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 operating the vehicle yourself is not practical, such as when purchasing or selling a used car online, relocating to a new residence across the nation, or transporting your automobile overseas. Vehicle shipping companies provide a variety of services to accommodate different requirements.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When selecting a vehicle transport service, the initial choice you must make is where you want your automobile collected from & delivered to, whether it's a cross-country car transport or shipping a vehicle to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is an option, where designated collection & drop-off points are utilized, frequently at the car transport company's stores or operating bases. While this alternative is typically more affordable, it demands more effort on your part to get the vehicle home. Most individuals, however, opt for door-to-door auto transport delivery, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of the distance.
Vehicle transport services can be classified into two primary types: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Operate Your Vehicle
Employing someone to operate your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle shipping, whether it's across the nation or to another state. This approach is often more affordable as it doesn't necessitate trailers or an additional vehicle. It can also be quicker due to its simplicity. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the added mileage to your automobile, especially when shipping a car across the country. Additionally, there is a slight risk of damage to your vehicle during the journey, which can be a concern for people buying or selling cars online who want the automobile to arrive in the same condition as advertised.
Place Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Utilizing a trailer to transport your automobile offers a higher level of safety compared to having someone operate it. Vehicle shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your automobile. Single trailers, which transport only one car at a time, are more expensive but are a great choice for moving expensive or classic cars that require extra protection. The safest way to transport a vehicle is in a shipping container, although this is the most costly option.
Multi-car transporters, which can carry several automobiles at once, come in different variants:
Open car shipping is the most affordable & common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to its destination. While all cars are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during transit, making this option less suitable for highly valuable vehicles. Long journeys using open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage.
Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple cars 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.
If you need to move your automobile overseas, it's best to find a specialist service or a company with experience in overseas vehicle shipping to provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Vehicle?
The cost of shipping 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 & 500 miles, & $0.78 for journeys over 1,000 miles. However, these are just averages, & your vehicle transport cost may differ based on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to obtain quotes from vehicle transport companies, which is easily done on Shiply.
Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Vehicle Transport
While everyone wants affordable vehicle transport, several factors can impact the cost of car shipping services:
Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost significantly more than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases.
International shipping: Transporting a vehicle overseas is always expensive due to the logistics involved & the distance traveled. It may also require special enclosed trailers or shipping containers.
Route: The route taken from the collection spot to the delivery location can affect pricing. Routes with higher traffic, such as in LA, may cost more due to the added time. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs or require a longer alternative route.
Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can result in lower charges, as vehicle shipping companies can fit your delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. Expedited shipping, where you require auto transport within a strict timeframe, typically costs more as it may require a dedicated trailer & driver.
Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the automobile affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs generally cost more to transport than sedans. Inform the auto transport company about any accessories like bike racks or roof racks, as they can change the required trailer size.
Vehicle condition: If your car is not drivable, it may increase the cost of auto transport. Non-operational vehicles require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load & unload them from the trailer, taking more time, effort, & machinery compared to a standard vehicle transport service.
Auto transport service type: The type of auto transport service you choose affects the cost. Having someone operate your vehicle is the most affordable option, as you're essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the specialized equipment required. Enclosed car shipping is the most expensive method, as your vehicle travels alone & still needs special equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transit.
Pickup & delivery locations: The location of the collection & drop-off points can impact the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have car shipping services nearby, & common destination routes often offer affordable car shipping. Rural deliveries can cost more due to deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. Unusual or hard-to-access collection or drop-off points may require extra steps to load your automobile, increasing the vehicle shipping cost.
Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance. If a vehicle transport company doesn't provide cargo insurance, it's highly recommended to obtain it separately for your automobile during transit. Clarify what type of damage is covered, the deductible, the parts of the vehicle covered, & any other relevant details.
Time of year: Seasonality can affect the price of vehicle shipping. Winter tends to be the most expensive season due to ice, snow, & blizzard conditions causing delays & reducing the maximum speed of transport. December is challenging as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased vehicle shipping costs. Spring is a great time to ship your automobile, with improved weather, longer days, & more available drivers, often resulting in affordable rates & high availability. Summer is the prime season for shipping cars, with the longest days, students traveling home, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving houses. Fall offers slightly more affordable prices, with less busy vehicle shipping companies & more driver availability after the summer rush.
How To Ship A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service
With hundreds of vehicle transport companies available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Searching on Google or through phone books can be time-consuming, & many companies are reluctant to provide pricing without a detailed quote application.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply simplifies the process of finding a vehicle shipping service. To get started, fill out a simple form with your car's make & model, collection & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the automobile. This information allows auto transport providers on Shiply to provide accurate quotes for your job.
Once your listing is live, you'll receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & email. We recommend keeping email notifications on to know immediately when a new quote arrives. Quotes can start coming in within minutes of posting your listing, but it's best to wait for a few options before making a decision.
When you have a few quotes, ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure your vehicle. It's crucial to ask these questions to ensure a smooth & expected experience.
Shiply's feedback & ratings system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company & their overall score, which we highly recommend checking before selecting a quote to ship your automobile.
Why People Often Move Cars To & From Nebraska
Nebraska, a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States, is known for its diverse landscape, ranging from the rolling hills of the east to the flat prairies of the west. Many people move cars to & from Nebraska for various reasons, such as relocating for work, attending university, or simply seeking a change of scenery.
One of the main reasons people move cars to Nebraska is for employment opportunities. The state has a strong & diverse economy, with major industries including agriculture, manufacturing, & healthcare. Omaha, the largest city in Nebraska, is home to several Fortune 500 companies, attracting professionals from across the country.
Another reason people move cars to Nebraska is for education. The state is home to several renowned universities, such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln & Creighton University, which draw students from all over the United States & abroad. When these students graduate or take on internships in other states, they often need to move their cars back out of Nebraska.
Retirees also move cars to Nebraska, attracted by the state's low cost of living, friendly communities, & numerous recreational activities. From exploring the scenic Sandhills to visiting historical landmarks like Chimney Rock, Nebraska offers a relaxed & enjoyable lifestyle for retirees.
Regardless of the reason for moving a vehicle to or from Nebraska, it's essential to choose a reliable & experienced car shipping company to ensure your automobile arrives safely & on time. By using a platform like Shiply, you can easily compare quotes from multiple vehicle shipping providers & find the best option for your needs & budget.
The Benefits of Utilizing Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Nebraska
Time-Saving - Instead of completing a quotation form each time you desire a precise price from a company on transporting a vehicle, on our platform you simply complete one quotation form & then can receive quotes based on the information you provide from several companies. This can save you hours of time you would have had to spend calling up businesses and filling in forms.
Communication with these businesses is all possible through our platform as well, meaning you can keep all of your car shipping nebraska information in one location.
Price Comparision - The Key Factor
When it comes down to it, the price of the vehicle shipping quote is the most crucial factor in deciding which auto transport company to use to ship your automobile in Nebraska. The tricky thing is that, while most businesses are happy to provide average prices and ballpark figures, you won't actually be given a firm vehicle transport quote without having to provide information & fill in details. While this is understandable, it does mean that price comparison and getting a vehicle transport quote isn't exactly a simple task!
Using Shiply allows you to recieve genuine, final price quotes from vehicle shipping companies and compare them in one place, providing the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have and ultimately decide on the best business for you.
Affordable Nebraska Car Shipping
Auto transport businesses on Shiply are typically able to offer their services for a lower fee than if you went direct to them. This is because they are often looking to fill space on journeys they are already making & have already sunk the cost for. Say, for example, you were moving from Omaha to Lincoln and needed to move your vehicle there. On Shiply, a company 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 work for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by using our service.
Better For The Enviroment
Not only is using Shiply for auto transport cheaper, but it is also better for the environment. In the above example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter and instead you arranged transport from a seperate car shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire journey would be needed just for your automobile.
Similarly, many vehicle transporters return from a delivery empty-handed, which is not only costly for them but also for the environment as there are lots of people who could have used that transporter to move their automobiles in the other 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 released into the atmosphere, as well as continued cheap transport for our users!
Preparing For Your Vehicle To Be Shipped
If you have decided on an auto transport company to move your automobile and feel secure using them, then it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We recommend following these steps.
Documents - It is important to ensure that any documents you may need are available at pick up or drop off, especially if you are selling your vehicle!
Cleaning - You should take care to remove all personal items 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 ascertain 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 & 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 automobile. 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 vehicle 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 occured. 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 automobile 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? Vehicle 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 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 vehicle.
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 businesses 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 vehicle shipment, with some even able to provide personal updates. If you require tracking, you should message individual car transport businesses 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 & 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 businesses 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 automobile 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 automobile!
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 automobile.
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!
