Shipping A Car

Car shipping companies transport vehicles from one location to another for individuals and businesses. When you need auto transport services, it is important to find a company that you can rely on to transport your car safely to its destination. Furthermore, you want to find a company that offers services within your budget.

Car transport rates vary depending on many factors. We will discuss this, in detail, so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the auto transport industry. First, let’s look at several reasons why you might need to ship your car. Here are a few:

Car dealerships
Automobile collectors purchasing out of state
Individuals embarking on a cross-country move
Vacationers/snowbirds
Corporations undergoing a relocation
College-bound kids
Military families
Individuals purchasing a car online (Ebay and other auction sites)

Whatever the reason may be for needing to transport your vehicle, a professional auto transport company can make your life simpler. Many individuals find that shipping a car:

Saves on mileage. Think about the resale value and the risk of depreciation, especially if you own a classic car. These are factors that are affected when you choose to drive. Driving adds wear and tear to the vehicle, along with mileage. With auto shipping, your vehicle will be delivered in pristine condition and without hundreds or thousands of added miles.
Is convenient. Why do people order items online and have them shipped to their home, rather than going to the store? One reason is because of the convenience this method offers. Auto transport provides the same luxury. Click or call to receive a free, instant car shipping quote.
Saves time. Making a cross-country move can take days or even weeks to complete. This means many hours behind the wheel. Save time, and have an auto transport company ship your car for you. Catch a flight, and your car will be delivered to its destination.

What Affects Your Shipping Cost?

The cost to ship a vehicle varies depending on many factors. It could cost you between $400 and $1200+ to ship a car from one city to another. Here are the factors that might affect the cost to transport your car:

Delivery preference
Shipping options
Vehicle type and condition
Distance and location
Time of year
Additional services

Delivery Preference

The more flexible you are with pickup and delivery dates, the less you will have to pay. At National Dispatch, we offer three different delivery options to choose from. This would include economic, priority, and guaranteed. Each varies in price and time windows to meet your specific budget and schedule.

It is generally recommended to book auto transport services a couple weeks out or more. This is to allow plenty of time for both you and the auto transport company to prepare for shipment. However, we have the guaranteed delivery option for individuals who are shipping on short notice. If you need your car within a few days, you can expect to pay more for this service. You are paying for the added convenience and for a designated spot on the carrier.

Our auto transport specialists do their best to keep you informed every step of the way. Therefore, you will know when you can expect your vehicle to be picked up and delivered. Learn more about our auto shipping options.

Shipping Options

There are several ways in which you can have your vehicle transported. You must decide on the carrier that will ship your car, as well as the preferred location for pickup and delivery.

When it comes to a carrier, there are two main types. You can choose from an open carrier or an enclosed carrier. An open carrier is the most commonly used method of transport. It is also the easiest on the wallet. Due to the construction of the carrier, your car will be transported with up to eight other vehicles. Your automobile will be exposed to the weather and elements of the road. Learn more about open auto transport.

In contrast, an enclosed carrier will protect your vehicle from a variety of elements and weather, including dirt, dust, rain, snow, and ice. It is recommended for luxury, classic, or other high-end vehicles. It is more expensive than transporting via an open-air carrier. Learn more about enclosed auto transport.

Many car shipping companies offer terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door shipping options. With terminal-to-terminal auto shipping, your vehicle will be stored at a location until you are able to pick it up. Door-to-door shipping is more convenient, because the driver will come directly to your home or place of business to pick up and deliver the car.

Vehicle Type And Condition

A primary factor in the creation of your car shipping quote is the vehicle type and condition. The cost to transport a sedan across the country will be less than it would be to transport a SUV, truck, or van. Why is this?

Larger cars take up more space on the transport truck. In addition, size factors into weight. Larger vehicles weigh more than smaller ones. Weight can affect the fuel consumption of the carrier. When you are shipping your car, you should also let the auto transport company know of any modifications done to the vehicle. Vehicle modifications can alter the size and weight, as well.

It is also important to know if the automobile is operable or inoperable. An operable vehicle can be loaded onto the truck easily. An inoperable car requires special equipment. For this reason, it often costs more to ship an inoperable vehicle. Make sure you let the car shipping company know that your car does not run before transport. Learn more about non-running vehicle shipment.

Distance And Location

An obvious factor that affects the cost to ship an automobile is the distance. The further you need your car transported, the more it will cost. This is due to fuel consumption and mileage. Therefore, you must take into consideration if you are shipping from east coast to west coast or somewhere in-between.

The distance will also have an impact on the shipping time frame. It may take anywhere from three days to two weeks or more to transport your vehicle to its destination. It all depends on the location and how far the driver must drive.

The distance from city to city is important, but the city or town, itself, is also noteworthy. Are you shipping to a popular city? Some of the most popular auto shipping cities include Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Miami. If you are transporting a car to a city that is a distance away from a main highway, then the price you pay may be affected. This is because you would not be shipping along a popular transport route. If the location is difficult for the driver to maneuver the truck, this can also affect door-to-door shipping. You and the driver will decide on a location to meet at, instead.

Time Of Year

The auto transport industry is busier when people are more likely to move or travel. The peak season is summer. Children are out of school. Therefore, more people are trying to move before another school year begins. In addition, June and July are popular months for vacations.

Summer is not the only season when people utilize car shipping services. Snowbirds, individuals who travel to a warmer part of the country during the winter, rely on an auto transport company to ship their vehicle. Popular destination points include Florida, Arizona, and Texas. They temporarily move to these locations during the winter months. Then, they relocate back to their northern home in the spring.

You may not be able to choose when you are able to move. However, it is important to keep in mind how moving during different parts of the year can impact your car shipping quote. You should also keep in mind how weather can affect the shipment of your vehicle. Safety is always a top priority. Although fewer people move during the winter, the rate can still be affected. Certain parts of the country are prone to harsh winter storms, which bring snow and ice. This makes it hard to drive under these conditions.

Additional Services (i.e. Top Loading)

One additional service that you will have to pay extra for is top loading. Top loading is when your car is placed on the upper level of a two-level transport carrier. The picture to the left depicts this service. Many individuals pay for top load transport because of the condition of other vehicles and road debris.

Your car will likely be placed on a transport truck with multiple other vehicles. You do not know the conditions of these other automobiles. Some might be new, while others might be old. Having your car positioned on the bottom row means you face the risk of having a car from the top leak on yours.

There is also the possibility of dirt, dust, rocks, and other debris coming into contact with your car. Vehicles that are positioned on the bottom level of a carrier are more susceptible to encountering these road debris. The top level offers more protection. Top loading provides added peace of mind. For complete protection, consider shipping via an enclosed carrier.

How Can I Get A Discount?

Auto transport companies give out a variety of discounts. It all depends on the company. Most companies offer a discount if you were to ship more than one car at once. It is known as the multi-car discount. Today, many families own more than one vehicle. Therefore, this discount can come in handy. This discount is also beneficial for corporations, dealerships, or auction houses who need to transport several automobiles at one time.

For more information concerning discounts, be sure to contact the auto transport company directly. Ask the company what kind of discounts they offer. If you are going to ship your vehicle anyway, why not save a few bucks?

Questions To Ask Yourself

The first question you probably have when needing auto transport services is “How much will it cost?”. There are several questions you can ask yourself before requesting a quote. You will have a general idea of how much it will cost you before even filling out any information. Here is what you should ask, yourself:

How quickly do I need my car shipped?
How far am I transporting?
Am I shipping from a popular route or hard-to-reach area?
What type of vehicle am I shipping?
Is the vehicle operable or inoperable?
Do I want the car top loaded?
Am I shipping one car or several cars?

National Dispatch | Requesting A Quote

National Dispatch is a nationwide auto transport service. We ship thousands of vehicles to individuals and corporations all across the country. We transport your typical cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles in addition to classic, sport, luxury, and exotic vehicles. You are sure to find a service that meets your needs and specific budget. We offer open auto transport, enclosed auto transport, door-to-door shipping, inoperable vehicle shipping, and much more.

At National Dispatch, we seek to provide the best service and value. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We hire the best auto transport professionals to handle the shipment of our customer’s vehicles. We believe you deserve nothing but the best.

It can be overwhelming trying to decide on a car shipping company, one who you can trust and rely on to ship your vehicle safely. You can be rest assured that your car is in the best hands when shipping with National Dispatch. The vehicle will be delivered in a safe and timely manner.

Requesting a quote is just a call or click away. Use our online quote calculator for a free, instant car shipping quote. No personal information is required. Fill out four simple fields, and you will receive a quote within seconds. If you prefer to speak with a member of our staff, call us at 800-321-2051. We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions.

Coast To Coast Car Moving & Moving In General

Are you planning on moving from east coast to west coast or vice versa? Moving from one side of the country to the other can be quite the challenge. It is completely normal to feel nervous, anxious, or stressed over the experience. You must organize and pack up all your belongings. In addition, you must decide on the best way to get all your possessions to your new home, safely and affordably.

The best way to enjoy a hassle-free move from coast-to-coast is to use the moving tips and steps listed below and work with one of the best nationwide car shipping companies in the industry. National Dispatch provides superior service at an affordable rate to all individuals wishing to relocate anywhere in the United States.

Finding The Perfect Home Across The Country

One of the first steps in any move is finding a place to call home. There is much to consider before making the big purchase. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Look to the future.

Where do you see yourself five years from now? What about ten years from now? Are you looking for a temporary home or a permanent residence? You may be moving because of a job or due to retirement. Every person’s situation is different. Consider the time and effort involved in relocating to a new home. If you do not intend on remaining at a location for very long, think about renting. It would mean an easier move when the time comes.

Find a home to grow with you.

Maybe, you have hopes of starting a family in the near future. On the other hand, you may need to house your elderly parents. If you cannot afford a home that suits your growing needs, then purchase one that allows for expansion. Being able to see the bigger picture will greatly aid you in the home-buying process.

Consider your lifestyle and personality.

Look for a home that meets not just your needs but your wants, as well. There are many different types of homes, including condominiums, townhouses, single family homes, and apartments. Not everyone prefers the same type of home. Consider your personality and how you would prefer to live. Ask yourself these questions:

Do you own a pet? When you are a pet owner, you must also take into consideration the happiness of your animal. An apartment or condominium may not provide ample space for a large dog to run around.
Would you prefer a lawn? One downside of owning a home is the upkeep and maintenance involved. If you do not mind mowing the grass, then a house will suit your lifestyle. On the other hand, if you hate the thought of doing yard work of any kind, another style home may better suit your needs.
Do you prefer your privacy? Sharing a wall with a neighbor is not for everyone. Some people prefer their space. If you can not handle the possibility of noisy neighbors, then an apartment may not be the home for you.

Research the neighborhood and community.

When you move to a new city, you will see differences in the cost of living, climate, employment rate, safety, and culture. Researching the area you intend on moving to can help prepare you for the big change. If you can visit the location, then you will be able to explore, firsthand, and decide on a location you wish to reside in. This may not be possible, though, because cross country moves are quite far. Take into consideration the schools, medical care, and recreational activities in the area.

Purchase a home within budget.

Calculate your monthly expenses and income. Then, set a budget for finding a home within a certain price range. This way you know what you are comfortable paying for a house and what you can afford financially. Remember to calculate for car moving costs, general moving costs and future expenses, as well. If you intend on buying a fixer-upper, estimate the total costs to renovate the property. Remember that housing costs vary by community, neighborhood, and region.

Be reasonable.

There is nothing wrong with being picky during the home buying process. However, if you are shooting down home after home or not even considering a property, you may be missing out on your dream house. You may have limited options if you decide to be too choosy. It is important to keep an open-mind during the home-buying process. That does not mean settling for a home that you will not be happy in.

Moving A Car Coast-To-Coast

A coast-to-coast move is one of the most difficult moves to undergo due to the distance. Moving from New York to California is nearly a 3,000 mile journey through multiple states. It will involve several days in the car, driving from east coast to west coast. What if there was an alternative option available? Well, there is.

Rather than driving, many home movers choose to transport their car using a professional auto transport company. It is a safe, fast, and easy form of transportation that will save you time. The steps to shipping your vehicle using a long-distance car shipping company is easy. It will involve: Doing Your Homework, Choosing Auto Transport Services, Requesting A Quote, and Preparing A Vehicle For Transport.

Find The Right Car Moving Company – Doing Your Homework

There are thousands of auto transport companies to choose from, and it is up to you to pick the right one for the job. You can not trust your car with just any car moving company. It is important to find a reliable company that you will be comfortable handing your keys over to. This is accomplished through proper research. Check out the company’s online presence to ensure that they are reputable. Before hiring a company, be sure that they are licensed, insured, and bonded. Look around the company’s website, and call to speak with a representative. You can get any of your questions answered, regarding deposits, insurance, and rates. Learn more information about finding a car moving company.

Choosing Car Moving Services

Once you have found a reputable company, the next step is to determine the services you will need to transport your vehicle. At National Dispatch, we offer an extensive list of services to meet the unique needs of our customers. Here are some of the services that we provide:

Door-to-door moving: Our drivers will deliver the vehicle directly to your home, as long as conditions permit. This makes auto transport an easy and convenient option.
Open car moving: If you are looking to ship your family car, truck, van, or SUV, you will likely use this method. It is the most popular form of transportation, as it is affordable and safe. The vehicle will be transported on an open-air carrier, which is capable of hauling up to nine cars at one time.
Enclosed car moving: If you want your car to be shielded from the weather and outside elements, then shipping via an enclosed carrier is the way to go. However, this option is more expensive than the alternative. Enclosed auto transport is often used when you have a car that…
- Does not get driven often
- Is stored in the garage
- Has an expensive paint job
- Is a luxury, sports, or classic model
Non-running car moving: To transport a vehicle that is inoperable, special equipment is required. At National Dispatch, we have the means to ship your car, even if it does not run.
Top-loading: Top-loading is an additional service many auto transport companies offer their customers. It means that your car will be positioned on the top level of the transport truck. This reduces the chances of any encounters with dirt, dust, and grime during transit.
Guaranteed shipping: Are you shipping on short notice? Do you need your car as soon as possible? No need to worry with our guaranteed shipping option. This option may cost more than our other methods, but it is well worth the cost due to the added convenience.

Requesting A Car Moving Quote

Move your automobile safely and quickly with National Dispatch. It all starts by requesting a car moving quote on our website at https://www.nationaldispatch.com/ or by calling us at 800-321-2051. We offer an easy-to-use quote calculator that requires absolutely no personal information. Here is how to get your free quote today:

Enter your vehicle make.
Input your vehicle model.
Enter your pickup location (Zipcode or City and State).
Input your delivery location (Zipcode or City and State).
Get a Free, Instant Quote.

Car moving rates differ throughout the industry. There are numerous variables involved in calculating a quote, including distance, location, type of vehicle, and services. We make it as simple as possible to receive a rate by only asking for four fields of information. Learn more information about car shipping rates.

Preparing A Car For Moving

Before loading your vehicle onto the carrier and transporting it to its destination, there are some preparation procedures to take care of. Here are some tasks that should be accomplished before the driver’s arrival:

Remove all belongings from the car.
Clean the exterior of the vehicle, so that an inspection report can be completed.
Keep 1/4 to 1/2 tank of gas in the car.
Remove all toll road stickers.
Conduct necessary car maintenance.
Remove luggage, bike, and ski racks.

Coast To Coast Helpful Moving Tips

There are many difficulties that come with a long-distance move. We want your move to go as smooth as possible. Therefore, we have assembled a few tips to aid you in the process. Check them out, below:

Do not do everything, yourself. When it comes to a local move, you can complete a lot of the tasks on your To-Do list on your own. If you are moving down the street, you can even transport your belongings to your home, yourself. A coast to coast move is different. It is difficult to come back to get an item if you forget it. Furthermore, it is a long journey to make alone. Hire professionals to do the work for you. You won’t regret it.
Get rid of stuff you don’t want or need. Sort through your belongings. Pack only the items that you see yourself using in the future. This will be a huge space-saver in your new home. In addition, it means less stuff you have to haul from Point A to Point B. If you choose to host a yard sale, you could make some extra bucks to put towards moving expenses.
Protect your valuables. Invest in proper packing materials. This means getting strong cardboard boxes that can handle the long move. You also want to be sure that each item is protected with newspaper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc. You could even use items around your house, such as blankets and towels, to wrap breakables. It does not matter, so long as everything is protected in the move.
Start early. A move is stressful, but anyone can feel a little more stressed when under pressure. Do not put everything off until the last minute. This includes packing, making travel arrangements, and booking auto transport.

Long-Distance Car Move With National Dispatch

Moving your car across the country does not have to be a challenge, and it does not have to be stressful. National Dispatch offers insured, licensed, and trackable nationwide car shipping services. By choosing to transport with us, you will receive peace of mind. Your vehicle will be in the best hands and will be delivered safely and quickly to its destination.

We cater our services to meet your needs. We have shipped vehicles for vacationers, military personnel, construction teams, corporations, and more. In addition, we transport all types of automobiles, including family cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles. This would extend to include luxury, classic, and exotic models, as well. We can even transport a non-running car.

If you have questions regarding our auto transport services, we encourage you to contact us at 800-321-2051. We also offer a free, instant car shipping quote on our website at https://www.nationaldispatch.com/.

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