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What Is Vehicle Transportation?


Vehicle transportation, also referred to as auto shipping or car 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.


Luckily, there are numerous auto shipping services available to cater to your specific requirements, which we will explore below.


Varieties Of Car Shipping Services


When it comes to car shipping services, there are several crucial choices you need to make. Initially, you must decide where you want your vehicle collected from & delivered to, whether it's a long-distance car transport or shipping an automobile to another state. Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is a possibility, where designated collection & drop-off points are utilized, frequently at the vehicle transport company's stores or operating bases. While this option is typically more affordable, it demands 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 long-distance car transport or simply shipping an automobile 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.


Car transport services can be categorized into two main types: having someone drive your vehicle to the destination or placing it on a trailer for transport.


Have Someone Drive Your Automobile


One straightforward solution to vehicle shipping is hiring someone to drive your automobile to its destination, whether it's shipping 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 quicker due to its simplicity.


However, there are some drawbacks to this approach that lead some people to choose other car transport options. Firstly, mileage is added to your vehicle 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 automobile during the drive. 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


Placing your vehicle on a trailer is a safer way to ensure a higher level of protection than having someone drive your automobile. Car shipping trailers come in various options, depending on the value & size of your vehicle.


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 a vehicle 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 car shipping is the most affordable & most common option for transporting a vehicle. 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 the drive, so this may not be recommended by vehicle shipping companies for highly valuable vehicles. Additionally, long journeys in open trailers 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 during auto transport.


If you need to move your vehicle overseas, it's best to find a specialist service on our platform or one with experience in overseas car shipping, as they can provide tailored advice based on your requirements.


How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Vehicle?


The cost of transporting 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 be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances. The best way to determine the cost of auto transport is to collect vehicle shipping quotes from various car transport companies, which is easy to do on Shiply.


To get a rough idea of what to expect, let's look at the factors that can affect the price of car transport services.


Factors That Can Influence The Cost Of Auto Transport


While we all want affordable vehicle transport, several factors & variables can impact the cost of car shipping. Here are the main ones 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 car 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 a vehicle overseas is always more expensive due to the logistics involved & the distance the automobile needs to travel. It may also require special enclosed trailers or even a shipping container.


Route: Along with distance, the route taken to transport your vehicle from its pick-up spot to its delivery location can affect the pricing. Routes with higher traffic, such as 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're flexible with timings, you may find that the car shipping service charges less, as they can fit your automobile delivery into their schedule & reduce overheads. However, if you require auto transport within a strict timeframe (known as expedited shipping), 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. Car shippers will require larger trailers for bigger vehicles, with SUVs typically costing more on average than sedans. Make sure to inform the auto transport company about any bike racks, roof racks, or other accessories on the vehicle, as these can change the size of the trailer required for delivery.


Vehicle condition: If your automobile is not in drivable condition, it may increase the cost of auto transport. This is because extra equipment, such as a winch or forklift, may be needed to load & unload your vehicle from the trailer. If your automobile has a locked wheel, for example, it will be impossible to simply roll it onto & off the trailer, requiring more time, effort, & machinery to complete the delivery compared to a standard vehicle transport service. Most car 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 of vehicle shipping. Having someone drive your automobile to its destination is always the most affordable option, as you're essentially just paying for the driver's time & fuel. Single car trailers & enclosed transport are likely to be more expensive, as they require extra equipment. Enclosed car shipping is always the most expensive method, as it means your vehicle travels alone & still needs specialist equipment for loading, unloading, & protection during transport.


Locations of pickup & delivery: The pickup & drop-off locations can also impact the price of shipping a vehicle. Urban areas usually have car shipping services in close proximity, & if it's a common destination route, you'll 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 in an unusual or hard-to-access space, extra steps may be needed to load your automobile, which can also increase the vehicle shipping cost.


Auto transport insurance: While all auto transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, many do not offer additional insurance, as it's not legally required. If a vehicle transport company doesn't offer cargo insurance, it's highly recommended that you seek out & acquire some for your automobile during transit. As with all insurance policies, make sure you understand what type of damage is covered, whether there's 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 to ship a car in the winter due to ice & snow slowing the routes. Here's a quick breakdown of how each season can affect auto transport costs:


Winter is often the most expensive season to ship your automobile. Ice, snow, & blizzard conditions can cause delays on the roads & reduce the maximum speed at which the vehicle delivery service can transport cars. December is typically a difficult time to have an automobile shipped, as drivers are on holiday, while many travel to warmer states in January, leading to increased vehicle shipping costs. However, February is usually quiet, so great rates are often available from car shipping services during this month.


Spring is a great time to ship your automobile 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 vehicle. March is often a better time to ship than April or May, as there is often a rush to move automobiles from colder to warmer states.


Summer is the prime season for shipping vehicles - the days are the longest in the year, students are traveling home from universities, employees take vacations, & it's also a very popular time to move house. This means that June, July, & August are all busy months for the auto transport industry, & you should not expect affordable vehicle shipping during the summer.


Fall is a good time to ship a vehicle if you're looking for a slightly more affordable price. Car shipping companies are less busy, & there is typically more driver availability after the summer rush. However, you're better off looking to move your automobile in October or November rather than September, as this is peak time for students shipping their cars to university.


How To Transport A Vehicle - Finding An Auto Transport Service


Now that you know more about vehicle shipping, car shipping services, & the type of auto transport service you need, you probably want to find a vehicle transport service that's right for you.


The issue is that there are hundreds of vehicle transport companies out there. Trying to find them on Google can result in scrolling through numerous pages to find the best car shipping company at the best price, & the same is true if you were to go through phone books. Furthermore, many of these companies are reluctant to provide pricing, meaning you'll 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 all the options & variables involved in finding a vehicle shipping service, 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 start collecting quotes. All we need from you are the make & model of the vehicle that needs shipping, the pickup & delivery locations, & the dates you need to move the automobile. This gives the auto transport providers on Shiply enough information to provide you with an accurate quote for your job.


Once your listing is live, you'll receive quotes in your Shiply inbox & via 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 choose from.


Once you have a few quotes, you can ask the companies any questions you may have, such as their availability (if a time frame is given), what insurance they have, & how they would secure your vehicle. We recommend asking any company you may use these questions to ensure that everything goes smoothly & as expected.


Shiply has a feedback & ratings system that we highly recommend looking at before selecting a quote to ship your automobile. This system allows you to view previous customers' experiences with a company, as well as their overall score.


Why People Often Move Automobiles To & From Fredericksburg, Virginia


Fredericksburg, Virginia, is a popular location for vehicle shipping due to several reasons. Many people move to Fredericksburg for work opportunities, as it's located near Washington D.C. & has a growing economy. Others choose to retire in Fredericksburg, attracted by its small-town charm, historical sites, & proximity to larger cities.


Students attending the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg often require vehicle shipping services at the beginning & end of the academic year. Additionally, Fredericksburg's location along Interstate 95 makes it a convenient stop for car shipping companies transporting automobiles along the East Coast.


Whether you're moving to Fredericksburg for work, retirement, or education, or simply passing through, Shiply can help you find reliable & affordable vehicle shipping services to & from Fredericksburg, Virginia. With a wide network of vetted car shipping companies, Shiply makes it easy to compare quotes & find the best option for your specific needs, ensuring a smooth & stress-free vehicle shipping experience.


The Benefits of Using Shiply for Auto Transport in Fredericksburg


Time-Saving - Rather than filling out a quotation form each time you desire an accurate estimate from a company on transporting a vehicle, on our platform you complete one quotation form & can then receive estimates based on the information you supply from several companies. This can save you hours of time you would have spent phoning companies & providing details. Communication with these businesses is also possible through our platform, allowing you to store all of your Fredericksburg auto transport information in a single location.


Price Comparison - Ultimately, the price of the vehicle shipping estimate is the most crucial factor in choosing which car transport company to employ to transport your vehicle. The challenging aspect is that, while most companies are willing to provide average prices & general estimates, you won't receive a definite auto transport quote without having to supply information & complete details. While this is understandable, it means that price comparison & obtaining a vehicle transport quote is not exactly a simple task. Utilizing Shiply enables you to receive authentic, final price estimates from auto shipping companies & compare them in one place, offering the ability to message them individually to ask any questions you may have & ultimately decide on the best company for you.


Affordable Auto Shipping - Car transport companies on Shiply are usually able to provide their services for a lower cost than if you went directly to them. This is because they are often seeking to fill space on trips they are already making & have already invested the cost 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 just looking to ensure they are not 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 car transport by using our service.


Environmentally Friendly - Not only is using Shiply for car transport more affordable, but it is also more environmentally friendly! In the above example, if your vehicle didn't get on that multi-car transporter & instead you arranged transport from a separate auto shipper, then the emissions into the atmosphere would have doubled as another entire trip would be needed 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 used that transporter to move their vehicles in the opposite direction! Many of the car transporters on Shiply are looking to fill their trailers on return trips too, meaning even less wasted CO2 is being released 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, then it's time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. We suggest following these steps:


Documents - It is crucial 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 belongings 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 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 auto 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 auto 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 vehicle 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 auto transport service has not done so.


Check Mileage - This is more relevant to vehicle 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 car transport company you used through Shiply so that others can browse auto shipping services with the same peace of mind.


FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions


Below we have answered some of the most asked questions about vehicle shipping:


How much to ship a car? Auto 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 most economical way to ship a car.


How do I pay for my car transport? This is down to each individual car transport company on Shiply & is something you should discuss with your chosen vehicle delivery service before confirming the delivery. Most companies will be flexible with payment options, however.


Can I track my auto transport online? Each auto 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 companies to confirm that this is possible with them.


Does someone have to be present for pickup & delivery? In most cases, the auto 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 auto shipment? Most vehicle 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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By utilizing spare capacity of vehicles running on the road, Shiply helps reduce the number of otherwise wasteful journeys needed to ship the item.

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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!"

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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."

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"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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