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 vehicle yourself, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online & need to transport it to another state, relocating & requiring long-distance vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas when ferries are not an option. Fortunately, there are numerous auto transport services available to cater to your specific requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Shipping Services
When selecting a vehicle 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 vehicle transport or shipping a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is a possibility, where designated collection & drop-off points, frequently the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases, are utilized. While this option is typically more affordable, it demands more effort on your part to get the automobile home. However, most individuals prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, irrespective of the distance.
Vehicle shipping services are generally categorized into two types: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transportation. Employing someone to drive your vehicle is a straightforward solution that is often more affordable as it doesn't necessitate trailers or an additional vehicle. It can also be quicker due to the straightforward nature of the transport. However, this method has some drawbacks, such as increasing the mileage on your vehicle, particularly when shipping a car across the country, & the slight risk of damage during the journey. These concerns are especially relevant for individuals buying or selling automobiles online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Placing your automobile on a trailer is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection than having someone drive it. There are various trailer options available, depending on the value & size of your vehicle. Single trailers, while more costly, are ideal for transporting expensive or classic automobiles that require extra care. The safest way to transport a vehicle is in a shipping container, but this is also the most expensive option. Multi-car transporters, which can carry several vehicles simultaneously, come in different variants:
Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & common option, where your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. While all vehicles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, making this option less suitable for highly valuable automobiles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage & prolonged exposure to the elements.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple vehicles 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 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 vehicle shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Kirkland
Kirkland vehicle transport can be a stress-free experience when you opt for Shiply. Our platform provides numerous advantages that make the process of moving your automobile a breeze. Here are some of the primary benefits of utilizing Shiply for your vehicle shipping requirements.
Convenient & Time-Efficient
Rather than spending hours completing quote forms for each company you want to get a price from, Shiply streamlines the process. You only need to fill out one quote form, & then you'll receive estimates from multiple companies based on the information you provide. This can save you a considerable amount of time that you would have otherwise spent contacting companies & filling in forms.
Furthermore, all communication with these companies can be done through our platform, enabling you to keep all your vehicle shipping information in one convenient place.
Easy Price Comparison
When it comes to selecting an auto transport company, the cost of the vehicle shipping estimate is often the deciding factor. However, obtaining a firm vehicle transport estimate usually requires providing detailed information & completing forms, which can be time-consuming.
Shiply makes price comparison a breeze. You can receive genuine, final price estimates from vehicle shipping companies & compare them side by side. You can also message them individually to ask any questions you may have, helping you make an informed decision & choose the best company for your needs.
Budget-Friendly Vehicle Shipping in Kirkland
Auto transport companies on Shiply often provide their services at a lower cost compared to going directly to them. This is because they frequently aim to fill space on journeys they are already making, having already invested in the cost. For example, if you needed to transport your vehicle from Los Angeles to New York, a company on Shiply might already have a multi-car transporter making that trip with 5 out of 6 spots filled. They are simply looking to ensure they aren't wasting any space.
As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations work for you, you can potentially save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service.
Eco-Friendly
Using Shiply for auto transport isn't just cheaper; it's also more environmentally friendly! In the previous example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter & you arranged separate transport, the emissions released into the atmosphere would have doubled due to the additional journey needed just for your automobile.
Additionally, many vehicle transporters return empty-handed after a delivery, which is costly for them & the environment. There are many people who could have utilized that transporter to move their vehicles in the opposite direction. Numerous auto transporters on Shiply aim to fill their trailers on return journeys, resulting in less wasted CO2 emissions & continued affordable transport for our users.
Readying Your Vehicle for Transport
Once you've chosen an auto transport company & feel confident using their services, it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We recommend following these steps:
Documents: Ensure any necessary documents are available at pick-up or drop-off, especially if you're selling your automobile.
Cleaning: Remove all personal items from your vehicle before shipping to avoid the risk of them getting lost or damaged during transit. It's also highly recommended to clean your vehicle beforehand, as this will help you assess 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, ensure it is in running condition. This means checking fluid levels, battery charge, & tire pressure. This can also help you better evaluate the vehicle's condition upon arrival.
Photographic Evidence: Before the vehicle delivery service picks up your automobile, take high-quality photographs of all parts of the car. This provides you with evidence of the car's condition prior to shipping, which can be useful if any damage occurs during transport.
Post-Delivery Steps
After the vehicle shipping company completes the delivery, there are a few things you should do:
Check Vital Signs: Immediately check the lights, brakes, & engine to ensure the vehicle is in the expected condition. This allows you to promptly raise any concerns with the vehicle delivery service if something isn't working properly.
Exterior Condition: Compare the vehicle's exterior to the photos taken before shipping to determine if any additional damage has occurred. While rare, shipping a vehicle can sometimes cause damage, & you want to ensure your vehicle transport service hasn't done so.
Check Mileage: This is more relevant for vehicle shipping services where the automobile is driven to the destination. Checking the mileage can help verify that it matches the journey taken.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could leave a review for the auto transport company you used through Shiply. This helps others browse vehicle shipping services with the same peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a vehicle? Vehicle shipping prices vary depending on the circumstances, but on average, a journey should cost around $2.92 per mile for distances less than 200 miles, $0.93 for distances between 200 & 500 miles, & $0.78 for distances over 1,000 miles.
What is the most budget-friendly way to ship a vehicle? Having someone drive your automobile to its destination is the cheapest option. However, if you require a trailer, a multi-car transporter is your best bet for the most affordable way to ship a vehicle.
How do I pay for my auto transport? Payment methods vary among individual auto transport companies on Shiply. It's best to discuss payment options with your chosen vehicle delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most companies offer flexible payment options.
Can I track my vehicle transport online? Each vehicle shipping company on Shiply operates differently, but many provide the ability to track your vehicle shipment, with some even offering personal updates. If tracking is important to you, message individual vehicle transport companies to confirm if they offer this feature.
Is someone required to be present for pickup & delivery? In most cases, the vehicle shipping company will require your presence for both pickup & delivery. This is because there may be release forms that need your signature, & you'll need to hand over the vehicle keys.
Can I leave items in my automobile during vehicle shipment? Most vehicle transport companies allow you to keep some personal items in the automobile during transport. However, keep in mind that the weight of the items may affect the price of the vehicle shipment, & any items in the automobile won't be covered by insurance for the transport of the vehicle itself.
How much gas should I have in my automobile during transit? Aim to have around a quarter of your tank full. This facilitates easy loading & unloading of the vehicle without adding too much extra weight.
Can I ship my automobile if it isn't running? You can ship a non-running vehicle, but it will be more expensive as specialized equipment is required for loading & unloading.
Can I ship a modified automobile? Shiply allows almost any type of vehicle to be shipped. With hundreds of transport providers available to bid on your job, there will always be someone equipped & ready to safely handle the task.
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