There is much to consider when transporting a vehicle, but it does not have to be overwhelming. If you need to move at least one or more vehicles from one area to another, you may have to hire the services of an auto transport company. However, if you have never hired a vehicle transport company before, searching for the right one can seem like a daunting task.
Learn how to find the best shipping carrier for your vehicle
You may not realize how to pick the best one or how to avoid scammers. This is where an online shipping platform like Shiply can help you to find an auto transport company that meets your requirements and transport your car safely. Click here to find out more.
Whether you are looking for how to ship a car across the country or how to ship a car to another state, the decisions you make in these steps will affect the final car shipping cost.
- Open auto transport with terminal-to-terminal car shipping service is the cheapest way to ship a car. It requires taking the car to a designated drop-off location and picking it up from another designated pick-up location. Open auto transporters can accommodate up to 10 vehicles, which allows operators to save on fuel, oil, and transport costs. This option allows the car transport companies to deliver the entire shipment from one location to another, thus lowering their overall cost. Your vehicle could be spending more time in a terminal until a full load is ready to be shipped. You can even save more money if you ship your vehicle during the off-season like late fall or late spring since the most popular time to ship a car is during the summer and early fall.
- Door-to-door car transport is the most convenient option and it means the carrier picks your vehicle up from your preferred location and delivers it to your final destination. This method of shipping tends to cost slightly more than terminal-to-terminal shipping because it involves extra time on the road for the driver.
The types of car transport truck you need
When it comes to choosing an auto transport carrier, you have two choices and they are as mentioned below. Both options have benefits and drawbacks, but the choice becomes clearer depending on the value of the car you are shipping.
- Open shipping or enclosed shipping. An open transport carrier is a large trailer with several levels of cars. Enclosed shipping is when vehicles go inside a container. This will keep the cars protected from outside elements and road debris. This option is an excellent choice for high-value cars or classic cars and they usually cost around 50% more than open shipping.
- If you are short on time, you can ask the company to expedite your vehicle’s delivery. This service increases the total cost of auto transport.
ALSO READ: Facing the New Normal for Mobility Needs
The average cost to ship a car depends on a number of factors. You can expect car transportation rates to vary from $500 for short-distance transports to $1,500 for cross-country transports.