The search for an auto transport service shouldn’t be difficult when moving from one state to another, especially when transporting a lot of vehicles including cars.
Moving for work, selling a car and shipping it to the buyer in another state or just don’t want to endure a long road trip are some of the instances that consider using auto transport services and are evidently stress free.
But given that there are many car shipping companies, how does one choose the right one? Don’t worry as this article will let you find out things starting from the cost to ship a car to ensuring that you understand the benefits of door-to-door car shipping including car shipping cost calculator.
What Does an Auto Transport Company Do?
An auto transport company does exactly that and transports vehicles from one point to another by shipping them. These Auto Transport Company serve a different class of customers such as civilian personnel who are relocating to a new city or state for various reasons, car dealers transporting their cars and so on including military personnel who are deploying to new assignments.
Some of these companies know how to draw their customers, as they do not provide uniform services only. Before we get into the details, you may wonder – what does an auto transport company do and do I need such a service?
Convenience: It is inevitable that driving a car over long distances may take up a lot of time and as well induce stress on the driver especially the route that entails crossing a number of states. So, the auto transport services are the solution for domestic travel.
Safety: A good automobile shipping company takes care of your automobile. Doing so shields the car from possible damages to be inflicted by rough terrain, stormy conditions, or such as breakdowns of the vehicle’s mechanical aspects.
Cost Efficiency: Fair enough, there is a cost to ship a car, yet it could be cheaper than purchasing a ticket and sitting on the passenger seat. There are no expenses on gas, accommodation and repairs.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car
One of the most common concerns is, as expected, the car shipping cost. The cost of transporting a car depends on various elements. Here is the list of the most common elements that are taken into account:
Distance: The longer the distance the higher the charge. A cross country move is bound to cost more in measures of vehicle and even manpower in comparison to transport in one state.
Vehicle Size and Weight: Shipment of large trucks or SUVs will evidently cost more than that of simple small vehicles.
Shipping Method: Although there are two basic types of shipping car methods–open and enclosed transport. Open transport is utilized more frequently and is cost effective, however, the car is likely to be exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Enclosed sport, on the other hand, supplies the additional coverage but the cost is a bit inflated.
Time of Year: Each month will have a different impact on pricing. For example, summer is a car shipping season so prices will likely be hiked.
Additional Services: For example, booking door-to-door car shipping services where the company brings your car to your location and picks it up there too, will cause additional charges when compared to shipping it terminal-to terminal where you hand in your car at the transport depot and collect it from there.
Grasping the Concept of Door-to-Door Vehicle Transportation
It is worth noting, however, that door-to-door shipping of vehicles is favored by many clients because of the convenience it has. This enables the vehicle shipping company to collect your vehicle numerous times from your area and then take it to your new location. It is more costly than other shipping options, however, it takes away the trouble of making and receiving your vehicle at the shipping offices.
There are a few pros of door to door car shipping mentioned below:
Time-Saving: Whether picking a car from an airport terminal or dropping it there, there is no need for any commutes. This is very useful in cases where, after a move, a remote new location is being moved to, or, if an airport terminal is too far from where the person lives.
Less Risk: There are also advantages that come with shipping cars in fewer locations such as safety. Because of fewer handling points, vehicles have reduced risks of damage in the course of transportation.
Personalized Service: Upon arrival, a driver is less likely to do a trip without accommodating such needs regardless of the place and parking when he or she is speaking to you since both ends are instant.
Nevertheless, bear in mind that there may be situations where local authorities may not allow large vehicle transporters to enter residential zones. If that is the case, the driver is likely to propose a rendezvous point that would be comparatively closer.
How to Work with Car Shipping Cost Estimator
The abundance of external factors associated with the process of shipping a car means that coming up with an accurate estimate can be quite tough.
This is where you would appreciate the need for a car shipping cost calculator. Numerous vehicle shipping companies have placed such calculators over the net, and you only need to feed in details and get back a price.
To master auto shipping cost estimators, consider
Input Key Information: Most of the questionnaires from the cost calculators will hide questions concerning the pointed locations also referred to as shipping from and to, type of the vehicle being shipped, for instance, as car truck or an SUV, and possible shipping time about which the customer may have preferences.
Choose Your Transport Method: Make clear what transport option you would like: open or enclosed. Open letter transport is cheaper but is vulnerable to the elements while enclosed is more costly but carries the vehicle safely.
Consider Additional Services: If you have requirements such as quick shipment or car shipping whereby pick up or delivery of the specific car is requested, these two should also be factored in when coming up with the estimate. These options by and large add to the cost but at the same time enhance the level of customer satisfaction and other opportunities.
Compare Rates: Once you have attained the estimate, it is good practice to take the estimate that is most probably the best and see the other that might have come from the other organizations. This will ensure that you get value for your money at all levels of quality service.
Tips on How to Select the Best Auto Transport Company
Once you have your estimate, in particular the cost, the next thing to do is to try and settle on the best auto transport company that meets your needs. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
Read Reviews: Customer reviews are an excellent technique to establish the credibility of any company. Pay attention to the recurrent comments on their punctuality, mode of customer interaction, and problem solving during the transport of an automobile.
Check for Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company is duly licensed and insured. Any reputable auto transport business must be licensed by the Department of Transportation and possess a Motor Carrier number.
Ask About Insurance Coverage: During transportation, your vehicle needs to be insured by the transporting company. Make sure to ask for specifics pertaining to this such as the limits and if full coverage will be in effect for any unforeseen shipping damages.
Get a Contract in Writing: Last but not least, even before you make up your mind to work with any company, ensure that you have a signed contract that stipulates the shipping options available to you, the costs and any other insurance limits. This will help you in getting rid of any confusion in the future.
Customer Service: Customer satisfaction is very paramount. While identifying a company, ensure to settle for one that has better provisions for questions.
Conclusion
When you want to ship your vehicle, the number one worry is picking the right auto transport company. You may be worried about where to find best priced companies if the worry-to-ship a car is high, may want the comfortability of Car shipping all the way to my door, or provide all necessary information regarding even calculating costs of using car shipping cost calculator.
Case of selecting the wrong option will result in a smooth, hassle free, and stress free journey..
Selecting a reputable and dependable company will ensure that the car you have shipped will reach its intended destination without any delay or damage.
So even if you are moving to a different state or you want to move some cars to another end of the country, the right company for auto transport will make the hustle much less.