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 numerous situations where you are unable to operate 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 abroad when ferries are not available.
Luckily, there are various vehicle transport services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will explore below.
Categories Of Vehicle Transport Services
When it comes to vehicle transport services, there are a few 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 vehicle transport or shipping 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. While this option is typically more affordable, it requires more effort on your part to get the automobile home.
Most individuals, however, prefer door-to-door auto transport delivery service, where their automobiles are collected & dropped off at their doorstep, regardless of whether it's a cross-country vehicle transport or just shipping a car to another state. This option is more convenient as it eliminates the need to collect your vehicle from a separate location, which can be challenging without your automobile.
Vehicle transport services are typically divided into two categories: having someone operate your automobile to the destination or putting it on a trailer for transport.
Have Someone Operate Your Automobile
Hiring someone to operate 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 extra 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. Secondly, there is a slight risk of damage to your automobile while it's being operated. These concerns are particularly relevant for individuals buying or selling cars online who want to ensure the automobile arrives in the same condition as advertised.
Put Your Automobile On A Trailer
Placing your automobile on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone operate 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 automobile at a time, but they are a great choice for moving expensive or classic cars that you want to protect from damage. The safest way to transport an automobile is in a shipping container, but this is also the most expensive option.
Multi-car transporters can carry many automobiles at once & come in a few variants:
- Open vehicle shipping is the most affordable & most common option, where your automobile is placed on an open carrier & driven to its destination. While all automobiles are securely fastened, they are exposed to the elements during the drive, so this may not be recommended for highly valuable vehicles. Long journeys in open trailers also pose a higher risk of damage & exposure to the elements.
- Enclosed auto transport involves securing multiple automobiles on a carrier that is enclosed, protecting them from dust, weather, & debris during transit. This option is often preferable for more expensive or newer vehicles where the owner wants to minimize the risk of damage.
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 to provide tailored advice based on your requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship An Automobile?
The cost of shipping an automobile varies based 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 an idea of what factors can affect the price of vehicle transport services, consider the following:
- Distance: Cross-state & cross-country journeys cost 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 an automobile overseas is always more 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 impact pricing. Routes with higher traffic or unforeseen circumstances like roadworks may incur extra costs or require longer alternative routes.
- Shipping dates: Flexibility in timings can result in lower costs, as vehicle transport companies can fit your delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. Expedited shipping within a strict timeframe typically costs more.
- Vehicle size: The height, length, & width of the vehicle affect the cost of transport. Larger vehicles like SUVs cost more to transport than sedans. Accessories like bike racks or roof racks can also change the required trailer size.
- Vehicle condition: Non-drivable automobiles may incur higher costs due to the need for extra equipment like winches or forklifts to load & unload the vehicle.
- Auto transport service type: Having someone operate your automobile is the most affordable option, while single car trailers & enclosed transport are more expensive due to the specialized equipment required.
- Collection & delivery locations: Urban areas with common destination routes often have more affordable vehicle shipping services. Rural deliveries or hard-to-access locations may cost more due to extra mileage & loading challenges.
- Auto transport insurance: While auto transport companies must carry liability insurance, additional cargo insurance is recommended. Clarify the coverage, deductibles, & covered vehicle parts before purchasing.
- Time of year: Seasonality affects vehicle shipping costs, with winter being the most expensive due to weather-related delays. Spring & fall offer better rates, while summer is the busiest season with higher prices.
How To Ship An Automobile - Finding A Vehicle Transport Service
With numerous 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 individual quote applications.
This is where Shiply can help simplify the process of finding auto transport companies.
How Can Shiply Help Find Auto Transport Companies?
Shiply streamlines the process of collecting quotes from vehicle shipping services. To get started, simply fill out a form with your automobile's make & model, collection & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the vehicle. 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 be promptly informed of new quotes. Quotes can arrive within minutes of posting your listing, but it's best to wait for a few options before making a decision.
After receiving quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability, insurance coverage, & how they secure automobiles during transport. It's crucial to ask these questions to ensure a smooth & expected experience.
Shiply's feedback & ratings system is a valuable resource when selecting a vehicle shipping company. You can view previous customers' experiences & overall scores to make an informed decision.
Why People Often Move Automobiles To & From Tennessee
Tennessee, a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, is a popular destination for vehicle shipping due to various reasons. Many individuals relocate to Tennessee for job opportunities, particularly in the thriving cities of Nashville, Memphis, & Knoxville. The state's low cost of living & absence of income tax also make it an attractive place to relocate.
Additionally, Tennessee is home to several universities & colleges, leading to a significant number of students shipping their automobiles to & from the state at the beginning & end of each academic year. The state's central location & well-connected highway system also make it a convenient hub for vehicle shipping companies, as they can easily transport vehicles to & from surrounding states.
Furthermore, Tennessee's diverse geography, which includes mountains, plateaus, & rivers, attracts many outdoor enthusiasts who may need to ship their vehicles to enjoy activities like hiking, camping, & water sports. The state's vibrant music scene, particularly in Nashville, also draws individuals from across the country who may require vehicle shipping services to relocate or attend events.
In summary, Tennessee's strong economy, educational institutions, central location, natural beauty, & cultural attractions make it a popular destination for vehicle shipping, with many individuals moving their automobiles to & from the state for various reasons.
The Benefits of Using Shiply for Car Shipping in Tennessee
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 based on the information you supply from several companies. This can conserve you hours of effort you would have spent phoning businesses & inputting details. Communication with these firms is also feasible via our platform, allowing you to store all your Tennessee car shipping details in a single location.
Cost Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the car 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 & rough estimates, you won't actually receive a definite car transport quote without having to input information & complete details. Although this is reasonable, it means that price comparison & getting a car transport quote isn't precisely a simple process. Utilizing Shiply enables you to acquire genuine, final price estimates from car shipping companies & compare them in one place, offering the ability to contact them individually to inquire about any questions you might have & ultimately choose the optimal company for your needs.
Affordable Car Shipping - Auto transport businesses on Shiply can usually provide their services at a lower cost than if you contacted them directly. This is because they are frequently 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 car there, a company on Shiply might already have a multi-car transporter making that trip with 5 of the 6 spots occupied, & they are simply looking to ensure they aren't wasting any space. As long as the dates, times, & pick-up/drop-off locations are suitable for you, you can often save up to 75% on auto transport by utilizing our service.
Eco-Friendlier - Not only is using Shiply for auto transport more affordable, but it is also more environmentally friendly. In the previous example, if your car didn't get on that multi-car transporter & instead you arranged transport from a separate car shipper, then 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, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being emitted into the atmosphere, as well as continued affordable transport for our users.
Preparing Your Car for Shipping
If you have selected an auto transport company to transport your vehicle & feel confident using them, then it's time to prepare your car 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 in transit. It is also highly recommended that you clean your vehicle before transport as this will allow you to determine 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, 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 assess 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 determine 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 most affordable 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.
,416 words
