How to Get The Best Car Transport Service

Moving can be stressful enough, but it can feel downright overwhelming when you have to ship a car across the country. Whether you’re in the military and you are being relocated or selling a rare or valuable car, getting the best car transport service is essential. With the right service, you’ll rest assured that your car is in good hands and will arrive at its destination on time.

If you are wondering how to get the best car shipping company to offer you the best service for your money, read on! We will discuss how to find the best car transport service, how to prepare your car for transport, what factors go into the cost of shipping a car, and more.

What is a Car Transport Service?

Car transport services specialize in the safe and secure transportation of cars from one location to another. In most cases, this involves moving a car from state to state.

With the help of car transport services, you can ship your car to its destination without the hassle and expense of driving it yourself. These companies are equipped with vehicle carrier rigs that can simultaneously transport multiple cars. That’s in addition to various car shipping options, such as enclosed and open car carriers.

Most service providers offer door-to-door delivery, which can make the process much more convenient. But even if it is unavailable, a terminal-to-terminal car shipping service is just as great.

Suppose you are among the hundreds of people considering using a car transport service. You want to make sure you choose the best possible service provider.

Using an online car transport service allows you to compare rates and services from different providers, making it easier to find the best option. A reputable online car transport service will also provide helpful resources and customer service should you need assistance at any point in the process.

CitizenShipper is a great place to start your search for the best car shipping companies when you are ready to transport your car.

The platform makes it easy to compare services.Citizenshipper provides instant quotes, ratings and reviews on different service providers so that you can make an informed decision about which car transport company is best for you.

Types of Car Transport Services

Maximizing the value of your car transport service means understanding the different types of services available. Because your car is a valuable asset, you want to make sure it is in the best hands regardless of the type of car transport service you choose.

The following car transport services are available for car shipping needs:

Open-air transport

Sometimes, open-air transport is referred to as “shared” because multiple cars can be transported at the same time.

Open-air transport is the most cost-effective option for transporting a car, as the truck does not have to be covered entirely.

This makes it an excellent option for those looking for an affordable way to move their car.

On the downside, your car will be exposed to the elements and potential road debris, which can be damaging. So, check with your transport service provider to determine what type of protection they offer to minimize the risk of any damage during transit.

Enclosed Transport

Enclosed car transport is the most secure car shipping option available. Here, the car will be fully enclosed inside a trailer so it won’t be exposed to any weather or road debris.

This is great for car owners transporting a particularly valuable, rare, or exotic car.

The downside, however, is that enclosed car transport is more expensive than open-air transport. But, if you are shipping a car for an important event, such as a car show or car competition, enclosed car transport is the best option to ensure it arrives safely.

How is the Cost of Car Transport Determined?

Car shipping rates are usually calculated by mileage, based on the distance your car travels.

Depending on several factors, the cost of car transport can vary greatly. You can expect to pay anywhere from $0.53 to over $2.00 per mile.

However, this is inconclusive as car transport costs are determined on a case-by-case basis. You may pay more or less depending on the car transport company and the specifics of your car shipment.

In addition to mileage, car transport companies will usually take into account other factors, such as:

• Size, weight and type of vehicle
• Car type (luxury car or classic car)
• Car make and model
• Pick-up and drop-off locations
• Special requirements (e.g., enclosed transport)
• Seasonal demand
• How quickly you need the car shipped

Be sure to discuss all potential fees with the car transport service provider before signing on so that you understand all the costs associated with car transport.

With CitizenShipper, you can get the best deal on your car transport service by comparing quotes from multiple car shipping companies. So, whether you’re shipping a car for a military move or a car sale, CitizenShipper can help you find the best car transport service for you and your budget.

How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Preparation before car transport is vital for a successful car shipping experience.

You’ll want to ensure your car is in the best condition possible to minimize car transport expenses and reduce the risk of any damage during transit.

Before transporting the car, make sure it is spotless inside and out.

It is also beneficial to take pictures of the car in its current condition before it moves and note any existing damages.

This will serve as a benchmark for comparison when the car is delivered, and you can easily spot any new damages that may have occurred during car transport.

Other essential steps to prepare your car transportation include:

• Remove all personal items from the car.
• Check car oil, coolant and tire pressure levels before transport.
• Empty the car of gasoline and disconnect the car battery.
• Get the car insured before transport.
• Check the car’s exterior for any damages or scratches.
• Put the car in neutral and leave the car keys with the car transport service.
• Leave car windows closed before car shipping.

By taking adequate car transport preparation steps, you can ensure that your car is taken care of during the shipping.

Car Delivery Timeline

Once you select a car transport service, you must understand the car delivery timeline.

Car shipping timelines can vary depending on the car transport service. Still, most car shipping companies can give you an estimated car delivery timeline.

The estimated timeline of car shipping varies, depending on numerous aspects like the exact pick-up and delivery spots, your selected transport company’s timetable, type of auto transport (enclosed or open), size and model of the vehicle, seasonal needs and other considerations.

A general rule is that car transport services typically take 7-11 business days to pick up and deliver the car. Still, this timeline can be affected by weather, traffic and other factors.

Usually, it takes about 5 days for car transport services to pick up the car and another 5-7 days to deliver it. 

If you need your car shipped by a specific date or have an urgent car transport need, it’s important to communicate this to the car shipping company in advance.

Here is an estimate of delivery time based on the distance of car transport:

	Region	Distance	Timeline
1.	Local car shipping	Within 250 miles	1 to 2 business days
2.	Regional car shipping	Within 500 miles	2 to 3 business days
3.	Interstate car shipping	1000+ miles	4 to 6 business days
4.	Cross-country car transport	Over 2000 miles	7 to 10 business days

Keep in mind that these are only approximate timelines. Remember to factor in 5 extra days as pick-up time. Add that to the official transport timeline to get the estimated delivery time for your car shipment.

How to Find the Best Car Transporters

When sourcing for a car shipping service, you want to look for car transport companies with great customer service, extensive car shipping experience and an excellent track record in the car shipping industry.

At CitizenShipper, you can find top-rated car transporters, get instant car shipping quotes from multiple car transport companies and book car transport services in a few easy steps.

Here’s how to get started:

• Fill out the form with all the car shipping details.
• Browse transporters and get car transport quotes and delivery estimates.
• Compare the quotes and reviews from transporters.
• Select the car transport service provider you like and book your car shipping with them.

Equipment Recommendations for Car Transport

Here are some car shipping equipment recommendations you should consider before moving your car:

#1. Spare Keys

In the case of car transport, car shippers need to be able to move the car throughout the process. It’s important to provide car transporters with spare car keys

#2. Antifreeze

Your car will be exposed to various weather conditions during car shipping. To protect it from extreme temperatures, car transporters will put antifreeze in the car’s radiator system.

#3. Emergency Car Care Kit

It’s always good to have car care items like an emergency car kit, car cleaning supplies and car air fresheners before shipping a car.

#4. Car Cover

You may need to provide car transporters with car covers to protect your car from weather and road grime during shipping. Be sure to check with your transporter first to make sure their company accepts car covers.

#5. Wheel Chocks

Wheel chocks, which are rubber or metal wedges designed to prevent car movement while car shipping, will also come in handy.

#6. Jack Stands

Jack stands are car shipping equipment used to keep cars elevated while the transporters inspect the car’s undercarriage.

#7. Car Transport Straps

Car transport straps are used to secure cars to the transportation truck. These straps ensure the car is safe and securely fastened to the truck throughout the shipping process.

Conclusion

Finding car transport services doesn’t have to be stressful. With CitizenShipper you can match with reliable car transporters and compare quotes to get pricing that fits your car shipping needs and budget.

Post a listing today and start your car transport journey with ease!  Good luck!

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