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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 cross-country vehicle shipping, or moving your automobile overseas 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.


Categories Of Vehicle Shipping Services


When it comes to vehicle shipping services, there are several crucial decisions you need to make. Firstly, you must determine 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 used, often at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. While this option is typically more affordable, it requires more effort on your part to get the automobile home.


However, most individuals prefer a door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their vehicles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country car transport or simply shipping a vehicle to another state. This option is more convenient as it eliminates the need to collect your automobile from a separate location, which can be challenging without your car.


Vehicle transport services can be divided into two main categories: having someone drive your automobile to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.


Have Someone Drive Your Automobile


Hiring someone to drive your automobile to its destination is a straightforward solution for vehicle 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 faster due to its simplicity.


However, there are some drawbacks to this method that lead some individuals to choose other vehicle transport options. Firstly, mileage is added to your automobile 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 vehicle during the drive. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same condition as advertised.


Place Your Automobile On A Trailer


Using a trailer to transport your automobile is a safer option that guarantees a higher level of protection compared to having someone drive your vehicle. Vehicle 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 an excellent choice for moving expensive or classic cars that you want to protect from potential damage. The safest way to transport an automobile 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 vehicle shipping is the most affordable & most common option offered by vehicle shipping companies. Your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to its 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. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers 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 auto transport.


If you need to move your automobile overseas, it's best to find a specialist service on our platform or one with experience in overseas vehicle 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 vehicle 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 vehicle shipping quotes from various companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.


To get a better idea of what factors can affect the price of vehicle transport services, consider the following:


Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of Auto Transport


While we all want affordable vehicle transport, several variables can impact the cost of shipping your automobile. Here are the main factors to consider:


Distance: As mentioned earlier, distance plays a significant role in determining the cost of vehicle transport. Cross-state & cross-country journeys are more expensive than interstate vehicle delivery, which is often the most affordable option. However, the average price per mile decreases as the journey length increases, so you won't be paying excessively for longer distances.


International shipping: Transporting an automobile 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 automobile from its collection spot to its delivery location can affect the pricing. Routes with higher traffic, such as those in LA, may cost more than quieter roads due to the added time. Unforeseen circumstances like major roadworks could also incur extra costs or require a different, longer route.


Shipping dates: The speed at which you need your vehicle transportation service can also impact the price. If you have flexibility in your timings, you may find that vehicle shipping services charge less, as they can fit your automobile delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. However, if you require expedited shipping within a strict timeframe, it will typically cost more, as the vehicle transport company may need to dedicate a trailer & driver specifically for your delivery.


Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of your automobile will all affect the cost of transport. Vehicle shippers require larger trailers for bigger automobiles, with SUVs typically costing more to transport than sedans. Always inform the auto transport company about any accessories on your vehicle, such as bike racks or roof racks, as these can change the size of the trailer needed for delivery.


Vehicle condition: If your automobile is not in drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. Non-operational vehicles may require extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, to load & unload them from the trailer. Most vehicle carriers consider an automobile 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. Having someone drive your automobile to its destination is always the most affordable option, as you are essentially paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single vehicle trailers & enclosed transport are likely to be more expensive due to the extra equipment required. Enclosed vehicle shipping is the most expensive method, as it involves your automobile traveling alone while still needing specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.


Pickup & delivery locations: The locations of your automobile's collection & drop-off points can also impact the price of shipping. Urban areas usually have vehicle shipping services in close proximity, & common destination routes tend to offer affordable vehicle shipping. Rural deliveries may cost more, as they require deviations from normal routes & extra mileage for the company. If a collection or drop-off point is in an unusual or hard-to-access location, extra steps may be needed to load your automobile, which can increase the vehicle shipping cost.


Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance, as it is not legally required. If a vehicle transport company does not provide cargo insurance, it is highly recommended that you seek out & acquire coverage for your automobile during transit. When considering insurance policies, make sure you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there is a deductible, which parts of the vehicle are covered, & any other relevant details.


Time of year: Seasonality can also affect the price of vehicle shipping, with many services costing more in the winter due to ice & snow slowing down routes. Here's a quick breakdown of how each season can impact auto transport costs:


Winter: Often the most expensive season to ship your automobile, as ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can cause delays & reduce the maximum speed at which vehicle delivery services can operate. December is typically a difficult time for automobile shipping due to drivers being on holiday, while many individuals travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased shipping costs. February, however, is usually quiet, & great rates are often available from vehicle shipping services during this month.


Spring: An excellent time to ship your automobile, with improved weather conditions, longer days, & more available drivers. March often offers better rates than April or May, although there is usually a rush to move vehicles from colder to warmer states.


Summer: The prime season for shipping vehicles, with the longest days of the year, students traveling home from universities, employees taking vacations, & a popular time for moving house. June, July, & August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, so don't expect affordable vehicle shipping during the summer.


Fall: A good time to ship an automobile if you're looking for slightly cheaper prices. Vehicle shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. October & November are better for moving your automobile than September, which is peak time for students shipping their vehicles to university.


How To Ship An Automobile - Finding An Auto Transport Service


Now that you have a better understanding of vehicle shipping, the types of vehicle shipping services available, & what factors can affect the cost, you may be ready to find an auto transport service that suits your needs.


The challenge lies in the fact that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there. Searching for them on Google can result in scrolling through countless pages trying to find the best vehicle shipping company at the best price. Many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing upfront, 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 vehicle shipping service, the search for the right one can seem daunting. 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 vehicle that needs shipping, the collection & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the automobile. 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 in within minutes of posting your listing, but we always suggest waiting for a few to come through before making a decision, so you have multiple options to choose from.


After receiving a few quotes, you can ask the providers any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), insurance coverage, & how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking these questions to any company you are considering to ensure a smooth & expected experience.


Shiply has a feedback & ratings system that we highly recommend reviewing before selecting a quote to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company & their overall score, helping you make an informed decision.


Why People Often Move Vehicles To & From Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US


Chapel Hill, located in North Carolina, US, is a popular destination for individuals moving vehicles to & from the area. As a vibrant college town home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, many students & faculty members require vehicle shipping services at the beginning & end of each academic year. Additionally, Chapel Hill's proximity to the Research Triangle Park, a major hub for technology & research companies, attracts professionals who may need to relocate for work, often requiring auto transport services.


The town's charming atmosphere, excellent schools, & high quality of life also make it an attractive place for families to settle down, leading to an increased demand for vehicle shipping services as individuals move to the area. Furthermore, Chapel Hill's location in the heart of North Carolina means that it is well-connected to other parts of the state & the country, making it a convenient starting point or destination for those shipping their automobiles.


Whether you're a student moving to Chapel Hill for school, a professional relocating for work, or a family looking to start a new chapter, vehicle shipping services can help make your transition smoother by ensuring your automobile arrives safely & efficiently at its new home.


The Benefits of Using Shiply for Vehicle Transport in Chapel Hill


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 & can then obtain quotes from various companies based on the information you submit. This can conserve you hours of effort that you would have spent phoning companies & inputting details.


Communication with these businesses is also feasible via our platform, allowing you to store all of your Chapel Hill vehicle shipping details in a single location.


Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial aspect in choosing which auto transport company to employ to transport your vehicle. The challenge is that, while most businesses are willing to provide average prices & general estimates, you won't receive a definite vehicle transport quote without supplying information & completing details. Although this is reasonable, it means that comparing prices & getting a vehicle transport quote is not a simple task.


Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from vehicle shipping companies & compare them in one place, offering the opportunity to message them individually to inquire about any concerns you may have & ultimately select the optimal company for your needs.


Affordable Vehicle Shipping - Auto transport businesses on Shiply can typically provide their services at a lower cost than if you contacted them directly. This is because they are often seeking to fill space on trips they are already making & have already invested the expense for. For instance, if you were relocating from Los Angeles to New York & needed to transport your vehicle there, a company on Shiply may already have a multi-car transporter making that trip with 5 of the 6 spots occupied, & they are simply looking to ensure they are not wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations are convenient for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by utilizing our service.


Environmentally Friendly - Using Shiply for auto transport is not only more affordable but also more environmentally friendly! In the previous example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter & 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 empty-handed after a delivery, which is not only expensive for them but also for the environment, as there are many individuals who could have utilized that transporter to move their vehicles 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 emitted into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.


Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping


If you have chosen an auto transport company to transport your vehicle & feel confident using them, it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We suggest 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 & 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 & 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, & 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, & 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 & 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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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shiply Cover My Area?

Yes! There are couriers using Shiply all over the country and abroad, so whether you need to move a sofa across town or send a car across Europe, we have got you covered.

Does Shiply Have Different Sized Vehicles?

There are thousands of couriers on Shiply, with a wide range of vehicle sizes capable of handling any delivery. Providing the rough dimensions (and pictures if possible) on your listing will allow the delivery company to get the right vehicle sent out to you.

How Can I Contact Shiply Support?

Shiply Support is available only on email, at

Who Will Carry Out My Delivery?

Whoever you choose! There are thousands of rated transport providers on our platform ready to make a bid to carry out your delivery. It is up to you to decide which quote to accept.

When Will I Receive A Quote?

You will typically start to receive quotes within 30 minutes. If you are worried about the lack of quotes, try adding some more detail to your listing as transport providers may be unsure of dimensions or weight and feel unable to provide an accurate quote. If your delivery is urgent, you can try our 'featured delivery' feature which moves your listing to the top of the search page for couriers.

How Many Quotes Will I Receive?

Whilst there is no guarantee of quotes, 98% of our listings receive at least 3 quotes, so you are likely to find someone who can undertake the delivery of your items.

Does Shiply Provide Packing Materials?

f your item requires packing materials or extra care then you should make sure this is highlighted in your listing and discussed with any transport provider whose quote you are considering. Couriers on Shiply are able to provide all levels of service and can help pack your items, just ensure you inform them of your needs.

Will My Goods Be Tied Up Securely?

Transport providers will almost always tie up an item in the transport vehicle, as the risk of damage from moving around during transit is high. You should always confirm safety precautions and packing needs with transport providers before accepting a quote.

Can Items Be Taken Upstairs?

Yes, items can be taken upstairs if needed, and can also be assembled. Transport providers on Shiply are happy to provide these services, but you should ensure that you are mentioning these requirements in your listings as it may mean a second person is required for the move.

Can I Travel With My Goods?

The majority of transport providers on Shiply are only insured for the transportation of goods, however, some are also able to take people. If you need to travel with your goods, make sure to mention this in your listing and to highlight this to any courier who quotes on your listing.

What If I Need To Cancel My Booking?

If you have accepted a quote and paid the deposit but wish to cancel the delivery, then you should first inform your chosen transport provider that you no longer require the delivery. You should then contact us at to have your deposit refunded.

Can I Change The Address Of The Delivery?

If you have not yet accepted a quote then you are able to change the address of your listing. Note that editing details of your listing after publishing will result in active quotes being voided, so you will have to wait for new quotes to come in. If you have already accepted a quote and need to change the address, please let your transport provider know and contact us at .

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?

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.

Can I Transport 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.

How Shiply works

How Shiply Works

How Shiply Works

  • 1

    Request quotes from our 451,139 rated shipping companies.

  • 2

    Compare prices and read previous customer feedback to pick the right quote for you.

  • 3

    Sit back and relax while your item is safely moved by your chosen shipping company.

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How Shiply Helps The Environment

By utilizing spare capacity of vehicles running on the road, Shiply helps reduce the number of otherwise wasteful journeys needed to ship the item.

3 0 5 6 2 5 7 7 8 Kg/CO2 Saved

Recent Testimonials

Debra W Testimonial

Debra W.

"Communication was great from the time I accepted the quote until the car was dropped off. In terms of the timeline, I was given a potential range for both how soon the car would be picked up and how many days it would be in transport."

Patrick G Testimonial

Patrick G.

"Everything was perfect! Fast, easy and hassle-free process! I definitely recommend and would use them again in the future. Thank you so much!"

Sophie G Testimonial

Sophie G.

"Great experience using these guys. This was my first time having to transport a car using a service like this and I could not be happier. Picked up earlier than expected and delivery was early as well. Quick easy and problem free."

Gary M Testimonial

Gary M.

"I’ve used Shiply twice now and have been really pleased with the result. It’s quick and easy to use. For both occasions the quotes were very competitive and the quality of the job was excellent. I highly recommend it."

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