Understanding automobile delivery service is essential for anyone who needs to ship a car, whether they are selling one online or moving house. Car transport companies provide a convenient and affordable way to get your vehicle from point A to point B.

However, rates can vary depending on the time of year, car condition and the method of transportation used.

What is Auto Transport?

Auto transport is a service people use to move their vehicles from one point to another. An automobile delivery Toronto ON or a car transport broker can do it.

Individuals looking to ship their vehicles must contact companies for a custom price quote. Some companies allow customers to get instant quotes online, while others prefer to iron out the details over the phone.

Ensuring your chosen company has an MC and USDOT number is also important. This identifies them as licensed carriers and allows authorities to track their cargo across state lines. After an individual has found a company that meets their needs, they can select the type of shipping they want.

Enclosed Transport

Enclosed transport, also known as enclosed trailer shipping, offers the ultimate protection for your vehicle during delivery. While open carrier transport exposes your car to elements and road debris, enclosed carriers ensure your vehicle arrives in the same condition it left in.

This method is typically preferred for luxury, exotic or classic vehicles. While it is more expensive than open carrier transport, it gives you peace of mind that your one-of-a-kind ride will be safe during transportation.

Enclosed auto transport will secure your vehicle inside a trailer with walls and looks like a larger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler. Most enclosed trailers hold only one vehicle, but some can be multi-level and carry two to five cars for larger shipments.

Open Transport

Open transport is a method of vehicle shipping where your car is shipped on a trailer that does not have sides or a roof. The trailers are usually long and two-tiered and can fit up to 10 vehicles in one shipment. This means your vehicle is exposed to all the elements during transportation, including rain, sun and snow, road debris, dust and insects.

This is the most popular type of auto transport because it costs less than enclosed transport. However, if you have an exotic, luxury or classic car worth more than your regular daily driver, you should opt for enclosed transport. Your choice should depend on your budget and the value of the vehicle you’re shipping. You should also take into consideration how quickly you want the car shipped.

Terminal-to-Terminal Transport

Terminal-to-terminal transport is a tried-and-true car shipping method in the auto shipping industry. When you choose this option, you take your vehicle to a local car terminal and leave it there until your carrier arrives for pickup.

The advantage of this type of service is that it is cheaper than door-to-door transportation. Carriers often make multiple trips to and from the same terminal.

However, there are some disadvantages to this type of auto shipping, most notably that you have to travel to the terminal for drop-off and pickup. This is inconvenient for some drivers, especially those already traveling a lot. Additionally, most auto terminals are located far from city centers. This may make it difficult to get to, especially if you live in a large metro area.

Door-to-Door Transport

When shipping cars, door-to-door transport can save you time and stress. With this service, a car carrier will pick up and drop off your vehicle at a location close to your home, like a neighbor’s driveway or a parking lot near a main street. This is ideal for classic or luxury cars that may be a target for thieves at a terminal.

When you ship with door-to-door transport, it’s important to understand that the carrier will bring a contract to you for signing at pickup and delivery. This document details the responsibilities of both parties and should be carefully read before you sign. It’s also helpful to have photos on hand to show the condition of your car to the carrier.