Pros and Cons of Auto Shipping

Long-distance driving has its disadvantages, and if you research and list the benefits of car shipping over long-distance driving, you will surely prefer the services of a car shipping company. Rapid Auto Shipping is a licensed, bonded, and insured company that provides car transportation services. We are the choice of thousands of customers for personal car transport and businesses that may need to ship commercial vehicles in bulk. Car shipping can be door-to-door, picking up and delivering vehicles at your desired personal or business location. It can also be a terminal-to-terminal shipping, where vehicles are picked up and dropped off at a storage facility or terminals. The most common method of shipping is the open transport method, where vehicles are shipped in trailers, exposed to the elements. This method is cheaper and widely preferred. In enclosed transportation, vehicles are shipped in closed trailers that offer more protection, but it is a costlier option. This method is, however, suitable for shipping vehicles of high value and classic cars that require more protection.  There are many advantages and benefits of auto transport, but at the same time, it can have its cons along with the pros. We have discussed car shipping pros and cons in detail below.

Pros of auto shipping or auto transport advantages

Auto shipping benefits, or the pros of car shipping, can be numerous, provided a car is transported through a reputable car shipping company. Various auto transport advantages can be cost-effective for transporting a vehicle long distances, saving time, and reducing wear and tear.

Convenience: Relocating your home, dealerships selling cars, and auction car lovers buying cars from the remote auction house. All these can be tedious and stressful, which can multiply if you have to drive your vehicle. Auto shipping your car is a convenient way to save yourself from the hassle and provide a stress-free experience, as the shipping company handles all the logistics from pick-up to delivery, allowing you to concentrate on your job.

Cost-effective: Open car shipping can be more affordable than driving long distances, especially when factoring in fuel, lodging, and meals. So, hiring the services of a reputable car shipping company is cost-effective because you have to pay a single all-inclusive fee rather than several expenses spread out throughout the move.

Reduced wear and tear: You put extra miles on your vehicle when you drive long distances. This will only increase the chances of a breakdown mid-journey due to excess mileage, and also reduce the car's value. The car can also suffer a lot of wear and tear due to a long journey, resulting in heavy repair costs.

Saves time: Shipping a car can save a substantial amount of time and reduce stress during a move. This avoids the time commitment of driving long distances and frees up time for other activities.

Safety: Car transportation also protects your vehicle from breakdowns, accidents, and the harsh elements of the road. Many individuals prefer to ship their vehicle through reputable auto transport firms rather than driving long distances and compromising safety and security.

Lower insurance premiums: Professional carriers typically have cargo insurance, potentially lowering your insurance costs. They will compensate for any losses if there is any damage during transit. As a result, you can be sure that your car will be secure during transportation.

Cons of auto shipping or auto transport disadvantages  

There can be some disadvantages or cons of auto shipping. These are primarily due to the selection of some inferior auto transport companies, but at the same time, auto shipping also has some genuine cons,  like potential delays, costs for luxury vehicles, and potential damage.

Delayed pick-up and delivery: Shipping timeline can vary and may not be guaranteed. Auto transport companies give a time frame of 1-2 weeks for pickup and delivery. There may be delayed delivery due to distance, traffic, road conditions, and other regulations prevalent.

High costs: Enclosed shipping and high-value car transport can be costly, but they offer better protection. The shipping cost can also increase if specialized tools and equipment are needed during transportation.

Cosmetic damage: Open shipping exposes the vehicle to weather conditions and road debris. This can cause cosmetic damage to the car during its transportation.

Scams: Choosing the wrong transport company can be risky and may result in financial loss to the customer. Some shippers will first offer you modest yet alluring prices, leading you to believe it's a fantastic deal, only to charge you extra later.

Restrictions on personal belongings: Shipping companies may restrict what can be left in the car during transport, and items may not be fully insured. Sometimes, extra fittings are required to be removed during shipping and are required to be fitted later on, which can be costly.

A comparison table (e.g., Driving vs. Shipping: Cost, Time, Safety)

The following table compares Driving vs Shipping car Cost, Time, and Safety

Shipping Cost Driving may be a cheaper alternative for short distances, but shipping will be a cheaper option for longer distances. Driving may look cheaper initially, but it has hidden costs of fuel, accommodation, food, and maintenance that can add up and make it a costlier option than shipping.

Time Shipping your car is generally much more convenient and time-saving, especially for long distances. Long-distance driving consumes much time, and you may miss important deadlines or tasks. The time saved by shipping your car can be used for relocation work or business meetings.

Safety Shipping your car will ensure better protection from road conditions and weather, keeping the vehicle from excessive mileage and other effects of wear and tear. This will keep your vehicle in new condition and maintain its value.

Comparison of driving vs. shipping your car

Driving long distances can be fun, but it is certainly not fun for your cherished car. Long-distance driving can leave a big scar in the form of wear and tear on various car components. This will require you to spend a fortune on its repairs after the journey. Not only this, but even the maintenance cost shoots up when you take your car for a long-distance drive. You may have a worn-out tyre that may need to be replaced. The engine oil may get depleted in long drives, requiring it to be replaced. All this and many other expenses, such as food and hotel, etc, make long-distance driving very expensive and drain our pocket and body after the journey. There is also the risk of accidents and safety concerns in long drives.

Shipping, on the other hand, can be a better idea because shipping your car long distance saves you a substantial amount of money. It also protects your vehicle from the wear and tear of long drives. The car is delivered faster to its location in case of shipping, without you worrying about its safety, giving you peace of mind. Therefore, shorter distances may be better suited for driving, while longer distances often favor shipping. Driving can be more economical for shorter trips, but car transportation or shipping can be better for cross-country or longer distances. Driving can take several days, while shipping can be faster, especially for longer distances.

Tips for preparing a car for shipping

One of the crucial aspects of car shipping is preparing the car before it is picked up for transportation. Certain things you must do to make the shipping process a smooth and stress-free affair and get the auto shipping benefits,  the following tips will help.

Wash your vehicle, inside and outside: The first thing anyone needs to do when they ship cars across the country is to wash the vehicle's exterior. When the carrier arrives to collect your vehicle, they will visually inspect the car with you. Any existing damage will be recorded on the Bill of Lading or the condition report. If your car is clean, spotting any damage will be much easier. You’ll clearly see any existing dings, scratches, paint chips, dents, or other damage. You can save time by noting any damage before the carrier arrives. It’ll also ensure you don’t miss anything because you’re feeling rushed by the driver.  

Take pictures of your vehicle: Once you’ve cleaned your car and it looks nice and shiny, take some time. Make sure the photos are clear, good quality, and dated. Don’t just take pictures of the damaged areas. Include general images of the car from various angles. There’s no such thing as too many photos. They will be for your own records and protect you in the rare event of damage occurring during the cross-country car shipping process.

Remove or secure any accessories: If your car has accessories such as luggage or bike racks, ski racks, or custom spoilers, consider removing these as well. If the antenna can be removed, it’s a good idea to remove it and put it in the trunk of your vehicle. Also, fold in your side view mirror if this is possible.

Check the tires, battery, and radiator: For standard cars, you should ensure the battery is fully charged and secure. If you're shipping an EV, the cells or battery packs should be at a 45%-65 % state of charge for safety reasons. Check that there’s antifreeze in the radiator. In addition, check that the tires are properly inflated. There is a risk of damaging the tires or wheels during car shipping if the tires are over- or under-inflated.  

Check for fluid leaks: Check that there are no fluid leaks. If you find any leaks, getting them fixed before the driver picks up your vehicle is a good idea. If your car has a serious fluid leak, the carrier may refuse to accept your vehicle. If it’s only a minor leak, but it’s not easily fixed or you don’t have the time to fix it, you should let the driver know..

Check for mechanical and engine problems: Are you sure your car is in good working order? Have a mechanic check it for engine and other mechanical issues if unsure. If you have the time, have them tune it before the carrier picks up your car.

Empty the gas tank to 1/8 to 1/4 full: You only need to leave enough gas in the fuel tank for it to drive on and off the trailer. The lighter your car is for interstate car transport, the better, as it saves weight for the transporter.

Disable any alarms: The driver of the auto transport trailer will not be pleased if he can hear an alarm going off. He won't be able to get to the alarm easily and might not know how to shut it off once he gets to the vehicle. Save the driver the hassle of looking for the alarm by disabling it.

Deactivate or remove toll tags: The toll tag in your car isn’t going to recognize whether your vehicle is being driven or on a trailer. It is likely to pick up any fee, so to save you any unnecessary headaches and expenses, deactivate or remove your toll tags.

Have the keys ready: The carrier’s driver will struggle to get your car on and off the trailer if they haven’t got your car keys. If your vehicle is an older model, you might need to provide a door lock key in addition to the ignition key and maybe even a glove compartment key. So get this sorted before the vehicle is collected for transport.  

Check your car insurance: If your car is already insured, check with your insurance provider that the car is covered during transport. The carrier’s cargo insurance will cover your vehicle if the transporter causes any damage.