Understanding Car Transports: Your Comprehensive Guide

Car Transports, also known as auto transport or vehicle shipping, are services designed to move your car from one location to another. Car transport companies specialize in picking up your vehicle and delivering it safely to your desired destination. This service is invaluable in numerous situations where driving your car yourself isn’t feasible or convenient. Whether you’re purchasing a car online from out of state, relocating across the country, or even moving overseas, understanding car transports is essential.

Fortunately, a variety of car transport options exist to cater to different needs and budgets. Below, we delve into the types of car transport services available to help you determine the best solution for your vehicle.

Exploring the Types of Auto Transport Services

Choosing the right car transport service requires understanding the available options. The first key decision involves the pickup and delivery locations. Do you require door-to-door service, or is terminal-to-terminal transport sufficient?

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Car Transport

Door-to-door auto transport is the most convenient option for most individuals. As the name suggests, the car transport company will pick up your vehicle directly from your specified location (home, office, etc.) and deliver it to your desired destination. This service offers maximum convenience, eliminating the need for you to travel to a specific terminal. While generally slightly more expensive, the ease and time-saving benefits make it a popular choice.
Terminal-to-terminal auto delivery is a more budget-friendly alternative. With this option, you are responsible for dropping off your car at a designated terminal (often a storage facility or company depot) and collecting it from another terminal near your destination. This service can be cheaper as it streamlines logistics for car transport companies. However, it requires you to arrange transportation to and from the terminals, which may be inconvenient depending on your location.

Beyond pickup and delivery options, car transports are broadly categorized into two primary methods: having someone drive your car or transporting it on a trailer.

Method 1: Drive-Away Car Transport

Drive-away car transport involves hiring a professional driver to drive your vehicle to its destination. This method can be a straightforward and sometimes more economical solution, especially for shorter distances.

Pros:
- Potentially Lower Cost: Drive-away services can sometimes be cheaper as they eliminate the need for trailers and additional transport vehicles.
- Faster Transit Times: Direct driving can be quicker than coordinating trailer transport, particularly for specific routes and timeframes.
Cons:
- Increased Mileage: Your vehicle will accumulate mileage during transport, which can be a concern, especially for long-distance car transports.
- Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear associated with driving will occur, and there’s a slightly higher risk of minor damages compared to trailer transport.
- Condition Concerns: For buyers or sellers of used cars, added mileage and potential wear might affect the vehicle’s perceived value or condition upon arrival.

Method 2: Trailer Car Transport

Trailer car transport involves securing your vehicle onto a trailer for shipping. This method is generally considered safer and offers various options depending on your vehicle type and protection needs.

Single Car Trailers: Ideal for high-value, classic, or luxury vehicles, single car trailers transport only one vehicle at a time. This dedicated service minimizes the risk of damage and provides a premium level of protection. However, it is usually the most expensive trailer option.
Multi-Car Transporters: These trailers are designed to carry multiple vehicles simultaneously, making them a more cost-effective option for standard car transports. Multi-car transporters come in two main types:
- Open Car Shipping: This is the most common and typically cheapest method for trailer car transports. Vehicles are loaded onto open trailers and securely fastened for transit. While exposed to weather elements and road debris, open car shipping is safe for most standard vehicles and is widely used by car transport companies.
Alt text: A multi-level open car carrier trailer fully loaded with various cars ready for transport, showcasing the typical method of open car shipping.
- Enclosed Auto Transport: For vehicles requiring maximum protection, enclosed auto transport is the premium choice. Cars are transported within enclosed trailers, shielding them from weather, dust, road debris, and prying eyes. Enclosed transport is highly recommended for luxury, classic, custom, or sports cars, providing the highest level of security and protection during car transports.
Alt text: A high-end sports car being carefully loaded into a fully enclosed car transport trailer, emphasizing the secure and protected nature of enclosed auto transport.

For international car transports, specialized services are necessary. Companies experienced in overseas vehicle shipping can handle the complexities of international regulations, customs procedures, and specialized transport requirements, often utilizing shipping containers for maximum protection during ocean freight.

Understanding Car Transport Costs

The cost to ship a car varies depending on numerous factors. However, understanding average pricing can provide a starting point. In the US, average car transport costs per mile generally decrease with distance:

Short distances (under 200 miles): Approximately $2.92 per mile.
Medium distances (200-500 miles): Around $0.93 per mile.
Long distances (over 1,000 miles): Closer to $0.78 per mile.

These are averages and serve as estimates. To obtain an accurate car transport quote, it’s best to request quotes from multiple car shipping companies, which can easily be done through platforms like Shiply.

To better understand potential costs, let’s examine the factors that influence car transport pricing.

Key Factors Affecting Auto Transport Costs

Several variables impact the final price of your car transport. Being aware of these factors allows you to anticipate costs and potentially find ways to optimize your car shipping budget.

Distance: As mentioned, distance is a primary factor. Cross-country car transports will naturally cost more than shorter, interstate deliveries. While total cost increases with distance, the per-mile rate typically decreases for longer journeys.
International Shipping: Shipping a car internationally is significantly more expensive due to complex logistics, overseas transport, customs, and potentially specialized container requirements.
Route and Location: Routes through densely populated areas with heavy traffic, like Los Angeles, may incur higher costs due to increased transit times. Similarly, remote or rural pickup/delivery locations can add to the price due to logistical challenges and potential detours for car transport companies.
Shipping Speed (Expedited Shipping): If you require expedited car transport with strict deadlines, it will generally cost more. Expedited services often necessitate dedicated carriers and drivers to meet tight schedules. Conversely, flexible delivery timelines can potentially lead to lower car shipping costs as companies can optimize routes and schedules.
Vehicle Size and Type: Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, typically cost more to transport than smaller sedans. Their size and weight require more space on trailers and potentially specialized equipment. Modifications like roof racks or bike racks can also affect pricing due to dimensional changes.
Vehicle Condition: Non-operable vehicles require specialized handling. If your car is not in running condition (e.g., has a locked wheel or cannot steer), car transport companies may need to use winches or forklifts to load and unload it, resulting in higher costs. A car that can roll, brake, and steer is generally considered “running” for transport purposes.
Type of Auto Transport Service: The chosen transport method significantly impacts cost. Drive-away services are often the cheapest. Open car shipping is more affordable than enclosed auto transport. Enclosed transport, offering maximum protection, is typically the most expensive option.
Time of Year and Seasonality: Seasonal demand and weather conditions affect car transport pricing.
- Winter: Often the most expensive season due to winter weather conditions like snow and ice, which can cause delays, slower transit times, and increased risks. Holiday periods in December also contribute to higher prices due to reduced driver availability.
- Spring: Generally a favorable time for car shipping. Improved weather and increased driver availability can lead to competitive rates.
- Summer: Peak season for car transports. High demand due to summer moves, student relocations, and vacations means you should expect higher prices.
- Fall: Can offer more moderate pricing compared to summer. While September might still be busy with student moves, October and November often present better rates due to decreased demand.
Car Transport Insurance: While car transport companies are legally required to carry liability insurance, it may not cover all potential damages. Consider supplemental cargo insurance for added peace of mind. Understand the coverage details, deductibles, and exclusions of any insurance policy.

Finding the Right Car Transport Service

Navigating the numerous car transport companies online can be overwhelming. Searching online or through directories can lead to endless lists and time-consuming quote requests. Many companies are hesitant to provide upfront pricing, requiring individual quote submissions, which adds to the complexity.

How Shiply Simplifies Car Transports

Shiply streamlines the process of finding and booking car transport services. Instead of contacting multiple companies individually, Shiply provides a platform to receive quotes from various vetted car transport providers.

Using Shiply is straightforward:

Create a Listing: Fill out a simple form with details about your vehicle (make, model), pickup and delivery locations, and desired dates.
Receive Quotes: Car transport companies on Shiply will review your listing and send you quotes directly to your Shiply inbox and email. Enable email notifications to stay updated on new quotes.
Compare and Choose: Review the quotes, examine company profiles, read customer feedback and ratings, and ask questions directly to the transport providers through the platform.
Book and Ship: Select a car transport company that best suits your needs and budget and finalize the booking through Shiply.

Benefits of Using Shiply for Car Transports

Time-Saving: One quote request on Shiply connects you with multiple car transport companies, eliminating the need for repetitive quote submissions and phone calls. All communication and quote management are centralized on the platform.
Price Comparison: Shiply facilitates transparent price comparison. You receive genuine, final price quotes from competing car transport companies, allowing you to make informed decisions based on price and service.
Competitive Pricing and Cheap Car Shipping: Car transport companies on Shiply often offer discounted rates because they are looking to fill empty space on existing routes. By utilizing available capacity, they can offer cheaper car shipping rates, and users can potentially save up to 75% on auto transport costs.
Environmentally Friendly: By optimizing trailer space and filling return journeys, Shiply contributes to reducing unnecessary trips and lowering carbon emissions associated with car transports.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Car Transport

Once you’ve booked a car transport service, proper preparation is crucial for a smooth and successful shipment.

Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary documents readily available, especially if you are buying or selling the vehicle.
Remove Personal Items: Remove all personal belongings from your vehicle to prevent loss or damage during transit. Car transport insurance typically does not cover personal items left inside vehicles.
Clean Your Vehicle: Washing your car before pickup allows you to accurately assess its pre-shipping condition and easily identify any new damages upon delivery.
Check Fluid Levels and Battery: Ensure your vehicle has adequate fluid levels and a sufficient battery charge, especially if it will be driven at any point during loading, unloading, or after delivery. Check tire pressure as well.
Document Vehicle Condition with Photos: Take detailed, high-quality photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup. This photographic evidence serves as crucial documentation of the car’s condition before car transport and can be helpful in case of any disputes.

What to Do Upon Car Delivery

Upon arrival of your vehicle, conduct a thorough inspection:

Check Functionality: Immediately check essential functions like lights, brakes, and engine to ensure everything is in working order.
Inspect Exterior: Compare the vehicle’s exterior condition to the pre-shipping photos you took. Document any new scratches, dents, or damages.
Verify Mileage: For drive-away services, check the mileage to confirm it aligns with the expected transport distance.

If everything is satisfactory, sign the delivery paperwork. If you notice any issues, document them thoroughly and immediately notify the car transport company.

Consider leaving a review for the car transport company on Shiply to share your experience and help other users make informed decisions.

FAQ: Common Car Transport Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping costs vary significantly based on distance, vehicle type, service type, and season. Average costs range from $2.92 per mile for short distances to $0.78 per mile for long distances.

What’s the cheapest way to ship a car?
Drive-away car transport is often the cheapest option, followed by open multi-car trailer shipping. Terminal-to-terminal service can also reduce costs compared to door-to-door delivery.

How do I pay for auto transport?
Payment methods vary by company. Discuss payment options with your chosen car transport service before booking. Most companies offer flexible payment solutions.

Can I track my car transport online?
Many car transport companies offer tracking services. Inquire with individual companies on Shiply to confirm if tracking is available and what tracking methods they provide.

Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
In most cases, yes. Your presence is usually required for pickup and delivery to sign release forms and hand over/receive keys.

Can I keep items in my car during shipment?
While generally allowed, it’s not recommended to keep valuables or essential items in the car during transport. Items inside the vehicle are typically not covered by car transport insurance, and their weight may affect the quote.

How much gas should be in the car for transport?
A quarter tank of fuel is usually sufficient. It allows for vehicle maneuvering during loading and unloading without adding excessive weight.

Can I ship a non-running vehicle?
Yes, but it will cost more. Non-running vehicles require specialized equipment for loading and unloading.

Can I ship a modified vehicle?
Yes, most car transport companies can handle modified vehicles. Ensure you provide accurate details about modifications when requesting quotes to ensure the company has appropriate equipment and trailer space.