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 operating the vehicle yourself is not practical, 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 auto transport services to accommodate different requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial choice you must make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car shipment or transporting a vehicle to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an alternative, where designated collection & drop-off points are utilized, frequently at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. While this alternative is typically less expensive, it demands 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, irrespective of the distance.
Vehicle transport services are generally categorized into two types: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transportation.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
Employing someone to operate your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether it's across the country or to another state. The advantages of this approach include lower costs, as trailers & extra vehicles are not necessary, & faster delivery due to the simplicity of the transport. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the addition of mileage to your automobile, especially when shipping a car across country, & the slight risk of damage during the journey. 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 Vehicle On A Trailer
Placing your vehicle on a trailer provides a higher level of safety compared to having someone operate it to its destination. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile. Single trailers, while more costly, are ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars, minimizing the risk of 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, are available in different variants:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & 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, making this option less suitable 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 cars on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is preferable for more expensive or newer automobiles, where owners want to minimize the risk of damage during auto transport.
For overseas vehicle transportation, it's best to find a specialist service or a company with experience in overseas vehicle shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your specific 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 cost may differ based on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to obtain vehicle shipping quotes from multiple companies, which is easily done through platforms like Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While everyone wants inexpensive vehicle transport, several factors can affect the cost of vehicle shipping services. Some of the main factors include:
Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost significantly more than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases.
International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always costly due to the logistics involved & the distance traveled. It may also require special enclosed trailers or shipping containers.
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 due to the added time. Unforeseen circumstances, like major roadworks, can also incur extra costs or require a longer alternative route.
Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can result in lower charges, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule, reducing 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.
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. It's essential to inform the auto transport company about any accessories, like bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the required trailer size.
Vehicle condition: If your car is not drivable, 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. A car that can brake, roll, & steer is considered to be in good enough condition for easy shipping by most vehicle carriers.
Auto transport service type: The type of auto transport service you choose affects the cost of vehicle shipping. Having someone operate your vehicle is the most affordable option, as you're essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are more costly due to the specialized equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping is the most expensive method, as your vehicle travels alone & still needs special equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
Pickup & delivery locations: The location of the collection & drop-off points can impact the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services nearby, & common destination routes often offer inexpensive vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. Unusual or hard-to-access collection or drop-off points may also increase the vehicle shipping cost due to the extra steps needed to load your automobile.
Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance. If a vehicle transport company doesn't provide cargo insurance, it's highly recommended to acquire some 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.
Time of year: Seasonality can affect the price of vehicle shipping. Winter is often the most expensive season, as ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can cause delays & 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. However, February is usually quiet, & great rates are often available during this month.
Spring is an excellent time to ship your automobile, with improved weather conditions, longer days, & more available drivers, often resulting in inexpensive rates & high availability. March is generally better than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the peak season for shipping cars, with the longest days, 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, & inexpensive vehicle shipping is less likely during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a vehicle if you're looking for slightly cheaper prices. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. October & 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 or through phone books can be time-consuming, & many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without a detailed quote application.
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 your vehicle's make & model, collection & 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 to be notified immediately when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, but it's best to wait for a few options before making a decision.
When you have several quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure your vehicle. It's crucial to ask these questions to ensure a smooth & expected experience.
Shiply's feedback & ratings system is a valuable resource when selecting a company to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences & the company's overall score.
Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Dakota Dunes
Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, US, is a popular destination for vehicle shipping due to its growing population & thriving business community. Many people move to Dakota Dunes for job opportunities, leading to an increased demand for vehicle shipping services. Additionally, the city's proximity to major highways makes it a convenient location for vehicle transport companies to collect & deliver automobiles.
Another reason people frequently ship cars to & from Dakota Dunes is the presence of several large corporations, such as Tyson Foods & Wells Enterprises, which often relocate employees to the area. These employees may need to transport their vehicles as part of the relocation process.
Furthermore, Dakota Dunes is a popular retirement destination, attracting seniors from across the country who may need to ship their cars when moving to the city. The area's low cost of living, safe neighborhoods, & access to healthcare facilities make it an appealing choice for retirees.
Lastly, Dakota Dunes is home to several colleges & universities, including Briar Cliff University & Western Iowa Tech Community College. Students attending these institutions may need to ship their cars to the city at the beginning of the academic year & back home during breaks or upon graduation.
In conclusion, the combination of job opportunities, corporate relocations, retirement appeal, & educational institutions in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, US, contributes to the high demand for vehicle shipping services to & from the city.
The Benefits Of Utilizing Shiply For Vehicle Transport In Dakota Dunes
Time-efficient - Instead of completing a quotation form each time you desire an exact cost from a business on transporting a vehicle, on our platform you complete one quotation form & then can obtain quotes based on the information you supply from several companies. This can save you hours of time you would have spent phoning companies & filling out forms.
Communication with these businesses is all feasible through our platform too, allowing you to store all of your vehicle shipping details in one location.
Cost Comparison - When it comes down to it, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in choosing which auto transport company to utilize to transport your vehicle. The tricky part is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite vehicle transport estimate without having to give information & fill in details. While this is understandable, it does mean that cost comparison & getting a vehicle transport estimate isn't exactly a simple task.
Utilizing Shiply allows you to receive genuine, final cost estimates from vehicle shipping businesses & compare them in one place, providing the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately decide on the best company for you.
Affordable "Car Shipping Dakota Dunes" & "Dakota Dunes Car Shipping"
Auto transport businesses on Shiply are typically able to provide their services for a lower cost than if you went directly to them. This is because they are often looking to fill space on trips they are already making & have already invested the cost for. Say, for example, you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to move your vehicle there. On Shiply, a business may already have a multi-car transporter making that trip with 5 of the 6 spots filled, & they are just looking to ensure they are not wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations work for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service.
Better For The Enviroment
Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also better for the enviroment. In the above example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter & instead you arranged transport from a seperate vehicle shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire trip would be needed just for your vehicle.
Similarly, many vehicle transporters return from a delivery empty-handed, which is not only costly for them but also for the enviroment as there are lots of people who could have used that transporter to move their vehicles in the other 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 released into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users!
Preparing For Your Vehicle To Be Shipped
If you have decided on an auto transport business to move your vehicle & feel secure using them, then it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We recommend following these steps:
Documents - It is important to ensure that any documents you may need are available at pick up or drop off, especially if you are selling your vehicle.
Cleaning - You should take care to remove all personal items 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 ascertain 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 vehicle delivery service to pick up is to take high-quality photographs of all parts of the vehicle. This provides you with evidence of the vehicle's condition before shipping should anything happen to it during transport.
What To Do After Delivery
Once the vehicle shipping business 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 vehicle is in the expected condition, as well as enable you to immediately raise concerns with the vehicle 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 ascertain whether any extra damage has occured. Shipping a vehicle can, in rare cases, cause damage, & you want to be sure your vehicle transport service has not done so.
Check Mileage - This is more relevant to vehicle shipping services where the vehicle 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 business you used through Shiply so that others can browse vehicle shipping services with the same peace of mind.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have answered some of the most asked questions about vehicle shipping:
How much to ship a vehicle? Vehicle 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 vehicle? Having someone drive your vehicle to its destination is the cheapest way to ship a vehicle, 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 vehicle.
How do I pay for my auto transport? This is down to each individual auto transport business on Shiply & is something you should discuss with your chosen vehicle delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most businesses will be flexible with payment options, however.
Can I track my vehicle transport online? Each vehicle shipping business on Shiply has different ways of operating, but many offer the ability to track your vehicle shipment, with some even able to provide personal updates. If you require tracking, you should message individual vehicle transport businesses to confirm that this is possible with them.
Does someone have to be present for pickup & delivery? In most cases, the vehicle shipping business 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 vehicle keys.
Can I keep items in my vehicle during my vehicle shipment? Most vehicle transport businesses 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 vehicle 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.
