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 vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online, relocating to a new residence, or transporting your automobile overseas. Vehicle shipping companies provide a variety of services to accommodate your specific requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, you must determine where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a long-distance car transport or shipping a vehicle to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, where designated collection & drop-off points are utilized, frequently at the car transport company's stores or operating bases. This alternative is typically more affordable but requires more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. However, most individuals prefer a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of the distance.
Vehicle transport 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 Automobile
Employing someone to drive your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether it's a long-distance or interstate move. This approach is often more affordable as it doesn't require trailers or an additional vehicle. It can also be quicker due to the straightforward nature of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to this method. Firstly, mileage is added to your vehicle during the journey, which can be significant for long-distance shipping. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your automobile during the drive. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals purchasing or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place 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. 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, which can carry many automobiles at once.
Open car shipping is the most affordable & common option for transporting a vehicle. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to the 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. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage & 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 car 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, US auto transport companies 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 find out the cost of auto transport is to collect vehicle shipping quotes from different companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
Several factors can impact the cost of vehicle shipping, including:
1. Distance: Cross-state & long-distance journeys cost more than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases.
2. International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always more expensive due to the logistics involved & the distance traveled. It may require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container for your automobile.
3. Route: The route taken from the collection 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 different, longer route.
4. Shipping dates: The speed at which you need your vehicle transported can impact the price. Flexible timings often result in lower charges, as the vehicle shipping service can fit your delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. Expedited shipping, where you require auto transport within a strict timeframe, typically costs more as the company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.
5. Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the automobile affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, generally cost more to transport than sedans, as they require larger trailers. Always inform the auto transport company about any accessories on the vehicle, like bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the size of the trailer needed.
6. 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 & unload them from the trailer, taking more time, effort, & machinery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most car carriers consider a vehicle that can brake, roll, & steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
7. Auto transport service type: The type of auto transport service you choose affects the cost of vehicle shipping. Having someone drive your automobile to its destination is the most affordable option, as you're essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is the most expensive method, as your vehicle travels alone & still needs specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
8. Pickup & delivery locations: The locations of pickup & delivery can also influence the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services nearby, & common destination routes tend to offer affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If a pickup or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access space, extra steps may be needed to load your automobile, increasing the vehicle shipping cost.
9. 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 & acquire coverage 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, & any other relevant details.
10. Time of year: Seasonality can 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 due to potential delays caused by ice, snow, & 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. February, however, is usually quiet, & great rates are often available during this month.
- Spring: An excellent 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 for shipping than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states.
- Summer: The prime season for shipping cars, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving houses. 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. October or November are better options than September, which is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
With hundreds of vehicle transport companies available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Searching on Google can lead to scrolling through numerous pages to find the best vehicle shipping company at the best price, & many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without an individual quote application, which can be time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding the right vehicle shipping service. To get started, fill out a simple form with the make & model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the automobile. This information allows 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. We recommend keeping email notifications on so you can be immediately notified of new quotes, which can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing. Wait for a few quotes before making a decision to have multiple options to choose from.
When you have a few quotes, ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), insurance coverage, & how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking these questions to any company you consider to ensure a smooth & expected process.
Shiply's feedback & ratings system is a valuable resource when 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 Toledo, Ohio, US
Toledo, Ohio, is a city located in the northwestern part of the state, known for its diverse economy, including automotive, glass, & technology industries. Many people move automobiles to & from Toledo for various reasons:
1. Relocation: When individuals or families move to or from Toledo for work or personal reasons, they often need to transport their vehicles to their new home.
2. Buying or selling cars: Toledo's automotive industry attracts car enthusiasts & dealers who may purchase automobiles from the area or sell cars to buyers in Toledo.
3. College students: The University of Toledo & other educational institutions in the area draw students from across the country who may need to ship their cars to & from Toledo at the beginning & end of the academic year.
4. Seasonal residents: Some people may have second homes or spend extended periods in Toledo, necessitating the transport of their automobiles to & from the city.
5. Auto shows & events: Toledo hosts various automotive events, such as the Toledo Auto Show, which may require exhibitors to ship their vehicles to & from the city.
With its central location & proximity to major highways, Toledo is a convenient hub for vehicle shipping services, making it easier for people to transport their automobiles to & from the city as needed.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Automobile Transportation in Toledo
Time-efficient - Rather than filling out a quotation form each instance you desire an accurate cost from a business for transporting a vehicle, on our site, you complete a single quote form & can then obtain estimates based on the information you supply from several companies. This can conserve you hours of effort you would have spent phoning businesses & inputting details. Communication with these firms is also feasible via our platform, allowing you to store all your Toledo automobile shipping data in one location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial aspect in choosing which auto transport company to employ to transport your automobile. The challenge is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices & rough estimates, you won't receive a definite car transport quote without supplying information & filling in specifics. Although this is reasonable, it means that comparing prices & getting a vehicle transport quote is not a simple task. Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from automobile shipping companies & compare them in one place, offering the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately choose the best firm for you.
Affordable Automobile Shipping - Auto transport businesses on Shiply can usually provide their services at 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 vehicle 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 wasting 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.
Eco-Friendly - Using Shiply for auto transport is not only more affordable but also more environmentally friendly! In the previous example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter & instead, you arranged transport from a separate car shipper, the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire journey 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 vehicles in the opposite direction. Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are also looking to fill their trailers on return journeys, 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 selected an auto transport company to transport your vehicle & feel confident using them, it's time to get your car ready for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Documents - It is crucial to ensure that any necessary documents 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 before 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, 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 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, 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 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, 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 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 & 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 task & has the right equipment to safely carry it out.
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