What Is Vehicle Transportation?
Vehicle transportation, also known as car shipping or auto transport, is a service offered by vehicle shipping companies that involves collecting your automobile from one location and delivering it to another. This service is beneficial in various situations where you are unable to operate the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online, relocating to a new residence, or transporting a vehicle across the country. Vehicle shipping services can also be advantageous when you need to transport your automobile abroad, and unless ferry services are available, you will need to depend on an auto transport company to manage the task for you.
Luckily, there are several vehicle transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will discuss below.
Types Of Vehicle Shipping Services
When it comes to vehicle shipping services, there are a few options to consider. The first decision you'll need to make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or shipping a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is one option, where designated collection and drop-off points, often the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, are used. While terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is generally more affordable, it does require more effort on your part to get the vehicle home.
Most people, however, opt for a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected and dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or just shipping a car to another state. This option is often more convenient as it eliminates the need to travel to collect your automobile, which can be challenging without your vehicle in the first place!
Vehicle transport services can be broadly categorized into two types: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or putting it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
One straightforward solution to vehicle shipping is hiring someone to operate your automobile to its destination, whether you need to ship a car across the country or to another state. The advantages of this auto transport method include lower costs, as trailers and an extra vehicle are not required, and faster delivery due to the simplicity of the transport process.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method offered by vehicle shipping companies that lead some people to choose other types of vehicle transport. Firstly, mileage is added to your automobile during the journey, which can be significant when shipping a car across the country, although less so when shipping a car to a nearby state. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your vehicle while it is being operated from point A to point B. 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 Vehicle On A Trailer
Putting your automobile on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone operate your vehicle to its destination. When it comes to vehicle shipping trailers, there are several options available depending on the value and size of your automobile.
First, you need to decide whether you want a single trailer for your vehicle. These are often more expensive as they only transport one automobile at a time, but they are an excellent choice if you are moving an expensive or classic car that you don't want to risk damaging. The safest way to transport a vehicle is to put it in a shipping container, but this is by far the most expensive option.
The other option is a multi-car transporter, which can transport many vehicles at once. There are a few variants of multi-car transporters:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable and most common option when transporting a car. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier and driven to the destination. While all vehicles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, so vehicle shipping companies may not recommend this option for highly valuable automobiles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage and expose your vehicle to the elements for extended periods, even though it may be the most affordable way to ship a car cross-country.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple vehicles on a carrier, but they are enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, and debris during transit. This option is often preferable for more expensive or newer automobiles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during auto transport.
If you need to move your automobile overseas, it's best to find a specialist service on our platform or one 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 based 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 vehicle transport companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.
If you want to get an idea of how much you can expect your vehicle delivery to cost, consider the factors that can affect the price of vehicle transport services, which we will discuss below.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While we all want affordable vehicle transport, several factors and variables can impact the cost of your vehicle shipping. Let's explore the main ones to help you understand whether your auto transport requirements will be expensive or economical.
As mentioned earlier, distance plays a significant role in determining the cost of your vehicle transport, with cross-state and cross-country journeys being more expensive than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable option.
Although longer distances do cost more, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases, ensuring that you aren't paying excessively for longer trips.
International shipping always results in expensive vehicle shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring an automobile overseas and the distance it needs to travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container for your vehicle.
The route required to take your automobile from its collection spot to its delivery spot can also affect the pricing of your vehicle carrier service. Routes with known higher traffic, such as in LA, may end up costing more than quieter roads due to the additional time added to the journey. Similarly, unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could incur extra costs from the vehicle moving companies or require a different, longer route.
The shipping dates can also impact the price. If you are flexible with timings, you may find that your vehicle shipping service charges less, as they can fit your automobile delivery into their schedule and reduce overheads, passing the savings on to you. However, if you require auto transport within a strict timeframe (often known as expedited shipping), it will typically cost more, as the vehicle transport company may need to dedicate a trailer and driver specifically for your delivery.
The size of your automobile, including its height, length, and width, will affect the cost of transport. Vehicle shippers will require larger trailers for bigger automobiles, with SUVs typically costing more on average to transport than sedans. Always inform the auto transport company about any bike racks, roof racks, or other accessories on the vehicle, as these can change the size of the trailer required for the delivery.
If your automobile is not in drivable condition, it may make your auto transport more expensive. This is because it may require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load and unload your vehicle from the trailer. For example, if your automobile has a locked wheel, it will be impossible to simply roll it onto a trailer and off again, requiring more time, effort, and machinery to complete the delivery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most vehicle carriers consider an automobile that can brake, roll, and steer to be in good enough condition to ship easily.
The type of auto transport service you select will also affect the cost of your vehicle shipping. Having someone operate your automobile to its destination will always be the most affordable option, as you are essentially just paying for the driver's time and fuel. Single vehicle trailers and enclosed transport will likely be more expensive, as they require extra equipment. Enclosed vehicle shipping is always the most expensive method of shipping an automobile, as it means your vehicle travels on its own and still needs specialist equipment to load, unload, and protect it during transport.
The locations of pickup and delivery can also increase the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services in close proximity, and if it is a common destination route, you will tend to get 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.
While all auto transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance, as it is not required by law. If a vehicle transport company does not offer cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you seek out and acquire some for your automobile during its transit. As with all insurance policies, make sure you are clear on what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, what parts of the vehicle are covered by the insurance, and any other questions you may have.
Seasonality can also affect the price of vehicle shipping, with many services costing more to ship an automobile 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 is often the most expensive season to ship your automobile. Ice, snow, and blizzard conditions can all cause delays on the roads and reduce the maximum speed at which the vehicle delivery service can transport cars. December is typically a difficult time to have a vehicle shipped, 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 is a great time to ship your automobile with a vehicle transportation service. With improved weather conditions, longer days, and more drivers ready to work, Spring can often mean affordable rates and high availability when it comes to moving your vehicle. March is often a better time to ship than April or May, as there is often a rush to move vehicles from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the prime season for shipping vehicles - the days are the longest in the year, students are traveling home from universities, employees take vacations, and it is also a very popular time to move house. This means that June, July, and August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, and you should not expect affordable vehicle shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a vehicle if you are looking for a slightly more affordable price. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, and there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, you are better off looking to move your automobile in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their vehicles to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding A Vehicle Transport Service
Now that you know more about what vehicle shipping and a vehicle shipping service are and what sort of auto transport service you need, you probably want to go ahead and find a vehicle transport service that is right for you.
The issue is that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there. Trying to find them on Google can result in scrolling through numerous pages trying to find the best vehicle shipping company for the best price, and the same is true if you were going to go through phone books. Furthermore, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing, 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 Help Find Vehicle Transport Companies?
Given all of the options and variables involved with finding a vehicle shipping service, actually searching for and finding the right one can seem like a daunting task, and 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 are the make and model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup location and delivery location, and the dates that you need to move the automobile. This gives the auto transport providers on Shiply enough information to provide you with an accurate quote for your job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox and to your email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can know immediately when a new quote comes through. Quotes can start coming through within a few minutes of posting your listing, but we always recommend waiting for a few to come through before making a decision so that you have multiple options to choose from.
Once you have a few quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as when they are available (if a time frame is given), what insurance they have, and how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking any company you may use these questions to ensure that everything goes smoothly and as expected.
Shiply has a feedback and ratings system, which we highly recommend looking at before selecting a quote to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company, as well as their overall score.
Vehicle Shipping Carlsbad
Carlsbad, New Mexico, US, is a popular destination for people moving their vehicles to and from the area. Many individuals relocate to Carlsbad for work opportunities, particularly in the oil and gas industry, as well as for retirement. When moving to or from Carlsbad, it is essential to consider the best way to transport your automobile.
Vehicle shipping companies offer convenient services for those looking to move their cars to or from Carlsbad. By using a reliable Carlsbad vehicle shipping service, you can ensure that your automobile arrives at its destination safely and on time, without the need for you to make the long drive yourself. This is especially beneficial if you are moving a long distance or have multiple vehicles to transport.
When choosing a vehicle shipping company for your Carlsbad move, it is important to research and compare different providers to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Look for companies with experience in shipping vehicles to and from Carlsbad, as well as those with positive customer reviews and competitive pricing.
By utilizing vehicle shipping services for your move to or from Carlsbad, New Mexico, you can simplify the relocation process and have peace of mind knowing that your automobile is in good hands.
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The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Carlsbad
When it comes to shipping a car in Carlsbad, Shiply provides several advantages that make it the perfect option for anyone seeking to move their automobile. Here are some of the primary benefits of utilizing Shiply for your vehicle transport requirements.
Convenient & Time-Efficient
Rather than completing numerous quotation forms each time you desire a precise price from a company on transporting a car, on our platform, you only have to fill out one quote form. Based on the information you supply, you can obtain quotes from multiple companies. This can save you hours of time that you would have spent contacting companies & filling out forms.
Furthermore, all communication with these companies is feasible through our platform, enabling you to maintain all your vehicle shipping details in one convenient location.
Easy Price Comparison
When it comes to selecting which auto transport company to employ for moving your vehicle, the price of the car shipping quote is the most important factor. However, obtaining a firm car transport quote can be difficult, as most companies only provide average prices and rough estimates without requiring you to fill in details.
Shiply streamlines this process by allowing you to receive authentic, final price quotes from vehicle shipping companies and compare them in one place. You can message them individually to ask any questions you may have and ultimately choose the best company for your needs.
Budget-Friendly Vehicle Transport in Carlsbad
Auto transport companies on Shiply frequently offer their services at a reduced cost compared to going directly to them. This is because they are often looking to fill space on trips they are already making, having already invested the cost.
For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York and needed to move your vehicle, a company on Shiply might already have a multi-car transporter making that trip with 5 of the 6 spots filled. They are simply looking to ensure they aren't wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations work for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service.
Eco-Friendly
Using Shiply for auto transport is not only more affordable but also more environmentally friendly. In the previous example, if your car didn't get on that multi-car transporter and you arranged transport from a separate car shipper instead, 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 costly for them and the environment, as there are many people who could have used that transporter to move their cars in the opposite direction. Many auto transporters on Shiply aim to fill their trailers on return journeys, resulting in even less wasted CO2 being released into the atmosphere while providing continued cheap transport for our users.
Readying Your Vehicle for Transport
If you've selected an auto transport company to move your car & feel confident using them, it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We recommend following these steps:
Documents: Ensure that any necessary documents are available at pick-up or drop-off, especially if you are selling your automobile.
Cleaning: Remove all personal items from your vehicle before shipping to avoid the risk of them getting lost or damaged in transit. It's 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, ensure that it is in running condition. This means checking fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure. This can also help you better judge the condition of the vehicle upon arrival.
Photographic Evidence: Before the car delivery service picks up your vehicle, 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, & 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 if anything is not working as it should.
Exterior Condition: 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 checking the mileage can help 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 others can browse car shipping services with the same peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have answered some of the most commonly 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 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 affordable way to ship a car? Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is the cheapest way to ship a car. However, if you require a trailer, a multi-car transporter will be your best option for the most affordable way to ship a car.
How do I pay for my auto transport? This depends 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 providing 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 & 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 & 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.
When it comes to car shipping Carlsbad, Shiply is the go-to platform for finding reliable and affordable auto transport services. With its user-friendly interface, extensive network of car shipping companies, and commitment to environmental sustainability, Shiply makes the process of transporting your vehicle hassle-free and cost-effective. Whether you're moving across the country or simply need to relocate your car, trust Shiply to connect you with the best carlsbad car shipping options available.
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