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 spot & transporting it to another. This service is beneficial in various circumstances where you are unable to operate the vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online & need to transport it to a different state, or when relocating & require cross-country vehicle shipping. Auto shipping companies can also be useful when you need to move your car overseas, particularly if ferries are not an option.
Luckily, there are numerous vehicle transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will explore below.
Varieties Of Auto Shipping Services
When it comes to auto shipping services, there are several choices to consider. The initial decision you'll need to make is where you want your vehicle collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or moving a car to a different state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is one possibility, where designated collection & drop-off points are utilized, frequently at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. While this choice is typically less expensive, it does necessitate 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 cross-country vehicle transport or just moving a car to a different state. This option is more convenient as it eliminates the need to collect your car from a separate location, which can be challenging without your own transportation.
Vehicle transport services can be categorized into two main types: having someone operate your car to the destination or placing it on a trailer for shipping.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
One straightforward solution to vehicle shipping is employing someone to operate your car to its destination, whether it's moving a car across the country or to a different state. This approach is often less expensive as it doesn't require trailers or an extra vehicle, & it can be quicker due to the simplicity of the transport process.
However, there are some drawbacks to this approach that lead some people to select other vehicle transport options. Firstly, mileage is added to your car during the journey, which can be significant when moving a car across the country, although less so when shipping to a nearby state. Secondly, there is a slight risk of harm to your vehicle during the drive. These concerns are particularly relevant for people buying or selling automobiles online who want to ensure the car arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Placing your vehicle on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection compared to having someone operate your car. When it comes to vehicle shipping trailers, there are several options available depending on the value & size of your automobile.
First, you'll need to decide whether you want a single trailer for your vehicle. These are often more expensive as they only transport one car at a time, but they are a great choice for moving expensive or classic automobiles that you want to protect from potential damage. The safest way to transport a vehicle is in a shipping container, but this is also the most expensive option.
The other option is a multi-car transporter, which can move several vehicles at once. There are a few variants of multi-car transporters:
Open vehicle shipping is the cheapest & most common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your car is placed on an open carrier & driven to its destination. While all automobiles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, so this may not be the best choice for highly valuable vehicles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers pose a greater risk of damage & exposure to the elements, even though it may be the cheapest way to ship a car cross-country.
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 preferred for more expensive or newer cars where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during auto transport.
If you need to move your car 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 specific requirements.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Happy Valley
When it comes to car shipping in Happy Valley, Shiply provides several advantages that make the process more convenient, economical, and eco-friendly. Instead of spending time completing quote forms for each company, Shiply enables you to fill out a single form and receive multiple quotes tailored to your specific requirements. This time-saving feature allows you to maintain all your vehicle shipping information in one location, simplifying communication with companies.
Price comparison is an essential consideration when selecting an auto transport company to move your vehicle. While most companies offer average prices and rough estimates, obtaining a definite car transport quote typically involves filling out forms and supplying detailed information. Shiply streamlines this process by enabling you to receive authentic, final price quotes from various vehicle shipping companies and compare them side by side. You can easily message each company individually to inquire about details and ultimately select the best choice for your needs.
Choosing car shipping in Happy Valley through Shiply frequently results in reduced costs compared to going directly through a company. This is because auto transport companies on Shiply often aim to fill empty space on pre-planned trips, having already invested in the expense. For instance, if you need to transport your car from Los Angeles to New York, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 out of 6 spots filled. As long as the dates, times, and pick-up/drop-off locations match your requirements, you can save up to 75% on auto transport by utilizing Shiply's service.
In addition to being more cost-effective, using Shiply for auto transport is also more environmentally friendly. By utilizing existing journeys and filling empty spots on transporters, Shiply helps decrease the number of separate trips needed to move vehicles, thus reducing CO2 emissions. Many car transporters on Shiply also aim to fill their trailers on return journeys, further minimizing wasted emissions and providing continued affordable transport for users.
Readying Your Vehicle for Transport
Once you've chosen an auto transport company through Shiply, it's crucial to prepare your car for shipping. Begin by gathering any necessary documents, especially if you're selling the vehicle. Remove all personal items from your car to avoid the risk of loss or damage during transit. Thoroughly clean your vehicle to evaluate its condition and identify any pre-existing damages.
If your car will be driven at any point during shipping or from the drop-off location, ensure it's in running condition. Check fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure. Taking high-quality photographs of your car from all angles before shipping provides evidence of its condition should any issues arise during transport.
Post-Delivery Steps
After your selected car shipping company completes the delivery, there are a few important steps to take. First, check vital components like lights, brakes, and the engine to confirm they're in the expected condition. If any issues are present, immediately raise concerns with the car delivery service. Compare the exterior condition of the vehicle to the pre-shipping photos to identify any new damage that may have occurred during transport. For car shipping services where the vehicle is driven to the destination, check the mileage to ensure it aligns with the journey taken.
Leaving a review for the auto transport company you used through Shiply is greatly appreciated, as it helps others make informed decisions when browsing car shipping services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping
The cost of shipping a car varies depending on the distance and specific circumstances. On average, expect to pay around $2.92 per mile for journeys under 200 miles, $0.93 per mile for distances between 200 and 500 miles, and $0.78 per mile for trips over 1,000 miles.
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 is the most cost-effective option.
Payment methods for auto transport vary by company on Shiply. Discuss payment options with your chosen car delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most companies offer flexible payment solutions.
Many car shipping companies on Shiply provide tracking options, with some even offering personal updates. Message individual car transport companies to confirm if tracking is available.
In most cases, you'll need to be present for both pickup and delivery of your vehicle to sign release forms and hand over the car keys.
While most car transport companies allow you to keep some personal items in the vehicle during transport, keep in mind that the weight of these items may affect the shipment price and they won't be covered by the car's transport insurance.
Aim to have around a quarter of your fuel tank full when shipping your car. This allows for easy loading and unloading without adding excessive weight to the vehicle.
Shipping a non-running vehicle is possible but may be more expensive due to the specialized equipment required for loading and unloading.
Shiply's vast network of transport providers can accommodate almost any type of vehicle, including modified ones. With hundreds of providers available, there's always someone equipped to safely handle your specific shipping needs.
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