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There are many different reasons why you may need to make the most of vehicle transport services. Perhaps you are moving overseas and you want to take your vehicle with you? Maybe you have a business abroad and you are transporting vehicles for this purpose? Or, maybe buying and selling cars is your business, and you find it more lucrative to purchase vehicles overseas and bring them into the United States? The scenarios differ considerably. However, one thing that does not change is the need to align yourself with an experienced and reliable vehicle transport provider.
Are you having a difficult time figuring out how to pack and ship a vehicle? You need details on what sort of vehicle transport services are available, as well as advice on how to ship a car, what to consider when it comes to state to state vehicle transport, and much more. Ride with us to learn how to transport a vehicle successfully.
Vehicle transportation services are designed to take your vehicle from its current location and ensure it is delivered safely and efficiently to any end destination that you have in mind. There are a number of different methods of doing this and it depends on where you need your vehicle transported and the number of vehicles you are transporting.
The company that you work with will ensure that all aspects of the transportation portion are taken care of, including all of the paperwork that is required.
Car shipping companies are able to assist when you need a car moved overseas. These companies have relationships with big freight liners so that your car can be transported by sea. They can give you recommendations on the different procedures that must be adhered to, as well as the shipping documentation that needs to be provided. These companies will usually help you to complete these documents as well.
The most secure method to ship a car is in a 40-foot or 20-foot container. However, there are some other, more affordable methods available as well. For example, there are some systems that can fit up to five cars in one container in order to reduce the cost. There are also options of going for a roll-on, roll-off service, whereby your vehicle will be driven directly onto a vessel and secured. The company you choose will talk you through these options and costs so that you can get a better understanding.
If your vehicle is being transported from state to state, there are a number of different methods you can choose from. One option is to pay for a company who will drive your vehicle for you. However, you will need to have a valid vehicle inspection test and this will add mileage to your car. Your vehicle will not need car registration or tax, as it can be driven by a trade plate driver. This means a special type of registration plate is going to be displayed over your existing vehicle plates while a professional drives it to your desired destination.
The other option is to have the vehicle tailored, which is what most people elect to do. There are several areas to consider here. You can carry one vehicle at a time with a single car transporter, yet they do tend to cost more money. Several vehicles can be transported at one time with a multi-car open transport, which will help you to reduce the costs of transporting your car. This is also beneficial if your car is not roadworthy, isn’t running, or is illegal.
You may prefer to use an enclosed or covered service if you have a classic or luxury vehicle. This is the safest method of transporting a car because the vehicle will be kept unseen and it will be protected from the elements. This can often cost more money though, as the trailers are usually only able to carry one or two vehicles at the same time.
You can pretty much ship any type of vehicle overseas. However, the method you use will be dictated by the size of your vehicle. Of course, if you are shipping a standard car, you are going to have virtually every shipment option available to you. On the flip side, if you want to ship a truck, you’re going to have reduced options.
When it comes to container shipping, your options will generally be to use either a 20-foot or 40-foot container. The former will fit one car inside, whereas the latter will provide enough space for two average size vehicles. These are the two standard containers that are used by companies all over the world. Of course, you may be able to find businesses that offer different container sizes. Nevertheless, you can expect this to come at a premium, so do expect to pay much more.
If you are transporting a large vehicle, which will not fit into a standard container, you will typically be required to use a roll-on, roll-off service. As mentioned, this is when the vehicle is driven onto the vessel. This means your vehicle will be exposed to the elements. Nevertheless, if you choose an experienced shipping company that has a huge fleet and many years of expertise, they will be able to advise you on the best solution for your vehicle specifically.
In order to be able to legally ship a vehicle, two things are going to be required. Firstly, you are going to need to make sure you choose an experienced shipping company who has the legal right to send a car shipment from one country to another. The second step is to make sure that you have all of the required paperwork in order to be allowed to ship a vehicle.
The first part of the process involves doing your research online. You should browse different websites, make sure the company is accredited, and read reviews that have been left by others.
Aside from this, in order to be able to ship your car, you will need to gather all of the required paperwork. This should be sent to your auto transport company as quickly as possible so that the shipping process is sped up.
Most of the time, the documentation is going to be pretty straightforward. You will need to have a copy of your passport, a copy of the bill of sale, and a clear original title. Some final destinations or ports may require additional forms of documentation. This is something that we will be able to explain to you once we know the ins and outs of your transportation requirements, should additional documentation be applicable in your situation.
As touched upon earlier, one of the main decisions that you are going to need to make is whether or not you should opt for enclosed vehicle transport. Enclosed transport does exactly what it says on the tin: your vehicle will be enclosed in a container. It will be shipped much like any other cargo, yet it will be covered at all times.
Because of the fact that your vehicle is going to be covered, this service will be more expensive. However, the benefit is that your car is not going to be subject to the weather elements. It will also mean that people outside of the shipping company will not know what sort of vehicle is inside of the container.
Whether or not you should opt for enclosed carriers will depend on the type of vehicle you are transporting. If the car you are transporting is going to get a new paint job when it arrives, you probably won’t need to worry about the expense of enclosed vehicle transport. However, if you are transporting a classic car or a luxury vehicle, spending that little bit extra certainly comes recommended.
When it comes to shipping a high volume of vehicles, terminal-to-terminal auto shipping is used. This can be a more affordable method of transporting your vehicle. A terminal is a regional storage facility. Usually, vehicles will be stored in a secure lot that is owned by the towing company, which tends to be situated in a big metropolitan area. Cars are transported to and from these terminals by carriers to combine shipments that are going to the same general location. This means that the shipping cost is going to be cheaper when compared with a door-to-door service. However, if you are on a tight time-frame, you are probably not going to want to go for this option.
This form of shipping is beneficial for people who wish to drop off or pick up their vehicle on specific times and dates. They may be located a number of miles away from you. However, you can save a considerable amount of money if you have the time and ability to get your vehicle. This means that your vehicle may sit exposed for a number of weeks until you are willing and able to put in the legwork. If this is something you are happy with, this type of shipping will be fine for you.
As mentioned, terminal to terminal vehicle transportation is the most affordable option. However, this sort of cross country transport is not for everyone. Problems can happen, and it is not uncommon for a number of intrinsic issues to show their face. For example, because you are going to be able to leave your vehicle virtually unattended at both transport terminals, this can make it somewhat vulnerable to environmental or accidental damage, as well as vandalism. Nevertheless, the best companies have put provisions in place to prevent this, for example, they will have 24/7 surveillance and security in place, yet you do need to be aware of the added risk.
It is also worth pointing out that while terminal to terminal car shipping is the cheaper option of the two, you are going to need to organized transportation back from the terminal once you have dropped your vehicle off. Furthermore, you will need to make sure that you have a ride to go and pick your vehicle back up. You may find, therefore, that you do not end up saving much money overall if you then have to spend money on getting to and from the terminal. It is important to consider the costs overall when you are deciding on the best solution for you. You might also have to pay for added storage fees if you cannot pick up your vehicle within the time frame that has been agreed upon. You should also keep in mind that your vehicle is probably going to be handled by more than one person while it is stored at the terminal as well.
Shipping your vehicle to another state is a very specific service, which you cannot manage on your own. However, the good news is that there are companies that can handle this for you. If you are moving your vehicle because you are moving home, there are some companies that will enable you to move all of your household items as well, and so this is something you may want to consider.
There are a number of different methods that are available to you when it comes to international vehicle transport. Not only do you have the option of shipping your vehicle but you can also send your vehicle abroad via air freight.
The cheapest way to send your car to another country is the roll on, roll off method, which is something we have referred to earlier in the guide. With this method, your vehicle will be driven onto the ship as if the hold of the cargo vessel or the deck was a parking lot. Your vehicle will then be secured with clamps, ratchet traps, and other types of fixing devices. You need to make sure that all items are removed from your vehicle. Not only is this critical for safety reasons but also to make sure you are not subject to further customs when you arrive.
The most common method of shipping a vehicle to another country is to use a container. With a container, your vehicle will be placed on a ship, yet it will be put inside of a container first, which ensures that it is protected from the elements.
The third option, which we are yet to discuss, is air freight. The reason why we have not gone into much depth regarding this option is because it will break the bank! In fact, you will spend more on air freight than your vehicle cost itself. This is why hardly anyone ships their vehicles in this way, unless they have money to burn.
There are a number of different rules and regulations in place that need to be adhered to when it comes to shipping a vehicle overseas. Firstly, there are specific laws regarding vehicle weight. Drivers will only be allowed to carry a certain amount of weight in cargo for each trip. The number of axles the transport vessel has will determine the exact weight.
In addition to this, there are also laws in place regarding vehicle height requirements. For example, there is a height restriction of 7-foot’ or less on standard car carriers. Moreover, transport times and driver hours are also subject to stringent regulations.
Aside from this, there are specific rules and regulations that are based on location. After all, shipping a vehicle to Miami is going to be very different when compared to shipping a vehicle to Mozambique. All countries and even states have their own set of rules and regulations, and this is why it is imperative to team up with an experienced shipping company. They will be aware of all of the different rules and regulations that are in place, ensuring that your vehicle is shipped without any issues.
When you decide to transport your car to another location, one of the main decisions that you are going to need to make is what method of transport you are going to use. There is no right or wrong answer in this regard. The mode of transport that you select is going to be based on where you are sending your vehicle from and where it is being sent to, as well as the budget you have available and the type of car that is being transported. With that in mind, below, we will provide an overview of some of the main modes of vehicle transportation.
If you are only going to be transporting your vehicle a short distance, a truck transportation service is going to be the best option. Most people go for this solution when they simply want a vehicle to be moved from one location to another. This is the most direct approach for transporting your vehicles. It can also be a lot quicker as well, as trucks can be dispatched at any time and there is less red tape involved.
You will also find that it is a lot easier to manage transport schedules when it comes to truck transportation. If something was to go wrong with a specific truck, then it could easily be replaced. Moreover, if there is an issue with a certain route, this is something that can be managed. Truck transportation offers great flexibility in this regard.
Nevertheless, it is vital to recognize that truck transportation is only going to be feasible if you are transporting to a place within the United States or a country that can be accessed purely on land. Therefore, this is not going to be suitable if you use it to transport your vehicle over a longer distance. The good news is that there are plenty of other options available for such a scenario.
Another solution to consider is transporting your vehicle by train. Similarly to the other solutions that have been discussed in this guide, you do have the option of both open and enclosed rail transport. Yet, why would you consider train vehicle transportation to begin with? Well, there are a number of different reasons why this is the case. Rail transport services are very similar to truck transportation services, yet they tend to be a lot more cost effective, which is why this is a solution that is certainly worth considering. You may also be able to fill up the container with other items as well, should you wish.
So, if train transportation is more affordable, what is the downside associated with it? Well, the main reason why people decide against using rail transportation for their vehicle is because of the flexibility. You are going to be limited to specific drop off and pick up points, which could be an issue depending on where you are based and where you need your car to be transported to. Moreover, this tends to be a slower mode of transport when compared with shipping your vehicle by truck. This is because train transportation companies will usually want to make sure all spots are filled up before they get going.
The final option that is available to you is to ship your vehicle by sea. This is the solution that you should go for when you are interested in international shipping services. Shipping your car in this manner is the most cost-effective and efficient solution. After all, we have already spoken about the extortionate costs that are associated with air freight.
There are a number of different shipping companies that provide this service, and so you will want to locate a company that has plenty of experience and you will want to make sure that they can assist you with all of the legalities and paperwork requirements.
There are a number of different factors that are going to dictate how much it is going to cost for your vehicle to be transported. Of course, one of the main considerations is going to be the type of transportation service that you opt for. As mentioned, you can opt to have your vehicle transported via truck, train, or ship, for example. You then have a number of other options to consider when it comes to the service, for example, do you want your vehicle to be enclosed in a container or not? This will naturally be more expensive for enclosed auto transport, yet for some people it is going to be a necessity.
Not only do you need to consider the type of transportation service you are going to use when determining how expensive it is going to be, but there are other factors as well. For example, the specifications of your vehicle will be considered. The size and weight of the vehicle that is being transported can determine the final cost.
Of course, your current destination and your end destination matter as well. This dictates the total mileage and the amount of money that is going to be spent on fuel. Naturally, the longer the journey, the more expensive it is going to be. However, it is not just about the length of the journey; it is about the nature of the journey as well. Some journeys are more complicated than others, for instance, and so they can be more expensive. Plus, there are the likes of tolls and expenses that may need to be paid in order to use certain routes, and so all of this is doing to be factored into the final cost.
In addition to the different factors that have been discussed, if you are having your vehicle dropped off at the exact end destination, rather than a terminal, this is going to cost you more money overall. However, as we have discussed, while it may cost you more in terms of the bill you receive from the transportation company, it may be cheaper at the end of the day. This is because you need to factor in the cost of getting to and from the terminal when determining which solution is going to be the best for you.
Last but not least, you also need to consider the fact that some companies are simply going to charge more than others. This is why it is worth taking the time to compare your options so that you can be sure that you find a vehicle transportation company that is going to offer a reliable service at fair transport prices. You can also be expected to pay more if you make additional requests, for example, expedited shipping and top-load placement.
When you are looking for a vehicle transporter, whether you need an international shipping company or you need a truck transportation company for domestic vehicle transportation, there are many different factors that need to be considered. In this section, we are going to discuss exactly what you need to look for in a vehicle transporter in order to give you a helping hand.
The first thing you need to consider when looking for a vehicle transportation company is the range of services that they offer. After all, you probably have an idea of how you want your vehicle to be transported. You need to make sure that the company can deliver on this. If you have a large number of vehicles that you need transported and/or you intend for this to be a long-term collaboration, you need to find a company that offers a number of different transportation solutions. You need to be certain that they will be able to adapt their service in order to suit your needs.
In addition to this, it is important to find a business that is not only going to transport your vehicle for you but will help you to understand all of the different rules and regulations that are in place regarding this. They should be more than happy to inform you of the different documents you will need to complete, and they should be willing to assist you with this as well. You will also want to ensure that they have the correct insurance in place too. If something were to happen to your vehicle while in the company’s possession, would you be covered?
Finally, it is important to do some research about the company. You should take the time to look at their website and their online presence. You will want to be certain that they have plenty of experience in their locker and that they have a good reputation to go with it. Read reviews that have been left by people who have already used the company in question before. This can be very insightful. Make sure you choose independent review platforms, though, so that you can be certain that the comments that have been left are one hundred percent genuine.
At R+L Global Logistics, we strive to be a leader when it comes to providing transportation and logistics services. Whether you require domestic or international vehicle transport services, we can assist. We work in a timely and safe manner, providing value-added services to all of our clients. If you would like to find out more about the service that we provide or you have any queries about shipping your vehicle, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to find out more. We also handle boat transport, RV transport, motorcycle transport and more. The number you need is 866-322-1381. Get an auto transport quote today and we look forward to hearing from you.
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