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 & delivering it to another. This service is beneficial in various circumstances where you are unable to drive the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online & need to transport it to another state, relocating & requiring long-distance vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas when ferries are not available.
Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will explore below.
Varieties Of Vehicle Shipping Services
When it comes to vehicle shipping services, there are several crucial decisions you need to make. Firstly, you must decide where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a long-distance vehicle transport or shipping a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, where designated collection & drop-off points are used, frequently at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. While this option is typically more affordable, it requires more effort on your part to get the automobile home.
However, most individuals prefer a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a long-distance vehicle transport or just shipping a car to another state. This option is more convenient as it eliminates the need to collect your automobile from a separate location, which can be challenging without your vehicle.
Vehicle transport services are generally divided into two categories: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or putting it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Drive Your Automobile
Hiring someone to drive your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether you need to ship a car across the country or to another state. This method is often more affordable as it doesn't require trailers or an extra vehicle, & it can be faster due to its simplicity.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method that lead some individuals to choose other vehicle transport options. 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 to a nearby state. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your vehicle during the drive. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Put Your Automobile On A Trailer
Placing your automobile 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.
Single trailers are often more expensive as they only transport one vehicle at a time, but they are a great choice for moving expensive or classic cars that you want to protect from potential damage. The safest way to transport a vehicle is in a shipping container, although this is the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters, which can carry several automobiles at once, come in a few variants:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & most 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, so this may not be recommended 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 vehicles on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & 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 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 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 cost may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to obtain vehicle shipping quotes from various companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.
To get a better idea of what factors can affect the price of vehicle transport services, consider the following:
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While we all want affordable vehicle transport, several variables can impact the cost of shipping your automobile. Here are the main factors to consider:
Distance: As mentioned earlier, distance plays a significant role in determining the cost of vehicle transport. Cross-state & cross-country journeys are more expensive than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases, so you won't be paying excessively for longer distances.
International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always more expensive due to the logistics involved & the distance the automobile must travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container.
Route: Along with distance, the route taken to transport your vehicle from its collection spot to its delivery location can affect the pricing. Routes with higher traffic, such as those 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 speed at which you need your vehicle transported can also impact the price. If you have flexibility in your timings, you may find that vehicle shipping services charge less, as they can fit your automobile delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. However, if you require expedited shipping within a strict timeframe, it will typically cost more, as the vehicle transport company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.
Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of your automobile will all affect the cost of transport. Vehicle shippers require larger trailers for bigger automobiles, with SUVs generally costing more to transport than sedans. Be sure to inform the auto transport company about any accessories like bike racks or roof racks, as these can change the size of the trailer needed.
Vehicle condition: If your automobile is not in drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. Non-operational vehicles may require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load & unload them from the trailer. For example, a car with a locked wheel cannot simply be rolled onto & off a trailer, requiring more time, effort, & machinery to complete the delivery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most vehicle carriers consider a car that can brake, roll, & 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 of vehicle shipping. Having someone drive your automobile to its destination is always the most affordable option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single vehicle trailers & enclosed transport are likely to be more expensive, as they require specialized equipment. Enclosed vehicle shipping is the most expensive method, as it involves transporting your automobile alone while still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transit.
Pickup & delivery locations: The locations of your vehicle's collection & drop-off points can also influence the price of shipping. Urban areas typically have vehicle shipping services in close proximity, & common destination routes often offer affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries may cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If a collection 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, make sure 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 also 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, as ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can cause delays & reduce the maximum speed at which vehicle delivery services can operate. 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, so great rates are often available during this month.
Spring: A great time to ship your automobile, with improved weather conditions, longer days, & more available drivers, often resulting in affordable rates & 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, & a popular time for moving house. June, July, & August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, so don't expect affordable vehicle shipping during the summer.
Fall: A good time to ship a vehicle if you're looking for slightly more affordable prices. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, & 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 Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of what vehicle shipping entails & what type of auto transport service you need, you'll want to find a vehicle transport service that suits your requirements.
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 countless pages trying to find the best vehicle shipping company at the best price, & the same is true when going through phone books. Moreover, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing upfront, meaning you'll likely need to apply for a quote & fill out details with each of them individually, which can be very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options & variables involved in finding a vehicle shipping service, the search for 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 require from you is the make & model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the collection & delivery locations, & 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'll receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & 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 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.
When you have 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, & how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking these questions to any company you consider using to ensure a smooth & expected experience.
Shiply has a feedback & 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 & their overall score.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Shiprock, New Mexico
Shiprock, a census-designated place in San Juan County, New Mexico, is a popular destination for vehicle shipping due to various reasons. Many individuals move to Shiprock for job opportunities, particularly in the healthcare, education, & government sectors. The city is home to the Northern Navajo Medical Center, which serves as a major employer in the area.
Additionally, Shiprock attracts individuals & families who appreciate its rich Native American heritage & stunning natural beauty. The iconic Shiprock formation, a towering volcanic rock that rises over 1,500 feet above the desert plain, is a significant landmark & cultural symbol for the Navajo Nation.
Students attending Diné College, a tribal college serving the Navajo Nation, often require vehicle shipping services when moving to or from Shiprock for their studies. The college has a campus in Shiprock, making it a common destination for student automobile transport.
Furthermore, Shiprock's proximity to outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, & exploring the nearby Chaco Culture National Historical Park, attracts nature enthusiasts who may need to ship their vehicles to enjoy these experiences.
As a result of these factors, vehicle shipping services to & from Shiprock are in high demand, catering to the diverse needs of individuals, families, students, & professionals who call this unique corner of New Mexico home.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Car Shipping in Shiprock
Time-Efficient - Rather than filling out a quotation form each instance you desire an accurate cost from a business on shiprock vehicle transport, on our site you complete one quotation form & can then obtain estimates based on the information you supply from several companies. This can conserve you hours of effort you would have had to invest phoning businesses & inputting details. Communication with these firms is also feasible via our platform, allowing you to store all of your vehicle shipping data in a single location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial aspect in choosing which auto transport firm to employ to transport your automobile. 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 input information & complete details. While this is reasonable, it does mean that cost comparison & getting a vehicle transport estimate isn't exactly a simple process. Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from vehicle shipping businesses & compare them in one location, offering the capability to message them individually to ask any queries you may have & ultimately decide on the optimal company for you.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping in Shiprock - Auto transport firms on Shiply are usually able to provide their services for a lower cost 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 expense for. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to transport your automobile there, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that trip with 5 of the 6 spots occupied, & they are just looking 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 transport by utilizing our service.
Environmentally Friendly - Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also more eco-friendly. In the above example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter & instead you arranged transport from a separate car shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire trip would be required just for your automobile. Similarly, many car 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 move their cars in the opposite 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 emitted into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your vehicle & feel confident using them, then it's time to prepare your automobile for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Documents - It is crucial to ensure that any documents you may require 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 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.
Running 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 running 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 Evidence - One very important thing to do 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 proof 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, as well as enable you to immediately 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 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 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 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 shiprock car shipping:
How much to ship a car? Car 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 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 with regard to the most economical way to ship a car.
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 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 & delivery? In most cases, the car 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 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, & 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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