At MotorCarTrans we don’t just ship cars, we believe in making sure you’re as informed as you can be before choosing the right shipping company. We want you to choose us because we’re the right company for the job.
What do these statistics mean to you?
It’s simple. The large increase in revenue in the last year shows how many people are opting to ship their vehicle(s).
Whether it be for a temporary reason, like the change in season or on a more permanent basis like, moving to a new state, people are utilizing auto transport companies more and more. When you choose to drive your vehicle(s), you are putting more wear and tear on your vehicle than needed. Another item that is not being factored in is the additional cost of travel, (i.e. tolls, meals, hotel rooms, gas, and any unforeseen traffic issues).
There are many options when it comes to shipping your vehicle. You may even decide between open and enclosed transportation (see open vs. enclosed transport) as an example. However, before you get to that point in your shipment, you need to decide whether you will be shipping via door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal transport. While both options safely deliver your vehicle, each have their own pros and cons.
If you decide to ship terminal-to-terminal your vehicle will need to be dropped off to a terminal where all vehicles are staged and await transport. Only one transport hauler may be used, but typically more than one company uses the terminal at the same time. These terminals are typically located near an airport in many large cities all across the United States. Carriers often use these hubs for combining shipments that are going to the same area so they are not traveling around picking up and dropping off vehicles at different locations, saving large amounts of time.
Your vehicle will remain in the terminal until your the carrier you’ve booked with is ready to collect it. Once it’s loaded, the carrier transports it to the final terminal destination and you will will need to pick your vehicle up from the terminal, it will not be delivered to you.
The benefit of terminal-to-terminal shipping is the cost, however, if you do not pick up your vehicle for a long length of time, you will incur extra charges, or storage fees.
Another benefit of this type of shipping is the convenience factor. You’re not sitting and waiting for the carrier to arrive. You simply drop off your vehicle and pick it up when your schedule allows. You can rest assured that your vehicle is being stored in a safe and secured location while you’re waiting to pick it up. If you’re not able to pick it up as soon as it’s delivered, you’re also able to arrange for some on else to drop off and pick up the vehicle as well. From friend, family or even a tow-truck driver, whoever it may be, just make sure all parties involved know who will be dropping off and picking up to avoid any confusion.
Pros
You can ask a family member or friend to drop off and pick up your vehicle
Worry-free
The disadvantage of terminal-to-terminal transport
While there are many advantages to terminal-to-terminal transport, but there are also several disadvantages to this type of auto transport service, which means, it may not be ideal for everyone. For some, the disadvantages can outweigh the advantages.
One disadvantage is these terminals are often located beyond the city limits. What does this mean to you? Well, once your vehicle is dropped off, you’ve got to find a ride back. That could pose an issue for some people.
There can also be additional costs that need to be added in to the equation. If you have a friend or family member that can pick you up or take you to the terminal, it’s not a big issue, however, if you don’t then you need to get yourself there and back home and working that out can cause issues and get costly.
Let’s not forget storage fees, when booking with a terminal-to-terminal shipping company, some may take longer than a door-to-door company, which means your vehicle has to wait until a carrier is available to pick up and deliver your vehicle, which in-turn, causing you to have to pay storage fees while your vehicle is sitting in the terminal.
Cons
More often than not, terminals are located outside city limits, which means extra traveling
Additional costs such as: getting to and from terminal, storage fees, getting vehicle out of the terminal
Takes longer than door-to-door car transport
Is terminal-to-terminal transport cheaper than door-to-door transport?
To put it simply, no it isn’t. If you’re considering terminal-to-terminal auto transport services there are additional costs involved.
You will need to get your vehicle to the terminal. Then you have to get home again. When your vehicle arrives at its final destination, there’s the additional cost to pick it up. You may also have to pay extra in storage fees, if you leave your vehicle waiting at a terminal for any length of time.
How does door-to-door transport work?
Door-to-door transport picks up your vehicle and delivers it to a location of your choosing. It may be right at your home, hence the name door-to-door transport. However, it’s often not the case. What’s most important about this type of vehicle transport service is that the locations are of your choosing. You’re not forced to deliver and pick your vehicle up from a specific terminal.
The advantages of using door-to-door transport
Door-to-door vehicle transportation services take all the stress out of moving your vehicle. Simply schedule the door-to-door transport company to pick-up and drop off your vehicle as close as you’re allowed to the address you provide. The carrier will load and unload your vehicle as close as possible to the address, so you don’t have to drive to the nearest terminal. This option saves you time, effort and not to mention money from your pocket.
Door-to-door transport also causes the least amount of wear and tear on your vehicle.
Safety and security are of the upmost importance for transporting your car, especially if it’s a luxury, exotic, classic, antique, or custom vehicle. Door-to-door transportation services can be either open car transport or enclosed auto transport. While both options are very safe and secure, an enclosed auto transport service takes the level of protection one step further.
When choosing the enclosed auto transport, your vehicle will be completely enclosed in a trailer, away from the elements, traffic grime, and envious eyes.
Pros
Convenient
Affordable
Safe and secure
All-inclusive
Complete protection
The disadvantages of using door-to-door transport
As with terminal-to-terminal, there are a couple of disadvantages to using door-to-door car transport. For many, however, the advantage of convenience overrides them.
Door-to-door transportation services can cost a little bit more than terminal-to-terminal shipping. However, keep in mind, that there are no extra costs to consider, no driving to a terminal, or worrying about finding a way home after dropping the vehicle off.
The other downside is that not all areas in the US are accessible for large trucks and trailers. There may be restrictions in place on the street where you live. You could even face problems such as overhanging branches or power lines that restrict access. If this is a scenario you face, you can simply make alternative arrangements for a more suitable pick-up and delivery location nearby.
Cons
Some locations may have restrictions in place – preventing large trucks and trailers
Contact us today to get the best deals on Auto Transport. For more information or to get your free, no obligation quote, please click here.
You may or may not know, but, the prices for car shipping varies, depending on many factors, from the model and weight of the car to the distance and company you go with.
Typically, on shorter hauls you should expect about $500 – $700, and for longer hauls, they can reach as high as $1,500.
Vehicle shipping prices also depend on supply and demand. When there is a large backlog of vehicles that need to be shipped, that affects the pricing of your shipment. Other factors that affect shipping price include whether or not the car is operable or if you want an enclosed trailer for shipping, there are options available for that as well.
You must understand the final price you’ll pay is based on many factors. These factors include:
Trip distance
Car make and model
Vehicle condition
Transport type
Location
Time of year
When you sign up for our free, no-obligation quote, you’ll see that we ask for the make and model of the vehicle you’re looking to ship. The reason for this is due to size. The taller and longer the vehicle, the more room they take up on the transport vehicle. These larger vehicles cost more to move, so make sure the carrier knows up front the make and model and any modifications done to the vehicle.
If your vehicle is inoperable, it becomes a time-consuming process for the carrier. Loading the vehicle often requires a forklift or a wrecker. Make sure when you’re setting up the shipment the carrier knows the vehicle does not run, if the carrier gets there to pick up the vehicle and they cannot load it due to this reason, you will be charged a fee and they will not be able to pick up your vehicle as planned.
To start your free, no-obligation quote process, click here.
Here at MotorCarTrans we offer you a one-stop-shop for all of your vehicle shipping needs. Simply fill out your free, no obligation quote and receive multiple shipping quotes from our trusted shipping partners. Once you receive the quote you want to work with, call the carrier directly and negotiate to get the best deal available. We’re here to provide you with the necessary tools for success.
There are many custom options available that you can add to the basic quote, such as car covers, faster routes, custom handling and enclosed trailers. Make sure you discuss these options with your carrier to ensure that your quote includes the options that your shipment requires.
Contact us today to get the best deals on Auto Transport. For more information or to get your free, no obligation quote, please click here.
Since truck driving is typically a one-man job, they are, by nature, isolated. However, there are some face-to-face scenarios that take place during pick-up and drop-off. During these interactions, car carriers, like the rest of us, should practice social distancing guidelines, wear a face mask, wash their hands, and also sanitize surfaces they come in contact with.
If, for any reason, a driver feels ill or if they are presenting any symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), they should immediately seek the care of a medical professional. While drivers are typically isolated, they are surprisingly at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 simply due to traveling all over the country, and coming in contact with numerous surfaces, that may or may not be sanitized prior to them handling. Due to this, we recommend sanitizing all of your items (i.e. keys, car handles, steering wheel, etc.,) before your car is scheduled to be picked up. This not only protects you, but also the driver.
When shipping your vehicle, you have many options. These options include open and enclosed carriers, door to door shipments, terminal to terminal shipments, and even expedited options.
Regular Shipping versus Expedited Shipping
When shipping a car, the shipment window begins when the car is first picked up to when the car is marked delivered. So, how long does it take to ship a car across the country? There are variables involved which can cause the transport time to vary. Typically, the vehicle will be picked up and transported within 2-7 days and the delivery time will be estimated based upon normal driving time and the distance that will be traveled.
Distance in Miles
Calendar Days
0 – 200
1 – 2
200 – 600
2 – 4
600 – 1000
3 – 5
1000 – 1500
4 – 6
1500 – 2000
5 – 7
2000 – 2400
6 – 8
2400 and up
7 – 9
Please note: there are some variables that can affect the transport time:
Distance
Season
Road Conditions
Traffic
Other Vehicle stops
Difficult Pick-up and drop-off locations
When selecting “Expedited Shipping” this means we find a carrier that is willing to transport your vehicle immediately. This also means you may need to increase your budget. Expedited Shippers hire extra drivers to help cut the shift in half. Drivers are required to take a 30 minute break every 8 hours, so, if your trip is across the US, you’re looking at a trip that’s going to need to be broken up into shifts. That trip, if expedited could be broken down into 3, maybe even 4 drivers, so the truck can be driven non-stop. While this is doable, you’re going to be paying for the extra drivers and can get very costly. If you can avoid expedited shipping, it’s more cost-effective to do so.
If you’re planning to head south to escape the frigid temperatures this winter, MotorCarTrans is here to assist you with your car transport needs. We’re here to make the car shipping process go as smoothly as possible so all you’re left to do, is to enjoy your new temporary home.
When shipping your vehicle with MotorCarTrans, we partner with a large network of experienced, licensed and insured carriers that transport vehicles all over the country. These carriers provide a wide variety of services, which include, additional insurance coverage, attractive rates and discounts, open and enclosed shipping, door to door service, terminal to terminal service, and some even offer expedited service. (Some options may vary upon carrier)
When choosing to ship your vehicle, MotorCarTrans makes it easy.
Whether you need your vehicle shipped across the state or the country, we help you gather multiple quotes, which you can use to get the best deal, negotiate to lower a price, and have your vehicle transported safely and securely.
If you’re not familiar with how vehicle transportation works, or if you have questions or concerns, we are a company you can rely on to get the answers you need. MotorCarTrans only partners with licensed and insured shippers so you can rest easy knowing we will take excellent care of your vehicle.
By hiring MotorCarTrans, we can find the best fit for you at the right price. Our transportation services offer you the worry-free service that you deserve.
You wouldn’t trust your vehicle with just any common Joe off the street, which is why shipping a vehicle for some, sounds scary. In this article, we’re laying out the top 6 benefits of shipping your vehicle
Benefit 1: No stressing about planning a road trip.
Technology has made quite a leap, with Google and Apple Maps, and sure they can get you to where you need to go – but what most forget to plan into their trip is traffic, weather and construction season.
When you ship your vehicle with MotorCarTrans, we have carriers that already know the routes, they know the areas and have multiple back up routes planned in case situations arise along the trip.
Benefit 2: Time saved – not lost.
It doesn’t matter if you’re driving across the state or the country, you’re using your time. When you’re moving, you have enough to worry about – why not leave your car transportation needs to professionals? This saves you time on packing/unpacking, setting up the new location with utilities, decorating your new location, and all of the other items that need to be handled.
Benefit3: Save on additional items, not just time.
Sure, you’ll save time, but think of all of the additional things you’ll save. You’ll save the extra miles being put on your car, gas, money for meals, hotels, snacks, and even tolls if you should run across them.
There are also expenses that some may incur – like speeding tickets or even worse yet….an accident…
Benefit 4: Your car is in better hands.
Most drivers tend to give their car a little TLC before heading out on the open road, (i.e. oil changes, topping off the fluids, checking the tire pressure…etc), but human error does exist.
From large accidents to fender benders – your car is damaged and will take extra money to get back on the road, from tickets (if it’s your fault) to paying to get the damage repaired, which could have been avoided had the vehicle just been shipped.
Auto Transportation Carriers are trained professionals that safely move your vehicle on either open haulers or enclosed haulers (see open transport vs. enclosed transport). These drivers are licensed and insured and will always ensure your vehicle gets the upmost care while being transported.
Benefit5: It’s Safer for you and your car.
You’re only human, and exhaustion is a real thing. Add in the potential of inclement weather, discomfort from sitting for an extended period of time, or, as mentioned above, a fender bender… and it can be a recipe for disaster.
A professional transport company has licensed, insured and experienced drivers who are acclimated to driving long distances. These drivers maintain safe schedules to avoid exhaustion so you can have faith that when your vehicle arrives, it will arrive exactly the way you shipped it.
Benefit6: Transport Vehicle Virtually Anywhere.
You live in California – but you recently accepted a job in Miami, that’s a long drive. Would you want to make that trip?
I wouldn’t think so!
Due to their flexibility, auto transporters can pick up and drop off your vehicle almost anywhere in the country. By hiring experts in long-distance hauling, you can rest assured that your vehicle will be delivered exactly where it needs to be.
At MotorCarTrans, we offer a cost-effective way to ship your car, truck or SUV. To request your free, no obligation quote, simply click here.
The holiday season is approaching quickly and for most of us, that means we have to travel to see our loved ones. This means, an increase in holiday-related traffic on the roadways. The vast majority of trips this fall — 80% — will be road trips, according to AAA. Families are looking to spend the holidays with their family since most haven’t been able to this year.
To keep you and your vehicle safe this travel season, we have put together a list of travel safety tips.
Safety tip #1: Be sure to check road conditions ahead of time
You can’t predict the weather or the road conditions, especially if you are traveling across the country, but checking the road conditions before you head out can save you costly issues on the road. You can find traffic and weather-related information on https://wego.here.com/traffic or weather.com and of course, your local weather stations for weather within your area. There are also many useful apps that will keep you up to date with the road conditions during the time you travel.
Safety tip #2: Pack emergency supplies
Extra food, water and warm clothes can go a long way should you get stuck and not be able to make it out. You can find great emergency supply bags on amazon for a great price that include emergency blankets and collapsable water bottles and fit in a small pack so they do not take a lot of room. As the saying goes, be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
Safety tip #3: Prep your car for travel
Prepping your car for travel is always a good idea. Making sure your tires are properly filled, the oil is changed, and the windshield solvent is filled. Also, make sure if it is snowing where you are, make sure you have an ice scrapper and even an extra pair of gloves inside to keep you warm while cleaning your windows.
Safety tip #4: Keep your cell phone charged
Ensuring your cell phone is charged means if anything was to occur you don’t have to be stranded, you can call for help should you need it. Be sure to leave your phone on ‘do not disturb’ while you’re driving to remove any unnecessary distractions.
Safety tip #5: Buckle up!
We’ve all heard it – ‘Click it or ticket’ slogan. This slogan was created to help save lives. Make sure everyone within your vehicle is buckled up and safe before you pull out of your parking space. This ensures you’re doing your part to keep everyone in your car is safe.
Safety tip #6: Do not drink and drive
Just don’t do it. Alcohol effects everyone. During the holiday season there are many families traveling on these roads. You’re not only putting yourself in danger, but the families as well. Even if you’ve had one drink – it’s not worth it. There’s plenty of ride share services that can get you where you need to go – uber.com and lyft.com or even local taxi services. Keep everyone safe this season.
Safety tip #7: Don’t speed
If you’re worried you’re going to be late – leave a little earlier. We already know there’s going to be an increase of roadway travelers this season – plan ahead. Grandma’s dinner is at 7 pm, it takes 1 hour to get there – but you want to be there by 5 – maybe leave at 3 this year. Not everyone moves at the same speed you do.
