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 another 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 another state. One option is terminal-to-terminal auto delivery, which utilizes designated collection and drop-off points, frequently the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. While this alternative is typically more affordable, it demands more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. Nevertheless, the majority of individuals 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 another 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 individuals to opt for other vehicle transport options. 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.
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 different 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 preferable 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.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Vehicle?
The cost of transporting 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.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
Several factors 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 to transport your automobile from its pick-up spot to its delivery location can affect the 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 may result in lower charges, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule and reduce overheads. However, if you require expedited shipping within a strict timeframe, it will typically cost more due to the company having to dedicate a trailer and driver specifically for your delivery.
Vehicle Size: The height, length, and width of your automobile will affect 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: If your automobile 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, which takes more time, effort, and machinery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most vehicle carriers consider a car that can brake, roll, and steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
Auto Transport Service Type: The type of auto transport service you choose will also affect the cost. Having someone drive your automobile to its destination is the most affordable option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time and fuel. Single car trailers and enclosed transport are more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping is 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 in close proximity, and common destination routes tend to offer cheap 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 location, extra steps may be needed to load your automobile, which can also increase the 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 obtain 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, and any other relevant details.
Time Of Year: Seasonality can also affect the price of vehicle shipping, with many services costing more in the winter due to ice and 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, and blizzard conditions, which can also reduce the maximum speed of transport. December is typically challenging, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased vehicle shipping costs. However, February is usually quiet, and great rates are often available during this month.
Spring: An excellent time to ship your automobile, with improved weather conditions, longer days, and more available drivers, often resulting in cheap rates and high availability. March is generally better than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars 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, so don't expect cheap vehicle shipping during the summer.
Fall: A good time to ship a vehicle if you're looking for slightly cheaper prices. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, and there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, it's better to move your automobile in October or November rather than September, which is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Transport 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 you need, you probably want to find a vehicle transport service that suits your requirements. The challenge is that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there, and trying to find them on Google can result in scrolling through numerous pages to find the best vehicle shipping company at the best price. Many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing upfront, meaning you'll likely need to apply for a quote and fill out details with each of them individually, which can be time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options and variables involved in finding a vehicle shipping service, searching for and finding the right one can seem daunting. 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 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 recommend 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 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.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From West Swanzey, New Hampshire
West Swanzey, a charming town in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, is a popular destination for vehicle shipping due to various reasons. Many people relocate to West Swanzey for its picturesque setting, friendly community, and proximity to larger cities like Keene and Brattleboro, Vermont. The town's rural character and affordable housing options make it an attractive place to live, leading to an influx of residents who may require vehicle shipping services to transport their automobiles to their new homes.
Additionally, West Swanzey's location near major highways, such as Route 10 and Route 12, makes it a convenient stop for vehicle shipping companies traversing the region. This accessibility allows for more efficient and cost-effective vehicle transport services to and from the town.
Furthermore, the presence of auto dealerships and repair shops in the area may also contribute to the demand for vehicle shipping services in West Swanzey. Customers purchasing automobiles from these dealerships or sending their cars for specialized repairs may opt for professional vehicle shipping to ensure their automobiles' safe and timely delivery.
In summary, West Swanzey's appealing living conditions, strategic location, and automotive industry presence make it a common destination for vehicle shipping services, catering to the needs of both new residents and local businesses in the area.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transport in West Swanzey
Time-Efficient - Instead of completing a quotation form each time you require a precise cost from a company for transporting your automobile, on our platform, you fill out one quotation form and can then receive estimates based on the information you provide from several businesses. This can save you hours that you would have spent contacting companies and completing forms. Communication with these firms is also possible through our platform, allowing you to keep all of your "car shipping west swanzey" information in one location.
Cost Comparison - The Primary Consideration
When it comes down to it, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most significant factor in deciding which auto transport service to utilize to transport your car. The challenging aspect is that, while most companies are happy to offer average prices and rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite "west swanzey car shipping" quote without providing information and filling in details. While this is understandable, it does mean that price comparison and obtaining a car transport quote isn't exactly straightforward. Using Shiply enables you to get genuine, final price quotes from car shipping companies and compare them in one place, giving you the ability to message them individually to ask any questions and ultimately choose the best company for you.
Inexpensive Car Shipping - The Budget-Friendly Option
Auto transport companies on Shiply are typically able to provide 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 paid for the expense. For instance, 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 trip with 5 of the 6 spots filled, and they are just looking to ensure they aren't 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!
Superior for the Environment - The Eco-Friendly Option
Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it's also better for the environment! In the example above, 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 whole journey would be needed just for your vehicle. Similarly, many car transporters return from a delivery empty-handed, which is costly for them but also for the environment as there are lots of 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 trips too, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being released into the atmosphere, as well as continued cheap transport for our users.
Readying Your Car for Shipping
If you've 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's crucial to ensure that any documents you may need are available at pick up or drop off, especially if you are selling your car.
Cleaning - You should take care to remove all personal items from your car prior to shipping, for the obvious reason that you don't want to risk them getting lost or damaged in transit. It's also highly recommended that you clean your vehicle before transport as this will allow you to see its condition and notice any damages that may occur during delivery.
Running Condition - If the car will be driven at any point during shipping or driven home from the drop-off location, then you should ensure that it's in running condition. This means ensuring that there's enough fluid, as well as checking battery charge and tire pressure levels. Again, this can also help you better judge the car's condition upon arrival.
Photographic Evidence - One very important thing to do when preparing your car for the car delivery service to pick up is to take high-quality photos of all parts of the vehicle. This gives you evidence of the car's condition before shipping should anything happen 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 right away 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 properly.
Exterior Condition - You can compare the exterior of the vehicle to the photos taken of it before to see 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 hasn't 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 a lot 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 regarding 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!
