Transporting a vehicle is not an overly complicated process, though it may seem that way from the outside, especially if you've never done it before. Shipping a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of collecting the necessary info and contacting the right people; in this case automotive transport companies. In some instances, you may be contacting a broker rather than a carrier, but they both offer similar solutions: a broker arranges for shipment, whereas a carrier delivers the vehicle.
Whether you're shipping a vehicle to across the state, or from one coast to the other, the process is more or less the same. You'll need information such as the make, model, and year of the vehicle, as well as its current location and where you're shipping to. It's also helpful to have a delivery timeframe in mind if you need to vehicle shipped by a certain date.
At A-1 Auto Transport, shipping your car has never been easier. We simplify this process as much as possible, making it easier than ever to get a quick, accurate, timely price quote in a matter of minutes (just fill out our form starting with the "to and from" fields). You simply tell us what type of vehicle you need shipped and when, and we'll have one of our logistics transport partners contact you right away with a cost estimate. It's a process that we've intentionally kept simple and getting an estimate with A-1 Auto Transport is always FREE.
Even if you're just curious about the cost of transporting a vehicle, we're happy to supply you with that information, regardless of the type of cargo being hauled or the type of trailer required to do so. If you need a general idea of what it costs to ship different distances, or an explanation of what's included in the cost by auto movers, you can find that information on our Car Shipping Rates page.
It's important to keep in mind that extra services (such as door-to-door or enclosed transport) typically increase the per-mile rate of the shipping cost. Disclaimer: it should be noted that additional insurance beyond what's included in car moving prices also costs extra, though it's not needed in most cases.
One of the main choices you'll have to make when shipping a vehicle is what type of transport you need, which boils down to what type of trailer is required. Most vehicles shipped within the same country are hauled on an open air carrier that moves several at once, usually between eight and 12. Vehicles that are shipped in an enclosed trailer are most often vintage, luxury, or high-performance cars.
Finally, you'll want to consider if you'll need any storage once your vehicle arrives at its destination. Most Auto Transport Companies either offer warehousing services, or at least can arrange them on your behalf. It's usually best to mention this early in the process when you're getting a price quote.
Similarly, if your vehicle is not in running condition, that should be mentioned as well. There is a small additional cost that usually comes along with transporting an inoperable vehicle, whether it's because of a flat tire or a blown transmission. The additional cost is usually $100 or less, but you do need to mention it as special equipment may be needed.
