What Is it Called When You Ship a Car?

What's in this article?

The Various Names for Different Types of Car Shipping
Open-Air Shipping
Enclosed Shipping
Roll-on/Roll-off Shipping
Drayage Shipping
Air Freight Shipping
Container Shipping
Rail Shipping
The Benefits of Shipping a Car
The Cost of Car Shipping
Safety and Security Considerations
Conclusion

Have you ever heard or wondered what it's called when you ship a car? Although shipping cars is a common enough occurrence, few people tend to understand the process truly. The term itself isn't exactly a conversation starter.

So what is car shipping, and how does it actually work?

After reading this post, you'll be familiar with the various terms for and procedures associated with auto transport companies.

The Various Names for Different Types of Car Shipping

There are many ways to use a shipping company to transport a vehicle across state lines or internationally.

You can ship your prized car via land, air, or sea. Here are the main ways you can ship a vehicle and what the modes of transport are called:

Open-Air Shipping

Open-air transport is the most common type of car shipping service and a familiar sight on highways across America. An open-air carrier has multiple levels with exposed sides that can accommodate up to 10 cars simultaneously.

Vehicles are fastened by straps to the car carrier so that they don't move during transit, so although they look like they're balancing in precarious positions, they're entirely safe.

Transporting larger vehicles this way is usually the cheapest option, especially for state-to-state transport.

Enclosed Shipping

Enclosed shipping is the best option if you want to keep your car exterior safe from rain, snow, and harmful UV rays. You don't want to transport your beloved vehicle across the country to discover that its paint job has been damaged en route.

An enclosed carrier is a single truck with a large box-like structure that usually accommodates up to four cars simultaneously. Cars are secured inside the containers by using straps and other protective measures.

This method is especially popular for luxury cars, classic cars, and collectors of rare vehicles.

Roll-on/Roll-off Shipping

Roll-on/roll-off shipping is a car transport service commonly used to ship cars internationally across oceans. This method involves loading the car onto a large cargo ship or barge by

In this method, the car is driven onto the ship in one port, secured with straps remaining until it reaches its final destination, and driven off in another.

It's a popular option when shipping cars between continents as it guarantees a safe journey for the vehicle while keeping the average cost lower than other methods.

You should ensure your vehicle is appropriately protected before exporting it because it won't receive any further protection while being transported using this method.

Drayage Shipping

For those shipping a car short distances, drayage is often the best option. This service involves transporting a car via pickup truck or trailer from its original location to another port or terminal.

Drayage is typically used to move cars shorter distances from one port to another and from one state to another and is seen as the first step in a more significant transportation haul.

Transporting vehicles locally in this way is an excellent alternative to costly air or sea freight.

Air Freight Shipping

Air Freight Shipping is a commonly used form of enclosed transport to quickly move goods or vehicles across a long distance. This type of shipping involves loading the car onto an airplane and having it flown to its destination.

Vehicles are stored on a pallet and secured with straps and ropes to ensure it doesn't move around during the flight.

Air freight shipping is often used for time-sensitive shipments that require speed and convenience, as it eliminates the need for long-distance drives or lengthy sea voyages.

Air freight is usually the most expensive way to ship a car. Only use this option if you want your vehicle shipped far and quickly.

Container Shipping

Container shipping is a method of enclosed transportation in which the vehicle is placed onto an intermodal railroad, cargo ship, or tractor-trailer in a secure, weatherproof container.

Container shipping is an excellent option to safeguard your vehicle from the weather as well as any theft or vandalism during its voyage.

The typical cost of shipping your automobile to this method is low; however, charges vary based on distance and cargo size.

Rail Shipping

Rail Shipping is a vehicle transport service that involves loading the vehicle onto a flatbed railcar and shipping it to its destination.

This method usually offers more secure transportation than open-air or container shipping. This is because when shipping a car via rail, the train will be moving at high speeds, reducing opportunities for thieves to gain access to it.

On top of this, the car will likely be covered by a container, preventing damages associated with prolonged UV exposure to the vehicle.

Depending on the train used and distance, this method of auto-shipping vehicles can result in faster delivery times.

The Benefits of Shipping a Car

There are several benefits to using the shipping industry to transport a car, the most obvious being convenience. Rather than driving the vehicle yourself and risking wear and tear, you can ship it to your destination. Easy peasy.

This is especially useful if you're moving across the country, importing a vehicle, or cannot drive the car yourself.

Here are just a few of the many benefits you can enjoy when you ship your car:

Save Money – Many car transport services are more cost-effective than driving the car yourself, and some even offer discounts for bulk shipments.
Secure Transportation – Shipping a car eliminates the risk of theft or vandalism, as your vehicle is transported in an enclosed carrier or container.
Peace of Mind – Rest assured that your vehicle will be safely delivered to its destination without any damage or delays, with all logistics being handled.
Quick Delivery – Shipping a car often results in faster delivery times than driving the vehicle to the destination yourself..

The Cost of Car Shipping

Shipping vehicles can be a simple process but can also stretch your budget, so understanding the factors that affect the cost of the shipping process is essential.

Various factors influence the total price for car transport, including your starting location, ending location, and vehicle type.

The size and weight of your vehicle will influence the transport price as more miles means more fuel usage by transport drivers.

Additionally, the condition of your car is also vital - Are there any liquids in it? Is it operable? How large are its dimensions? All of these questions should be answered when trying to calculate your car transport charges.

The type of car is also essential to factor in. Classic cars, collector vehicles, and exotic cars typically incur additional charges when shipping long distances due to their higher value and need for enhanced protection during transit.

On average, open-air shipping is usually cheaper than container or rail shipping; however, container and rail services often offer better security for your vehicle. Air freight shipping costs the most but is usually the fastest and most secure.

As with most things, having more information available will help ensure an excellent outcome for your transportation needs without spending beyond your budget.

Safety and Security Considerations

Making sure your car gets from A to B could hinge on the safety and security of your transport method. Before you choose a car transport service, do your research because not all companies protect your car the same way.

Look for companies with experience shipping cars, as they will likely be more knowledgeable about the process and have access to secure shipping containers. If possible, see your vehicle in person or via image, connected and ready for transport for peace of mind.

You should also read customer reviews and inquire about insurance policies before deciding.

Conclusion

For transporting your vehicles safely across the country or worldwide, the answer to the question "what is it called when you ship a car?" depends on your chosen service.

Choose the option that is ideal for you, whether it be open-air shipping, rail shipping, or air-freight shipment.

Luckily, A1-Auto Transport can help take away some of that stress.

With us, you don't need to worry about searching through sites upon sites or calling different companies to find out the price of the shipment. Instead, with A1 Auto Transport, we inform you of the expected cost at the start of the process.

Start the shipping process today to get your free quote.