One of the most common questions from people who have never shipped a car or motorcycle before is how does auto transport or shipping works. Unfortunately, there isn’t much information out there in our experience, which leads to people making mistakes. Our goal with this article is to simplify the process as much as possible.
Summary:
- What is Auto Transport?
- Why Do People Need Auto Transport Services?
- Auto Transport Options
- Door-to-Door Auto Shipping
- Auto Transport Summary
What is Auto Transport?
Auto Transport is a service people use when they want to ship their vehicle to or from another state or city. These types of transport can occur nationwide or internationally. There are two main types of companies in this industry, both of which offer the same service: Auto transport brokers and auto transport companies.
A broker is usually responsible for finding the right carrier to ship the car or motorcycle, taking the responsibility off of the individual client. An auto transport company is the company responsible for the actual transport of the vehicle. These companies employ drivers.
Auto transport companies will work directly with clients, cutting out the middleman, but brokers take the frustration out of finding the right company with the best services available to move your specific vehicle to where it needs to be!
Why Do People Need Auto Transport Services?
Many different individuals require the services of an auto transport company for a variety of reasons. College students, for instance, may not be able to drive their cars to school while relocating. People moving to another state may have more than one vehicle to move and may not be able to safely make the drive on their own. Car collectors literally own dozens of vehicles an
Auto Transport Options
It goes without saying that there are literally hundreds of auto transport companies. Surprisingly, there are only two main options when shipping a vehicle- Open Auto Transport or Enclosed Auto Transport. When choosing a company, look for one that offers the services that best cater to your needs.
Knowing the differences between enclosed and open auto transport is key to knowing what service you need to look for.
Open Auto Transport
An open carrier is a trailer with one or two levels, capable of hauling up to 10 vehicles.
It is a competitive method of transporting vehicles, and the trailers are readily available. The drawback of using an open trailer is that the vehicles are exposed to the elements. It isn’t uncommon for vehicles to get dusted by debris such as road grime, dust, snow, rain, and the occasional rock.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed carriers offer more protection to the vehicles from the elements. That’s why if you’re transporting a vintage, luxury, or brand-new vehicle, it should be done in an enclosed carrier. That said, enclosed carriers are more expensive as compared to their open counterparts.
Door-To-Door Auto Shipping
Door-to-door auto shipping is a service offered by the company, ensuring your vehicle is delivered as close to your location as possible. This makes it unnecessary to drive a few dozen miles back home or to a storage or display center.
It is important to note that some locations may be hard to reach. Typically in these circumstances, the company will deliver the vehicle at a nearby meeting place.
Auto Transport Summary
Like everything else, the auto shipping or transport industry has evolved dramatically over the years. It is important that you are aware of what’s offered and choose an option that’s right for your situation. Knowing your options is truly the best way to ensure that your vehicle reaches you on time and for a price that you can justify.
Visit here to learn more about “How Auto Transport Works“
