We know that the car shipping process is not easy, and sometimes it might be daunting and stressful, but you need not worry about it. Take your burden down, whether you have purchased a new vehicle or want to transport your old vehicle. Here, we have shared a complete and ultimate guide on car transport service. This will help you understand the shipping process.

What is Car Shipping?

Car shipping is the process of transporting a vehicle from one place to another, and it is mostly used by dealers, businessmen, and individuals for their cars. 

Car shipping uses open, enclosed, or expedited methods. Shipping is handled by a skilled crew at vehicle shipping companies.

Types Of Car Shipping Services & Its Methods

When it comes to shipments of vehicles, there are several types of car shipping services and various methods of transporting your vehicle. In this section, we will discuss car transport services and their methods.

• Car Shipping Services

Open Transport

It is the cheapest way to transport your vehicles. In this transport, your vehicle will be loaded into an open trailer. The trailer is long with all sides open, and it is the best service for the shipment of daily-use vehicles. It can haul up to eight vehicles.

Enclosed Transport

If you have high-value luxury and premium vehicles, this is the best method for shipping them. It is a enclosed trailer with closed sides and roofs, and it is the most expensive car transport type, but it is also the most secure trailer, offering high protection and security for your vehicles.

Expedited Transport

This method is mostly used by businesses and sometimes individuals because it offers the safe, guaranteed pickup and delivery of your vehicle within one to two days. Expedited car shipping is the most expensive option with your vehicle’s safe and on-time delivery.

• Car Shipping Methods

Terminal to Terminal Shipping

This is not a popular shipping method, but it is used by most people because it is the most affordable car shipping method. In this method, you have to wait for the driver to pickup and deliver your vehicle to the nearby terminal yards, and from there, you have to collect your vehicle.

Door to Door Shipping

Door to Door car transport is a costly car shipping method, but it offers convenience and saves time. When you choose this method you need not worry about the pickup nd delivery of your vehicle, your vehicle will be picked up and deliver to the doorstep of your address.

Car Shipping Cost 

The cost of shipping varies from season to season and state to state, but the average cost to ship a vehicle in the United States ranges between $500 and $1500, depending on the type of vehicle being transported.

If you are shipping your vehicle during the peak season or if you are shipping your vehicle on the same route or busy route where many people are already shipping, there are the chances that there may be a few carriers available on that route, so in that condition car shipping cost will differ.

What Are The Factors That Determine The Shipping Cost?

Car shipping cost is affected by several factors such a vehicle model, distance, route, etc, and much more. Let us discuss these factors and it will also help you to understand how these factors affect the shipping cost.

• Distance plays a major role in affecting shipping costs. The total distance from the pickup to the delivery location is calculated to know the shipping cost.
• The type of the vehicle you are shipping such as standard vehicles or luxury vehicles, its size and weight, affects the shipping cost.
• The type of carrier service and the shipping methods you have chosen will also affect the shipping cost.
• Vehicle condition and insurance coverage affect the shipping price.
• Fuel price also affects the shipping cost.

How Long Does It Takes To Ship  A Car?

The time taken for the transportation depends on factors such as weather conditions, shipping carrier, and the route and location of the shipping. Below we have shared a list of the factors that affect the transit time.

• Weather condition
• Route and location of shipping
• Date and time of shipping
• Type of the carrier you have chosen
• Route traffic and construction also affect the shipping duration

Benefits Of Car Transport

• Car transportation takes a long time. If you are transporting your vehicle by yourself, hiring an auto transport company will save time and money and offer convenience.
• Auto transport companies offer door-to-door services, so you do not need to go anywhere to pick up and deliver your vehicle.
• Auto transport companies offer flexibility, and you can get your car as per your schedule.
• The most important benefit of the auto transport company is that it offers high security to your vehicle. Your vehicle will shipped safely to you.
• The car transport company has professionals who will handle your vehicle safely.
• If you transport your vehicle by driving yourself, it will cost more. Long-distance shipping adds wear and tear expenses.

What is The Process Of Auto Transport?

• The first step that you need to take is that you have to select a reliable auto transport company, and then you have to provide them with the details of your vehicle, carrier type, and the shipping date and time.
• Choose the reliable carrier and the shipping method as per your budget and get the shipping quote.
• Get the shipping quote and schedule the transportation of your car.
• Prepare your vehicle.
• Get ready with your vehicle, and the driver will pick it up.
• Receive your car, inspect it, and complete the shipping process.

How To Prepare Your Car For The Shipment?

• Wash and clean your vehicle properly; it will help you notice the condition of your vehicle and check for damage.
• Get ready with the necessary documents and your car, and remove all the personal belongings from inside the car.
• Reduce the fuel tank level or empty the tanks.
• Check for the battery if you are shipping your electric car, and check for the tires.
• Close the doors and windows of the car properly and cover it.

• Inspect your car carefully before you load it into the trailer.

Tips To Choose  A Reliable Auto Transport Company?

• Research the shipping company and verify their contact and address details.
• Check for the company websites and ensure that they are registered and professional.
• Read the customer reviews.
• Check for the car transport services they are offering.
• Read the shipping contract, terms, and conditions of the car shipping company carefully.
• Verify the payment methods.