Auto shipping, often called vehicle transport, is the service of moving your vehicle from one location to another. This process uses specialized carriers designed for the safe and efficient transportation of vehicles over long distances, whether across the country or internationally. Understanding how auto shipping service operates can simplify what might otherwise be a complex logistical challenge.

This guide will explain the fundamentals of auto shipping. We will cover the common reasons people use these services, the different types of transport available, and the delivery methods you can choose from. By the end, you will have a clear picture of the process and be better prepared to make informed decisions for your vehicle transportation needs.

Why People Use Auto Shipping Services

Individuals and businesses rely on auto shipping for a variety of reasons. The service provides a practical solution for moving vehicles without the need to drive them personally, saving time, money, and wear on the car.

Relocation for Work or Personal Reasons

When people move to a new city or state, driving the family car or cars can be a significant undertaking. A long distance drive adds mileage to the vehicle, incurs costs for fuel, food, and lodging, and consumes valuable time that could be spent on other aspects of the move. Auto shipping allows individuals and families to fly to their new home and have their vehicles delivered to them, streamlining the entire relocation process.

Buying or Selling a Vehicle Long Distance

The internet has broadened the market for buying and selling cars, connecting people from different parts of the country. If you purchase a vehicle from a seller hundreds or thousands of miles away, auto shipping is an essential service. It ensures the car you bought arrives safely at your location. Similarly, sellers can expand their pool of potential buyers by offering a reliable shipping option to deliver the vehicle.

Seasonal Travel and Snowbirds

Many people, often referred to as snowbirds, live in different regions depending on the season. For example, they might spend winters in a warmer climate and summers in a cooler one. Driving a vehicle back and forth twice a year can be tedious. Auto shipping offers a convenient alternative, allowing them to transport their car between their seasonal residences without the hassle of a long road trip.

Transporting Classic, Luxury, or Exotic Cars

Owners of valuable vehicles, such as classic cars, luxury models, or exotic sports cars, often prefer to use professional transport services. These cars may be too valuable or delicate to risk driving over long distances where they could be exposed to road hazards, potential accidents, or adverse weather. Specialized auto shipping provides a secure and protected environment, ensuring these prized possessions arrive in pristine condition. Corporate fleets and dealerships also use these services regularly to move inventory between locations.

Read More:Why Hire Professional Auto Transportation Services

Types of Auto Shipping Carriers

When you decide to ship your vehicle, you will need to choose between two primary types of transport carriers. Your choice will depend on your budget, the level of protection your vehicle requires, and your personal preference.

Open Car Transport

Open car transport is the most common and cost effective method for shipping a vehicle. In this arrangement, your car is loaded onto a carrier trailer that is open to the elements. These are the large, often double decker trucks you frequently see on the highway transporting multiple cars at once.

Because these carriers can haul more vehicles simultaneously, typically between eight and ten, the cost per vehicle is lower. This makes it an economical choice for standard cars, trucks, and SUVs. While the vehicles are exposed to weather and road dust, the transport method is overwhelmingly safe. Reputable companies take great care to secure each vehicle properly to prevent movement during transit.
Read More: Benefits of Open Truck Auto Transport

Enclosed Car Transport

Enclosed car transport offers a higher level of protection for your vehicle. With this service, your car is placed inside a fully covered trailer. This trailer shields the vehicle from rain, snow, sun, wind, and road debris like rocks or dirt. This method is the preferred choice for owners of high value vehicles.

If you own a classic, antique, luxury, or exotic car, an enclosed carrier provides peace of mind. The added protection minimizes the risk of any potential damage during transportation. Because enclosed trailers can carry fewer vehicles, usually between two and six, this service comes at a premium price compared to open transport.
Read More: Enclosed Truck Auto Transport Benefits

Understanding Delivery Options

In addition to choosing a carrier type, you will also select a delivery method. The two main options are door to door service and terminal to terminal service. Your decision here will affect the convenience and overall cost of the shipping process.

Door to Door Delivery

Door to door delivery is the most convenient option available. With this service, the transport company arranges for a carrier to pick up your vehicle from a specific location you choose, such as your home or office. The driver will then deliver the vehicle directly to your specified destination address.

This method eliminates the need for you to travel to a designated drop off or pickup point. The carrier will get as close to your requested addresses as is legally and safely possible. In some cases, if a large transport truck cannot access a particular residential street, you may need to meet the driver at a nearby large parking lot, like a school or shopping center, to complete the pickup or delivery.

Terminal to Terminal Delivery

Terminal to terminal delivery is a more budget friendly alternative. With this option, you are responsible for dropping your vehicle off at a designated storage facility or terminal owned by the shipping company. The carrier then transports your car to another terminal located near your destination city.

Once the vehicle arrives, you will be notified and will need to travel to that terminal to pick it up. While this requires more effort on your part, it can result in cost savings. The shipping company can consolidate vehicles more efficiently at its terminals, reducing logistical costs that are then passed on to you. This can be a good choice if you have a flexible schedule and live reasonably close to the shipping terminals.

The Auto Shipping Process

A professional auto shipping company manages the logistics, paperwork, and insurance for your vehicle’s journey. Here is the step by step auto shipping process guide for you.

  • Research Auto Shipping Companies
      • Look for licensed and trusted companies.
      • Read customer reviews and verify credentials to ensure reliability.
  • Request a Quote
      • Provide details like vehicle type, distance, and preferred services to get an accurate price estimate.
  • Choose Transport Type
      • Decide between open car transport (cost-effective) or enclosed car transport (premium protection).
  • Select Delivery Method
      • Opt for door-to-door delivery for convenience or terminal-to-terminal delivery for cost savings.
  • Prepare Your Vehicle
      • Clean the car and remove personal belongings.
      • Document the vehicle’s condition with photos and notes.
  • Schedule Pickup
      • Arrange a pickup date and location with the shipping company.
  • Vehicle Pickup
      • The carrier collects the vehicle from your specified location or a terminal.
  • Transportation
      • The vehicle is securely loaded onto the carrier and transported to the destination.
  • Delivery and Inspection
      • Inspect the vehicle upon delivery and compare it with the initial condition report.
      • Sign off on the delivery if everything is satisfactory.
  • Post-Delivery Follow-Up
    • Address any concerns or claims with the shipping company if necessary.

Choosing a reputable and licensed auto shipping company is the most critical step. Researching companies, reading customer reviews, and verifying their credentials will help ensure you have a smooth and secure vehicle transport experience from start to finish. Contact ABC Auto Shipping for a fast and seamless process.