How Car Shipping Works: A Complete Guide by TCI Logistics

10.22.2024

how car shipping works

If you're moving, buying a vehicle from out of state, or simply need to transport your car over a long distance, you might be considering hiring a car shipping service. It’s a convenient way to avoid the stress of long drives or managing multiple vehicles during a move. With TCI Logistics, the process is straightforward, professional, and tailored to your needs.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how car shipping works and how to choose the best option for your situation.

What Is Car Shipping?

Car shipping is the process of transporting a vehicle from one location to another, typically via a specialized transport truck. Whether you’re moving a few hundred miles or across the country, it’s a service designed to make things easier for individuals, dealerships, and companies alike. You can choose from various shipping methods depending on your needs, such as open or enclosed transport, and even inoperable vehicle transport for cars that aren’t running.

How the Car Shipping Process Works

When it comes to shipping a vehicle, understanding the key steps can make the process feel much more manageable. Here’s how it works from start to finish:

1. Get a Quote

The first step is to request a quote from your chosen shipping company. At TCI Logistics, you can do this quickly online by providing basic details about your car, where it’s going, and the type of service you need. The quote will be based on the car’s size, condition (whether it’s operable or not), and the distance it needs to travel.

2. Choose Your Shipping Method

The next step is deciding how you want your car to be transported. The most common methods include:

  • Open Transport: This is the most affordable option and is used for most standard cars. Your vehicle is placed on an open trailer with other vehicles.
  • Enclosed Transport: For high-value, luxury, or classic cars, enclosed transport offers added protection from the elements and road debris. Your car is shipped inside a covered trailer.
  • Inoperable Car Transport: If your vehicle isn’t drivable, it can still be shipped using special equipment like winches or flatbeds to load and unload the car safely.

3. Schedule Pickup

Once you’ve chosen your preferred transport method, the next step is scheduling a pickup. It’s smart to book well in advance, especially if you’re shipping during peak seasons. TCI Logistics recommends booking at least two weeks ahead to ensure availability.

4. Vehicle Inspection Before Transport

Before the car is loaded onto the truck, a detailed inspection will be carried out to document its condition. Both you and the carrier’s driver will note any existing scratches, dents, or other damage, which protects both parties during transport. Be sure to take photos of your car from multiple angles for your own records.

5. Delivery Process

After your car has been picked up, it’s on its way to the destination. Depending on the service you choose, delivery can be either Door-to-Door, where your car is delivered directly to a specific address, or Terminal-to-Terminal, where you drop off and collect your vehicle at designated locations.

6. Final Inspection Upon Arrival

Once your car arrives at its destination, you’ll inspect it once again to ensure everything is in the same condition as before. If all is well, you’ll sign the delivery confirmation, and the process is complete.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

Door-to-Door Shipping

Door-to-Door service is by far the most convenient. The carrier picks up your vehicle from a specified location, like your home, and delivers it directly to the address you choose. It’s hassle-free, but it can be slightly more expensive than the alternative.

Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

With Terminal-to-Terminal shipping, you’re responsible for dropping off and picking up your car at specific locations. While this option can save you some money, it’s a bit less convenient since it requires extra time and effort on your part. It’s a good choice if cost is a higher priority than convenience.

Shipping Inoperable Cars

Not all vehicles are in perfect running condition when they need to be shipped, and that’s where inoperable car transport comes in. Whether your vehicle has a dead battery, engine trouble, or has been involved in an accident, TCI Logistics has the tools and experience to handle it. Winches, dollies, and other equipment ensure that your car is safely loaded and unloaded, even if it can’t be driven.

Shipping Motorcycles

Shipping a motorcycle requires a different approach than transporting a car, but the process is just as straightforward. Motorcycles are usually secured using specialized pallets and straps to keep them safe during transit. TCI Logistics offers both open and enclosed transport options for motorcycles, depending on your budget and how much protection you want for your bike. Motorcycle shipments also tend to be quicker due to their smaller size, making them a fast and efficient option.

Dealership Car Shipping

For dealerships, car shipping is a regular part of doing business, and having a reliable transport service is crucial. Whether you need to move cars between locations, deliver them to customers, or transport inventory from an auction, TCI Logistics offers dependable dealership shipping solutions. With the ability to handle multiple vehicles at once, we help ensure that your inventory is where it needs to be, when it needs to be there.

Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs

Several key factors will determine the final cost of your car shipping, including:

  • Distance: The farther your vehicle needs to go, the higher the cost. However, longer distances often have a lower per-mile rate.
  • Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles, such as SUVs or trucks, cost more to transport than smaller cars due to the additional space and weight.
  • Shipping Method: Open transport is more affordable, while enclosed transport and inoperable vehicle shipping tend to cost more.
  • Locations: Shipping between major cities is generally cheaper than to or from rural or less accessible areas.
  • Time of Year: Shipping costs can fluctuate depending on the season, with higher demand in summer and during holiday periods.

Tips for a Smooth Car Shipping Experience

  • Plan Ahead: Booking your transport early can help you get a better price and ensure that you secure your preferred dates.
  • Prep Your Car: Make sure to remove any personal items and give your car a quick wash so the inspection is easier and clearer.
  • Stay Informed: Communication is key. Keep in touch with your shipping provider and ask questions if anything is unclear.
  • Document Everything: Take detailed photos of your car’s condition before shipping so you have a record in case any issues arise.

Why Choose TCI Logistics?

At TCI Logistics, we’re committed to providing top-notch car shipping services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re shipping a single vehicle, a motorcycle, or multiple cars for a dealership, our team has the experience and equipment to get the job done right. We focus on ensuring that your vehicle is transported safely and arrives on time.

Ready to Ship Your Vehicle? Contact TCI Logistics today for a free quote and let us help you navigate the car shipping process with ease.

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Call (312) 224-8620 to find out more information about your auto transport.