A Comprehensive Guide to Shipping Your Car to or From Tulsa: Tips, Benefits, Cost, and Much More

Harish Makam

13 Jun 2022 2 years ago


As the second-largest city in Oklahoma, Tulsa is a hub for trade and transportation in the state. It is also home to the Port of Tulsa, one of the busiest inland ports in the country and the engine for Oklahoma’s economic development. Two significant interstates services Tulsa: I-44 and I-244 – including several smaller highways. This makes it easy to get around the city and connect with other parts of Oklahoma.

There are many reasons why car transport in Tulsa can be a lucrative option to opt for. Maybe you are moving here and want the freedom and flexibility to travel on your schedule or simply because your car is a classic and you can’t risk leaving it parked elsewhere in your absence or you have ordered a car online and want it shipped to your destination. 

Whatever be the reason, there is a myriad of car shipping options you can choose from, such as open and enclosed carrier transport, door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping.

Discover in this guide the cost to transport the car to Tulsa along withsome of the best car shipping options and find ways to hire the best auto transport company.

Five Different Ways To Ship A Car To And From Tulsa

When transporting cars from Tulsa, you have five distinct choices. Here’s an overview of each of the available methods. 

1. Drive It Yourself

 If you’re moving to or from Tulsa, and your car is in working condition, the easiest and most economical way to transport it is by driving it yourself. This option allows you the most control over your vehicle’s safety and schedule. However, it also means adding miles to your car and making the long and tiring cross-state trip on your own. If you choose this option, plan your route and take plenty of breaks to rest and stretch.

2. Hire Someone to Drive It for You

If you’re not familiar with the city or route or don’t find driving long distances a fun, you can hire a professional driver to transport my car to Tulsa and vice versa. This option will be more expensive than driving it yourself, but it will take the stress and responsibility off your shoulders. Make sure you hire a reliable person before entrusting your car and be clear about expectations (e.g., gas money, schedule adherence) before finalizing anything.

Hire a driver

3. Ship by Plane

Car shipping by plane is quicker than other modes of transportation. However, it’s not without its challenges. The aircraft must be able to accommodate the size and weight of the vehicle, and there must be enough space available on the runway for take-off and landing. In addition, the carrier service provider must consider weather conditions to ensure that the plane can safely take off and land. All of these constraints can spoil the otherwise smooth experience. 

4. Ship by Train

Cargo trains are slower than other options but may be more cost-effective. On the other hand, if time is of the essence, a cargo train may not be the best option. Cargo trains are also less likely to experience delays than other modes of transportation. They do not have to contend with traffic or weather conditions. However, they can still be delayed by things like construction or accidents. Overall, cargo trains are a good option for shipping vehicles if cost is the primary concern. But should be avoided if time is of the essence and delays are a significant concern.

5. Professional Auto Transport Company

Hiring an auto transport company to ship your vehicle can be a great way to ensure that your car arrives safely, affordably, and on time. If you were to drive your vehicle, you would have to pay for gas, lodging, and any damages that may occur due to unexpected events. When you use an auto transport service, all these risks and expenses are a part of the shipping price. This can be a great way to save money and ensure a safe shipment. Plus, these companies take care of all the details involved in shipping a vehicle, from loading and unloading the car onto the truck to ensuring it’s well-secured for transit. You can rest assured knowing that your vehicle is in good hands when you use a car transport in Tulsa service. 

Different Types of Auto Shipping

There are two popular types of auto shipping choices you can make: open and enclosed. Here’s a brief about each of them.

Open Carrier Transport

It is the most common type of auto transport. The professionals will load your vehicle onto an open carrier transport, and then transport it to your desired destination. This type of transport is less expensive than enclosed carrier transport, but it does come with some risks. It leaves your vehicle exposed to the elements like snow, dust, and debris. This type of shipping is best for short distances and when the budget is your concern.

Enclosed Carrier Transport

Enclosed carrier transport is a premium shipping service that protects your vehicle from the elements during transit. The shipping company uses an enclosed carrier or an all sides covered container to deliver your car in this service, which means elements like dust and debris can’t damage your vehicle. So, this option is ideal if you need to ship your vehicle quickly and in pristine condition. 

Enclosed Shipping

Different Types Of Auto Shipping Services

Still, wondering how to transport my car from Tulsa? There are three different types of auto shipping services when it comes to car transport in Tulsa.

Express Auto Shipping

It is the quickest and most expensive type of auto shipping. Your vehicle will be picked up by a driver and delivered to your destination as soon as possible. This is ideal for people who need their truck shipped urgently or do not want to wait for an extended period.

Guaranteed Auto Transport

This is ideal for people who have time constraints or need their vehicle shipped on a specific day. Guaranteed auto shipping is more expensive than other services, but it gives you peace of mind knowing that your car will be delivered when needed.

Military Auto Transport

Military personnel often have to move around, and shipping their cars can be expensive and complicated. However, some companies specialize in shipping cars for military members. These companies know how to handle the paperwork and requirements involved with military moves, and they can make sure your vehicle gets where it needs to go without any problems.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car To And From Tulsa?  

The next concern you might be havingis how much to transport a car to Tulsa? There isn’t any straightforward answer to this question. The cost to ship a car to Tulsa depends on several factors. Check out a few determinants below: 

1. The type of car being transported – A sedan will cost less to transport than an SUV or truck. 

2. The distance the car is transported – The further the distance, the higher the cost to ship a car will be.

 3. Whether the car is running or not – A non-running vehicle will generally be more expensive to transport than a running one since it requires extra care and attention.

 4. Specialty equipment required for transport – If you want to transport your car on a flatbed trailer, this will increase the cost. 

5. Accessibility of pick-up and drop-off locations – If your car must be picked up or dropped off in a difficult-to-reach location, this will also add to the cost. 

6. Time of year – Seasonal demand can affect pricing, with transportation costs generally higher in summers than winters.

How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car To And From Tulsa  

 Several factors can affect the time it takes to ship a car to and from Tulsa. Here are seven of the most important things if you want quick service and looking for ways to transport my car from Tulsa:

1. The shipping company: Some companies are faster than others when transporting vehicles. Do your research to find a reputable company with a good track record for timely delivery.

2. Your location: If you live in a rural area, it may take longer to ship your car than in a major city. This is because there are typically fewer shipping routes available in rural areas.

3. The destination: Just as your location can impact shipping times, so can your destination. For instance, if you’re looking to ship internationally, it will likely take longer than if you were only shipping domestically.

4. Time of year: Seasonal factors can affect shipping times. For example, winter weather can delay shipments due to road conditions, and increased demand for shipping services during peak holiday seasons can also lead to delays.

5. Insurance: Getting insurance for your shipment is always a good idea, but it can sometimes add a day or two to the process, depending on your company.

How the Process of Shipping a Car To and From Tulsa Works

Car transport in Tulsa is quite simple, provided you have all the information related to the process. Here are some easy steps to keep you going.

Step1: Choose a shipping company: Many companies ship cars, so it is essential to research to find one that best suits your needs. You may want to consider price, insurance coverage, and reviews from other customers.

 Step2: Schedule pick-up: Once you have chosen a shipping company, you will need to schedule a time for them to pick up the vehicle. Be sure to have the entire necessary paperwork ready beforehand.

Step3: Prepare your car for shipping: This includes making sure there are no personal belongings inside the vehicle and making sure the gas tank is only half full. It is also important to disable any alarm systems attached to the car.

 Step4: Ship the car: The shipping company will load the car onto their truck and transport it to its destination. Depending on the distance, this process can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more.

 Step5: Unload the car: Once the vehicle arrives at its destination, it will be unloaded from the truck and delivered to you or your designated location. Again, depending on the distance involved, this could take some time.

Step6: Make payments: Finally, you will need to pay for the shipping services rendered according to the terms agreed upon with your chosen shipping company

Open car shipping

How To Get A Quote To Ship A Car To And From Tulsa  

Getting a fair quote doesn’t just help you get a better deal but save money. Here are the two easy ways to get a quote for your car transportation needs.

·       Get your quote directly from the company reps

The best way to get an accurate quote is by speaking directly with a company representative. This way, they can ask you specific questions about your vehicle to give you a more precise estimate. Also, be sure to have the make and model of your car on hand, as well as its current location and where you would like it delivered.

·       Use an instant quote generator on a shipping website

 This will allow you to get the most accurate quote possible based on your specific shipping needs. When using a quote generator, include all relevant information such as the make and model of the car, the pick-up and delivery locations, and any special instructions. Once you have generated a quote, you can book your shipment online or over the phone with a representative.

How To Find The Best Auto Transport Company To Ship Your Car To And From Tulsa  

Here are six actionable tips to help you choose the best company for transporting a car from Tulsa and vice-versa:

1. Get quotes from multiple companies. This will give you a good idea of the going rate for shipping your vehicle and also allow you to compare services.

2. Ask about insurance coverage. You want to ensure your car is insured in case of any accidents or damages that may occur during shipping.

3. Read online reviews. Take some time to read online reviews of different auto transport companies before making your decision. This can give you peace of mind knowing that others have had positive experiences with the company you’re considering.

 4. Make sure the company is licensed and insured.

This is important for protecting yourself in case something goes wrong during shipping.

5. Ask about their vehicle tracking system. You’ll want to be able to track your car’s location while it’s being shipped so that you know when it will arrive at its destination,

6. Get everything in writing. Make sure you get a written estimate of the cost of shipping as well as the company’s policies on insurance coverage and tracking information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is The Auto Transport Company’s Quote Valid?

The quote’s expiry may vary between companies; however, the auto transport company’s quote typically remains valid for seven days. This means you have seven days to book your shipment and lock in the price quoted to you. Booking a shipment beyond seven days may change based on market conditions.

Do I Need To Be Present At The Pick-Up And Delivery Of The Car?

If you can’t be available during delivery, you can provide an authorized representative to sign for your vehicle. This person must be over 18 and have a valid driver’s license. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact the provider.

Is My Car Insured During Transit?

Some companies like SAKAEM do include insurance in the price of their services, while others require you to purchase a separate policy. It is essential to check with your chosen company beforehand to know the price and what things it includes, if anything, you need to provide yourself.

How Can I Pay For The Auto Transport Service?

There are a few ways that you can pay for car transport in Tulsa. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card. Also, the company can work with you to develop a payment plan that fits your budget.

Pros And Cons Of Moving To Tulsa

Pros

  • The cost of living in Tulsa is very reasonable. You’ll be able to save money on housing, food, and other necessities.
  • Tulsa has a lot to do: plenty of museums, parks, and other attractions to keep you busy.
  • The city has a great community feel. You’ll be able to meet new people and make friends easily in Tulsa.

Cons

  • Crime and security require improvement: Although violent crime rates have been declining in recent years, it still needs some improvement.
  • Tulsa has a more extended and chilly winter along with hot and humid summers. If you’re not a fan of extreme heat or cold, you might want to think twice before moving to Tulsa.
  • The city’s public transportation system is not as robust as those in other cities, so you may need to plan if you want to go somewhere that isn’t within walking distance.

Harish Makam