When people move, sometimes they rent moving trucks and tow their cars to new locations. Meanwhile, others load their vehicles down with boxes, furniture, and more. Then, they drive them to homes or offices, where they unload the goods. But, of course, there is another option too. Some vehicle owners choose to have their cars transported between places.
Depending on where the vehicle is going, the shipper may move it through different means. For example, if the vehicle needs to be relocated cross-country in the United States, a company will transport it via a truck and an open or closed trailer. However, if a car must be moved overseas, that process is typically done with a ship and shipping container. It may also be possible to find a transporter offering air freight, but plan on spending more if you go that route.
Transporting vehicles by plane can get pricey, which is why many car shipping companies don’t provide the service. The venture is expensive for the consumer, but it costs the transporter a pretty penny too. That’s why this type of shipping is typically reserved for high-dollar vehicles.
Car shipping companies provide a useful service to people relocating to new places. It might be a useful time to look at some auto transport facts to broaden horizons and expand minds. Then, you’ll have info in the back of your mind to apply to the situation and make the entire ordeal go smoothly.
That’s a Lot of Cars
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Did you know that, according to an article on The Frisky, there are currently 1.32 billion vehicles in the world? In addition, research shows that millions of cars are shipped across the United States each day. Heavy machinery and off-road vehicles are not included in this statistic, but the figure does include cars, trucks, and buses.
Destroyed or Scrapped Vehicles
Sometimes, cars also have to be transported because they get destroyed in accidents. Owners often sell them for parts or scrap just to make extra cash. This might be a good option if you find yourself in a situation where your car is too far gone to repair.
In the United States alone, 12 million vehicles are destroyed annually. And, as for Europe, the number of scrapped cars each year stands at around 8 million.
Car Lot Transports
Those who own dealerships where cars are sold need to replenish their stock on occasion. For instance, if a company has a big Fourth of July blowout sale, that could clear out the inventory. Thus, the dealer may need to bring in vehicles from another lot they own across town. Or, perhaps the business owner goes to an auction to buy some cars. The vehicles could always be driven back to the lot. However, that can also put additional miles on their odometers, which might turn consumers off.
Therefore, aside from people moving to a new town, city, or country, car dealerships sometimes need auto transport services as well. Auto transporters move vehicles between lots for dealers. They sometimes deliver cars to clients at their homes and offices too. Then again, dealerships may even get shippers to take autos to salvage yards, auctions, or car shows.
Factors That Determine Price
Some car shippers stand behind their quotes. Meanwhile, others may have hidden delivery, hook-up, or other charges. Hence, before agreeing to do business with any company, take the time to read the fine print on the contract. That will help you ensure no hidden fees are part of the picture.
Everywhere, you’ll feel the crunch on your wallet from gas to groceries and everything in between. Therefore, find a transporter with no hidden fees to rest easy knowing that you got a fair deal.
How much people pay for car shipping varies. That’s because various factors are typically used to calculate these prices. Items that shippers use to calculate rates and create quotes include but are not limited to weight, vehicle make or model, trip distance, and transport speed.
Should You Remove Things From Your Car?
Many vehicle owners are under the impression that they must remove hub caps, spare tires, and other things of that nature from their cars to remove the weight before shipping them. While it is true that if your ride weighs so much more than its standard weight, you’ll have to pay more to get it transported. However, tires, wheels, and hub caps are figured into a vehicle’s standard weight. So, don’t waste your time removing pieces to reduce pounds.
But, if you want to take parts or pieces away to prevent them from getting damaged, that is your prerogative. That can be an especially good idea if the items are valuable. Then, they won’t be in place to get accidentally damaged, and you won’t have to file an insurance claim.
Truck Drivers Have Strict Requirements
Auto shipping companies don’t entrust their car carriers to just any driver. Truckers must meet certain requirements to ensure that they can reliably move vehicles from one point to another. Foremost among these requirements is physical fitness, as truckers must be alert and fit enough to do long-haul drives.
Truck drivers must also have at least basic mechanical knowledge and psychological stability. These will allow truck drivers to resolve issues on their own when on the road.
Some Final Words
Shippers transport loads of vehicles across the United States each year. Car shipping companies often move cars overseas by plane or ship, depending on the destination. Knowing how auto shipping companies work eliminates any confusion that may arise once you need these companies’ services.
