and how they secure vehicles during transport. It's crucial to clarify these details to ensure a smooth and expected experience.
Shiply's feedback and ratings system is a valuable resource when selecting a vehicle shipping company. You can view previous customers' experiences and overall scores to make an informed decision.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Independence, Missouri
Independence, Missouri, is a city located in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Many people move vehicles to and from Independence for various reasons. One common reason is relocation, either for work or personal reasons. As individuals or families move to or from Independence, they often need to transport their automobiles to their new homes.
Another reason for vehicle shipping to and from Independence is the city's central location. Independence is situated near major highways, making it a convenient hub for vehicle transport. People may ship their cars to Independence before driving them to their final destinations in nearby states or cities.
Additionally, Independence is home to several auto auctions and dealerships. These businesses often require vehicle shipping services to transport automobiles to and from their facilities. Whether it's a classic car auction or a large dealership, the demand for reliable auto transport in Independence is consistent.
Lastly, some people may ship their vehicles to or from Independence for seasonal reasons. For example, snowbirds who spend winters in warmer climates may ship their automobiles to Independence during the summer months, while others may send their classic or luxury cars to the city for special events or exhibitions.
In conclusion, the need for vehicle shipping services in Independence, Missouri, arises from various factors, including relocation, central location, auto auctions and dealerships, and seasonal demands. As a result, many auto transport companies offer services to and from this city to meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses alike.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport Autonomy
When it comes to autonomy vehicle transport, Shiply provides several advantages that simplify the procedure, accelerate it, and make it more cost-effective. Here are some of the primary benefits of utilizing Shiply for your vehicle transport requirements.
Time-Efficient
Rather than filling out a quotation form each time you desire an accurate price from a company on transporting a vehicle, on our platform, you complete one quotation form and can then receive estimates based on the information you supply from various businesses. This can save you hours of time you would have spent phoning companies and completing forms.
Communication with these businesses is also feasible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your vehicle transport information in one location.
Cost Comparison
Ultimately, the price of the vehicle transport 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 actually receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to give information and fill in details. While this is understandable, it means that price comparison and obtaining a vehicle transport quote isn't exactly a simple task.
Utilizing Shiply allows you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from vehicle transport 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 Transport
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 seeking to fill space on journeys 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 move your car 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.
Eco-Friendly
Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also more environmentally friendly! In the above example, if your car didn't get on that multi-car transporter and instead you arranged transport from a separate car shipper, then 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 cars in the other direction! Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are looking to fill their trailers on return journeys too, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being released into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Readying Your Vehicle for Transport
If you have chosen an auto transport company to move your car and feel confident using them, then it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We recommend following these steps:
Documents
It is crucial 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 determine 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, then 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 vehicle. 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 determine 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 most affordable 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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