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 and transporting it to another. This service proves useful in numerous situations where you are unable to drive the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online and needing to transport it to a different state, relocating and requiring long-distance vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas when ferries are unavailable. Luckily, there are various auto transport services available to cater to your unique requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Shipping Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial choice you must make is where you want your automobile collected from and delivered to, whether it's a long-distance vehicle transport or shipping a car to a different state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is a possibility, where designated collection and drop-off points, frequently the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. This option is typically more affordable but demands more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. However, the majority of people prefer a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected and dropped off at their doorstep, irrespective of the distance.
Vehicle shipping services are generally categorized into two types: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Engage Someone To Drive Your Vehicle
Engaging someone to drive your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether it's across the country or to a different state. The advantages of this approach include lower costs, as trailers and additional vehicles are not necessary, and quicker delivery due to the simplicity of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to this method that cause some people 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 people buying 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 is a safer way to guarantee a higher level of protection than having someone drive it to its destination. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value and 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 several automobiles at once. The safest way to transport a vehicle is in a shipping container, but this is also the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters come in a few variants:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable and common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier and driven to its destination. While all vehicles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable automobiles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage and prolonged exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple vehicles on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, and 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 transport.
If you need to move your automobile 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.
What Is The Cost Of Shipping 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 and 500 miles, and $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles. However, these are just averages, and 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 on Shiply.
Elements That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
Several elements can impact the cost of vehicle shipping, including:
Distance: Cross-state and cross-country journeys cost significantly more than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases.
International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always expensive due to the logistics involved and 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 added time. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs or require a longer alternative route.
Shipping Dates: The urgency of your vehicle transportation can impact the price. Flexible timings often result in lower charges, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule and reduce overheads. However, expedited shipping within a strict timeframe typically costs more, as the company may need to dedicate a trailer and driver specifically for your delivery.
Vehicle Size: The height, length, and width of the automobile affect the cost of transport. Larger automobiles, such as SUVs, generally cost more to transport than sedans, as they require larger trailers. Always inform the auto transport company about any accessories like bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the trailer size needed.
Vehicle Condition: If your automobile is not drivable, it may increase the cost of auto transport. Non-operational automobiles require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load and unload them from the trailer, taking more time, effort, and machinery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most vehicle carriers consider a car in good enough condition to ship easily if it can brake, roll, and steer.
Auto Transport Service Type: The type of auto transport service you choose also affects the cost. Having someone drive your automobile to its destination is always the most affordable option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time and fuel. Single vehicle trailers and enclosed transport are likely to be more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping is always the most expensive method, as it involves your automobile traveling alone and still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, and protection during transport.
Locations Of Pickup And Delivery: The pick-up and drop-off locations can also influence the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services nearby, and common destination routes tend to offer affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes and extra mileage for the company. If a pick-up or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access space, extra steps may be needed to load your automobile, which can also increase the vehicle shipping cost.
Auto Transport Insurance: While all auto 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 seek out and acquire some for your automobile 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 automobile are covered, and any other relevant details.
Time Of Year: Seasonality can also affect the price of vehicle shipping, with many services costing more to ship a car in the winter due to ice and snow slowing the routes. Here is a quick breakdown of how each season can affect auto transport costs:
Winter: Often the most expensive season to ship your automobile due to ice, snow, and blizzard conditions causing delays and reducing the maximum speed of vehicle delivery services. December is typically challenging, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased automobile shipping costs. However, February is usually quiet, and great rates are often available from vehicle shipping services during this month.
Spring: A great time to ship your automobile, with improved weather conditions, longer days, and more available drivers, often resulting in affordable rates and high availability. March is generally better than April or May, as there is often a rush to move vehicles from colder to warmer states.
Summer: The prime season for shipping vehicles, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, and a popular time for moving house. June, July, and August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, and affordable vehicle shipping is unlikely during the summer.
Fall: A good time to ship a vehicle if you are looking for slightly more affordable prices. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, and there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, it is better to move your automobile in October or November rather than September, which is peak time for students shipping their vehicles to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of vehicle shipping, the types of vehicle shipping services available, and what factors can affect the cost, you may be wondering how to find the right vehicle transport service for your needs.
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 vehicle shipping company at the best price, and 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 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 Assist In Finding Auto Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options and variables involved in finding a vehicle shipping service, the task can seem daunting. This is where Shiply can help simplify the process.
On Shiply, you only need to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. All we require from you is the make and model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup and delivery locations, and the dates you need to move the automobile. This information allows the auto 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), what insurance they offer, and how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking any company you consider these questions to ensure that everything goes smoothly and as expected.
Shiply has a feedback and ratings system that we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your automobile. 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 Vehicles To And From Lexington, Nebraska
Lexington, Nebraska, is a city located in the central part of the state, known for its strong agricultural economy and growing industrial sector. Many people move automobiles to and from Lexington for various reasons, such as relocating for work, buying or selling vehicles online, or transporting classic cars to events or shows.
One of the main reasons people ship vehicles to Lexington is due to the city's thriving job market. With a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education, Lexington attracts professionals from across the country. When relocating for work, many people choose to ship their automobiles to Lexington rather than driving long distances themselves.
Additionally, Lexington's central location makes it a convenient hub for vehicle shipping. Situated along Interstate 80, the city is easily accessible for vehicle transport companies, making it an ideal location for picking up or dropping off automobiles. This accessibility also contributes to more competitive pricing for vehicle shipping services to and from Lexington.
Furthermore, Lexington is home to a growing number of classic car enthusiasts. The city hosts several annual car shows and events, attracting owners of vintage and classic automobiles from across the region. When attending these events, many owners opt to ship their vehicles to Lexington to ensure their safe arrival and to avoid adding unnecessary mileage to their prized possessions.
In conclusion, people often move automobiles to and from Lexington, Nebraska, for various reasons, including relocating for work, buying or selling vehicles online, and transporting classic cars to events. The city's strong economy, central location, and accessibility make it an attractive destination for vehicle shipping, while its growing classic car community further contributes to the demand for reliable auto transport services in the area.
The Benefits Of Using Shiply For Vehicle Transport in Lexington
Time-Efficient - Rather than filling out a quotation form each instance you desire an accurate cost from a business on transporting a vehicle, on our site you complete one quotation form & can then obtain quotes based on the information you supply from several companies. This can conserve you hours of effort you would have had to invest phoning companies & inputting details. Communication with these businesses is all feasible via our platform too, allowing you to store all of your Lexington vehicle transport data in a single location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle transport estimate is the most crucial aspect in choosing which auto shipping company to employ to transport your vehicle. The challenging part is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average costs & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to give information & enter details. While this is reasonable, it does mean that cost comparison & getting a vehicle transport estimate isn't precisely a simple process. Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final cost quotes from vehicle transport companies & compare them in one place, offering the capability to message them individually to inquire about any questions you may have & ultimately decide on the optimal company for you.
Affordable Vehicle Transport - Auto shipping businesses on Shiply are usually able to provide their services for a reduced rate than if you went directly to them. This is because they are frequently seeking to fill space on trips they are already making & have already invested the cost for. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to transfer your vehicle there. On Shiply, a business may already have a multi-vehicle transporter making that trip with 5 of the 6 spots occupied, & they are just aiming to ensure they are not squandering any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations are suitable for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto shipping by using our service.
Eco-Friendlier - Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also more environmentally friendly. In the above example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-vehicle transporter & instead you arranged shipping from a separate vehicle transporter, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire trip would be required just for your vehicle. Similarly, many vehicle transporters return from a delivery empty-handed, which is not only expensive for them but also for the environment as there are many people who could have utilized that transporter to transfer their vehicles in the opposite direction. Many of the auto shippers on Shiply are looking to fill their trailers on return trips too, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being emitted into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Getting Ready For Your Vehicle To Be Transported
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transfer your vehicle & feel confident using them, then it's time to get your vehicle ready for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Paperwork - It is crucial to ensure that any documents you may require are accessible at pick up or drop off, especially if you are selling your vehicle.
Cleansing - You should take care to remove all personal belongings 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 & notice any damages that may occur during delivery.
Operational 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 operational 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 assess the condition of the vehicle upon arrival.
Photographic Proof - One very important thing to do when preparing your vehicle for the vehicle 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 vehicle shipping company you selected has completed their delivery, there are a few things you should do:
Inspect 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 vehicle delivery service should anything not be working as it should.
External 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, & you want to be sure your vehicle transport service has not done so.
Verify Mileage - This is more relevant to vehicle 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 vehicle shipping services with the same peace of mind.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have answered some of the most asked questions about vehicle shipping:
How much to ship a vehicle? Vehicle 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 most affordable way to ship a vehicle? 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-vehicle transporter will be your best option with regard to the most affordable way to ship a vehicle.
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 vehicle delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most companies will be flexible with payment options, however.
Can I track my vehicle transport online? Each vehicle shipping company on Shiply has different ways of operating, but many offer the ability to track your vehicle shipment, with some even able to provide personal updates. If you require tracking, you should message individual vehicle transport companies to confirm that this is possible with them.
Does someone have to be present for pickup & delivery? In most cases, the vehicle 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 vehicle keys.
Can I keep items in my vehicle during my vehicle shipment? Most vehicle 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.
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