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 cross-country car shipping, or moving your automobile abroad when ferries are not an option.
Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will explore below.
Varieties Of Auto Transport Services
When it comes to auto transport services, there are several crucial decisions you need to make. Firstly, you must decide where you want your vehicle collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car transport or shipping a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is a possibility, where designated collection & drop-off points are utilized, frequently at the car transport company's stores or operating bases. While this option is typically more affordable, it demands more effort on your part to get the vehicle home.
However, most individuals prefer a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country car transport or simply shipping a car to another state. This option is more convenient as it eliminates the need to collect your vehicle from a separate location, which can be challenging without your automobile.
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 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, & it can be quicker due to its simplicity.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method offered by car shipping companies. Firstly, mileage is added to your vehicle during the journey, which can be significant when shipping a car across the country, although less so when shipping to a nearby state. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your automobile during the drive. 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 Automobile On A Trailer
Utilizing a trailer to transport your automobile is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection compared to having someone drive your vehicle. Car shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile.
Single trailers are often more expensive as they only transport one vehicle at a time, but they are ideal for moving expensive or classic automobiles that require extra protection. The safest way to transport a car is in a shipping container, although this is the most expensive option. Multi-car transporters, which can carry several vehicles at once, come in a few variants:
Open car shipping is the most affordable & common option offered by car shipping companies. Your vehicle 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, 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 automobiles on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is preferable for more expensive or newer vehicles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during auto transport.
If you need to move your vehicle overseas, it's best to find a specialist service on our platform or one with experience in overseas car shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship An Automobile?
The cost of shipping an automobile 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 & 500 miles, & $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles.
However, these are just averages, & your car transport cost may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to obtain car shipping quotes from various car transport companies, which is easily done on Shiply.
To get a better idea of the factors that can affect the price of car transport services, please refer to the section below.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Auto Transport
While we all want affordable car transport, several factors & variables can impact the cost of your car shipping. Here are the main ones to consider:
Distance: As mentioned earlier, distance plays a significant role in determining the cost of your car transport. Cross-state & cross-country journeys are more expensive than interstate car delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases, ensuring you don't pay excessively for longer distances.
International shipping: Transporting a car overseas is always more expensive due to the logistics involved & the distance the vehicle must travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container.
Route: Along with distance, the route taken to transport your car from its pick-up spot to its delivery location can affect the pricing of your car carrier service. Routes with higher traffic, such as those in LA, may cost more than quieter roads due to the additional time required. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs from car moving companies or necessitate a longer alternative route.
Shipping dates: The speed at which you need your car transportation service to operate can also impact the price. If you have flexibility in your timings, you may find that your car shipping service charges less, as they can fit your vehicle delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads, passing the savings on to you. However, if you require auto transport within a strict timeframe (known as expedited shipping), it will typically cost more, as the car transport company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.
Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of your vehicle will all affect the cost of transport. Car shippers require larger trailers for bigger vehicles, with SUVs generally costing more to transport than sedans. Always inform the auto transport company about any bike racks, roof racks, or other accessories on your car, as these can change the size of the trailer needed for the delivery.
Vehicle condition: If your car is not in drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. This is because extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, may be required to load & unload your car from the trailer. For example, if your car has a locked wheel, it will be impossible to simply roll it onto & off the trailer, requiring more time, effort, & machinery to complete the delivery compared to a standard car transport service. Most car carriers consider a car that can brake, roll, & steer to be in good enough condition for easy shipping.
Auto transport service type: The type of auto transport service you choose will also affect the cost of your car shipping. Having someone drive your car to its destination is always the most affordable option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are likely to be more expensive, as they require extra equipment. Enclosed car shipping is always the most expensive method of shipping a car, as it involves your car traveling alone & still requires specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.
Locations of pickup & delivery: The locations of your car's pickup & delivery can also increase the price of shipping. Urban areas usually have car shipping services in close proximity, & if it's a common destination route, you'll often get affordable car shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If a pickup or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access space, extra steps may be needed to load your vehicle, which can also increase the car shipping cost.
Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance, as it is not legally required. If a car transport company does not offer cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you seek out & acquire some for your vehicle during its transit. As with all insurance policies, make sure you are clear on what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the vehicle are covered by the insurance, & any other relevant questions.
Time of year: Seasonality can also affect the price of car shipping, with many services costing more to ship a car in the winter due to ice & snow slowing the routes. Here's a quick breakdown of how each season can affect auto transport costs:
Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your vehicle. Ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can cause delays on the roads & reduce the maximum speed at which the car delivery service can transport cars. December is typically a difficult time to have a vehicle shipped, 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 from car shipping services during this month.
Spring is a great time to ship your vehicle with a car transportation service. With improved weather conditions, longer days, & more drivers ready to work, Spring can often mean affordable rates & high availability when it comes to moving your car. March is often a better time to ship than April or May, as there is often a rush to move cars from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the prime season for shipping cars - the days are the longest in the year, students are traveling home from universities, employees take vacations, & it is also a very popular time to move house. This means that June, July, & August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, & you should not expect affordable car shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a car if you are looking for a slightly more affordable price. Car shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, you are better off looking to move your vehicle in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.
How To Ship A Car - Finding An Auto Transport Service
Now that you have a better understanding of what car shipping & a car shipping service entail, as well as the type of auto transport service you need, you probably want to go ahead & find a car transport service that suits your requirements.
The challenge is that there are hundreds of car transport companies out there. Trying to find them on Google can result in scrolling through numerous pages to find the best car shipping company at the best price, & the same is true if you were to go through phone books. Moreover, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing, meaning you will likely need to apply for a quote & fill out details with each of them individually, which can be very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Given the numerous options & variables involved in finding a car shipping service, searching for & finding the right one can seem like a daunting task. This is where Shiply can help.
On Shiply, you simply need to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. All we require from you is the make & model of the car that needs shipping, the pickup & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the vehicle. This information allows the auto transport providers on Shiply to provide you with accurate quotes for your job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & via email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can be immediately notified when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming through within a few minutes of posting your listing, but we always recommend waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, so that you have multiple options to choose from.
Once you have a few quotes, you can ask the providers any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), what insurance they have, & how they would secure your car. We recommend asking any company you may use these questions to ensure that everything goes smoothly & as expected.
Shiply has a feedback & 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, as well as their overall score.
Why People Often Move Cars To & From Taylorsville, Utah
Taylorsville, Utah, is a city located in Salt Lake County, with a population of approximately 60,000 people. Many individuals & families move to & from Taylorsville for various reasons, often requiring car shipping services.
One of the main reasons people move to Taylorsville is for employment opportunities. The city is home to several large companies, such as Intermountain Healthcare, which employs many residents. When relocating for work, people often need to ship their cars to their new home in Taylorsville.
Another reason people move to Taylorsville is for its proximity to Salt Lake City & its amenities. Taylorsville is just a short drive from downtown Salt Lake City, offering residents easy access to cultural events, restaurants, & entertainment options. This proximity also makes Taylorsville an attractive option for those who work in Salt Lake City but prefer a more suburban lifestyle.
On the other hand, people may also move away from Taylorsville for job opportunities elsewhere, changes in family circumstances, or a desire to live in a different area. When moving out of Taylorsville, many residents rely on car shipping services to transport their vehicles to their new location, whether it's within Utah or to another state entirely.
Regardless of the reason for moving to or from Taylorsville, Utah, car shipping services play a crucial role in ensuring that residents can bring their vehicles with them during the relocation process. By using a reliable car shipping company, people can have peace of mind knowing that their car will arrive safely at its destination, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their move.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Car Shipping in Taylorsville
Time-Efficient - Rather than filling out a quotation form each instance you desire an accurate cost from a company on Taylorsville car shipping, on our platform you complete one quotation form & can then obtain quotes based on the information you supply from several companies. This can conserve you hours of effort you would have had to invest phoning companies and completing forms.
Communication with these businesses is all feasible through our platform too, allowing you to store all of your car shipping details in one location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the car shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in choosing which auto transport company to utilize to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average costs & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite car transport quote without having to give information & fill in details. While this is reasonable, it does mean that cost comparison and getting a car transport estimate isn't precisely a simple task.
Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from car shipping companies & compare them in one place, offering the capability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately decide on the optimal company for you.
Affordable Car Shipping in Taylorsville - Auto transport businesses 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 cost for. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to transport your car there. On Shiply, a company may already have a multi-car transporter making that trip 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 using our service.
Eco-Friendly - Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also more environmentally friendly. In the above example, if your car 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 journey 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 used that transporter to move their cars in the opposite direction. Many of the auto transporters on Shiply are looking to fill their trailers on return journeys too, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being emitted into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Readying Your Car for Shipping
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your car & feel confident using them, then it's time to ready your car for shipping. We suggest following these steps:
Paperwork - It is crucial to ensure that any documents you may require are available at pick up or drop off, especially if you are selling your vehicle.
Cleansing - You should take care to remove all personal belongings 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 determine its condition & notice any damages that may occur during delivery.
Operational 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 operational 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 assess the condition of the vehicle upon arrival.
Photographic Proof - 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 state 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.
Examine 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 State - 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.
Verify 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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