Brantley Kendall 27 Oct 2022 2 years ago We’ve all been there before. You’re moving to a new city, or maybe you just bought a new car. Either way, you must get your vehicle from point A to point B. In the past, this meant dealing with a rental car company or, even worse, driving the car yourself. But thanks to the rise of auto transport companies. There’s a new way to get your vehicle from one place to another Auto transport companies are revolutionizing the way we move our vehicles. They provide a safe, reliable, and affordable way to get your car from one place to another. Plus, they offer a variety of services that make the process of moving your vehicle as easy as possible. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to drive your vehicle, look no further than an auto transport company. Here’s everything you need to know about this super convenient way of moving your car. How does the auto-shipping process work? Auto transport companies typically operate via a network of trucking companies. This allows them to offer a variety of services that make the process of moving your car as easy as possible. When you contact an auto transport company, they will provide you with a quote. This quote will include the cost of the transport and any additional services you may need. Once you accept the quote, the shipping company will arrange for a truck to pick up your car. They will then transport your vehicle to your destination. Typically, the process takes about a week. Table of Contents Steps to ship your vehicleMethods to transport your vehicleDifferent Auto transport servicesTips for choosing the right shipping companyFactors that affect the cost of auto shippingRequired documents to transport your vehicle Factors that affect the time it takes to deliver your vehicleSteps to prepare your vehicle for shipping Steps to ship your vehicle The first step is to find a reputable carrier that can transport your vehicle safely and on time. You can get quotes from multiple carriers to compare prices and services.Once you’ve selected a carrier, you’ll need to schedule pickup and delivery dates that work with your schedule. Be sure to allow enough time for transportation, as it can take several days, depending on the distance involved.The next step is to prepare your vehicle for transport. This includes removing all personal items from the car and ensuring the gas tank is no more than 1/4 full. You may also need to disable certain features, such as alarm systems and GPS tracking devices.Once your vehicle is ready, the carrier will arrive on the scheduled pickup date to load it onto their truck or trailer. They will secure it, so it doesn’t shift during transport.During transit, your vehicle will be exposed to different weather and road conditions than it’s used to. For this reason, you must choose a carrier with a good reputation for the safety and care of their vehicles.Upon arrival at the destination, the carrier will unload your vehicle and deliver it to you on the specified date. Once again, they will take care of securing your car, so there is no damage upon delivery.After checking over your car, sign off on the paperwork indicating the delivery receipt. This completes the auto-shipping process! Methods to transport your vehicle There are two main types of car transport – open and enclosed. Open car transport is the more popular and economical option, while enclosed transport offers added protection for your vehicle. Here’s a closer look at each type of car shipping method: Open Auto Transport Open transportation is the most popular way to ship a vehicle because it is less expensive than an enclosed car carrier. Your car will be loaded onto an open trailer with other vehicles and transported to your destination. While your car will be exposed to the elements during transport, the shipping company will well protect it by being securely fastened to the trailer. Enclosed Auto Transport Enclosed transport is the best option if you’re looking for the safest way to transport your vehicle. Your car will be loaded into a covered trailer and transported to your destination, away from weather and road conditions. This type of shipping is more expensive than open transport, but it offers peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is completely protected during shipment. Different Auto transport services There are many auto transport services, each with advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular types of auto transport services: Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Transport This auto transport service is often beneficial for long-distance moves. Your vehicle is delivered to a terminal near your destination with terminal-to-terminal service. You are responsible for picking it up at the terminal and driving it to your final destination. This is an excellent option for people moving across the country or needing to transport their vehicle to a remote location. Door-to-Door Service Most auto transport companies now offer door-to-door service, which is highly convenient. With this service, you don’t have to worry about getting your car to the shipping terminal. The transport company will pick up your vehicle at your home or office and deliver it to your destination. Expedited Auto Transport Expedited auto transport is a premium shipping service that guarantees professionals will deliver your vehicle within a specific time frame. If you need your car shipped urgently, this is the best option to ensure it arrives on time. Keep in mind that expedited shipping comes at a higher cost than standard shipping services. Guaranteed vehicle pick up. With this service, professionals will pick up your vehicle on the date you specify, so you won’t have to worry. Ask whether the shipping company offers a guaranteed car pickup service. RoRo Shipping When you ship your vehicle using RoRo shipping, your vehicle will be Rolled On and Rolled Off the ship. Your vehicle will be driven onto the ship and secured in place. The ship will then sail to its destination. When it arrives, your vehicle will be moved off the ship and delivered to you. The entire RoRo shipping process usually takes about 7-10 days. However, it can take longer if there are delays in the shipping process and the distance is long. RoRo shipping is faster and more efficient. It’s also easier on your vehicle since there’s no lifting involved. Why opt for auto transport services? When you’re ready to move your vehicle, whether across the country or across state lines, you have a few options for transport. You can drive it yourself, have a friend drive it, or use an auto shipping company. While all three options get the job done, using an auto shipping company has several advantages over the others. Here are some benefits of using an auto shipping company to move your vehicle: Convenience Auto shipping companies can pick up your vehicle from anywhere in the country and deliver it to your doorstep. This is an excellent option for those who need more time or the ability to drive their car long distances. Save your car from wear and tear. You won’t have to put any miles on your car. If you’re driving the vehicle, you’ll rack up miles (and possibly wear and tear) you may not want. Using an auto shipping company lets your car stay in the same condition as when it was picked up. Cost savings Shipping your car with a professional company is often cheaper than driving it yourself. This is because you won’t have to pay for gas, lodging, or meals on the road. Auto transport companies will transport your vehicle for you and do it for a fraction of the cost. Flexible Shipping Options You can ship your car by land or sea or select to send your vehicle to your home, office, or storage facility. It means shipping your car is now more accessible and affordable than ever. Thanks to technological advances, auto transport companies are making getting your vehicle where it needs to go easier. You can ship multiple vehicles at once This is especially helpful if you’re moving a long distance and have more than one vehicle to transport. An auto shipping company can pick up and deliver multiple cars simultaneously, which is much more efficient than making numerous trips or coordinating with different people to ship each vehicle separately. Experience Auto shipping companies have the experience and expertise to transport your vehicle safely. They know the best routes and how to secure and load cars onto trailers properly. Tips for choosing the right shipping company When choosing the right auto transport company, you need to consider a few key factors. Here are proven tips to help you pick the right company for your needs: Choose a reputable company: It’s essential to choose a reputable auto transport company. An excellent way to check if a company is reputable is to see if they are a member of the Better Business Bureau. You also want to ensure the company has been in business for a while and has a good track record.Check out the company’s reviews: There are many online resources where you can read reviews from past customers. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from the company regarding service and quality.Ask about their pickup and delivery process: You want to ensure that your chosen company has a smooth and efficient pickup and delivery process. Ask about their turnaround times and whether or not they offer tracking for your shipment.Find out what type of shipping they offer: Some companies only provide open-air shipping, while others also offer enclosed shipping. Enclosed shipping is more expensive, but it gives more protection for your car.Ask about their tracking methods. You’ll want to know how the company tracks its shipments so you can keep an eye on your car’s progress during transit.Get quotes from multiple companies: This will help you compare rates and services offered by different companies. Be sure to get quotes for both door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal transport and open and enclosed carrier options. Factors that affect the cost of auto shipping Many factors affect the cost of auto shipping, and it can take time to determine how each one will impact the final price. Here are a few crucial factors to consider when budgeting for auto shipping: Distance: The further your car travels, the more it will cost to ship. This is because long-distance moves require more time and effort from the shipper.The type of vehicle being shipped: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks will typically cost more to ship than smaller cars.Size & Weight: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship than smaller, lighter ones. This is because they take up more space on the truck and require more fuel to move.The shipping method: Open-air shipping is typically cheaper than enclosed shipping but offers less protection for your vehicle.Your location: Auto shipping companies will often charge more for shipments originating in rural areas or locations that are difficult to access.Time of Year: Shipping prices tend to be higher in the summer, when demand is highest. You may get a lower rate if you can ship during off-peak times.Insurance: Shipping companies offer insurance for your vehicle, but it will add to the overall cost of shipping. If you have auto insurance, you may not need to purchase additional coverage. Required documents to transport your vehicle When shipping your vehicle cross country, there are a few essential documents you’ll need to have in order: Your vehicle’s title or registration. This is so the shipper knows that you are the rightful owner of the car and that they are authorized to ship it.Your driver’s license. The shipper will need to see this to verify your identity.Proof of insurance. This is for the protection of both you and the shipper in case of any accidents during transport.A bill of sale. This is not required, but it’s a good idea to have if you need to prove that you sold the vehicle later. Ensure you have these documents in order before shipping your vehicle! Factors that affect the time it takes to deliver your vehicle Many factors affect the time it takes to deliver a car. Some of these factors include the type of vehicle, the make and model of the car, the number of cars being delivered, the distance the vehicle is being shipped, and the weather conditions. For example, if you are delivering a large truck or SUV, it will take longer than if you were delivering a smaller car. This is because larger vehicles take up more space and require more time to load and unload. Additionally, if your vehicle needs to be shipped across the country, it will take longer than if it was just delivered locally. Let’s discuss each of them one by one: Service you choose: Some companies offer expedited shipping for an additional fee. This means that your car will be prioritized and delivered faster than other shipments. However, even with expedited shipping, many factors can still affect delivery time, and you may receive your car slower than you had hoped.The availability of transport: If you are using a professional shipping company, they will have a schedule that they adhere to. However, if you are using your vehicle to make the delivery, it may take longer as you will need to work around your schedule.Time of year: For example, weather conditions can slow transportation during the winter months. Roads may be icy or snow-covered, making it more difficult and dangerous for vehicles to travel. As a result, deliveries may take longer during the winter months.The Condition of Your Vehicle: If your vehicle needs repairs or is not running correctly, it can often take longer to ship than a vehicle in good condition.The number of vehicles being shipped. If the company ships multiple vehicles, it will take longer to ship your car. The driver must make numerous stops to pick up and drop off other vehicles. It usually happens when you opt for an open transport service. Steps to prepare your vehicle for shipping Aside from the obvious step of ensuring your vehicle is in good working order, here are three quick steps to take to prepare your car for shipment. Be sure to remove all personal items from the interior of the vehicle. This includes things like clothes, toys, electronics, and so forth. Not only is it essential to do this for the safety of your belongings, but it could also be a liability issue if something were to happen to your belongings while they were in transit. Be sure to clean the interior and exterior of your vehicle. This will help protect your vehicle from potential damage during shipment and make it easier for the shipping company to do its job.Ensure to have all of the necessary paperwork is in order. This includes your registration, proof of insurance, and any other documents the shipping company may require. Frequently Asked Questions What steps do I need to take to prepare my vehicle for shipment? Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. This includes everything from the engine to the tires. Give your car a thorough cleaning. This will help ensure that your vehicle arrives clean and presentable. Check your vehicle’s fluid levels. This includes things like oil and coolant. You also need to inspect your vehicle for any damage. If you find any damage, document it and take pictures. Is my vehicle insured during shipment? If you have comprehensive collision coverage on your vehicle, your insurance will most likely cover your car during shipment. However, you will have to pay the deductible. If you only have liability insurance, your vehicle is not covered during shipment. It’s always a good idea to check with your service provider before shipping your vehicle to see what is and is not covered. How can I track my vehicle during shipment? The best way to track your vehicle is to ask the shipping company for updates. Most companies can give you regular updates on your vehicle’s location. What are the pros and cons of an auto shipping? Pros: You can get your vehicle shipped to you quickly and easily.You can find a place to leave your car while it’s shipped.You can track your vehicle’s progress online. You can choose the shipping company that best suits your needs. Cons: Shipping companies can be expensive.Some shipping companies do not offer insurance or protection for your vehicle. Can I ship my vehicle internationally? Yes, a few reliable auto transport companies like SAKAEM offer international shipping. It is important to note that each company has different rates and fees, so compare them before making a decision. Also, factor in the time it will take for your vehicle to get to your destination. Some companies will do a faster delivery than others. You should also consider the cost of customs clearance, which can be expensive if you’re sending something expensive. Ultimately, choosing a company that offers the best possible value for your money is crucial. Is there anything I need to do before my car ships? You should document any damages on the car in photos or video and include the VIN of your vehicle. Have the title/registration cleared and ready to go if you’re shipping a new car. Contact your insurance company to verify coverage and get a release for your vehicle before shipping it off. If you’re sending an older car with low mileage, be prepared to provide a letter of authenticity from the previous owner(s). Conclusion The auto transport industry is evolving rapidly, and companies such as SAKAEM Logistics are leading the way by innovating new ways to move vehicles. They use modern tools and technology to make transportation more convenient and affordable. Thus, making it easier for consumers to get their cars where they need them when they need them. This trend will continue as the industry evolves, so keep your eyes on these vehicle-moving companies! Brantley Kendall Share this: