What Is Vehicle Transportation?
Vehicle transportation, also referred to as auto transport or car shipping, is a service offered by vehicle shipping companies that involves collecting your automobile from one spot & transporting it to another. It's beneficial for moving a vehicle in various situations where you're unable to drive the car yourself. For instance, you might be buying or selling a used automobile online & need to transport it to another state, or maybe you've recently moved & need to ship your vehicle across the nation. Vehicle shipping services can also be extremely useful when you need to transport your car overseas & ferries aren't an option, requiring you to rely on an auto transport company to manage the job.
Luckily, there are numerous vehicle transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we'll discuss below.
Types Of Vehicle Shipping Services
There are various vehicle shipping services available, summarized below. It's advantageous to read through & determine the precise type of auto transportation service you require or prefer for transporting your vehicle.
The first decision you need to make is where you want your automobile picked up from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or moving a car to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, where designated collection & drop-off points are used, often at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is usually more affordable but requires more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. However, most people require a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are picked up & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or just shipping a car to another state. This is often preferable as it eliminates the need to go somewhere else to collect your vehicle, which can be challenging without your automobile in the first place!
Vehicle transport services generally fall into two categories: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or putting it on a trailer & transporting it.
Have Someone Drive Your Vehicle
This is a straightforward solution to vehicle shipping that involves hiring someone to drive your automobile to the desired location, whether you need to transport a car across the country or to another state. The advantages of this auto transport method are that it's often more affordable, as trailers & an extra vehicle aren't required, & it can be faster due to the simple nature of the transport.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method offered by vehicle shipping companies that lead some people to choose other types of auto transport. Firstly, mileage is added to your vehicle during the journey, meaning that if you're moving a car across the country, significant miles will be added, although less so when transporting a car to a nearby state. Secondly, there's a slight risk of damage occurring to your automobile while it's being driven from point A to point B. 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
Putting your automobile on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone drive your vehicle to its destination. With auto shipping trailers, there are several options available depending on the value & size of your car.
First, you need to decide whether you want a single trailer for your automobile. These are often more expensive as they only transport one vehicle at a time but are a great choice if you're moving an expensive or classic car that you don't want to risk damaging. The safest way to ship a vehicle is to put it in a shipping container, but this is by far the most costly option. The other option is a multi-car transporter, which can move many automobiles at once & comes in a few variants:
Open vehicle shipping by any auto shipping company is the most affordable & most common option when transporting a car. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to the destination. All vehicles are securely fastened, but as the name suggests, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, so auto shipping companies may not recommend this for highly valuable cars. Furthermore, while it may be the most affordable way to transport a vehicle cross-country, long journeys in open trailers obviously pose a higher risk of damage & leave your automobile exposed to the elements for extended periods.
Enclosed auto transport involves multiple vehicles secured on a carrier, but they are enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This is often preferable for more expensive or newer automobiles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage during vehicle transport.
If you need to move your car overseas through a vehicle transport company, try to find a specialist service on our platform or one with experience in overseas auto shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
Why People Often Move Automobiles To & From Wenatchee, Washington, US
Wenatchee, Washington, US, is a popular destination for vehicle shipping due to various reasons. Many people relocate to Wenatchee for job opportunities, especially in the agriculture & technology sectors. The city is known for its apple orchards & is often referred to as the "Apple Capital of the World." Additionally, Wenatchee is home to several technology companies, attracting professionals in the field.
Another reason people move automobiles to & from Wenatchee is for personal reasons, such as family relocation or retirement. The city offers a high quality of life, with stunning natural scenery, outdoor recreational activities, & a friendly community. Wenatchee is situated in a valley at the confluence of the Columbia & Wenatchee Rivers, providing a picturesque setting for residents.
When moving to or from Wenatchee, many people choose to use vehicle shipping services to transport their cars. Driving an automobile across long distances can be time-consuming, expensive, & stressful, especially if you're moving to a new city or state. By using a reliable auto shipping company, you can ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination safely & efficiently, without adding extra miles or wear and tear to your car.
Wenatchee auto shipping companies offer various services to meet the needs of their customers, including open & enclosed transport, door-to-door delivery, & expedited shipping. Whether you're moving a single vehicle or multiple cars, these companies can provide a convenient & cost-effective solution for transporting your automobile to or from Wenatchee, Washington, US.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Vehicle?
There are several variables to consider when trying to determine the cost of shipping an automobile, but on average, vehicle 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 figures are just averages for vehicle moving companies, & your auto transport may cost more or less depending on the specific circumstances. The best way to find out how much vehicle transport will cost you is to gather auto shipping quotes from various car transport companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.
If you want to get an idea of how much you can expect your vehicle delivery to cost, consider the factors below that can affect the price of auto transport services.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
We all want affordable auto transport, but several factors & variables can impact the cost of your vehicle shipping. Below, we'll outline the main ones so you can get a rough idea of whether your vehicle transport requirements will be expensive or cheap.
As mentioned earlier, distance is one of the key factors that significantly influences the cost of your auto transport, with cross-state & cross-country journeys being much more expensive than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable option.
While longer distances do cost more, fortunately, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases, ensuring you're not paying excessively.
International shipping will always result in expensive auto shipping quotes due to the logistics of transferring a vehicle overseas & the distance it must travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container for your car.
Route - Along with distance, the route required to take your automobile from its pick-up spot to its delivery location can affect the pricing of your vehicle carrier service. Routes with known higher traffic, such as in LA, may end up costing more than quieter roads due to the additional time it can add to a journey. Similarly, unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs from the vehicle moving companies or necessitate a different, longer route.
Shipping Dates - The speed at which you need your auto transportation service to operate can also affect the price. For example, if you can be flexible with timings, you may find that your vehicle shipping service charges significantly less. This is because they can fit your car delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads, passing the savings on to you. However, if you require vehicle transport within a strict timeframe (often known as expedited shipping), this will typically cost you more, as the auto transport company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.
Vehicle Size - The height, length, & width of the car will all affect the cost of transporting your automobile. Auto shippers will require larger trailers for bigger vehicles, with SUVs typically costing more on average to transport than sedans. Furthermore, always inform the vehicle transport company about any bike racks, roof racks, or other accessories on the automobile, as these can also change the size of the trailer required for the delivery.
Vehicle Condition - If your automobile is not in a drivable condition, this may make your vehicle transport more expensive. This is because it may require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load & unload your car from the trailer. For example, if your automobile has a locked wheel, it will be impossible to simply roll it onto a trailer & off again, taking more time, effort, & machinery to complete the delivery compared to a standard auto transport service. Most vehicle carriers consider a car that can brake, roll, & steer to be in good enough condition to ship easily.
Vehicle Transport Service Type - The type of vehicle transport service you select will also affect the cost of your auto shipping. Having someone drive your automobile to its destination will always be the most affordable option, as you are essentially just paying for a driver's time & fuel, whereas single car trailers & enclosed transport are likely to be more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping will always be the most expensive method of transporting a car, as it means your automobile travels alone & still needs specialist equipment to load, unload, & protect your vehicle during transport.
Locations Of Pickup & Delivery - Depending on where you need the automobile picked up from & dropped off, this may also increase the price of shipping a car. Urban areas usually have auto shipping services in close proximity, & if it is a common destination route, you will tend to get affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If a pick-up or drop-off point is also in an unusual or hard-to-access space, extra steps may be needed to load your car, which can also increase the auto shipping cost.
Vehicle Transport Insurance - While all vehicle transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer any additional insurance, as it is not required by law. If an auto 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, what parts of the car are covered by the insurance, & any other questions you may have.
Time Of Year - Seasonality can also affect the price of auto shipping, with many services costing more to transport a vehicle in the winter due to ice & snow slowing the routes. Here is a quick breakdown of how each season can affect vehicle transport costs:
Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your car. This is because ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can all cause delays on the roads, as well as reduce the maximum speed at which the vehicle delivery service can transport automobiles. December is typically a difficult time to have a car shipped, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased auto shipping costs. However, February is usually quiet, so great rates are often available from vehicle shipping services during this month.
Spring is a great time to ship your car with a vehicle 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 automobile. March is often a better time to ship than April or May; however, there is often a rush to move vehicles from colder to warmer states.
Summer is the prime season for shipping automobiles - 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 vehicle transport industry, & you should not expect affordable auto shipping during the summer.
Fall is a good time to ship a vehicle if you are looking for a slightly cheaper price. Auto shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, you are better off looking to move your car in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their automobiles to university.
How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding A Vehicle Transport Service
Now that you know more about what auto shipping & a vehicle shipping service are & what sort of vehicle transport service you need, you probably want to go ahead & actually try to find an auto transport service that is going to be right for you.
The issue is that there are hundreds of auto transport companies out there. Trying to find them on Google can end up resulting in scrolling through numerous pages trying to find the best vehicle shipping company for the best price, & the same is true if you were going to go through phone books. Furthermore, many of these companies are reluctant to give you pricing, meaning you will most likely need to apply for a quote & fill out details with each of them individually, which can become very time-consuming.
How Can Shiply Help Find Vehicle Transport Companies?
Given all of the options & variables involved with finding an auto shipping service, actually 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 get started with collecting quotes. All we need from you are the make & model of the automobile that needs shipping, the pickup location & delivery location, & the dates that you need to move the vehicle. This gives the vehicle transport providers on Shiply enough information to be able to provide you with an accurate quote for your job.
Once your listing is live, you will receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & to your email. We recommend keeping email notifications turned on so that you can know immediately when a new quote comes through. 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 pick from.
Once you have a few, you can ask them any questions you may have, such as when they are available (if a time frame is given), what insurance they have, & how they would secure your automobile. 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 also highly recommend looking at before selecting a quote to ship your car. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company, as well as view their overall score.
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The Benefits of Using Shiply for Car Shipping in Wenatchee
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 one quotation form and can then obtain quotes from various companies based on the information you submit. This can conserve you significant time that you would have otherwise spent phoning companies and providing details.
Communication with these businesses is also feasible via our platform, allowing you to store all your Wenatchee car shipping details in a single location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the car shipping estimate is the most crucial factor when choosing which auto transport company to employ for your vehicle. The challenge is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices and rough estimates, you won't receive a definite car transport quote without supplying information and completing details. Although this is understandable, it means that comparing prices and obtaining a car transport quote is not a simple task.
Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from car shipping companies and compare them in one place, offering the opportunity to message them individually to ask any questions you may have and ultimately select the ideal company for your needs.
Affordable Car Shipping - Auto transport businesses on Shiply can typically provide their services at a lower cost than if you approached them directly. This is because they are often seeking to fill space on trips they are already making and have already invested in. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York and needed to transport your car there, a company on Shiply might already have a multi-car transporter making that journey with 5 of the 6 spots occupied, and they are simply 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 utilizing our service.
Environmentally Friendly - Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more economical, but it is also more environmentally friendly. In the above example, if your car didn't get on that multi-car transporter and instead you arranged transport from a separate car shipper, 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 utilized 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, resulting in even less wasted CO2 being released into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Preparing Your Car for Shipping
If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your car and feel confident using them, it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We recommend 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 during transit. It is also highly recommended that you clean your vehicle before transport, as this will allow you to assess 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, 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 judge 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 ascertain 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, 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 economical way to ship a car; however, if you require a trailer, then a multi-car transporter will be your best option with regard to the most affordable 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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