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 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 services provide a practical solution for those who require their vehicles to be moved across states or even internationally.
There are various types of auto transport services available to cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you need nationwide vehicle transport, shipping a car to a different state, or even international vehicle shipping, there are options customized to your specific requirements. It's crucial to comprehend the different types of services provided by vehicle shipping companies to make a well-informed choice when selecting the best option for your automobile.
Types Of Vehicle Transport Services
When it comes to vehicle transport services, there are two primary decisions to make: the pickup and delivery locations, and the method of transportation. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option where designated collection and drop-off points, often the car transport company's stores or operating bases, are used. While this option is typically more affordable, it requires more effort on your part to get the vehicle to and from the terminals.
Most individuals, however, opt for door-to-door auto transport delivery service, regardless of whether it's a nationwide vehicle transport or shipping a car to a different state. With this option, your automobile is collected and delivered at your doorstep, eliminating the need for you to arrange transportation to and from the terminals.
Vehicle transport services can be further categorized into two methods: having someone drive your car to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transportation.
Have Someone Drive Your Vehicle
Hiring someone to drive your vehicle to its destination is a straightforward solution for car shipping, whether you need to ship a car across the country or to another state. This method is often more affordable as it doesn't require trailers or an additional vehicle, and it can be faster due to its simplicity. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the addition of mileage to your automobile, especially when shipping a car across the country, and the slight risk of damage during the journey. These concerns are particularly relevant for people buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Put Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Placing your vehicle on a trailer offers a higher level of safety compared to having someone drive it to the destination. Car shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value and size of your automobile. Single trailers, while more expensive, are ideal for transporting expensive or classic cars that require extra protection. The safest way to transport a car is by using a shipping container, although this is the most costly option.
Multi-car transporters, which can carry several vehicles at once, are another popular choice. Open car shipping is the most affordable and common option, where your vehicle is placed on an open carrier and driven to the destination. While all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the journey, making this option less suitable for highly valuable automobiles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage due to prolonged exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple cars on a carrier that is fully enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, and debris during transit. This option is preferable for more expensive or newer vehicles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during transportation.
For overseas vehicle transportation, 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 process.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Vehicle?
The cost of shipping 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 for journeys between 200 and 500 miles, and $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles. However, these figures are just averages, and your vehicle transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances.
To get an accurate estimate of your vehicle shipping cost, it's best to collect quotes from multiple car transport companies. Shiply makes this process easy by allowing you to compare quotes from various providers in one place.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While everyone wants affordable vehicle transport, several factors can influence the cost of shipping your automobile. Understanding these variables can help you estimate whether your auto transport requirements will be expensive or affordable.
Distance is a significant factor in determining the cost of vehicle transport, with cross-state and cross-country journeys being more expensive than interstate car delivery. However, the average price per mile decreases as the distance increases, ensuring that you don't pay excessively for longer journeys.
International shipping always results in higher vehicle shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring an automobile overseas and the distance it must travel. Special enclosed trailers or shipping containers may also be required for international auto transport.
The route taken by the car carrier service can also affect pricing. Routes with known higher traffic, such as in LA, may cost more than quieter roads due to the additional time required. Unforeseen circumstances, like major roadworks, could also incur extra costs or necessitate a longer alternative route.
Shipping dates play a role in the cost of vehicle transportation. Flexibility in timings can often result in lower charges, as car moving companies can fit your automobile delivery into their schedule and reduce overheads. On the other hand, expedited shipping within a strict timeframe typically costs more, as the car transport company may need to dedicate a trailer and driver specifically for your delivery.
The size of your vehicle, including its height, length, and width, will impact the cost of transport. Larger automobiles, such as SUVs, generally cost more to transport than sedans, as they require larger trailers. It's crucial to inform the auto transport company about any accessories, such as bike racks or roof racks, as they can alter the size of the trailer needed for the delivery.
The condition of your vehicle can also affect the cost of auto transport. If your car is not in a drivable state, it may require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load and unload it from the trailer. This additional time, effort, and machinery can increase the cost compared to a standard car transport service. Most car carriers consider a vehicle that can brake, roll, and steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
The type of auto transport service you choose will also influence the cost of your vehicle shipping. Having someone drive your car to its destination is typically 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, are likely to be more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is usually the most costly method, as it involves transporting your car alone while still needing specialized equipment for loading, unloading, and protection during transit.
The pickup and delivery locations can also impact the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have car shipping services in close proximity, and common destination routes often offer affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries, however, can cost more as they require deviations from normal routes and extra mileage for the company. If a pickup or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access location, additional steps may be necessary to load your automobile, which can increase the vehicle shipping cost.
Auto transport insurance is another factor to consider. While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional coverage as it is not legally required. If a car transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you obtain supplementary insurance for your vehicle during transit. When reviewing insurance policies, ensure you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the vehicle are covered, and any other relevant details.
The time of year can also affect the price of vehicle shipping. Many services charge more to ship a car during the winter months due to ice and snow slowing down routes. Here's a quick breakdown of how each season can impact auto transport costs:
Winter is often the most expensive season for vehicle shipping. Ice, snow, and blizzard conditions can cause delays and reduce the maximum speed at which car delivery services can operate. December is typically a challenging time to ship a vehicle, as drivers are on holiday, while many people travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased vehicle shipping costs. However, February is usually quiet, and car shipping services often offer great rates during this month.
Spring is an excellent time to ship your vehicle using a car transportation service. With better weather conditions, longer days, and more available drivers, Spring often means affordable rates and high availability for car relocation. March is generally a better time to ship than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states during these months.
Summer is the peak season for shipping cars. With the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, and a popular time for moving houses, June, July, and August are all busy months for the auto transport industry. As a result, you should not expect affordable vehicle shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a car if you're looking for slightly lower prices. Car shipping companies are less busy, and there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, it's better to plan your vehicle relocation for October or November rather than September, as this is a peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of vehicle shipping, the types of car shipping services available, and the factors that influence auto transport costs, you may be ready to find a car transport service that suits your needs.
The challenge lies in the fact that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies in the market. Searching for them on Google can result in scrolling through numerous pages to find the best car shipping company at the best price. Similarly, going through phone books can be time-consuming. Moreover, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing upfront, meaning you will likely need to apply for a quote and fill out details with each of them individually, which can be a tedious process.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options and variables involved in finding a vehicle shipping service, the search for the right provider can seem overwhelming. This is where Shiply comes in to help.
On Shiply, you only need to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. The required information includes the make and model of the car that needs shipping, the pickup and delivery locations, and the dates you need to move the vehicle. This data provides auto transport providers on Shiply with enough details to offer accurate quotes for your job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox and via email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can be immediately informed when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, but we always suggest waiting for a few options before making a decision, allowing you to choose from multiple providers.
After receiving a few quotes, you can ask the providers any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), insurance coverage, and how they would secure your car. We recommend asking these questions to any company you consider using to ensure a smooth and expected process.
Shiply features a feedback and ratings system, which we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your vehicle. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company and their overall score, helping you make an informed decision.
Lebanon, Tennessee, US - Vehicle Shipping Destination
Lebanon, a city in Wilson County, Tennessee, US, is a popular destination for vehicle shipping. Many people move to and from Lebanon for various reasons, such as job relocation, family, or education. When moving to or from Lebanon, individuals often need to transport their automobiles, making car shipping services essential.
One of the main reasons people move cars to and from Lebanon is its proximity to Nashville, the state capital of Tennessee. Lebanon is located approximately 25 miles east of Nashville, making it an attractive option for those who work in the city but prefer a more suburban lifestyle. As a result, car shipping companies often handle requests for vehicle transport between Lebanon and Nashville.
Another reason for the popularity of vehicle shipping in Lebanon is the presence of Cumberland University. Students attending the university may need to ship their cars to Lebanon at the beginning of the academic year and back home during breaks or after graduation. Car shipping services provide a convenient solution for students and their families, ensuring their vehicles are transported safely and efficiently.
Lebanon's growing economy and expanding job market also contribute to the demand for vehicle shipping services. As more people move to the area for work, they often need to relocate their automobiles as well. Car shipping companies help facilitate these moves, making the transition to a new city smoother and less stressful.
When considering vehicle shipping to or from Lebanon, Tennessee, it's essential to choose a reliable and experienced auto transport company. Shiply can help you find the right provider by connecting you with a network of trusted car shipping companies that serve the Lebanon area. By comparing quotes and reading customer reviews, you can make an informed decision and ensure your vehicle is in good hands during its journey.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Lebanon
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 and can then obtain estimates based on the information you supply from several companies. This can save you a significant amount of time that you would have otherwise spent contacting businesses and completing forms. Communication with these businesses is also feasible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your Lebanon vehicle shipping details in one location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in choosing which auto transport company to employ to transport your automobile. The challenging aspect is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices and rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite vehicle transport quote without having to give information and fill in details. While this is understandable, it means that comparing prices and obtaining a vehicle transport quote is not exactly a straightforward process. Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from vehicle shipping businesses and compare them in one place, offering the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have and ultimately decide on the optimal company for you.
Affordable Vehicle Shipping - Auto transport businesses on Shiply can typically provide their services at a lower cost than if you went directly to them. This is because they are often seeking to fill space on trips they are already making and have already invested the cost for. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York and needed to transport your vehicle there, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 of the 6 spots filled, and they are just looking to ensure they are not wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, and pick-up/drop-off locations are suitable for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service.
Environmentally Friendly - Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also more environmentally friendly. In the above example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter and instead, you arranged transport from a separate car shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire journey would be needed just for your automobile. Similarly, many car transporters return from a delivery empty-handed, which is not only costly for them but also for the environment as there are many people who could have used that transporter to move their cars 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 released 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 and feel confident using them, then it's time to prepare your automobile 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 and 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 and 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, and 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, and 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 and 500 miles, and 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 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 and 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 and delivery? In most cases, the car shipping company will require you to be in attendance for the pickup and 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, and 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 and 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 and 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 and has the right equipment to safely carry it out.
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