Car Shipping Options
The car shipping options you choose will depend on why you need to ship an auto or other vehicle, your budget, whether you need enclosed car shipping and how fast it needs to get to its destination.
Various vehicle shipping options are available:
- Car Shipping Company – you can choose from a variety of shipping options offered by auto transport companies, including, enclosed transport and open trailer transport. Most car shipping by truck – by open car transport trailer or enclosed car shipping - can be handled on a "door-to-door" basis provided the transport trailer or van can access your origin and destination locations. Some of these vehicles can be up to 80 feet long and are difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Self Transport – you could rent a trailer and then move the vehicle yourself. In addition to the cost of the trailer, factor in your gas, food and lodging costs when comparing to other options. An enclosed car shipping trailer could be heavy. Regardless of the type of trailer you use, make sure the towing vehicle can handle the towing capacity needed.
- Train Transport – for very limited origins and destinations, you can have your car shipped on Amtrak's Auto Train while you travel with it.
- Driveaway Service – You can hire an individual or a company to drive the car to its destination for you. Not an option if you need enclosed car shipping.
- Some private freight companies may offer terminal-to-terminal shipping, where you or someone else will have to drop the vehicle off and pick it up at designated terminals near your origin and destination.
Go Car Transport has connections to get you FREE, no obligation auto transport / car shipping estimates!
USA Car Shipping Company Options
Auto transport company options within the USA vary depending on the car shipping company, but typically include one or more of these options for shipping a vehicle:
Open Car Transport Trailer. Probably the most common and least expensive option offered by auto transport companies is to ship your car via the car transport carriers you occasionally see on the highway. With open car carrier transport, your vehicle will be exposed to the weather during the trip along with about 2 to 10 other vehicles, which could take 8 to 10 days to cross the country or longer, through a variety of weather conditions.
Enclosed Car Transport. Door-to-door enclosed car transport service is the Cadillac of USA auto transport options. Not only is your car, SUV, RV, motorcycle or boat not exposed to the weather and better protected from theft, as long as the shipping vehicle can get close enough to your origin and destination points, you won't have to go anywhere to drop it off or pick it up. Auto transport companies who specialize in enclosed car transport may also use trailers that are specially designed to protect your vehicle and absorb highway shocks in transit. If you're transporting an antique, classic or otherwise valuable vehicle, the added expense and protection will likely be worth it. If the driver isn't able to access your origin or destination, you can make arrangements to meet the driver at a nearby parking lot, mall or store.
International Car Shipping
If you need to cross an ocean or other large body of water where bridges or ferries are not available you will need to find a car shipping services that specializes in
international car shipping services. Another good option, especially if you are moving your household goods along with your cars, is to have an international mover handle the shipping. Go Car Transport has connections to get you multiple free quotes to ship your car through
international movers.
