Auto Transport, also known as car shipping or vehicle transport, is a service provided by specialized companies to move your car from one location to another. This service becomes invaluable in numerous situations where driving your vehicle yourself isn’t feasible. For instance, you might need auto transport when purchasing or selling a car online across state lines, relocating to a new home in a different part of the country, or even when moving your vehicle overseas. Instead of undertaking a long drive, or when geographical barriers prevent it, auto transport offers a convenient and reliable solution.
Fortunately, a variety of auto transport options are available today, tailored to different needs and budgets. Understanding these options is the first step in choosing the right service for your vehicle. Let’s explore the different types of auto transport services to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Auto Transport Services
When considering auto transport, one of the initial choices you’ll face is the pickup and delivery method. This typically breaks down into two main categories: terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door service. While both achieve the goal of transporting your vehicle, they differ significantly in convenience and overall effort required from your side.
Terminal-to-Terminal vs. Door-to-Door Auto Transport
Terminal-to-terminal auto transport involves dropping off your vehicle at a designated terminal or depot and picking it up from another terminal at its destination. These terminals are often storage lots or operational hubs of auto transport companies. Opting for terminal-to-terminal service can sometimes be more economical, as it streamlines logistics for the transport company. However, it requires you to arrange transportation to and from these terminals, which can add extra steps and costs to your overall transport process.
Alt: Open carrier truck loaded with multiple cars for auto transport, showcasing efficient vehicle shipping.
In contrast, door-to-door auto transport is the most popular and convenient option for most individuals. As the name suggests, the auto transport company will pick up your vehicle directly from your specified location (home, office, etc.) and deliver it right to your desired destination. Whether you’re dealing with cross-country auto transport or simply moving a car to another state, door-to-door service eliminates the need for you to travel to terminals, saving you time and hassle. This is particularly beneficial if you’re already in the midst of a move or don’t have easy access to the terminals.
Beyond pickup and delivery methods, auto transport services are broadly classified based on how your vehicle is physically moved: either by driving it or by loading it onto a trailer.
Method 1: Drive-Away Auto Transport
Drive-away auto transport is a straightforward method where you hire a professional driver to drive your car to its destination. This can be a cost-effective solution, especially for shorter distances, as it eliminates the need for trailers and specialized equipment. Drive-away service can also be quicker in some cases, as it bypasses loading and unloading processes associated with trailer transport.
However, this method has certain drawbacks. Firstly, it adds mileage to your vehicle, which can be a concern, especially for long-distance auto transport. Secondly, there’s a slightly increased risk of wear and tear or minor damages during the drive. While reputable companies hire experienced and insured drivers, the inherent risks of road travel still apply. For owners of classic, luxury, or very new vehicles, or those selling cars and needing to maintain their pristine condition, other auto transport methods might be more suitable.
Method 2: Trailer Auto Transport
Trailer auto transport involves securing your vehicle onto a trailer for its journey. This method generally offers a higher level of protection compared to drive-away services. Within trailer auto transport, you’ll encounter various trailer types, each catering to different needs and vehicle types.
Alt: Enclosed auto transport trailer carrying a luxury vehicle, ensuring maximum protection during shipping.
Single Car Trailers: For those seeking the utmost care and security, single car trailers are an excellent option. As the name suggests, these trailers are designed to carry only one vehicle at a time. While typically more expensive than multi-car options, they offer enhanced protection and are ideal for transporting high-value, classic, or custom vehicles. Single car trailers minimize the risk of damage from other vehicles during transit and provide a more personalized service. For the highest level of protection, consider containerized auto transport, where your vehicle is enclosed in a shipping container. This is the most secure method, offering complete protection from the elements and potential road debris, but also comes at the highest cost.
Multi-Car Transporters: Multi-car transporters are the most common and often the most economical way to ship a car. These large trailers can carry multiple vehicles simultaneously, making them efficient for auto transport companies and cost-effective for customers. Multi-car transport further divides into two main types: open and enclosed carriers.
Open Auto Transport: Open car carriers are the most prevalent and budget-friendly option within multi-car transport. Your vehicle is secured on an open trailer, exposed to the elements during transit. While all vehicles are safely secured, open transport means your car will be exposed to weather conditions, road dust, and debris. This is generally acceptable for most standard vehicles and is a very common method for dealerships and individuals alike. However, for very valuable or delicate vehicles, the exposure might be a concern for some owners, especially for long cross-country auto transport routes.
Enclosed Auto Transport: Enclosed auto transport offers a premium level of protection within multi-car transport. Vehicles are secured inside a fully enclosed trailer, shielding them from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. Enclosed transport is the preferred method for shipping luxury cars, classic vehicles, sports cars, and any vehicle where minimizing risk of damage and maintaining pristine condition is paramount. While more expensive than open auto transport, the added protection provides peace of mind for owners of higher-value vehicles.
For international auto transport, it’s crucial to choose a company with specific expertise in overseas vehicle shipping. These specialists understand the complexities of international regulations, customs procedures, and the specific requirements for securing and transporting vehicles across borders. They can provide tailored advice and ensure a smooth and compliant international auto transport experience.
Understanding Auto Transport Costs
The cost to ship a car varies based on numerous factors. However, understanding general pricing benchmarks can help you budget and evaluate quotes effectively. In the United States, average auto transport costs are often calculated per mile, but this rate decreases as the shipping distance increases.
For shorter distances (under 200 miles), you might expect to pay an average of around $2.92 per mile. For medium distances (200-500 miles), this average rate drops to approximately $0.93 per mile. And for long-distance auto transport (over 1,000 miles), the average can be as low as $0.78 per mile.
It’s important to remember these are just averages. Your actual auto transport cost can be higher or lower depending on a variety of influencing factors. The best way to get an accurate understanding of your specific cost is to obtain quotes from multiple auto transport companies, which is easily done through platforms like Shiply.
To better anticipate your potential auto transport expenses, let’s delve into the key factors that influence pricing.
Factors Affecting Auto Transport Costs
While everyone seeks cheap car transport, understanding the factors that drive pricing will help you appreciate the variables at play and potentially optimize your choices to manage costs.
Distance: As mentioned earlier, distance is a primary cost driver. Cross-state and cross-country auto transport will naturally be more expensive than shorter, in-state deliveries. However, remember that the per-mile rate decreases with longer distances.
International Shipping: International auto transport is significantly more expensive due to the complexities of logistics, customs, international regulations, and longer travel distances. It often requires specialized handling, potentially enclosed trailers or container shipping, and incurs additional fees associated with international freight.
Route: Beyond just distance, the specific route can influence cost. Routes through densely populated areas with heavy traffic, like Los Angeles, might incur higher costs due to increased transit times and potential delays. Similarly, routes affected by frequent roadworks or challenging terrain can also impact pricing. Unforeseen events like major road closures can also lead to route changes and potential cost adjustments.
Shipping Dates & Timeframe: Flexibility in your shipping dates can significantly impact your auto transport costs. If you can be flexible with pickup and delivery timing, you’re more likely to secure a better rate. This is because auto transport companies can optimize their schedules and consolidate shipments more efficiently. Conversely, expedited shipping, where you require a strict and immediate timeframe for auto transport, will typically be more expensive. This is because the company may need to dedicate a truck and driver specifically to your vehicle, reducing their efficiency and increasing costs.
Vehicle Size and Type: The dimensions of your vehicle – height, length, and width – play a role in auto transport costs. Larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, generally cost more to transport than smaller sedans. This is because they require more space on the trailer and may impact fuel efficiency. Always inform the auto transport company about any accessories like bike racks or roof racks, as these can alter the vehicle’s dimensions and affect trailer requirements.
Vehicle Condition: The operational condition of your vehicle is a crucial factor. If your car is non-operable (cannot drive, steer, or brake), auto transport will likely be more expensive. Non-running vehicles require specialized equipment, such as winches or forklifts, to load and unload them from the trailer. This adds complexity and labor to the process, increasing the cost. A vehicle that can roll, steer, and brake is considered readily shippable by most auto carriers.
Type of Auto Transport Service: As discussed earlier, the type of auto transport service you choose directly affects the cost. Drive-away service is generally the cheapest, as it primarily involves driver labor and fuel. Open auto transport is more economical than enclosed transport due to the lower trailer costs and simpler logistics. Enclosed auto transport, offering premium protection, is the most expensive trailer option. Containerized shipping is the highest-cost method overall.
Pickup and Delivery Locations: The geographic location of your pickup and delivery points influences cost. Urban areas with high concentrations of auto transport services and frequent routes tend to have more competitive pricing. Rural or remote locations can increase costs due to longer travel distances for the transport company to reach them, and potentially less efficient routing. Difficult-to-access pickup or delivery locations (e.g., narrow streets, no truck access) might also add to the cost due to logistical challenges.
Auto Transport Insurance: While all licensed auto transport companies are legally required to carry liability insurance, it’s essential to understand the coverage. Basic liability insurance typically covers damage to other vehicles or property caused by the transport company. However, it may not fully cover damage to your transported vehicle itself. Many companies offer additional cargo insurance or allow you to purchase supplemental coverage. It’s highly recommended to clarify insurance coverage with the auto transport company and consider additional cargo insurance for peace of mind, especially for valuable vehicles. Carefully review the policy details, including deductibles, coverage limits, and exclusions.
Time of Year and Seasonality: Seasonality can significantly impact auto transport pricing.
Winter: Winter is often the most expensive season for auto transport. Inclement weather conditions like ice, snow, and blizzards can cause delays, slow down transit times, and make routes more challenging. December, with holiday driver availability constraints, is typically costly. January can also be expensive as people relocate to warmer climates. However, February often sees lower rates as demand dips.
Spring: Spring is generally a favorable time for auto transport. Improved weather, longer daylight hours, and increased driver availability often lead to more competitive rates and better service availability. March can be particularly advantageous, though April and May might see slight increases as moving season picks up.
Summer: Summer is peak season for auto transport. Longest daylight hours, student relocations, family moves, and vacations all contribute to high demand. June, July, and August are typically busy and you should expect higher prices during these months.
Fall: Fall can be a good time to find slightly cheaper auto transport, especially after the summer rush. Driver availability tends to be better. October and November are often more affordable than September, as September can still be busy with student car shipments to universities.
Finding the Right Auto Transport Service
After understanding the types of services and cost factors, the next step is to find a reliable auto transport company that meets your needs and budget. The challenge is that numerous auto transport companies exist, and sifting through them can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Online searches can lead to countless listings, and many companies are hesitant to provide upfront pricing, requiring you to request individual quotes, which adds further time and effort.
How Shiply Simplifies Auto Transport
Shiply is designed to streamline the process of finding and booking auto transport services. It acts as a platform connecting you with a network of vetted and reviewed auto transport companies, simplifying the quote process and helping you find competitive pricing.
Instead of contacting multiple companies individually, you simply complete one form on Shiply. You’ll provide details about your vehicle (make, model), pickup and delivery locations, and desired dates. This information is then shared with registered auto transport providers on the platform who can then submit quotes for your specific auto transport job.
Alt: Shiply online platform displayed on a laptop, illustrating user-friendly interface for auto transport booking.
Once your listing is active, you’ll start receiving quotes directly in your Shiply inbox and via email notifications. It’s recommended to review multiple quotes before making a decision to compare options and pricing. You can directly communicate with the quoting companies through the Shiply platform to ask questions about their services, insurance, availability, and vehicle handling procedures.
Shiply also features a feedback and rating system, allowing you to review past customer experiences with each auto transport company. This transparency helps you assess the reliability and service quality of different providers before making your choice.
Benefits of Using Shiply for Auto Transport
Time-Saving: Shiply significantly reduces the time and effort involved in finding auto transport. Instead of filling out multiple quote forms on different websites or making numerous phone calls, you complete just one form on Shiply and receive quotes from multiple companies in one place. All communication and quote management are centralized within the platform, saving you considerable time and organizational effort.
Price Comparison: Cost is often a primary factor in choosing an auto transport service. While many companies offer general price ranges, obtaining firm, specific quotes usually requires detailed inquiries. Shiply allows you to receive genuine, final price quotes from competing auto transport companies, making price comparison straightforward and transparent. You can easily compare quotes side-by-side and message companies directly to clarify any details before making a decision.
Potentially Cheaper Auto Transport: Auto transport companies on Shiply are often able to offer more competitive pricing compared to direct bookings. This is because they are frequently looking to fill empty space on existing routes or backhauls. For example, a company might already be planning a multi-car transport route from Los Angeles to New York with some available trailer space. By booking through Shiply, you could fill that empty space, and the company can offer a discounted rate as they are already incurring the fixed costs of the journey. In such scenarios, users can potentially save up to 75% on auto transport costs by utilizing the platform.
Environmentally Friendlier: Using Shiply for auto transport can also be a more environmentally conscious choice. By connecting you with companies looking to optimize their routes and fill empty trailer space, Shiply helps reduce the number of partially filled or empty transport journeys. This leads to greater efficiency in the auto transport industry and reduces overall fuel consumption and carbon emissions. By utilizing existing transport capacity, Shiply promotes a more sustainable approach to vehicle shipping.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Auto Transport
Once you’ve selected an auto transport company and finalized your booking, preparing your vehicle for shipment is crucial. Following these steps will help ensure a smooth and damage-free auto transport experience:
Documents: Ensure you have all necessary vehicle documents readily available for pickup and delivery, especially if you are selling the car. This might include the vehicle title, registration, and bill of sale.
Cleaning: Remove all personal belongings from your vehicle before shipping. Auto transport insurance typically does not cover personal items left inside the car. Cleaning your vehicle, both inside and out, is also highly recommended. This allows you to accurately assess its condition before transport and easily identify any new damages that might occur during shipping.
Vehicle Condition Check: If your vehicle will be driven at any point (either during loading/unloading or drive-away service), ensure it is in good running condition. Check fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid), battery charge, and tire pressure. This helps ensure smooth handling and operation during transport and allows you to better assess the vehicle’s condition upon arrival.
Photographic Evidence: Take detailed, high-quality photographs of your vehicle from all angles before pickup. Document any existing scratches, dents, or imperfections. This photographic evidence serves as a crucial record of your vehicle’s pre-shipping condition and can be invaluable in case of any damage claims after delivery.
What to Do After Vehicle Delivery
Upon delivery of your vehicle, follow these steps to ensure everything is as expected and address any potential issues promptly:
Initial Checks: Immediately check essential vehicle functions like lights, brakes, and engine operation to confirm they are working correctly and as expected. This allows you to raise any immediate concerns with the auto transport service right away.
Exterior Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s exterior, comparing its condition to the photos you took before shipping. Carefully look for any new scratches, dents, or damage that may have occurred during transport. While damage is rare with reputable auto transport services, it’s important to document any issues promptly.
Mileage Verification: If you used a drive-away service, check the odometer reading to verify the mileage is consistent with the agreed-upon route and distance.
Review and Feedback: Consider leaving a review for the auto transport company on Shiply (or the platform you used). Your feedback helps other users make informed decisions and recognize reputable service providers.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Transport
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Auto transport costs are variable, but average prices are approximately $2.92 per mile for distances under 200 miles, $0.93 per mile for 200-500 miles, and $0.78 per mile for distances over 1,000 miles.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
Drive-away auto transport is generally the least expensive option. For trailer transport, open multi-car carriers are typically the most economical.
How do I pay for auto transport?
Payment methods vary by company. Discuss payment options with your chosen auto transport service before confirming booking. Most companies offer flexible payment methods.
Can I track my car during auto transport?
Many auto transport companies offer shipment tracking, often with online tracking systems or personal updates. Confirm tracking availability with individual companies.
Does someone need to be present for pickup and delivery?
In most cases, yes. Someone, either you or a designated representative, needs to be present for both pickup and delivery to sign release forms and hand over/receive keys.
Can I leave personal items in my car during auto transport?
Most companies allow some personal items, but it’s generally discouraged. Items are not insured, and their weight might affect the quote.
How much fuel should be in the car during transport?
Aim for about a quarter tank of fuel. This is sufficient for loading/unloading but minimizes added weight.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle?
Yes, but it will likely cost more due to the need for specialized loading equipment.
Can I ship a modified vehicle?
Yes, most types of vehicles, including modified ones, can be shipped. Shiply has providers with diverse equipment to handle various vehicles.
