Everything you need to know before shipping a car to or from Oklahoma City

Harish Makam

13 Jun 2022 2 years ago


Oklahoma is a state in the southern region of the United States. It’s known for its strong economy, and natural beauty, including more than 32 state parks and wildlife areas. It’s also known for its people—Oklahomans are friendly, down-to-earth, and welcoming.

Because Oklahoma city has such a strong economy, there are many great opportunities for those who move here. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other states across the country, and the cost of living index has increased slower than in most other states.

So, what happens when you move to Oklahoma? Or if you’re moving in from out of state and want to bring your car? The answer is simple: vehicle shipping!

However, you probably have questions when it comes to shipping vehicle. What’s the best way? How much to transport a car to Oklahoma City? How long will it take? And most importantly, can I trust this company I found online? The answers depend on a variety of factors. Fret not. We have got you covered.

This article will help you in every step of the process, from choosing the right shipping company to explaining what you can expect from them and a list of things you should not forget when shipping a car.

Five Different Ways to Ship a Car To or From Oklahoma

If you’re moving to or from Oklahoma, shipping a car is one of the easiest ways to get your vehicle from point A to point B. With so many options available for transporting a car from Oklahoma City, how do you know which one is best for your needs? Here are five different ways to ship a vehicle to or from Oklahoma.

1. Drive It Yourself

If you have the time and don’t mind taking a road trip out of it, driving your car to its destination can be the cheapest way to ship a vehicle. It can also be fun to see some new parts of the country. However, it is essential to remember that this method will take the most extended time, and you will be responsible for all gas and lodging expenses along the way. Hire Someone to Drive It for You

Driver

2. Ask Someone to Drive It for You

There are a few different ways to get your car to its destination if you can’t or don’t want to drive it yourself. You could ask a friend or family member to drive it for you, hire a professional driver, or even have the car towed. Hiring a professional driver is a bit more expensive than asking someone you know, but it has advantages. Professional drivers are experienced and will know the best route to take. They also have insurance in case of an accident.

3. Ship by Air Cargo

You can use this service to transport my car from Oklahoma City by hiring a company specializing in shipping cars by air. Shipping by plane is typically the most expensive option because it requires specialized aircraft to carry cargo, and airports must invest in infrastructure to handle freight shipments. Although this method is costlier, you can still opt for this if you want your vehicle transported in a hurry.

4. Ship by Train

Shipping by train can be a very economical option, and it can also be a very safe way to transport your vehicle. It would be best if you kept a few things in mind before choosing this option. M make sure that the train schedule fits with your schedule. You will need to find a station close to where you live and check if it goes close to the location of your destination. Finally, you should ensure vehicle insurance during transport.

5. Hire a Professional Auto Transport Company

Auto transport companies specialize in moving vehicles from one location to another. They are professionals with the experience and equipment necessary to transport your car safely. They will pick up your vehicle and deliver it to its destination. Most companies offer door-to-door service, which means they will pick up your vehicle at your home or office and deliver it wherever it needs to go. Some companies also provide terminal-to-terminal service, where you drop off your car at their facility and then pick it up near your destination.

Different Types of Car Shipping

If you are wondering how to transport my car to Oklahoma City, you have two critical choices: open and enclosed shipping. Both have their pros and cons. Read the difference between each of these methods below:

·        Open Carrier

Open car shipping is the most popular and affordable type of car shipping. Experts will load your vehicle onto an open carrier, a large truck with multiple levels that can carry up to 10 cars at a time. Your vehicle will then be securely fastened to the truck and covered with soft ties for better protection. Although it’s cheaper than an enclosed carrier, it leaves your car exposed to elements like dust and debris.

Open Car Shipping

·        Enclosed Carrier 

Enclosed car shipping is a premium service offering extra protection for your vehicle. Professionals will load your car onto an enclosed carrier, a covered truck with space for only a few vehicles. This type of shipping is more expensive than open shipping, but it offers peace of mind knowing that your car will be safe from the elements during transport.

Different Types of Car Shipping Services

Car shipping services to and from Oklahoma City come in many different forms. Some ship a car quickly and efficiently, while others are good for saving some money on shipment costs. Here are some of the most popular types of car shipping services:

Express Shipping

If you’re tight on time and need your car delivered fast, express shipping is the way to go. With this service, the auto transport company will ship your vehicle within 1-2 days. This is the most expensive option, but it’s worth it if you need your car ASAP.

Guaranteed Auto Transport

Guaranteed car shipping is a service provided by some auto transport companies in which you get a specific date or time frame for the pick-up and delivery of your vehicle. This service is often more expensive than other shipping services, but it can provide peace of mind for customers who need their cars delivered by a specific date.

Military Shipping Service

These services are designed specifically for military personnel and their families. They can ship your car to any base worldwide, and they will handle all of the paperwork for you. Military shipping services are very reliable and will ensure that your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car To Oklahoma (And Vice Versa)?

The cost to ship a car relies on several factors, including the type of vehicle, the distance of the shipment, and the shipping method. Here are some specific examples of how these factors can affect the cost to transport the car to Oklahoma City to another state.

1. The Type of Vehicle Being Shipped

 The type of vehicle being shipped will affect both the size and weight of the shipment, which in turn will impact the shipping costs. For example, a small sedan may cost less than a large SUV.

2. The Distance of the Shipment

Generally speaking, the further you need to ship your car, the more it will cost. This is because long-distance shipments require more fuel and time for the carrier.

3. The Time of Year

The demand for car shipping services fluctuates throughout the year. The busiest times for car shipping are generally in the spring and summer months when people move for jobs or school, and this increased demand often leads to higher prices.

4. Your Location

Your location can impact the cost of shipping a car if you live in a rural area or an area not well served by car shipping companies. In these cases, it may be necessary to pay a premium to have your vehicle shipped.

5. The Destination

The final destination of your shipment can also affect the price. For example, it may cost more to ship a car from Oklahoma to California (1502 miles) than it would ship the same vehicle from Oklahoma to Texas (340 miles) because of the difference in distance.

6. Insurance

Insurance is another factor that can impact the cost of shipping a car from Oklahoma. Many companies require that vehicles be insured for their total value during transport, which can add to the overall cost.

7. Discounts

You can save on the cost of transporting a car to Oklahoma City by availing of discounts. Discounts may be available if you are shipping multiple vehicles at once or if you book your shipment well in advance. Be sure to ask about potential discounts when getting quotes for your car shipment from different companies.

How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car To Oklahoma (And Vice Versa)?

Conventional wisdom says it takes about a week to ship an automobile from one state to another. But many factors can affect the length of time it takes to transport a car from Oklahoma City.

1. Distance

The further the distance, the longer it will take to ship the car. This is because the driver will have to make more stops along the way, and there will be more ground to cover.

2. Weather

Bad weather can cause delays in shipping as drivers will have to take extra care on the roads. If a storm is brewing, it might be best to delay shipping until it passes.

3. Time of Year

Holiday seasons are often busy for car shipping companies as people travel or move around more frequently. It might take longer to find an available driver during these periods resulting in delays. It’s best to book in advance to avoid such inconveniences.

4. Location of the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Points

The further apart the pick-up and drop-off points are, the more time it will take to ship the car. If both points are in major cities, it will likely take less time than if one point is in a remote location.

5. Accessibility 

If your vehicle is parked in a difficult or hard-to-reach location, this could add time to your shipment as the driver will need extra time getting to and from your vehicle. Make sure your car is easily accessible for pick up and drop off so that everything goes smoothly.

6. Extras

If you have requested additional services like expedited shipping or White Glove service, this can affect how long it takes to ship your car and how much it costs.  

Enclosed Car Shipping

How Does The Process Of Shipping A Car To And From Oklahoma Work?

A little research and planning can make transporting a car from Oklahoma City and vice versa a breeze. Here’s an outline of the steps you need to take to ship your vehicle safely and efficiently to its destination.

 1. Find a Reliable Company

The first step is to select a shipping company. Make sure to research and choose a reputable, reliable company with experience shipping to Oklahoma.

2. Get Multiple Quotes

To get an accurate quote, you’ll need to provide the shipping company with some information about your car. This includes the make and model of the vehicle, as well as its weight and dimensions. You should also let them know if the car is running and if it has any special features or needs. Based on this information, they’ll be able to give you a more accurate quote. You can also use an instant quote generator on their website for quick price comparison.

3. Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport

This includes ensuring enough fuel in the tank and that you have removed all personal belongings from the car’s interior. It is also important to disable any alarm systems installed on the vehicle.  

4. Schedule Pick-up with the Shipping Company

The transport company will typically give you a window of time during which they will pick up your vehicle and deliver it to its destination. Be sure to be available during this window so that you can hand over keys and paperwork as needed.

5. Delivery of Your Vehicle

Once again, the shipping company will provide you with a window of time during which they will deliver your car. Be sure to be available during this window so that you can inspect your vehicle for any damage and sign off on delivery paperwork as needed.

Documents Required For Shipping a Car To and From Oklahoma

These are the three important documents that you may need to transport your vehicle.

A Bill of Lading

It is a legal document that lists the car’s make, model, and VIN, as well as the shipper’s name and contact information. Both the sender and the receiver must sign this document to be valid.

The Car’s Title

 You need the car’s title document to ship the vehicle. This document proves that you own the car and have the legal right to send it. Without the title, most companies will not ship your vehicle.

Proof of insurance

This is to protect you and the shipper in case anything happens to the car during transport. You can typically provide your insurance card or policy documents to the shipping company.

How to Find the Best Auto Transport Company to Ship a Car To and From Oklahoma

Knowing a few things before hiring a shipping company to transport your car to and from Oklahoma city can make the difference between a good and a bad deal. Here are a few key points to consider:

  • Get a referral from someone you know.
  • Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints is always a good idea.
  • Make sure you are getting multiple quotes before deciding on whom to use for transport services.
  • Research online forums and review sites to get great insights into different companies.
  • Always ensure you get everything in writing before using any company, especially when shipping a car.

FAQs Regarding Shipping a Car To and From Oklahoma

If you do still have some questions, read on to find out the answers:

How can I pay for the auto transport service?

Paying for the auto transport service is easy, and you can pay with a credit card, cash, or check. We also offer financing options for those who qualify.

Does the auto transport company cover insurance?

Most auto transport companies will offer some form of insurance coverage. It is essential to check with your specific company to see what type and amount of coverage are available. In most cases, the company’s insurance will cover any damage during transport.  

Can I keep personal items in the car to be transported?

Items of a personal nature are generally allowed to be transported in the vehicle as long as they do not exceed a certain weight or size limit (up to 500 pounds). If you have doubts about whether an item is allowed, it is best to consult with the shipping company beforehand.

Do I have to be physically present at the pick-up and delivery location?

No, you do not have to be physically present at the pick-up and delivery location. However, we recommend you be available by phone if the driver has any questions.

Pros and Cons of Moving To Oklahoma

Pros

  • The cost of living in Oklahoma is relatively low compared to other parts of the country.
  • There is a lot of natural beauty in Oklahoma. From the Osage Hills and Wichita Mountains to the Tulsa Zoo.
  • The people of Oklahoma are generally friendly and welcoming.
  • There is no shortage of things to do in Oklahoma City. From art museums and live music venues to professional sports teams, there’s something for everyone in OKC.

Cons

  • Higher violent crime rate
  • Extreme summer temperatures
  • Lack of major metropolitan areas

Harish Makam