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 various circumstances where operating the vehicle yourself is not practical, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online, relocating to a new residence across the nation, or transporting your automobile overseas. Vehicle shipping services provide a practical solution for those who need to move their cars without the inconvenience of driving long distances.
Fortunately, there are numerous auto transport services available to accommodate your specific requirements. These services include terminal-to-terminal car delivery, where designated collection and drop-off points are utilized, and door-to-door vehicle transport, which provides the convenience of having your automobile picked up and delivered directly to your doorstep. Whether you require cross-country vehicle shipping or need to transport your car to another state, auto shipping companies offer options to cater to your preferences.
Types Of Vehicle Transport Services
When it comes to vehicle transport services, you have two primary options: engaging someone to drive your automobile to the destination or having your car placed on a trailer for transportation. Each approach has its pros and cons, and the decision ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Engaging someone to operate your vehicle is a straightforward solution for car shipping, particularly when transporting a car to another nearby state. This method is often more cost-effective as it eliminates the need for trailers and additional vehicles. It also offers a quicker turnaround time due to the simplicity of the transport process. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the added mileage to your automobile, especially when shipping a car across the country. Additionally, there is a slight risk of damage occurring to your vehicle during the journey, which can be a concern for those purchasing or selling cars online who want to ensure the automobile arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Alternatively, placing your car on a trailer offers a higher level of security compared to having someone drive it. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, catering to different automobile sizes and values. For expensive or classic cars, single trailers provide a more secure transportation method, minimizing the risk of damage. The safest option is to transport your vehicle in a shipping container, although this is the most costly choice.
Multi-car transporters are another popular option, allowing multiple vehicles to be transported simultaneously. Open car shipping is the most common and affordable variant, where automobiles are safely secured on an open carrier. However, the vehicles are exposed to the elements during transit, making it less suitable for highly valuable cars. On the other hand, enclosed auto transport offers added protection by enclosing the automobiles within the carrier, shielding them from dust, weather, and debris. This option is preferable for newer or more expensive vehicles.
If you need to transport your automobile overseas, it's essential to find a specialist service or a company with experience in international car shipping. These providers can offer tailored advice based on your specific requirements, ensuring a smooth and efficient overseas auto transport process.
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 per mile for distances between 200 and 500 miles, and $0.78 per mile for trips exceeding 1,000 miles. However, these figures are merely averages, and your actual vehicle transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances.
To get an accurate estimate of your car shipping expenses, it's best to obtain quotes from multiple vehicle transport companies. Shiply makes this process easy by allowing you to collect car shipping quotes effortlessly.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
Several variables influence the cost of vehicle transport, and understanding these factors can help you anticipate whether your car shipping will be expensive or affordable. Some of the main factors include:
1. Distance: The distance your automobile needs to travel significantly impacts the cost of vehicle transport. Cross-state and cross-country journeys are generally more expensive than interstate car deliveries, which are often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the distance increases, ensuring that you don't pay excessively for longer trips.
2. International Shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always more costly due to the complex logistics involved and the longer distances covered. It may require specialized enclosed trailers or even a shipping container for your automobile.
3. Route: The route taken to transport your car from the pick-up location to the delivery spot can affect the pricing. Routes with higher traffic, such as those in Los Angeles, may incur additional costs compared to quieter roads due to the increased travel time. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks can also lead to extra expenses or necessitate alternative routes that take longer.
4. Shipping Dates: The urgency of your vehicle transportation service can impact the price. If you have flexibility in terms of timings, you may find that car shipping companies offer lower rates. This is because they can accommodate your automobile delivery within their existing schedule, reducing overheads and passing the savings on to you. Conversely, if you require expedited shipping within a strict timeframe, it will likely cost more as the vehicle transport company may need to dedicate a trailer and driver specifically for your delivery.
5. Vehicle Size: The dimensions of your automobile, including its height, length, and width, play a role in determining the shipping cost. Larger vehicles like SUVs typically cost more to transport than sedans because they require bigger trailers. It's crucial to inform the auto transport company about any accessories on your car, such as bike racks or roof racks, as they can alter the size of the trailer needed for the delivery.
6. Vehicle Condition: If your automobile is not in a drivable state, it may increase the cost of vehicle transport. Non-operational vehicles require additional equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load and unload them from the trailer. This extra effort and machinery can make the delivery more expensive compared to transporting a standard car that can brake, roll, and steer.
7. Auto Transport Service Type: The type of vehicle transport service you choose directly affects the cost of shipping your car. Having someone drive your automobile to its destination is usually the most affordable option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time and fuel. Single car trailers and enclosed transport, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive due to the specialized equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is typically the most costly method as it involves transporting your vehicle individually while still needing specialized equipment for loading, unloading, and protection during transit.
8. Pickup and Delivery Locations: The locations of the pickup and delivery points can influence the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas generally have car shipping services in close proximity, and if the route is commonly traveled, you can expect more affordable rates. In contrast, rural deliveries may cost more as they require deviations from standard routes and additional mileage for the company. If the pickup or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access location, extra steps may be necessary to load your automobile, further increasing the vehicle shipping cost.
9. Auto Transport Insurance: While all vehicle transport companies must carry liability insurance, not all of them offer additional coverage. If a car transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you obtain supplementary insurance for your automobile during transit. When considering insurance policies, ensure that you understand the type of damage covered, the presence of a deductible, the specific parts of the vehicle included in the coverage, and any other relevant details.
10. Time of Year: Seasonal variations can impact the cost of vehicle shipping. Winter months often see higher prices due to ice and snow slowing down routes. December is particularly challenging for automobile shipping as many drivers are on holiday, while January experiences increased demand as people travel to warmer states, leading to higher costs. February, however, is usually a quieter month, offering more favorable rates from car shipping services.
Spring is an ideal time to ship your vehicle, with improved weather conditions, longer days, and increased driver availability. March tends to have better rates compared to April and May, although there is often a surge in demand for moving cars from colder to warmer states during this time.
Summer is the peak season for shipping automobiles, with the longest days of the year, students returning home from universities, employees taking vacations, and a high volume of house moves. As a result, June, July, and August are busy months for the auto transport industry, and cheap vehicle shipping rates are less common.
Fall presents an opportunity for slightly more affordable car shipping prices. Vehicle shipping companies experience reduced demand, and driver availability improves after the summer rush. October and November are generally better months to move your automobile compared to September, which is a peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
With a better understanding of vehicle shipping, the types of auto transport services available, and the factors that influence pricing, you may be eager to find a car transport service that meets your needs. However, the abundance of vehicle transport companies in the market can make the search process overwhelming. Attempting to find the best car shipping company at the most competitive price through Google searches or phone books can be time-consuming and frustrating. Moreover, many companies are hesitant to provide upfront pricing, requiring you to apply for quotes and fill out details individually, further adding to the complexity of the process.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding the right vehicle shipping service, making it easier to navigate the numerous options and variables involved. To get started, you only need to complete a simple form to collect quotes. The required information includes the make and model of the car, the pickup and delivery locations, and the dates you need to move the automobile. This data enables auto transport providers on Shiply to provide you with accurate quotes tailored to your specific requirements.
Once your listing is active, you will receive quotes directly in your Shiply inbox and via email. It's recommended to keep email notifications enabled to ensure prompt notification when new quotes arrive. Quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, but it's advisable to wait for a few options before making a decision, allowing you to compare and select the most suitable provider.
Upon receiving quotes, you can engage with the auto transport companies, asking any relevant questions you may have. This may include inquiries about their availability (if a time frame is provided), insurance coverage, and the methods they employ to secure your vehicle during transport. It's crucial to ask these questions to any company you are considering to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Shiply's feedback and ratings system is an invaluable resource when selecting a car shipping service. This system allows you to review previous customers' experiences with a company and assess their overall performance. By leveraging this information, you can make an informed decision and choose a reliable and reputable auto transport provider.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Shawnee, Oklahoma
Shawnee, Oklahoma, is a vibrant city located in the heart of the state, known for its rich history, diverse economy, and excellent quality of life. Many people find themselves moving automobiles to and from Shawnee for various reasons. One common reason is relocation, whether it's for work, family, or a change of scenery. Shawnee's strong job market, affordable housing, and welcoming community make it an attractive destination for individuals and families alike.
Another reason people move vehicles to Shawnee is for educational purposes. The city is home to several renowned educational institutions, including Oklahoma Baptist University and St. Gregory's University. Students from across the country often ship their cars to Shawnee to attend these schools, ensuring they have a reliable mode of transportation during their studies.
Shawnee's central location within Oklahoma also makes it a popular hub for vehicle shipping. Many people moving to or from nearby cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, or Norman find it convenient to ship their automobiles to Shawnee and then drive the remaining distance. This approach can save time and effort, especially when dealing with long-distance moves.
Furthermore, Shawnee's thriving automotive industry contributes to the frequent movement of cars in and out of the city. With numerous car dealerships, repair shops, and auto parts suppliers, Shawnee attracts automobile enthusiasts and professionals from across the region. Whether it's for purchasing a new vehicle, attending automotive events, or seeking specialized services, people often find themselves shipping cars to and from Shawnee.
In conclusion, Shawnee, Oklahoma, experiences a significant flow of vehicle shipping due to its appealing location, strong economy, educational opportunities, and automotive industry. Whether you're moving to Shawnee for personal or professional reasons, or simply need to transport an automobile to or from the city, understanding the factors that influence car shipping in the area can help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Shawnee
Time-Efficient - Rather than filling out a quotation form each instance you desire an accurate cost from a business on Shawnee 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 needed 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 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 & fill in specifics. While this is understandable, it means that cost comparison & getting a vehicle transport estimate isn't precisely a simple process. Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from vehicle shipping businesses & compare them in one place, offering the capability to message them individually to ask any inquiries you may have & ultimately decide on the optimal company for you.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping in Shawnee - 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 move your vehicle there, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey 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 economical, but it is also more environmentally 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 vehicle. 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 transport their vehicles in the opposite direction. Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are also looking to fill their trailers on return trips, 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 get your vehicle ready for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Documents - 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.
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 assess 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 judge 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 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 cheapest 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 job & has the right equipment to safely carry it out.
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