Overview About Car Shipping Services
Car shipping services, also known as auto transport or vehicle transport, are services provided by car shipping companies that will pick up your automobile from one location and transfer it to another.
Shipping a car is handy in various scenarios when you cannot drive the car there yourself. For example, you may be buying or selling used cars online and need to ship a car to another state, or you may have recently relocated and need to transport a vehicle across the nation.
Another case in which car shipping services are beneficial is when you need to transfer your vehicle abroad and, due to the lack of available ferries, you will need to rely on an auto transport business to do so for you.
Our car transportation procedure is expeditious, and we offer a variety of car shipping services tiers to accommodate customers from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
We can manage any vehicle that can roll, decelerate, and steer, regardless of whether it is operational or not, its size or operational.
What's In This Article?
- Types Of Car Shipping Services
- Car Shipping Services
- Get the Car Ready for Shipping
- Positive Characteristics of A Reliable Shipping Company
- The Advantages of Using Rapid Auto Shipping to Ship Your Car
- How Much Does It Cost for Car Shipping Services?
- How to Choose A Car Shipping Company?
- Tracking Auto Transportation
- How Can I Get Quotes for My Car Shipping Services?
Types Of Car Shipping Services
There are several car shipping services available, which are listed below. It is beneficial to go through and determine exactly what type of car shipping services you want or want to transfer your automobile.
Terminal to Terminal Car Shipping Service
The initial selection is where you want your automobile picked up and delivered, whether a cross-country car transport or a car to another state.
Auto delivery from terminal to terminal is an alternative, which means that authorized pick-up and drop-off places are employed, which are frequently the automobile transport company's stores or operational bases.
As a result, while terminal to terminal vehicle delivery is frequently less expensive, it will need more work on your part to get the car home.
Door to Door Car Shipping Service
Most consumers want a door to door car shipping service so that their automobiles are picked up and dropped off at their door, whether a cross-country car transport or simply a car to another state.
This is generally preferred because it eliminates the need to travel somewhere to pick up your car, which might be difficult without a vehicle in the first place!
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Car Shipping Service
Roll on Roll off is a car shipping service that allows automobiles to roll onto a boat in the United States and then off at the destination port.
This car shipping service is mostly used for big vehicles that cannot fit inside a container, although conventional automobiles and motorbikes also utilize it for unusual locations.
Freight Train Car Shipping Service
Although it is conceivable to transport a solitary vehicle on a freight train, it is prohibitively expensive. If you are responsible for transporting a fleet of cars, however, rail transport becomes a viable option.
Maritime Freight Car Shipping Service
Shipping your vehicle overseas or along a coastline is a viable option for vehicle fleets or solitary automobiles, with pricing comparable to trailer transport.
Airfreight Car Shipping Service
Air freight is the quickest way to send an automobile internationally. Because this speed comes with a substantially greater cost, it is not a usual option to ship. This car shipping service is ideal for time-sensitive shipments such as races, displays, or high-end autos.
Place Your Vehicle On A Trailer
Putting your automobile in a trailer is a safer way to transport it than having someone drive it to its destination. There are a variety of auto shipping trailer alternatives available, depending on the value and size of your vehicle.
First and foremost, you must determine if you want a single trailer for your automobile. These are sometimes more expensive since they only move one car at a time, but they are an excellent choice if you are moving a valuable or antique automobile that you do not want to risk damaging. The safest way to transfer a car is in a shipping container, but this is the most expensive alternative.
The alternative option is a multi-car transporter, which can carry many automobiles at once and comes in several varieties:
Open Car Shipping Service: When transferring an automobile, open car shipment by any car shipping firm is the cheapest and most popular choice. Your automobile is loaded into an open carrier and driven to its destination.
All automobiles are securely secured, but as the name implies, they are exposed to the weather throughout the trip; therefore, car shipping firms may only advocate this for moderately costly vehicles.
Furthermore, while moving a car across the nation may be the cheapest option, extended excursions in open trailers would certainly expose your automobile to the weather for longer periods.
Enclosed Car Shipping Service: Multiple automobiles are secured on a carrier in enclosed auto transport, which means they are not exposed to the outside world's dust, weather, and debris during travel.
This is frequently used for more costly or newer automobiles if the owner wants to reduce the chance of damage during auto transport.
Car Shipping Services
A standard automobile is any coupe or sedan, from the smallest subcompact cars to the massive full-size sedans that seem like you're driving a boat.
However, all these vehicles are considered "standard" in the auto shipping industry, meaning any costs or bids you receive for carrying a standard automobile will be the absolute minimum.
Many larger cars are priced by taking the price of a conventional vehicle on the same route and adding money to compensate for the larger size or more weight.
When shipping a normal automobile, the most crucial part of your auto transport pricing is where the vehicle is coming from and where it is going - in other words, the precise path that your car travels. Hundreds of carriers operate routes in thousands of locations, regions, and cities.
It's much easier to locate a carrier with a normal automobile, which is always good. If you're transferring a vehicle into or out of a rural location and can't find a carrier, shifting the pickup or delivery city (or both) to a bigger metropolitan area may assist.
Carriers dislike driving too far off their routes to pick up or deliver automobiles without additional compensation, and traveling to and from big metropolitan regions can also help you save money on car transport services.
Get the Car Ready for Shipping
If you've chosen an auto transport business to relocate your automobile and feel confident in their car shipping services, it's time to get your vehicle ready for transportation. We recommend that you do the following steps:
Paperwork: It is critical to ensure that any required paperwork is present at pick-up or drop-off, especially if you are selling your car.
Cleaning: You should remove all personal things from your vehicle before shipment, as you want them to be recovered and protected from transportation.
It is also strongly advised that you clean your car before transporting it, as this will allow you to assess its condition and spot any problems that may occur during delivery.
Running Condition: If the vehicle is driven during transportation or gone home from the drop-off site, it must be in working order. This includes checking the battery charge and tire pressure levels, as well as ensuring that there is enough fluid. Again, this might assist you in estimating the condition of the car when it arrives.
Photographic Evidence: Taking high-quality images of all automobile sections is critical when preparing your vehicle for the car shipping service to pick up. This gives you proof of the car's condition before delivery if something happens during transport.
Positive Characteristics of A Reliable Shipping Company
At first glance, automobile transportation companies can appear comparable. Most of them can travel to almost any destination, and they are skilled at delivering your vehicle in immaculate condition. The following are specific considerations to consider when choosing the correct company.
Budget
With so many auto transport companies available, it is essential to search around for one that can complete the task at an affordable cost.
Avoid Hidden Costs
Ensure that you fully comprehend what you are paying for before signing anything. Consider companies whose guarantee backs cited prices or who are transparent about potential additional fees. Companies with questionable ethics frequently impose concealed costs, such as delivery and fuel surcharges.
Years of Knowledge
Transporting vehicles is a skill that takes time to acquire. Ensure that your prospective auto transporter has a few years of experience so that your vehicle is not used as a learning tool.
However, many auto moving companies are brokers, meaning they do not perform the physical labor themselves but contract other professionals to move your vehicle.
It may be acceptable to employ a new intermediary if the company it uses to transport your vehicle has sufficient experience.
Quote Guarantees
Most vehicle relocation estimates are merely educated approximations based on years of experience. They are typically quite accurate.
However, due to the volatility of petroleum prices and other market conditions, the cost of transporting a vehicle can change almost instantaneously.
Choose a company that offers guaranteed prices or binding quotes to safeguard your finances if budgeting is essential.
Insurance Protection
If you've done your research and found a reputable and trustworthy company, the likelihood that something will go awry with your shipment is low. However, they are not zero, and accidents do occur.
Choose an auto transport company with sufficient insurance and a straightforward claims process. Also, if the company offers additional insurance, consider the risks and benefits before deciding whether or not to purchase the policy.
Customer Service
This may help you avoid potential concealed fees and give you more confidence in the service you're paying for if you research the experiences of other customers of a particular auto transport company.
This feedback can assist you in making a decision and potentially save you time and money along the road, resulting in an overall simpler and more pleasant experience.
Price Clarity
Quotes are subject to change and are typically preliminary estimates that may not account for all costs. Companies with dubious ethics may attempt to tack on additional fees for delivery, fuel, and more not included in the quote they provide for auto transport.
Look for auto transport companies that will assure their quoted price or are forthcoming about potential additional fees.
The Advantages of Using Rapid Auto Shipping to Ship Your Car
Your automobile is your main mode of conveyance. However, your budget, schedule, and sanity should sometimes ship the vehicle. There exists an easy solution. Rapid Auto Shipping will transport your car to any location in the United States.
Instant Car Transport Quotes: Please fill out our auto transport rate calculator to receive an immediate quotation for your auto transport requirements. There is no commitment, and the survey takes at least three minutes.
Experience: Trust the professionals with your vehicle relocation. Years of experience indicate that your vehicle is well-maintained. A solid history of safety and service allows you to rest knowing that your car is in excellent hands.
Transparency: When shipping with a reputable carrier, know what your quote covers and the quality you're paying for. You can confidently schedule your auto transport with fair and transparent pricing.
Convenience: Additionally, using a car transportation service is very convenient. Numerous auto transport companies provide door to door service, meaning they will collect your vehicle from your location and convey it to its final destination. This eliminates the inconvenience of driving your car to a terminal or port, mainly if you reside in a remote area.
Time and Effort Savings: Utilizing an automobile transportation service allows you to save a substantial amount of time and energy. You do not have to spend days or weeks driving your vehicle to its final destination when using a car transportation service.
You can instead send off your vehicle at the shipping company's terminal and allow them to handle the remainder. This will enable you to focus on other essential duties rather than the logistics of transporting your vehicle.
Affordability: There are no upfront fees associated with the booking. Please pay for your service only after receiving it. When the vehicle is dispatched for retrieval, book your shipment and pay your deposit.
Personalized: Have a team prepared to assist with the shipping procedure. Our team strives to tailor your reservation to your specific requirements while addressing your inquiries and concerns.
Comprehensive: Enjoy a single point of contact from beginning to end for a streamlined transportation procedure. Your devoted consultant will expertly guide you through every stage of the auto transport process.
Insured: FMCSA verifies that all carriers have valid insurance.
How Much Does It Cost for Car Shipping Services?
There are several variables to consider when determining how much it will cost to ship a car. Still, on average, in the United States, auto transport companies charge around $2.92 per mile if the journey is less than 200 miles, $0.93 if the trip is between 200 and 500 miles, and $0.78 if the journey is over 1,000 miles.
Factors That Can Affect the Cost of Car Shipping Services
There are a variety of factors and variables that can affect the price of your auto transport. Below, we will outline the primary ones so you can get a general idea of whether your auto transport needs will be costly or inexpensive.
Vehicle condition: Vehicles in operable condition are more likely to receive affordable car shipping service rates.
Fuel cost: Gasoline is one of the largest expenses for auto transporters, so when gas prices rise, you can anticipate an increase in car shipping service rates.
Type of vehicle: Larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, cost more to transport than smaller vehicles, such as sedans. In many instances, more expensive cars may incur higher shipping costs.
Delivery time frame: Certain transporters offer guaranteed delivery windows for an additional cost. If you want inexpensive auto transport, you must be flexible about the delivery date.
Delivery method: Terminal to terminal car shipping service is typically less expensive than door to door car shipping service.
Locations for pickup and delivery: Auto transport companies typically charge less for pickup and delivery locations near urban centers or along main transport routes.
If you meet your carrier in a more convenient location, you may be eligible for a lower shipping rate if you live in a rural area.
Shipping distance: While long-distance moves, such as cross-country cargo, typically cost more than short-distance moves, you will normally pay less per mile the longer the shipment.
Transport type: Typically, shipping your vehicle on an open carrier is less expensive than transporting it in an enclosed trailer.
Route competition: Market conditions play a significant role in determining auto transport rates. The more auto transport companies serving a route, the cheaper your shipment should be.
Service options: Additional auto transport services, such as expedited car shipping service and additional insurance, increase the cost of your shipment.
Time of year: Prices for auto transport fluctuate with the seasons to reflect demand. January is typically the least expensive month to ship a vehicle, while summer is the most costly.
How to Choose A Car Shipping Company?
Numerous companies in the auto transport industry offer similar or identical car shipping services, making it challenging to discover the one that best meets your requirements. The following guidelines will help you make a wise decision:
Consider your automotive shipping requirements. Do you prefer open or enclosed transportation? Are you shipping to Hawaii or Alaska? You must ensure that the selected auto transport company provides the required car shipping services and dispatches to your desired location.
Compare auto transport quotes. Even though most auto transport companies offer comparable car shipping services, this does not imply that their rates are identical.
Before committing to their car shipping services, most companies will provide a free estimate, so take advantage of this and shop around for the best price.
Remember that not all companies offer immediate online forecasts, so you may be required to contact a representative for this information.
Inquire about the company's liability insurance. Auto transport companies are required by law to hold liability insurance in case your vehicle sustains damages in route.
Be sure to inquire about the coverage limits of each company so you can select one that can cover the total cost of repairs in the event of an accident.
Request payment solutions. A reputable auto transport company will accept a variety of advance payment methods. Sometimes, the initial payment can only be made via credit card or a third-party payment system like PayPal.
If you make a partial payment upfront, you will likely be required to pay the remaining balance in cash or with a money order/manager's check upon vehicle delivery.
Ensure that they provide a shipping contract or bill of lading. A shipping contract serves as evidence of payment and specifies the car shipping services for which you have paid.
Similarly, a bill of lading describes the condition of your vehicle upon collection, allowing you to note any damages sustained during transport once the car has been delivered.
Tracking Auto Transportation
Yes, online monitoring is accessible around-the-clock and is updated in real time. You will obtain a unique booking number that will enable you to monitor the status of your shipment online after scheduling it. You will also be able to live chat with our shipping agent who can address any queries you may have regarding the current status of your shipment.
How Can I Get Quotes for My Car Shipping Services?
To receive a quote for transporting your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator atop this page or call +1 (833) 233-4447 to speak with one of our car transport pricing specialists.
To compute your estimate, we will need to know the origin and destination locations, the type of vehicle you wish to ship, and the date your vehicle will be available.
