Car Shipping Service: Your Comprehensive Guide to Auto Transport

Car Shipping Service, also known as auto transport or vehicle shipping, is a professional service that moves your car from one location to another. Instead of driving your vehicle yourself, specialized car shipping companies handle the entire process, from pickup to delivery. This service is invaluable in numerous situations, such as:

Online Car Purchases or Sales: Shipping a car becomes essential when buying or selling vehicles online, especially across state lines.
Relocation: Moving to a new home, whether it’s a cross-country move or to another state, often necessitates car transport services.
International Vehicle Transport: When you need to move your car overseas and ferries aren’t an option, a car shipping service is the go-to solution.

Fortunately, a variety of car transport services are available to cater to different needs and budgets. Understanding these options is the first step in choosing the right car shipping service for you.

Types of Car Shipping Services

Navigating the world of auto transport services can seem complex, but breaking down the options makes it much simpler to choose the best fit for your needs. Here’s a guide to the main types of car shipping services:

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal

The first key decision is choosing between door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service.

Door-to-Door Auto Transport: This is the most convenient and popular option. The car shipping company picks up your vehicle directly from your specified location (home, office, etc.) and delivers it to your desired destination. This service is ideal for those who value convenience and want to minimize effort.
Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Delivery: This more economical option involves dropping off and picking up your car at designated terminals, usually company depots or storage lots. While often cheaper, it requires you to arrange transportation to and from these terminals, which can be less convenient, especially without your vehicle readily available.

For most individuals, door-to-door car transport is the preferred method due to its ease and convenience.

Methods of Car Transport

Car shipping services primarily utilize two methods for transporting your vehicle: driving it or using a trailer.

1. Drive-Away Car Shipping

This method involves hiring a professional driver to drive your car to its destination.

Pros: Often a budget-friendly option as it eliminates the need for trailers and additional transport vehicles. It can also be quicker due to the straightforward nature of the transport.
Cons: Adds mileage to your vehicle, which can be a concern, especially for long-distance car shipping. There’s also a slightly higher risk of wear and tear or minor damages during the drive. This method might not be ideal for those transporting valuable or classic cars, or vehicles bought/sold online where maintaining pristine condition is crucial.

2. Car Trailer Transport

Transporting your car on a trailer offers a higher level of protection and security compared to drive-away services. Several trailer options are available:

Single Car Trailers: These trailers carry only one vehicle, making them a premium and often more expensive option. They are excellent for transporting high-value, classic, or luxury cars where maximum protection is paramount. Shipping containers offer the ultimate protection, but are the most costly trailer option.
Multi-Car Transporters: These large trailers can carry multiple vehicles simultaneously, making them a more cost-effective solution for standard car shipping. Multi-car transport comes in two main forms:
- Open Car Shipping: The most common and economical method. Vehicles are secured on an open trailer and transported. While safe, cars are exposed to weather and road debris. This is generally acceptable for most vehicles but might not be recommended for very high-value cars or long cross-country trips where prolonged exposure to elements is a concern.
- Enclosed Auto Transport: This premium service uses enclosed trailers, shielding vehicles from weather, dust, and road debris during transit. Enclosed car shipping is the preferred choice for luxury, classic, or new vehicles where minimizing any risk of damage is a top priority.

For international car shipping, it’s crucial to choose a company with specific expertise in overseas vehicle transport. They can provide tailored advice and handle the complexities of international logistics and regulations.

Car Shipping Costs: What to Expect

The cost to ship a car varies based on several factors. However, understanding average rates can provide a useful starting point. In the US, average car shipping costs are roughly:

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

These figures are averages, and your actual car shipping quote may differ. The best way to determine your specific cost is to get quotes from multiple car transport companies. Platforms like Shiply simplify this process.

To get a better grasp of potential expenses, let’s examine the factors that influence car shipping prices.

Factors Influencing Car Shipping Costs

Several variables affect the final car shipping cost. Knowing these factors helps you understand pricing and potentially find ways to optimize your budget.

Distance: As distance increases, so does the overall shipping cost. Cross-state and cross-country car transport will naturally be more expensive than shorter, in-state deliveries. However, the per-mile rate typically decreases for longer journeys.
International Shipping: Shipping a car overseas is significantly more expensive due to complex logistics, longer transit times, and potentially requiring specialized trailers or shipping containers.
Route: Traffic congestion, especially in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, can increase costs due to added time. Similarly, unexpected roadwork or detours can lead to extra charges or longer routes, affecting the final price.
Shipping Timeline: Flexibility in your shipping dates can lead to cost savings. If you can accommodate the car shipping company’s schedule, you may get a better rate. Conversely, expedited car shipping, requiring transport within a strict timeframe, will typically cost more as it often necessitates dedicated drivers and trailers.
Vehicle Size and Type: Larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, generally cost more to ship than smaller sedans. The dimensions (height, length, width) dictate the type of trailer needed. Inform the car shipping company about any accessories like bike racks or roof racks, as these can also impact trailer requirements and cost.
Vehicle Condition: Non-operable vehicles usually incur higher shipping costs. They require specialized equipment like winches or forklifts for loading and unloading. A vehicle that can roll, brake, and steer is generally considered in shippable condition.
Service Type: The type of car shipping service you choose significantly impacts the price. Drive-away service is usually the cheapest. Single-car and enclosed transport options are progressively more expensive due to the specialized equipment and added protection they offer. Enclosed car shipping is the most premium and costly method.
Pickup and Delivery Locations: Shipping to or from major urban centers is typically more affordable due to established transport routes and higher service availability. Rural areas or locations with difficult access can increase costs due to route deviations and extra mileage.
Car Shipping Insurance: While car transport companies must carry liability insurance, it often has limitations. Consider supplemental cargo insurance for comprehensive coverage during transit. Clarify coverage details, deductibles, and covered vehicle parts with the insurance provider.
Time of Year (Seasonality): Seasonal factors influence car shipping prices.
- Winter: Often the most expensive season. Ice, snow, and winter storms cause delays and slower transit times. December and January are particularly pricey due to holidays and increased demand for moves to warmer climates. February can offer better rates due to lower demand.
- Spring: Generally a favorable and potentially cheaper time to ship. Improved weather, longer daylight hours, and driver availability often translate to competitive rates. March can be more affordable than April or May, though south-bound routes may see higher demand.
- Summer: Peak season for car shipping. University student moves, family vacations, and housing relocations drive up demand. Expect higher prices in June, July, and August.
- Fall: Can offer slightly lower prices after the summer rush. October and November are generally more affordable than September, as early fall still sees some student-related shipping activity.

Finding the Right Auto Transport Service

Once you understand car shipping services and cost factors, the next step is finding a reliable car transport company. Searching online can be overwhelming, leading to endless browsing and quote requests. Many companies require individual quote submissions, which is time-consuming.

How Shiply Simplifies Auto Transport

Shiply streamlines the process of finding and booking car shipping services. Instead of contacting multiple companies individually, Shiply provides a central platform to receive competitive quotes.

To use Shiply:

Complete a Simple Form: Provide details about your vehicle (make, model), pickup and delivery locations, and desired shipping dates.
Receive Quotes: Car transport companies on Shiply will review your listing and send you quotes directly to your Shiply inbox and email. Email notifications ensure you don’t miss new offers.
Compare and Choose: Review quotes, compare prices, and examine company profiles and customer feedback on Shiply’s rating system. Ask companies questions about their services, insurance, and vehicle handling procedures.

Shiply’s feedback and rating system is crucial for informed decision-making. It allows you to see past customer experiences and company ratings, building trust and transparency.

Benefits of Using Shiply for Car Shipping

Time-Saving: One quote request on Shiply reaches multiple car shipping companies, saving you hours of individual searches and form submissions. All communication and information are centralized on the platform.
Price Comparison: Shiply provides genuine, final price quotes, enabling direct comparison between different car shipping companies. You can easily message companies to clarify details and make the best choice.
Affordable Car Shipping: Car transporters on Shiply often offer lower prices because they are looking to fill empty space on existing routes. By utilizing spare capacity, they can offer discounted rates, potentially saving you up to 75% on auto transport costs.
Environmentally Friendlier: Shiply promotes efficient use of transport capacity. By connecting you with companies filling existing routes, it reduces the need for additional, single-vehicle trips, lowering overall emissions and contributing to greener car shipping.

Preparing Your Car for Shipping

After selecting a car shipping service, proper preparation ensures a smooth transport process. Follow these steps:

Documents: Ensure all necessary vehicle documents are readily available for pickup and delivery, particularly if you are selling the car.
Cleanliness: Remove all personal belongings from the vehicle before shipping to prevent loss or damage. Cleaning your car beforehand allows for a clear pre-shipping condition assessment and helps identify any new damage upon arrival.
Vehicle Condition Check: If the car will be driven at any point, ensure it’s in good running condition. Check fluid levels, battery charge, and tire pressure. This also helps assess the vehicle’s condition upon delivery.
Photographic Evidence: Take detailed, high-quality photos of your car from all angles before pickup. This serves as crucial pre-shipment condition documentation in case of any disputes.

Post-Delivery Car Inspection

Upon delivery, conduct a thorough inspection:

Essential Functions: Immediately check lights, brakes, and engine functionality to ensure everything is in order. Report any discrepancies to the car delivery service promptly.
Exterior Examination: Compare the car’s exterior to your pre-shipping photos to identify any new damage that may have occurred during transport.
Mileage Verification: For drive-away services, check the mileage to confirm it aligns with the expected transport distance.

Consider leaving a review for the car transport company on Shiply to share your experience and assist other users in making informed choices.

FAQ – Common Car Shipping Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car?

Average costs vary by distance: around $2.92/mile (under 200 miles), $0.93/mile (200-500 miles), and $0.78/mile (over 1,000 miles).

What’s the cheapest way to ship a car?

Drive-away service is typically the most affordable. For trailer transport, multi-car open carriers are the most economical.

How do I pay for auto transport?

Payment methods vary by company. Discuss options with your chosen car delivery service before confirming booking. Most offer flexible payment solutions.

Can I track my car shipment online?

Many car shipping companies offer tracking. Confirm tracking availability with individual companies on Shiply.

Does someone need to be present for pickup and delivery?

Usually, yes. You’ll likely need to sign release forms and hand over keys at pickup and inspect/sign at delivery.

Can I leave items in my car during shipping?

Generally allowed, but be aware: item weight may affect cost, and items inside are not insured under car transport insurance.

How much fuel should be in the car for transport?

About a quarter tank is recommended for loading/unloading without adding excessive weight.

Can I ship a non-running vehicle?

Yes, but it will cost more due to the need for specialized loading equipment.

Can modified vehicles be shipped?

Yes, most vehicle types can be shipped. Shiply has diverse transport providers to handle various vehicle needs.