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 car yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used vehicle online & need to transport it to another state, relocating & requiring cross-country vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile abroad when ferries are not available. Luckily, there are numerous vehicle transport services available to cater to your specific requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial choice you need to make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country vehicle transportation or shipping a car to another state. 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 more affordable, it necessitates more effort on your part to get the automobile home. However, most individuals prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, irrespective of the distance.
Vehicle transportation services are generally categorized into two types: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Drive Your Vehicle
Employing someone to drive your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether it's across the country or to another state. The advantages of this approach include lower costs, as trailers & extra vehicles are not necessary, & quicker delivery due to the simplicity of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to this approach that lead some individuals to opt for other types of vehicle transport. Firstly, mileage is added to your automobile during the journey, which can be substantial when shipping a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your vehicle while it is being driven. These concerns are especially relevant for individuals buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Put Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Placing your vehicle on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone drive it to its destination. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile. You can choose between a single trailer for your vehicle, which is more expensive but ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars, or a multi-car transporter that can carry multiple vehicles simultaneously.
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 the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Additionally, long journeys in 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 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 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 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 obtain vehicle shipping quotes from multiple companies, which is easily done through platforms like Shiply.
Several factors can affect the cost of auto transport, including:
- Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost more than interstate vehicle delivery.
- International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always more expensive due to the logistics involved & the distance traveled.
- Route: Routes with higher traffic or unforeseen circumstances like roadworks can increase costs.
- Shipping dates: Flexible timings can result in lower costs, while expedited shipping is more expensive.
- Vehicle size: Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, cost more to transport than sedans.
- Vehicle condition: Non-drivable cars may require extra equipment, increasing the cost.
- Auto transport service type: Having someone drive your vehicle is the cheapest option, while enclosed vehicle shipping is the most expensive.
- Pickup & delivery locations: Urban areas are usually cheaper, while rural or hard-to-access locations can increase costs.
- Auto transport insurance: Additional cargo insurance may be necessary, affecting the overall cost.
- Time of year: Seasonality can impact prices, with winter being the most expensive & spring offering better rates.
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, & many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without a detailed quote application. This is where Shiply can help simplify the process.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a vehicle shipping service by allowing you to fill out a simple form with your automobile's make & model, pickup & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the vehicle. This information enables 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. It's recommended to keep email notifications on to be promptly informed of new quotes. While quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, it's advisable to wait for a few options before making a decision.
After receiving a few 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 another 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 Vehicles To & From Hastings, Nebraska
Hastings, a city in Adams County, Nebraska, is a popular destination for vehicle shipping due to various reasons. As the county seat & the principal city of the Hastings, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area, Hastings attracts people for employment opportunities, education, & its central location within the state. Hastings College, a private liberal arts college, draws students from across the country, often requiring vehicle shipping services at the beginning & end of academic terms.
Moreover, Hastings is known for its manufacturing industry, with several major manufacturers located in the city, leading to job-related relocations & the need for vehicle transport services. The city's proximity to Interstate 80, a major east-west transportation corridor, makes it a convenient location for vehicle shipping companies to serve.
Additionally, Hastings' location in the heart of Nebraska's agricultural region means that many farmers & agricultural professionals may require vehicle shipping services when purchasing or selling automobiles, or when attending events & trade shows in other parts of the country. The city's growing population & diverse economy continue to drive demand for vehicle shipping services to & from Hastings, Nebraska.
Why Utilize Shiply For Vehicle Transport in Hastings? The Details
Transporting your vehicle can be a genuine hassle, but Shiply makes it significantly simpler. Rather than completing countless quotation forms, you just fill out one on their website & receive estimates from various vehicle transport hastings businesses. Saves you a great deal of time you'd spend phoning around.
The greatest aspect is you can evaluate all the ultimate prices right there. Obtaining a genuine estimate for hastings vehicle transport is typically a headache, but Shiply allows you to view the real deal from different companies. You can even contact them with any inquiries to select the ideal one.
Utilizing Shiply can save you crazy money too. The transport businesses are frequently just attempting to fill vacant spaces on trips they're already taking. For instance, if they're traveling from LA to NY with 5 of 6 vehicle spots occupied, they'll give you an awesome deal to take that final spot. Could save you up to 75%!
It's more environmentally friendly too. Instead of having a whole separate truck just for your vehicle, you're riding along with a trip that's already occurring. Many companies on Shiply are also seeking to fill their trucks on the way back to avoid driving empty, reducing emissions.
Preparing Your Ride For Transport
Once you secure a transporter, get your vehicle ready:
- Have any documents ready for pickup/dropoff, especially if selling
- Remove all your personal items so nothing gets lost or damaged
- Ensure it can run & has sufficient fluids if it needs to be driven
- Capture numerous pics to document the condition before transport
After Your Vehicle Arrives
When your vehicle gets delivered:
- Inspect lights, brakes, engine - anything not functioning correctly?
- Compare the exterior to your pics, ensure no new damage
- If it was driven, verify the mileage matches the trip
- Definitely leave a review for the transporter on Shiply to assist others!
FAQs on Transporting Vehicles
How much to transport a vehicle? Depends, but typically around $2.92/mile for under 200 miles, $0.93 for 200-500 miles, & $0.78 for over 1,000 miles.
Cheapest way to transport? Having someone drive it. But for a trailered shipment, a multi-vehicle hauler is most economical.
How to pay? Ask your transporter, most are adaptable.
Can I track my shipment? Some transporters provide tracking, message them to see.
Do I need to be present for pickup/dropoff? Yep, usually they require you to sign papers & provide keys.
Can I leave items in the vehicle? A bit is okay but it may cost more & isn't covered by insurance.
How much gas? Around 1/4 tank is good.
Can I transport a non-running vehicle? Yep but it costs extra for special equipment.
What about modified vehicles? Shiply has numerous haulers, someone can handle your custom ride no issues.
