When it comes to shipping a regular car from one location to another, Open Car Shopping is the best choice. Why? This shipping method is specifically designed for transporting multiple vehicles of different kinds at once and stands ready to transport. Shipping a car with this transport service is the most cost-effective method of car transportation.
Understanding the Services of Open Car Shipping
With Open Car Shipping, you can choose some services according to your requirements. Many transport companies receive different kinds of demands from customers. So according to the most commonly asked demands, transport companies offer these optional services. Here is an overview of some popular shipping services you can choose.
1. Terminal to Terminal Car Shipping
If you want to ship your car with the flexibility of pickup and delivery location, Terminal to Terminal Car Shipping is the best service for you. In this service, your car is transported from only one terminal to another.
With this service, the customer is supposed to bring their car to the terminal for storage. Then, it will be transported to another terminal, which will be close to your delivery address. Once again, you need to visit the terminal to pick up your car.
2. Door to Door Car Shipping
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of visiting terminals, you can choose Door to Door Car Shipping. With this service, you just have to provide accurate pickup and delivery addresses with proper instructions. The transport company will send the open trailer directly to your address to pick up and deliver your car.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
The cost of shipping a car depends on various factors such as distance, services, vehicle conditions, etc. Understanding these factors is important to know what you are paying for. Some major factors are mentioned below to help you get a better idea of shipping costs.
1. Shipping Distance
When you enter the pickup and delivery location for the quote, the major part of the cost is calculated based on the distance. For shorter distances, shipping costs will be less, and for further distances, shipping costs will be higher.
2. Shipping Service
Selecting the shipping service also differentiates cost. Using terminal to terminal shipping to ship a car is cheaper than door to door shipping. Both services serve different purposes; one is cheaper but requires visiting the terminal, and one provides the most convenience but is higher.
3. Vehicle’s Condition
Shipping operational or running vehicles are easy to ship and cheaper compared to non-running or inoperable vehicles. Non-running vehicles require additional equipment and handling that increases the shipping cost.
4. Accessibility of Location
If your address is in a rural area or a remote location, then it may be difficult to reach your address via open carrier. Busy streets without parking areas, narrow alleys, or no entry zone can cause detours, affecting the shipping cost
5. Vehicle’s Size and Weight
The size and weight of the vehicles decide the space and position in the open trailer. Smaller vehicles need less space and also cost cheaper than bigger vehicles.
6. Seasonal Demands
The cost of the car shipping fluctuates according to the seasonal demands. When the demand for car shipping gets higher, it causes a shortage of available carriers, and the cost gets higher. During the off-season, the prices get lower, and many transport companies start giving discounts on shipping.
7. Fuel Price
Fuel price is also one factor that has been calculated when you request a quote from a car shipping company. Higher fuel prices can directly affect the running cost of an open carrier.
8. Average Cost Estimates
Some average cost estimates are mentioned below to help you get a basic idea about the shipping cost. These estimates are based on current market conditions. Use a car shipping cost calculator to calculate the shipping cost quickly and accurately.
- Short Distance (up to 500 miles): $400 – $800
- Medium Distance (500-1,500 miles): $700 – $1,200
- Long Distance (1,500+ miles): $1,000 – $2,000
How Does Open Car Transport Work?
Shipping vehicles from one location to another with an open trailer is very straightforward. You are required to get a quote from a transport company and book your shipment, and everything will be taken care of by the transporter. The process of car shipping is mentioned below.
1. Quote
Begin to start calling shipping companies and request a quote for shipping your automobile. Share with them all the information: what kind of car you have, from where to where, and on what dates you want the shipment.
2. Booking the Shipment
After you decide on a company, you will need to finish the final agreements. That includes notarizing a contract and giving them your information so they may pull a charge on the credit card you prefer.
3. Prepare Your Vehicle
Before shipping, prepare your car by cleaning it out of all personal items, inspecting it for any leaks, and noting pre-existing damage. It is also advisable to fill up a quarter of the tank before transport.
4. Pick-up
A carrier will come pick your vehicle up from you on the defined date. The driver will inspect the car and note existing damages, then safely load it on the trailer.
5. Transport
Your car will be placed on an open trailer along with multiple cars. Then the driver will drive your car to your delivery destination.
6. Delivery
The driver should leave you with the car after reaching the destination. The car should be examined upon delivery in the same condition as when the driver picked the car up for transport.Â
