Harish Makam 22 Dec 2022 1 year ago An auto transport service can be a great way to get your vehicle where it needs to go without the hassle of driving yourself or having someone else do it for you. With their convenience, safety, cost-effectiveness, and professionalism all working together, auto transport services are worth considering when moving a car! Reasons to Hire an Auto Transport Service. If you’re moving long-distance or need to get your car from one side of town to the other, you may be considering using an auto transport service. These services are becoming increasingly popular, and for a good reason. Here are just a few reasons why you should use an auto transport service the next time you need to move your vehicle: 1. You’ll save time and money. Trying to drive your car long distances can be both time-consuming and expensive. With an auto transport service, you can have your vehicle picked up and delivered to your new location without worrying about making the trip yourself. 2. Your car will be safe. When you use an auto transport service, your vehicle will be safely loaded onto a truck or trailer and transported to its destination. You don’t have to worry about putting unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle or dealing with dangerous driving conditions. 3. You’ll have peace of mind. Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about your car as well. When you use an auto transport service, you can relax knowing that your vehicle is in good hands and will arrive at its destination safely and on time. 4. You’ll save money on gas. Driving long distances can be expensive, mainly if you’re doing it alone. When you use an auto transport service, you won’t have to worry about paying for gas or making frequent stops for refueling. 5. Professionalism. Auto transport services are staffed with professionals who know what they’re doing and will take care of your vehicle during the entire process from pickup to delivery. They’ll ensure everything is done safely and according to industry standards, so you won’t have to worry about anything going wrong during the shipment process. Different Types of Auto Transport Services Several types of auto transport services are available, depending on the distance and the size of your vehicle. Below, we’ll explore some of the most common types of auto transport services and provide examples of each. Open Auto Transport: Open auto transport is the most common auto transport service used by individuals and businesses. This service involves loading cars onto a large open trailer that can be up to 8 feet wide and 40 feet long, allowing up to 10 vehicles to be loaded at once. This method is perfect for shorter distances, such as when you’re shipping a car from one side of the country to the other or even from one state to another. Enclosed Auto Transport: When shipping a high-end vehicle or classic car, many people choose enclosed auto transport services instead of open auto transport services. This service uses a large enclosed trailer with sides that protect the vehicles from weather and road debris during transit. Enclosed trailers are usually no more than 6 ½ feet in width and 40 feet in length, so they can only hold around five vehicles at once—perfect for transporting valuable cars safely over long distances. Door-to-door services involve having an auto transporter pick up your vehicle at your home or business location and deliver it directly to its destination. This service is perfect for short-distance moves when you don’t have time to drop off your vehicle at a terminal before departure or want it to stay in storage while it waits for pickup after arrival. Terminal Services: Terminal services involve dropping off and picking up your vehicle at designated terminals before and after shipment instead of door-to-door delivery. This option is usually cheaper than door-to-door services. Still, it requires more planning on behalf of the customer as they need to coordinate their pickup and drop-off times with those provided by the transportation company. Expedited transport: It is the fastest but most expensive option. Your vehicle will be transported quickly, often with door-to-door service. This type of service is best for time-sensitive situations like moves or repairs. No matter what type of auto transport service you choose, it’s essential to research a reliable company with competitive rates and excellent customer service reviews beforehand. With so many options, you can find an affordable way to get your car from point A to point B! The Cost of Transporting your Vehicle The cost of auto transport services depends on various factors, including the size and weight of your vehicle, the distance it needs to travel, and the carrier you choose. Size and Weight: The size and weight of your vehicle will directly impact the cost to ship a car. For example, if you’re transporting a large SUV or truck, the carrier company will need to use a larger trailer, which will cost more. Additionally, if your vehicle is heavier than average, it will require more fuel and labor to transport it, resulting in an increased cost. Distance: Longer distances also increase auto transport costs. The further away your destination is from the pickup point, the higher the charge will be due to fuel costs and additional hours needed for transport. Type of Carrier: There are three main types of carriers used in auto transport services: open-air, enclosed, and flatbed. Open car shipping are the cheapest since they can fit more vehicles at once. However, they leave vehicles exposed to potential damage from road debris or inclement weather. Enclosed car shipping offer protection from these elements but come at a higher cost due to their limited capacity. Flatbed carriers are often used for large or non-traditional vehicles such as boats or motorcycles and are also more expensive than other options. Time of year: Auto transport services tend to be busier (and more expensive) during the summer months when people take vacations and move homes. You’ll save money if you can ship your vehicle during off-peak times. Your pickup and drop-off location: If you’re located in a rural area, it will likely cost more to ship your vehicle than if you’re located in a major city where more transport companies are competing for business. The type of service: Door-to-door service is more expensive than terminal-to-terminal service, but it’s also more convenient since you don’t have to drop off or pick up your vehicle at a transport terminal. Ultimately, understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when selecting auto transport services for your vehicle. Finding the right balance between budget and quality is critical to ensure that your car is safely transported at an affordable price. How Long does the Transportation Take? The time it takes to transport a vehicle can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, the distance it needs to be transported, and the time of year. Here are five factors that can affect the time it takes to transport a vehicle: 1. Make and model of the vehicle: Some vehicles are larger and therefore take longer to load onto a transport truck. Additionally, certain vehicles may require special accommodations during transport, which can add to the overall time. 2. Distance: The further the distance, the longer it will take to transport the vehicle. This is because there are additional stops along the way for rest breaks and fuel refills. 3. Time of year: The demand for auto transport services fluctuates throughout the year. During peak times (such as summer), more vehicles may be transported at once, which can lengthen transit times. 4. Weather conditions: Inclement weather can delay transportation due to road closures or safety concerns. If conditions are terrible, it may be necessary to reschedule transportation altogether. 5. Location of pickup/drop-off: The pickup and drop-off locations can also affect transit times. If these locations are in remote areas or difficult to access, loading/unloading the vehicle onto/from the transport truck will take longer. How to prepare your Vehicle for Transport? Proper preparation of your car or truck will ensure that it arrives at its destination safe and sound. Here are some tips on how to get your vehicle ready for transport: Give your vehicle a thorough cleaning. This includes both the interior and exterior, including windows and wheels. A clean car makes it easier for the auto transport company to inspect it upon pickup and delivery. Check all fluids and replace them if dirty. Make sure to top off the gas tank; most auto transport companies require that you leave at most a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle when it’s picked up. Ensure all personal belongings have been removed from the vehicle, including car seats and floor mats. The auto transporter can be held liable for any items left in the vehicle during transit, so removing them before transporting your car or truck is crucial. Give the transporter an extra set of keys if necessary. This will help in case there are any issues with the vehicle during transportation and they need to move it around on their truck beds. Disable any security systems on your vehicle to prevent false alarms during transit. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, and there is no excessive wear or tear. Also, if your car has a spare tire, ensure it is properly inflated. Inspect your car thoroughly before handing it over to the transporter; take note of any damage that may have occurred before shipping, as this will result in a claim against their insurance policy if found after delivery. By following these simple steps, you can rest easy knowing that your car is well protected during travel with an auto transport company! How to find the Right Auto Transport Company? So how do you find the right balance between price and quality when selecting an auto transport company? Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for a reputable auto transport company: Check online reviews: Before choosing a particular auto transport company, check reviews and ratings from previous customers. This will give you an idea of what other people have experienced with the company and help you make an informed decision about whether or not to use them. Ask about insurance: Make sure your chosen auto transport company provides adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle during transportation. This will help protect you in case of any damage or loss incurred during the transport process. Get an estimate: Before booking your car transport, get a cost estimate and compare prices between different companies. This will help you find the best value for your shipment. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Undoubtedly, auto transport services can be a great way to move your vehicle from one location to another, whether you’re moving across the country or state lines. But if this is your first time using an auto transport service, you may have questions about how they work. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about auto transport services: How do Auto Transport Services Work? Auto transport services provide a way to move your vehicle from one location to another without driving it yourself. Typically, you’ll need to provide the transport company with the make and model of your car, as well as the pickup and drop-off locations. The company will then give you a quote for shipping your vehicle. Once you’ve agreed to the terms, the company will send a carrier to pick up your car and deliver it to its destination. How much does it cost to use an Auto Transport Service? The cost of using an auto transport service will vary depending on several factors, including the distance being shipped, the type of vehicle being transported, and any special requirements (such as expedited shipping). In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 for most auto transport services within the state. What is the process like for Shipping my Car? After you’ve chosen an auto transport company and provided them with your pickup and drop-off locations, they will dispatch a carrier to pick up your vehicle. The carrier will load your car onto their truck and secure it for transit. Once they reach their destination, they will unload your vehicle and deliver it to the specified address. You’ll need to be present at the pickup and drop-off locations to sign paperwork and take possession of your car. What should I do with my car Before it’s Shipped? Before your car is shipped, you’ll need to ensure all fluids are topped off, tires are properly inflated, and any valuables are removed from the interior. It’s also a good idea to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic before shipment. This will ensure that everything runs smoothly during transit. What should I do after my car arrives at its Destination? After your car arrives at its destination, you’ll need to ensure that any damage incurred during shipping is repaired before you drive it again. You may also want to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic after its delivery. What kind of Insurance Coverage do Auto Transport Companies Offer? Auto transport companies carry insurance for all types of vehicles in their care. This helps ensure that your car will arrive at its destination in the same condition they picked it up. If any damages are incurred during transit, you should be able to claim with the insurer for reimbursement. Will my vehicle be Secure during Transit? Absolutely! All vehicles are secured tightly during transit with straps or chains, so they don’t move around while in transit. Plus, most auto transporters also employ GPS tracking systems to monitor your car’s whereabouts throughout its journey. What types of Vehicles can be Transported? Most auto transport companies have experience with vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, vans, trucks, SUVs, RVs, and classic cars. They can handle any vehicle safely and securely. This has helped clear up some of your questions about auto transport services! If you have any further queries, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re always happy to help! Harish Makam Share this: