What Is Vehicle Transportation?
Vehicle transportation, also referred to as car shipping or auto transport, is a service offered by car 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 & need to transport it to another state, relocating & requiring long-distance car shipping, or moving your automobile overseas when ferries are not an option. Luckily, there are numerous car transport services available to cater to your specific requirements.
Categories Of Auto Transport Services
When selecting an auto transport service, the initial choice you need to make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a long-distance car transport or shipping a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is a possibility, where designated collection & drop-off points, frequently the car transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. While this option is typically more affordable, it necessitates more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. However, most individuals prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, irrespective of the distance.
Car 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 car shipping, whether it's across the country or to another state. The advantages of this method include lower costs, as trailers & extra vehicles are not necessary, & quicker delivery due to the simplicity of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to this approach that lead some individuals to opt for other types of car transport. Firstly, mileage is added to your vehicle during the journey, which can be substantial when shipping a car across the country. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your automobile during the drive, which is particularly worrying for those 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 in a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone drive it to its destination. Car shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your vehicle. You can choose between a single trailer for your automobile, which is more expensive but ideal for transporting costly or classic cars, or a multi-car transporter that can carry many vehicles at once.
Open car shipping is the most affordable & most common option offered by car shipping companies. Your vehicle is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. While all automobiles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers pose a higher risk of damage & exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple automobiles on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is often preferred 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.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Auto Transport in Philadelphia
When it comes to philadelphia car shipping, Shiply provides several advantages that make the procedure more convenient, economical, and eco-friendly. Instead of investing hours completing quote forms for each company, Shiply enables you to fill out one form and receive various quotes based on your unique details. This time-saving feature allows you to maintain all your car shipping information in one location and effortlessly communicate with companies via the platform.
Price comparison is an essential aspect when selecting an auto transport company to transport your vehicle. While most companies offer average prices and rough estimates, acquiring a definite car transport quote usually necessitates filling out forms and supplying comprehensive information. Shiply streamlines this process by permitting you to obtain authentic, final price quotes from car shipping companies and compare them in one convenient place. You can message companies individually to inquire about questions and ultimately select the optimal option for your needs.
Affordable car shipping is another benefit of utilizing Shiply. Auto transport companies on the platform frequently provide lower fees compared to going directly through them. This is because they often aim to fill space on pre-planned trips, having already invested in the cost. 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 align with your requirements, you can save up to 75% on auto transport by using Shiply's service.
In addition to being cost-effective, utilizing Shiply for auto transport is also more environmentally friendly. By filling empty spots on existing trips, emissions into the atmosphere are reduced, as separate journeys are not required for individual vehicles. Many car transporters on Shiply also aim to fill their trailers on return trips, further minimizing wasted CO2 emissions and providing continued affordable transport for users.
Readying Your Vehicle for Transport
Once you have chosen an auto transport company on Shiply and feel confident in their services, it's crucial to prepare your vehicle for shipping. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
1. Documents: Ensure any necessary documents are readily available at pick-up or drop-off, especially if you are selling the vehicle.
2. Cleaning: Remove all personal items from your vehicle to avoid the risk of loss or damage during transit. Thoroughly clean your vehicle to assess its condition and identify any pre-existing damages.
3. Running Condition: If the vehicle will be driven at any point during shipping or from the drop-off location, ensure it is in proper running condition. Check fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure.
4. Photographic Evidence: Take high-quality photographs of all parts of the car before shipping. This serves as evidence of the vehicle's condition prior to transport, protecting you in case of any damages that may occur during delivery.
Post-Delivery Steps
After the car shipping company completes the delivery, take the following actions:
1. Check Vital Signs: Immediately inspect lights, brakes, and engine to confirm the car is in the expected condition. Address any concerns with the car delivery service promptly.
2. Exterior Condition: Compare the vehicle's exterior to the pre-shipping photos to identify any new damage. While rare, shipping a car can sometimes cause damage, and you want to ensure your car transport service is held accountable.
3. Check Mileage: For car shipping services where the vehicle is driven to the destination, verify that the mileage 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 (FAQ)
Q: How much does it cost to ship a car?
A: Car shipping prices vary based on circumstances, but on average, a journey costs around $2.92 per mile for distances under 200 miles, $0.93 for distances between 200 and 500 miles, and $0.78 for distances over 1,000 miles.
Q: What is the most affordable way to ship a car?
A: Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is the cheapest option. However, if a trailer is required, a multi-car transporter is the most cost-effective choice.
Q: How do I pay for my auto transport?
A: Payment methods vary among auto transport companies on Shiply. Discuss payment options with your chosen car delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most companies offer flexible payment arrangements.
Q: Can I track my car transport online?
A: Tracking options differ between car shipping companies on Shiply. Some provide online tracking, while others offer personal updates. Message individual car transport companies to confirm their tracking capabilities.
Q: Is it necessary for someone to be present during pickup and delivery?
A: In most cases, the car shipping company requires your presence for pickup and delivery to sign release forms and hand over car keys.
Q: Can I leave personal items in my vehicle during car shipment?
A: Most car transport companies allow personal items to be left in the vehicle during transport. However, keep in mind that the weight of the items may impact the shipment price, and any items in the vehicle are not covered by the car transport insurance.
Q: How much gas should be in my vehicle during transit?
A: Aim to have approximately a quarter tank of gas. This facilitates easy loading and unloading without adding significant extra weight to the vehicle.
Q: Can I ship a non-running vehicle?
A: Shipping a non-running vehicle is possible, but it will be more expensive due to the specialized equipment needed for loading and unloading.
Q: Is it possible to ship a modified vehicle?
A: Shiply accommodates the shipping of almost any type of vehicle. With hundreds of transport providers available to bid on your job, there will always be someone equipped to safely handle your specific requirements.
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