subject: Auto Transport Shipping Options For Car Shipping [print this page]
To get an accurate quote and be able to compare quotes between companies, it is important to understand your shipping options and how you want to ship your car. There are three main options for shipping your car.
* Are your shipping door-to-door or terminal-to terminal?
* Are you planning to ship your vehicle on an open car carrier or do you want the extra protection of an enclosed car carrier? * Is your vehicle operable or inoperable?
Let's look at each of these three options:
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal
For door-to-door shipping, the car carrier picks-up your vehicle at your home or workplace and delivers your vehicle to your final destination. For terminal-to-terminal shipping, you deliver your vehicle to a vehicle storage location where the car carrier will then pick up your vehicle. It is delivered to a similar type of location near your final destination.
While door-to-door shipping is typically considered more convenient, there are some instances where using a terminal may be preferable. For instance, you can drop off your vehicle on a specific date (e.g. when you need to take a flight) even if the car carrier will not pick it up for a day or two. And your vehicle can be delivered to a terminal near your final destination, even if you have not yet arrived.
You can also choose door-to-terminal and terminal-to-door shipping as well.
Open or Enclosed
Open transport is the less expensive and most common way to ship a vehicle. Enclosed transport is typically priced higher, and it protects your vehicle from dust, rain, snow and other elements. High-end vehicles and antiques are sometimes shipped enclosed.
Operable or Inoperable
Operable vehicles can be driven onto the truck under their own power. Inoperable vehicles require special equipment to pull the vehicle onto the truck. This includes any vehicles that cannot start, or a vehicle where you do not have keys, since the vehicle cannot be driven onto the car carrier.
Some carriers, but not all, have equipment that allows them to load inoperable vehicles. If your vehicle is inoperable you need to let the auto transport company know, so they can make sure the truck that picks up your vehicle has the proper equipment.
By better understanding your options for shipping a vehicle, you ensure you get an accurate quote and are able to compare quotes between companies.
To learn more about shipping your vehicle, please visit http://MoveCars.com and click on Car Transport Tips to see the top ten tips for shipping a vehicle.
About MoveCars.com
MoveCars.com is an auto transport directory of some of the top auto transport companies throughout the United States and Canada. Use MoveCars.com to find the best company to fit your specific auto shipping needs. Please visit us at www.MoveCars.com.
