Automobile Shipping Made Easy with Custom Car Transportation

The need for auto transport services is growing in the USA. One reason for this growing demand may be because the number of vehicles on the road is increasing. In the USA, more than 284 million vehicles are on the road. This number is expected to continue to grow in the future.  The number of vehicles on the road has several impacts on society. For example, it increases the need for auto transport services.  Another reason for this growth may be the number of people relocating. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2.45 million persons migrated to the USA in 2022. This is likely due to the strong economy and job market. Or this increase in demand for shipping services is probably because people want to travel in their cars. According to a study, an average American drives more than 10 miles each way to go to work. This is because cars are often the only viable alternative for road trips. Chances are, you also like to have your vehicle with you wherever you go, don’t you? If yes, then you need an auto transport company. However, you need to ensure the company is reliable. In this article, we’ll discuss the process of shipping your vehicle, how much cost to ship a car , how to prepare your car for shipment, and how to choose a reliable auto transport company. Regardless of your needs, you’ll find that shipping a car across the country is not as difficult as you think.  

What is Automobile Shipping, and Why do you need it?

Automobile shipping is sending a car from one location to another through a vehicle transport company. Car transporters own and operate their vehicle transport fleets. They typically offer various services, including direct shipment from a manufacturer’s plant to a customer’s destination and indirect shipment via an intermediary carrier. Car shipping companies are independent businesses that rely on contract carriers to transport cars between destinations. There are a variety of reasons why someone might want to ship their vehicle, such as:

• You are moving to a new city and need to transport your car.
• You are going on a long road trip and must take your car.
• You have sold your vehicle and need to ship it to the buyer.
• You have bought a car online and need to have it shipped to you.
• You must send your vehicle to a mechanic or body shop for repairs.

Benefits of Using Custom Car Transportation

Auto transportation services provide many benefits to those who use them. Here are five of the most popular.

• They’re Faster: Because these businesses work with reputable trucking companies and coordinate each step of the process, your shipping experience will be smooth and straightforward from start to finish.
• Cost-effective: Custom auto transportation services can save you money on shipping costs by consolidating multiple shipments into one load. This can also reduce wear and tear on your vehicle and save you time and effort. They offer competitive rates and a range of options that allow you to find the best way to get where you’re going without having to worry about expenses.
• Flexible: Auto transportation services can provide various shipping options to meet your needs. They can also work with you to schedule pick-ups and drop-offs around your busy schedule.
• Convenient: Shipping companies can pick up your vehicle from your home or office and deliver it to your destination. This can save you the hassle of driving your car to the shipper.
• Safe: Auto transporters ensure that your vehicle is properly secured during transport. They can also provide insurance in case of any damage that may occur during shipping.
• Reliable: Custom auto transportation services can provide peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will arrive at its destination on time and in the same condition it was shipped.

Here are a few Tips for choosing the Right Car Transportation Company

• Please do your research: Before choosing a car transportation company, it’s essential to do your research and ask around for recommendations. You can start by asking friends, family, and colleagues if they have any suggestions. Once you have a few companies in mind, you can read online reviews to understand each company’s reputation better.
• Ask about their experience: When talking to different car transportation companies, ask about their experience shipping cars. You want to work with a company with a lot of experience and a good track record.
• Inquire about their insurance: All reputable car transport companies will have insurance to protect your vehicle in case of any accidents or damage during transport. Be sure to ask about this upfront and get all the details in writing.
• Compare quotes: Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to start comparing quotes. When getting quotes, ask about the same services so you can adequately compare the prices.
• Read the fine print: Before choosing a car transportation company, be sure to read through all the fine print. This includes the terms and conditions of their service and their cancellation policy. You want to be sure you understand everything before agreeing to anything.
• Ask about customer service: A good car transportation company will provide excellent customer service. Be sure to ask about this when you’re speaking with different companies. You want to reach them easily if you have any questions or concerns.

Different Methods to Ship your Vehicle

There are two popular ways to ship your vehicle: an open carrier or an enclosed one. Let’s take a quick look at both of them.

Open Carrier Transport

Open carrier shipping is the most common and economical way to ship a vehicle. An open carrier has multiple levels and can carry up to 10 cars simultaneously. Vehicles are secured with soft ties and covered with a tarp to protect them from the elements during transit.

Enclosed Carrier Transport

Enclosed carrier transport is more expensive but offers your vehicle more protection from the elements and potential damage. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your willingness to spend and how much protection you feel your vehicle needs.

Types of Shipping Services 

Different shipping services offer different options for shipping a vehicle. Some services offer door-to-door service, while others may only provide terminal-to-terminal service. Some shippers may offer discounts for multiple vehicles, while others charge by vehicle weight. Here are some examples of each one:

• Door-to-door shipping: The shipper will pick up the vehicle from your address and deliver it to the desired destination. This is the most expensive option but also the most convenient.
• Terminal-to-terminal shipping: The customer must drop off the vehicle at a shipping terminal and then pick it up from another terminal at the destination. This is the cheapest option, but it is also the most inconvenient.
• Expedited shipping: If you need your vehicle shipped as quickly as possible, you can choose an expedited shipping service. This type of shipping service is typically more expensive than standard shipping services.
• Guaranteed pick up:  This is more expensive than regular shipping, but it ensures that experts will pick up the vehicle within a specific time frame.

Cost of Shipping a Car across the country

 A few key factors determine the cost of shipping across the country: volume, value, density, origin and destination, mode of transportation, shipping route, and type of container.

• Volume: The shipping cost is directly proportional to the amount of space the shipment occupies. The larger the volume of the shipment, the higher the shipping costs.
• Value: The shipping cost is also influenced by the value of the shipped vehicles. More valuable items will typically require higher shipping costs to cover the increased risk of loss or damage.
• Density: The density of a shipment also affects the shipping cost. More dense loads will cost more to ship because they occupy more space per unit of weight.
• Origin and Destination: The location of the shipment’s source and destination can also affect the shipping cost. Shorter distances will typically result in lower shipping costs than longer ones.
• Shipping Route: Shorter, direct routes will typically be less expensive than longer, indirect routes.
• Type of Container: The container used to ship the goods can also affect the shipping cost. Refrigerated containers, for example, will typically be more expensive than standard containers.

Preparing your Car for Shipping

If you’re planning on shipping your car across the country, you’ll need to prepare it well. It would help if you had your vehicle checked out by a mechanic before shipping. These inspections help you catch any problems before they become big ones. This step is an essential part of the preparation process.

• Make sure your vehicle is clean, both inside and out. A clean car will be easier to inspect for damages and help the driver load and unload your vehicle more easily.
• Ensure that there is nothing loose inside your vehicle that could shift during transport and cause damage. Remove all personal belongings, valuables, and aftermarket stereo systems.
• Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. The driver will probably need to drive your car onto the transport truck, and a full tank of gas will help to make the process go more smoothly.
• Inspect your vehicle for any existing damage, and document any dents, scratches, or other imperfections. This will help ensure that you are not charged for damages already present before shipping.
• Disable any anti-theft devices that you have installed on your vehicle. These devices can sometimes prevent the driver from adequately securing your car onto the transport truck.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If you have decided to ship your car from one state to another, you will want to ensure that you get the best service. After all, your car is an expensive investment. Considering this option, you may be wondering what mistakes you should avoid. Here are some tips.

• Book your transport as early as possible: It’s best to hire a car shipping company to ensure you can secure the slot to transport your vehicle in advance. Make sure to choose a company with an established track record and excellent customer service. Also, make sure that you choose a company that has insurance coverage.
• Declare all the items you will leave in your car: You don’t want to leave anything in the vehicle that might get damaged during transport. Otherwise, you could get fined for not declaring these items and have problems with insurance claims.
• Make sure that you have all the documents needed to ship your car. It’s essential to have your vehicle’s registration and title up to date. If they’re out of date, it will delay shipping and cause you to incur extra costs. You can check with your local DMV to ensure that your documents are current.
• Ask about hidden charges: Ask the shipping carrier about hidden costs (if any), like fuel surcharges.

The Shipping Process 

Shipping your vehicle is simple; you need to follow a few steps below:

• Request a quote from a shipping company. Be sure to include the make, model, and year of your vehicle and your desired destination.
• Schedule a pick-up date and time with the shipping company. They will send a tow truck to your location to pick up your vehicle.
• Your vehicle will be loaded onto a transport truck and secured for transport.
• The transport truck will deliver your vehicle to the destination you specified.
• Once the vehicle arrives, the driver will unload it, and you can inspect it to ensure it arrives safely.
• Enjoy your vehicle at your new location!

Frequently asked questions about auto shipping services 

What exactly is an auto-shipping service?

An auto shipping service is a company that provides transportation for vehicles. This can include cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and other types of vehicles.

How does auto shipping work? 

Auto shipping companies pick up vehicles from their origin point and deliver them to their destination. In case you opt for the terminal-to-terminal service. You need to drop off the car at the shipping company’s terminal, and the company will then transport the vehicle to its destination.

How long does it take for an auto shipment to be delivered?

 The time it takes for an auto shipment to be delivered depends on the distance of the shipment. For example, a shipment from Los Angeles to New York City would take about 5-7 days.

 What is the difference between open and enclosed shipping? 

Open shipping is less expensive, but your vehicle will be exposed to the elements during transport. Enclosed shipping is more costly, but it will protect your car from the elements during transportation.

 Which payment methods will be accepted for your services? 

Our payment methods are cash on delivery, wire transfer, and certified check. Please note we also accept credit cards and personal checks.

Do you allow the client to pay in an installment plan? 

Yes, we provide an installment plan option for our clients. You can reach us for more information on this.

Can I cancel the auto-shipping service at any time? 

Yes, you can cancel the service anytime, but you need to send a prominent notice about your decision. There is no refund for the cancellation. You can only cancel the service till the date your car is shipped or the date from which we stop performing the assignment. You can also cancel your favor if you re-think it or if you decide only to change your destination. There are also some circumstances where we have every right to cancel your contract apart from the reasons above, like lousy weather, force majeure and legal issues, maintenance problems, and any other unusual circumstance that may lead to a cancellation of an order. If your service gets canceled due to circumstances other than yours, we will inform you immediately while ensuring a smooth process.

Why hire SAKAEM Logistics?

There are many reasons to hire SAKAEM Logistics for your shipping needs. Here are just a few:

• SAKAE Logistics has a team of experienced professionals in the shipping industry. They have the knowledge and expertise to get your products shipped safely and on time.
• We have a modern fleet of vehicles and equipment that are well-maintained and ready to handle your shipping needs.
• We offer competitive rates and provide value for your money.
• We provide a wide range of shipping services that you can customize to meet your needs.
• We have a proven track record of success in the shipping industry and have established a reputation for providing excellent service.

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