Are you shifting from one state to another and need help with what to do with your vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles? You cannot just sell them to dealers and buy new ones in another state as they cost a lot and have a long life. You can ship your car with you and a new part of your life in the new states. This service is known as car shipping, an online business that helps many by providing cross-country car shipping.
Cross-country or long-haul shipping is commonly used when vehicles are shipped on routes longer than 1500 miles. Cross-country car shipping methods vary depending on the customer's requirements and budget.
In short, car shipping, as in name, means transporting your car or other vehicles on a carrier from one place to another. Contacting trusted and experienced car shipping companies lets anyone easily acquire this service.
In terms of distances, there are two types of car shipping: short-distance and long-haul shipping. Many need clarification on the pricing of short-distance shipping, as short distance doesn't mean less cost. Still, when the price is calculated, short distances are more expensive than lengthy distances. In short distances, the operating cost for carriers is more than lengthy distances, as in long distances, the operating cost gets properly divided among multiple cars shipped together.
Cross-country shipping is part of long-haul shipping and usually takes a week or more. Open carriers mainly cover such distances, or cars are shifted from one carrier to another at stop points.
There are multiple methods used to ship cars from one state to another. These three methods are widely used: Open car carriers, enclosed car carriers, and shipment by train. The following briefly describes these methods and the type of car best for specific techniques:
Open car shipping: If you are looking for affordable cross-country shipping, this is the perfect option. These carriers are open from the sides and above, giving extra space for cars. They stop at different points, which slightly increases shipping time. If you own a regular-use vehicle, these carriers are perfect for you as they feel driven without affecting the engine.
Enclosed is car shipping: This shipping carrier offers top-notch service. It is closed from all sides, providing a safe space for cars. These carriers can ship only 5 to 6 vehicles at a time, taking less time. These carriers are expensive as they provide safer and faster services together.
Car shipping by Train: This service is not used by the public as train shipment involves a lot of paperwork and preparation, making this a hectic process. However, this service gradually takes less time and poses a safety threat while shipping. As rail tracks are full of debris and carriages are also open, cars are opened directly to sunlight and other climate conditions.
First, services and methods differ, even though many think they are the same. Services are things that can be obtained through multiple methods. Services vary from car shipping company to company. Some charge extra, and some provide the same services at the exact cost. Following are some of the services that a user can get in cross-country shipping:
Door-to-door shipping: This service is compliant to the user. The carrier will come to your doorstep or location and load the car in front of you. You can inspect the vehicle with the driver and agree on its condition, making it easier to claim any damages or loss while shipping. This service is much more convenient and safe for the user, offering complete satisfaction.
Terminal-to-Terminal shipping: This service is just a reversal of the above one. This service was known for its affordable services. But nowadays, terminal fees accumulate to the pricing close to open carrier shipping or even more. This is time-consuming as there is no time set for shipping. Whenever a carrier going to the route is available, then your car will be shifted. This service is risky as your vehicle will be in no care at the terminal. If you can bear all this trouble, then go for this service.
GPS tracking: This service is available with every enclosed carrier but has yet to be confirmed with open carriers. This service allows users to be updated with their shipping status. These services are provided at no extra cost, but make sure to ask for one from the shipping company.
Car Shipping Insurance: To make your shipment safer, users can buy insurance by paying an extra premium. Like other insurance companies, this also covers cars if they get involved in uncertain events like accidents or damage. This insurance will cover 75% of the cost.
Personal items shipping: Many firms don't allow shipping any individual item in the car as it increases the weight, increasing the carrier load. However, some companies enable students or military personnel to put their stuff in the box and ship it with the car, which can weigh up to 100 lbs. If users want to ship their belongings with their car, they can pay for it and ship it with their vehicle.
The quotes for cross-country car shipping are not always the same, as many factors are used to calculate the cost. These factors differ from person to person, making it difficult to give a standard quote for all shipments. Hence, using a car shipping calculator, the following are the estimated distance and type of vehicle shipped.
Average Shipping Cost for Car Transport
Distance:
500–1,000 miles:
Open Carrier: $0.55 per mile
Enclosed Carrier: $0.76 per mile
(Like shipping from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN)
1,000–1,500 miles:
Open Carrier: $0.47 per mile
Enclosed Carrier: $0.62 per mile
(Think New York, NY to Denver, CO)
1,500–2,000 miles:
Open Carrier: $0.41 per mile
Enclosed Carrier: $0.55 per mile
(For example, from San Francisco, CA to Miami, FL)
2,000–2,500 miles:
Open Carrier: $0.39 per mile
Enclosed Carrier: $0.50 per mile
(Like shipping from Seattle, WA to Miami, FL)
Average Costs by Vehicle Size from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA (2060 mile)
Cross-country car shipping is a straightforward process that doesn't require much focus and time. Users only need ten minutes to book a company. Users just need a reliable company that they can verify from the company testimonials. For the cost, a free online tool known as a car shipping calculator is available on the company site, and anyone can use it to get their auto transportation quote. Last, if you opt for cheap options, get insurance with that also. Companies could cut corners to provide their services at such a rate to cut off the competition. Book your shipping in advance or during the off-season if you have time. Companies release many offers occasionally; make sure to use one if you get them in time for your shipping.
