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 moving your automobile overseas. Vehicle shipping wentzville companies provide a variety of auto transport services to accommodate different requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle shipping service, the initial choice you must make is where you want your automobile collected from & transported to. 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 alternative is typically less expensive, it necessitates more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. Most individuals, however, opt for door-to-door auto transport delivery, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or just moving a car to another state.
Vehicle transport services can be classified into two primary categories: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transportation.
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 move a car across the country or to another state. The advantages of this method include lower costs, as trailers & extra vehicles are not necessary, & faster delivery due to the simplicity of the transport process. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, additional mileage will be added to your vehicle, especially when moving a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage occurring to your automobile 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 automobile on a trailer offers a higher level of safety compared to having someone operate it to its destination. Vehicle 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 by using a shipping container, although this is the most costly option. Multi-car transporters, which can carry several vehicles at once, are another popular choice & come in different variants:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your automobile 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 vehicles. Additionally, long journeys using open trailers pose a higher risk of damage & prolonged exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple cars on a carrier that is fully enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is preferable for more expensive or newer vehicles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during transport.
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, as 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, US auto transport companies 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 cost of auto transport is to collect vehicle shipping quotes from various companies, which is easily done through platforms like Shiply.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
Several factors can influence the cost of vehicle shipping, & understanding these variables can help you estimate whether your auto transport requirements will be expensive or cheap. Some of the main factors include:
Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost significantly more than interstate vehicle 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 & the distance traveled. It may also 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 additional time required. Unforeseen circumstances, like major roadworks, can also incur extra costs or necessitate a longer alternative route.
Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can lead to lower costs, as vehicle 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 due to the dedication of a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.
Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the vehicle all impact the cost of transport. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, generally cost more to transport than sedans. It's essential to inform the auto transport company about any accessories, like bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the size of the trailer required.
Vehicle condition: Non-drivable cars may incur higher auto transport costs due to the need for extra equipment, such as winches or forklifts, to load & unload the vehicle. Cars that can brake, roll, & steer are considered to be in good enough condition for easy shipping by most vehicle carriers.
Auto transport service type: The type of auto transport service selected affects the cost of vehicle shipping. Having someone operate your car is the cheapest option, while single car trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the specialized equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping is the most costly method, as it involves transporting your car alone while still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transit.
Pickup & delivery locations: The location of the pickup & drop-off points can influence the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas typically have vehicle shipping services in close proximity, & common destination routes often offer cheap vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries may cost more due to deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. Unusual or hard-to-access spaces may also require extra steps for loading, increasing the vehicle shipping cost.
Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance. If a vehicle transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended to acquire some 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, & 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, as well as reduced maximum speeds for vehicle delivery services. 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 from vehicle shipping services 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 for moving your car. March is generally better for shipping 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 all busy months for the auto transport industry, & cheap vehicle shipping is less likely during the summer.
Fall: A good time to ship a car 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 cars to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
With hundreds of vehicle transport companies available, finding the right one can be a daunting task. 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 car that needs shipping, the pickup & delivery locations, & 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 & email. We recommend keeping email notifications on to ensure you're promptly informed of new quotes. 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 several 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 vehicle shipping company. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences & the company's overall score, helping you make an informed decision.
Why People Often Move Cars To & From Wentzville, Missouri
Wentzville, Missouri, is a growing city located in the western part of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Many people move cars to & from Wentzville for various reasons, including:
Relocation: As Wentzville continues to grow, many people are moving to the city for job opportunities, affordable housing, & a high quality of life. When relocating, individuals & families often need to transport their vehicles to their new homes, leading to an increased demand for vehicle shipping wentzville services.
Online automobile purchases: With the rise of online car buying & selling platforms, more people are purchasing vehicles from out-of-state sellers. When buying a car online from or to Wentzville, shipping the automobile is often necessary, as driving long distances may not be feasible or desirable.
Seasonal moves: Some residents of Wentzville may own second homes or travel to different regions for extended periods. In these cases, they may choose to ship their cars to their destination rather than driving them, especially if the distance is significant or if they plan to fly to their second home.
College students: Wentzville is home to many families with college-aged students who attend universities in other parts of the country. When these students move to & from college, they may need to ship their cars, particularly if they are attending school far from home.
Classic car events: Wentzville hosts various classic car events throughout the year, attracting enthusiasts from across the country. Some attendees may choose to ship their classic vehicles to these events to ensure their safe arrival & to avoid adding unnecessary mileage to their prized possessions.
As Wentzville continues to grow & attract new residents, the demand for vehicle shipping services in the area is likely to increase. By understanding the reasons behind this demand, vehicle shipping companies can better serve the needs of individuals & families moving to & from Wentzville, Missouri.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Car Shipping in Wentzville
Time-Efficient - Rather than filling out a quotation form each instance you desire an accurate price from a company for Wentzville car shipping, on our platform, you complete a single quote form and can then obtain quotes from various companies based on the information you supplied. This can conserve you significant time that you would have otherwise spent contacting companies and completing forms. Communication with these companies is also feasible through our platform, allowing you to maintain all your car shipping details in one centralized location.
Rate Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the car shipping quote is the most crucial factor when selecting an auto transport company to ship your vehicle. The challenge is that while most companies willingly provide average prices and general estimates, you won't receive a definite car transport quote without submitting information and filling in details. Although this is understandable, it means that comparing prices and obtaining a car transport quote is not a simple task. Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price quotes from car shipping companies and compare them in one place, offering the opportunity to message them individually to ask any questions you may have and ultimately choose the best company for your needs.
Affordable Car Shipping in Wentzville - Auto transport companies on Shiply can typically provide their services at a lower cost than if you approached them directly. This is because they are often seeking to fill space on trips they are already making and have already invested the cost for. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York and needed to transport your car there, a company on Shiply might already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 of the 6 spots occupied, and they are simply looking to ensure they are not wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, and pick-up/drop-off locations are suitable 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 economical, but it is also more environmentally friendly. In the previous example, if your car 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 required 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 numerous people who could have utilized that transporter to move their cars in the opposite direction. Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are also looking to fill their trailers on return journeys, resulting in even less wasted CO2 being released into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Preparing Your Car for Shipping
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your car 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 belongings from your vehicle before shipping to avoid the risk of them getting lost or damaged in transit. It is also highly recommended to 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 checking fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure. This can also help you better evaluate the condition of the vehicle upon arrival.
Photographic Evidence - One essential step 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 and to enable you to promptly 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 before to determine whether any additional 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 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 frequently asked questions about car shipping:
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping prices can vary significantly 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, this drops to $0.78.
What is the most economical way to ship a car?
Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is the most economical way to ship a car. However, if you require a trailer, then a multi-car transporter will be your best option in terms of the most affordable way to ship a car.
How do I pay for my auto transport?
This is dependent on 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.
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 can be shipped on Shiply. With hundreds of transport providers available to bid on your job, there will always be someone who is up for the task and has the right equipment to safely carry it out.
,378 words
