The Car Shipping Process
Do you need to ship your car but don’t know where to start? Whether you are shipping a vehicle across the country, a few miles down the road, or internationally, it’s important to be familiar with the process and learn about the options available to you.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about shipping a car. The first thing you’ll want to know is how the car shipping process works. From finding and booking a transporter to preparing for delivery, the following is how the typical car transport process works:
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- Locate and Research Auto Transport Companies: Locate a few different auto shipping companies and do your homework. Look at their reviews, what services they offer, and ask any questions that you may have.
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- Provide Vehicle Information and Get Quotes: When you’ve narrowed down your options, you’ll want to provide the transportation companies with information about your vehicle, such as make and model, pickup and delivery locations, and your timeframe.
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- Choose an Auto Transport Service Provider: After reviewing your quotes, you’ll want to pick the service provider that best fits your needs. Remember, cheaper isn’t always better. Make sure the carrier can safely transport your vehicle by asking questions.
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- Secure Your Shipment: Secure your shipment by either paying your deposit or paying your carrier in full. The booking and payment process will vary depending on the transporter you chose to ship your car.
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- Prepare Your Car For Shipping: Before your carrier arrives to pick up your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you’ve properly prepared it to be shipped. To prepare your car for transport, follow these steps simple steps.
- Coordinate with Your Carrier: You’ll want to communicate with your carrier throughout the process. Coordinate any logistics with your provider, such as pickup and delivery times.
Auto Transport Methods
When it comes to shipping your car, there are dozens of transport methods to choose from. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Below you’ll find some of the most coming car transport methods and how they might work for you.
Open Tranport
Open car transport is the most economical way to transport a vehicle. With this type of transport, vehicles are loaded on a multi-car car hauler exposed to outside elements. Even though your car is being transported without much protection, the risk of damage is lower than you would think.
Open Tranport
Open car transport is the most economical way to transport a vehicle. With this type of transport, vehicles are loaded on a multi-car car hauler exposed to outside elements. Even though your car is being transported without much protection, the risk of damage is lower than you would think.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed auto transport is a safe way to transport high-value vehicles. It’s one of the more expensive options but offers the most protection. With enclosed transport, vehicles are loaded into an airtight, weatherproof car hauler.
Door-to-Door Transport
Home delivery is becoming the standard for consumers and is provided by most auto transport companies. The transport service will pick up and deliver your vehicle as close to your door as possible. Keep in mind, semi-trucks and trailers can’t easily make clearance in some residential streets and apartment communities. If necessary, work out an accessible parking lot to load or unload your car with your provider in advance.
Door-to-Door Transport
Home delivery is becoming the standard for consumers and is provided by most auto transport companies. The transport service will pick up and deliver your vehicle as close to your door as possible. Keep in mind, semi-trucks and trailers can’t easily make clearance in some residential streets and apartment communities. If necessary, work out an accessible parking lot to load or unload your car with your provider in advance.
Terminal-to-Terminal Transport
Think of a terminal as a storage facility. They are usually placed regionally nationwide. You can drop off or pick up your car on specific dates and times. Terminals may be located many miles away from you, but if you have the time and ability to get to them, you can save money. Another note on terminal-to-terminal car shipping is that your car could be transported by multiple carriers and travel through different terminals before it’s delivered to its destination.
Terminal-to-Terminal Transport
Think of a terminal as a storage facility. They are usually placed regionally nationwide. You can drop off or pick up your car on specific dates and times. Terminals may be located many miles away from you, but if you have the time and ability to get to them, you can save money. Another note on terminal-to-terminal car shipping is that your car could be transported by multiple carriers and travel through different terminals before it’s delivered to its destination.
Expedited Car Shipping
Do you need a vehicle to be transported last minute or to be at a specific location by a deadline? Many auto transport companies offer premium services that can expedite the shipping process of your vehicle. This service will generally begin within 24 to 48 hours from when you place an order with car transport companies.
Expedited Car Shipping
Do you need a vehicle to be transported last minute or to be at a specific location by a deadline? Many auto transport companies offer premium services that can expedite the shipping process of your vehicle. This service will generally begin within 24 to 48 hours from when you place an order with car transport companies.
Single Car Transport
Working with a single-car vehicle shipping company is similar to a car hauling service. As the name suggests, your car will be hauled as a single car on a smaller open or enclosed trailer. More often than not, these carriers are small businesses that specialize in personalized car transport tailored to your needs.
Single Car Transport
Working with a single-car vehicle shipping company is similar to a car hauling service. As the name suggests, your car will be hauled as a single car on a smaller open or enclosed trailer. More often than not, these carriers are small businesses that specialize in personalized car transport tailored to your needs.
uShip for No-Hassle Vehicle Transport
Ready to ship your car? uShip cuts the hassle out of transporting a vehicle, making it a smart choice for those looking to save time and money. We are an online shipping marketplace that allows you to get quotes from multiple auto transporters in one place. With no obligation to book a rate, uShip is a risk-free option. There’s seriously no better way to ship a car.
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Get Quotes NowRelated Shipping Guides
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