What is Auto Transport?
Planning a big move? Want to send a car abroad? Questions like these fall under the topic of Auto Transport. Auto transport is simply the process of shipping and delivering your vehicle to wherever you want it to go. This may be a destination in another state or even abroad!
With over 17 million new cars sold in the United States annually, the auto transport industry has not stopped in meeting America’s big consumer demand. Domestically, shipping vehicles from the manufacturers to dealerships are often done through trucks. Internationally, auto transport takes the form of ships as Japanese and German cars are imported over.
Now, transporting vehicles is done on such large scales daily, but for the common man, you may just be planning a move abroad and want your car at your side instead of purchasing a new one. It all depends on your needs on whether you’re a company looking to transport vehicles or a normal person about to move. This is where contacting a freight forwarder can greatly help you with finding the right prices and transport method.
How to Transport Your Vehicle
Transporting your vehicle can be a cumbersome or even a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. First, you should consider whether you’re sending your vehicle domestically or internationally. This directly relates to how much the transport cost will be and it could be cheaper to just purchase a new vehicle instead. Your mission next is to find out how much your transport costs are by contacting shipping companies for their quotes. During this part of the process, it is advisable to shop around to have an idea of what the fair price is.
Now, if you don’t have the time or desire to ask around, this is where having a freight forwarder might come in handy. Since freight forwarding companies often have connections and partnerships with multiple carriers and shippers, they often already know what the market price is as freight professionals. They may also have discounted rates due to their partnerships and can give you a lower quote compared to market rates. So it may be in your best interest to contact a freight forwarder to get a quote.
Lastly, you should make sure that there is the appropriate insurance in place in case your vehicle is damaged while in transport. The auto transport company or freight forwarding company may offer transport insurance, so it would be a good idea to ask them while you get a quote.
Types of Auto Transport
Transporting your vehicle comes with different options in regards to how the vehicle is transported. The two main ones for domestic use are either open or enclosed transport. The main differences between an open and closed transport mode are how protected the vehicles are from the weather as well as the cost.
Open transports are the more common type of transport with exposed containers for the vehicles. On the other hand, enclosed transports are typically used to transport luxury and classic vehicles to protect against weather conditions and roadside debris. Moreover, enclosed transports are usually on the pricier side compared to the open transport option.
Within these types of transports, the mode of transport can also vary with containers, trailers, single-level, multi-level trailers, tow trailers, and more which would contribute to the quoted price given to you. To find out the best option for your vehicle or automobile shipment, it’s best to contact a local auto transport company or freight forwarder for more custom options.
If you’re in need of expert advice, come talk to SFI today and we will provide you with the best possible service and quotes for your shipping needs. Email us at info@sfi.com or call us at (909) 594-3400.
