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 you are unable to drive the car yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used vehicle online and need to transport it to another state, relocating and requiring long-distance car shipping, or moving your vehicle overseas when ferries are not available. Luckily, there are numerous auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial choice you need to make is where you want your automobile collected from and delivered to, whether it's a long-distance car transport or shipping a car to another state. 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. This option is typically more affordable but requires more effort on your part to get the car home. However, most individuals prefer a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their cars are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of the distance.
Vehicle transport services are generally divided into two types: having someone drive your car to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport. Having someone drive your car is a straightforward solution that involves hiring a driver to take your vehicle to its destination. This method is often more affordable as it doesn't require trailers or an extra vehicle, & it can be quicker due to its simplicity. However, there are some drawbacks, such as added mileage to your vehicle (especially when shipping a car across country) and a slight risk of damage during the journey.
Placing your car on a trailer is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection than having someone drive it. There are multiple trailer options available, depending on the value & size of your vehicle. Single trailers are more expensive as they only transport one car at a time but are ideal for moving expensive or classic cars. The safest way to transport a car is in a shipping container, although this is the most costly option. Multi-car transporters, which can carry many cars at once, come in a few variants:
- Open car shipping: The most affordable & most common option, where your vehicle is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. While all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making it less suitable for highly valuable vehicles.
- Enclosed auto transport: Multiple cars are secured on a carrier but are enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is preferable for more expensive or newer vehicles.
If you need to move your vehicle overseas, it's best to find a specialist service or one with experience in overseas car shipping to provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
What Is The Price Of Transporting A Vehicle?
The price 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 and 500 miles, & $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles. However, these are just averages, & your car transport may cost more or less depending on the circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to collect car shipping quotes from various companies, which is easily done on Shiply.
Factors that can affect the cost of auto transport include:
- Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost more than interstate car delivery.
- International shipping: Always results in expensive car shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring a car overseas & the distance it must travel.
- Route: Routes with higher traffic or unforeseen circumstances like roadworks can increase costs or require longer alternative routes.
- Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can lead to lower costs, while expedited shipping in strict timeframes typically costs more.
- Vehicle size: Larger vehicles like SUVs cost more to transport than sedans due to the need for bigger trailers.
- Vehicle condition: Non-drivable cars may require extra equipment, increasing the cost of auto transport.
- Auto transport service type: Having someone drive your car is the cheapest option, while single car trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the need for specialist equipment.
- Locations of pickup & delivery: Urban areas with common destination routes tend to have cheaper car shipping, while rural or hard-to-access locations can increase costs.
- Auto transport insurance: Additional cargo insurance beyond the required liability insurance is highly recommended & can affect the overall cost.
- Time of year: Seasonality plays a role, with winter being the most expensive time to ship a vehicle due to potential delays caused by ice, snow, & blizzard conditions.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Locating A Vehicle Transport Service
With hundreds of car transport companies available, finding the right one can be a daunting task. Searching on Google or through phone books can be time-consuming, & many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without an individual quote application. This is where Shiply can help simplify the process.
How Can Shiply Assist In Finding Vehicle Transport Companies?
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a car shipping service by allowing you to fill out a simple form to start collecting quotes. You only need to provide the make & model of the car, the pickup & delivery locations, and the dates you need to move the vehicle. This information enables auto transport providers on Shiply to provide accurate quotes for your job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & email. It's recommended to keep email notifications turned on to be immediately informed when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, but it's advisable to wait for a few options before making a decision.
After receiving a few quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, & how they would secure your car. It's crucial to ask these questions to ensure a smooth & expected process.
Shiply's feedback & ratings system is another valuable tool when selecting a company to ship your vehicle. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences & the company's overall score, helping you make an informed decision.
Why People Frequently Relocate Vehicles To & From Chesapeake, Virginia, US
Chesapeake, Virginia, is a popular city for car shipping due to its strategic location & thriving economy. Situated in the heart of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, Chesapeake is well-connected to major cities like Norfolk, Virginia Beach, & Portsmouth. Many people move to Chesapeake for job opportunities in industries such as healthcare, retail, & manufacturing, often requiring them to ship their cars from their previous location.
Additionally, Chesapeake is home to several military bases, including the Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads & the Coast Guard Base Portsmouth. Military personnel & their families frequently relocate to & from Chesapeake, necessitating reliable car shipping services to transport their vehicles. Chesapeake car shipping companies are well-equipped to handle these moves, offering door-to-door service & flexible shipping options to accommodate the unique needs of military families.
Chesapeake's proximity to the Port of Virginia, one of the largest ports on the East Coast, also makes it a hub for international car shipping. People moving overseas for work or personal reasons often ship their cars from Chesapeake to their new country of residence. Car shipping companies in Chesapeake have experience navigating the complexities of international vehicle transport, ensuring a smooth & stress-free process for their customers.
In summary, Chesapeake, Virginia, is a popular destination for car shipping due to its strategic location, thriving economy, military presence, & access to international shipping routes. Whether moving locally or abroad, Chesapeake car shipping companies provide reliable & efficient services to meet the diverse needs of their customers.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport Chesapeake
Shiply provides several advantages when it comes to vehicle transport Chesapeake. By utilizing our platform, you can conserve time, evaluate rates, & discover inexpensive vehicle transport options that are also more environmentally friendly. Here's how Shiply can assist with your Chesapeake vehicle transport requirements.
Time-Efficient & Practical
Rather than completing multiple quotation forms every time you desire a precise price from a company for transporting a vehicle, on Shiply you only need to fill out one form. Based on the information you supply, you'll receive estimates from various companies. This can save you hours of time that would have been spent contacting businesses & filling in forms.
Shiply also enables you to interact with these companies directly through our platform. This means you can store all your vehicle transport information in one practical location.
Rate Comparison Simplified
When it comes to selecting an auto transport company to transport your vehicle, the expense of the estimate is often the most crucial factor. However, obtaining firm vehicle transport estimates usually requires providing comprehensive information to each company individually. While understandable, this makes comparing rates & getting estimates a challenging task.
With Shiply, you can receive final price estimates from vehicle transport companies & easily compare them side by side. You can also message companies directly to ask any questions you may have before making your final decision on the best company for your needs.
Inexpensive Vehicle Transport Options
Auto transport companies on Shiply can typically offer their services at a lower cost compared to going directly through them. This is because they are often looking to fill space on pre-planned journeys. For example, if you needed to move your vehicle from Los Angeles to New York, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that trip with an empty spot. As long as the timing & locations work for you, using Shiply can save you up to 75% on auto transport.
Eco-Friendly Choice
Using Shiply for auto transport isn't just cheaper - it's also more environmentally conscious! In the previous example, if your vehicle was transported separately instead of filling that empty spot, it would have doubled the emissions released into the atmosphere.
Similarly, many vehicle transporters return empty after a delivery, which is costly & detrimental to the environment. Shiply helps fill those empty spots on return trips, reducing wasted CO2 emissions while providing inexpensive transport for users.
Readying Your Vehicle for Transport
Once you've chosen an auto transport company on Shiply, follow these steps to prepare your vehicle:
- Gather any necessary documents, especially if selling the vehicle
- Remove all personal belongings to avoid loss or damage during transit
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly to assess its condition & spot any damages that may occur
- Ensure the vehicle is in running condition with sufficient fluids, battery charge, & tire pressure if it will be driven at any point
- Take high-quality photos of the entire vehicle as evidence of its pre-shipping condition
Post-Delivery Checklist
After your vehicle is delivered by the shipping company, be sure to:
- Check vital components like lights, brakes, & engine to confirm they are in expected working order
- Compare the vehicle's exterior to your pre-shipping photos to identify any new damage
- Note the mileage, especially for driven deliveries, to verify it matches the expected journey
Please also leave a review of the auto transport company you used through Shiply. This helps others browse vehicle transport services with greater confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Transport
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about vehicle transport:
How much does it cost to transport a vehicle?
Vehicle transport prices vary based on factors like distance, but on average expect to pay:
- $2.92 per mile for journeys under 200 miles
- $0.93 per mile for journeys between 200-500 miles
- $0.78 per mile for journeys over 1,000 miles
What's the most economical way to transport a vehicle?
Having someone drive your vehicle is the most economical option. If you need a trailer, a multi-car transporter is the most affordable choice.
How do I pay for auto transport?
Payment options vary by company. Discuss payment with your chosen vehicle delivery service before confirming.
Can I track my vehicle shipment online?
Tracking availability depends on the individual company. Some offer tracking & personal updates. Message providers to confirm if tracking is possible.
Does someone need to be present for pickup & delivery?
In most cases, yes. You'll likely need to sign release forms & hand over the vehicle keys.
Can I leave personal items in the vehicle during shipping?
Most companies allow some personal items, but keep in mind:
- Item weight may affect shipment price
- Items won't be covered by the vehicle's transport insurance
How much gas should the vehicle have?
Aim for around 1/4 tank. This allows for easy loading/unloading without adding too much weight.
Can a non-running vehicle be shipped?
Yes, but it will cost more due to the specialized equipment needed for loading & unloading.
Is it possible to ship a modified vehicle?
Shiply can accommodate almost any vehicle type. With hundreds of transport providers available, there's always someone with the right equipment to safely handle the job.
Whether you're relocating across the country or selling a vehicle to an out-of-state buyer, Shiply is here to streamline your vehicle transport Chesapeake experience. Join countless satisfied customers who have found reliable & affordable Chesapeake vehicle transport solutions through our platform.
