How To Ship A Car: The Basics Of What To Know
Transporting a vehicle is not an overly complicated process, though it may seem that way from the outside, especially if you've never done it before. Shipping a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of collecting the necessary info and contacting the right people; in this case automotive transport companies. In some instances, you may be contacting a broker rather than a carrier, but they both offer similar solutions: a broker arranges for shipment, whereas a carrier delivers the vehicle.
Whether you're shipping a vehicle to across the state, or from one coast to the other, the process is more or less the same. You'll need information such as the make, model, and year of the vehicle, as well as its current location and where you're shipping to. It's also helpful to have a delivery timeframe in mind if you need to vehicle shipped by a certain date.
At A-1 Auto Transport, we simplify this process as much as possible, making it easier than ever to get a quick, accurate price quote in a matter of minutes. You simply tell us what type of vehicle you need shipped and when, and we'll have one of our transport partners contact you right away with a cost estimate. It's a process that we've intentionally kept simple and getting an estimate with A-1 Auto Transport is always FREE.
Even if you're just curious about the cost of transporting a vehicle, we're happy to supply you with that information, regardless of the type of cargo being hauled or the type of trailer required to do so. If you need a general idea of what it costs to ship different distances, or an explanation of what's included in the cost, you can find that information on our car shipping rates page.
It's important to keep in mind that extra services (such as door-to-door or enclosed transport) typically increase the per-mile rate of the shipping cost. Disclaimer: it should be noted that additional insurance beyond what's included in the prices also costs extra, though it's not needed in most cases.
One of the main choices you'll have to make when shipping a vehicle is what type of transport you need, which boils down to what type of trailer is required. Most vehicles shipped within the same country are hauled on an open air carrier that moves several at once, usually between eight and 12. Vehicles that are shipped in an enclosed trailer are most often vintage, luxury, or high-performance cars.
Finally, you'll want to consider if you'll need any storage once your vehicle arrives at its destination. Most auto transport companies either offer warehousing services, or at least can arrange them on your behalf. It's usually best to mention this early in the process when you're getting a price quote.
Similarly, if your vehicle is not in running condition, that should be mentioned as well. There is a small additional cost that usually comes along with transporting an inoperable vehicle, whether it's because of a flat tire or a blown transmission. The additional cost is usually $100 or less, but you do need to mention it as special equipment may be needed.
Preparing Your Vehicle To Be Shipped
Preparation is an important aspect of car shipping, and one that doesn't get talked about enough. There are a few small but important steps you'll need to take in order to make sure your vehicle is ready to be transported. Here are the basics.
- Clean and wash the vehicle, both inside and out. You'll also want to remove anything that is a nonpermanent component. This includes things like antennas, luggage racks, bike racks, spoilers, etc. The vehicle should be effectively empty before transport.
- Run the gas tank down to no more than 1/4 tank. Companies will often tack on an additional charge for vehicles that have more than 1/4 tank of gas.
- Check fluid levels, including for leaks. A small leak can cause big problems over the course of several hundred miles, especially if multiple vehicles are being moved at once.
- Document any existing damages on the vehicle, including any minor dents or scratches. Taking pictures is usually a good idea for this part of the preparation as it provides clear evidence in the event of a dispute.
- Disable the car alarm. This is an important step that, if overlooked, can cause big problems and long delays for the driver.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car
Shipping costs for a standard vehicle (think a sedan or small truck) are generally between 50 cents to $1.25 per mile, though that is a very broad stroke. The vehicle shipping needs of our clients are as diverse as they are, which means that specialty services or extras can sometimes push costs slightly higher than the pricing estimate given above. By the same token, some jobs may come out to slightly less than 50 cents per mile—it really just depends on the type of vehicle and the service needed to move it.
If you want some official numbers from actual shipments that have been delivered, you can find specific pricing information for shipments on clicking here. You'll also notice that the prices tend to be higher on a per-mile basis for shorter distances, while they are cheaper for longer trips. We always try to take the most direct route possible, though sometimes that can be affected by road closures or detours.
We also offer A-1 Auto Transport mobile apps, through both Google Play and iTunes, that can be used to easily get an estimate for any location you'd like to ship a vehicle. It can be a handy tool if you're on the go and need to quickly access information about pricing on your phone.
Understanding Auto Transport Insurance
Basic insurance coverage is included in any price quote you get. As part of the FMCSA regulations, any auto shipper must have a certain level of insurance coverage to guard against damages caused by them. For the vast majority of customers, the standard insurance is sufficient.
Those that may want to consider purchasing additional insurance include the same group that might consider an enclosed transport carrier. In other words, those transporting high value, rare, expensive, or one-of-a-kind vehicles. Every carrier should be able to provide a supplemental insurance plan of their own if you inquire about it.
