The Various Types of Auto Transport


 

For first time users of auto transport services, it may be confusing to choose between the various types of delivery methods. Here is a guide to help you understand the different types of auto transport methods, and different vehicle transport companies. 

Rail transport

Rail transport services are used by the company to transport customers' vehicles by train. The trains are often stored as freight inside the train containers, and are loaded onto the train to be transported to the drop off point. Rail transport is usually cheaper than truck transport and other services, because the fuel cost is much less than other methods. 

The person using the train transport service can also fill up the enclosed container with more of their belongings in the same container as their cars. Because they are loading more of their storage onto the same train, they will end up saving much more than other methods in the long run. 

Rail transport is also safer for the car and less riskier for accidental damages, since they are in an enclosed area and are on one route to the drop off point. However, rail transport will take much longer than a truck transport, and can only be dropped off at a railway drop off point. It is less convenient for the customers because they have to get to the train station point to pick up their car. Not many delivery companies offer rail transport, so it is not widely used by customers.

Truck transport

Truck transport is the most common type of transport people use. Truck transport comes in three different three different types of transport, such as enclosed, open-air, and flatbed. Truck transport is much faster than rail transport, and is cost-efficient as well. The cost will vary depending on the type of transport service used, and it is much cheaper than airplane transport. 

There are different flexible ways to use truck transport, because you can choose door-to-door delivery, where the company will deliver your car straight to your door, and another option where they drop off the car at the drop off point. 

Door-to-door delivery

Door to door delivery will deliver your vehicles straight to your door, and is the most convenient method for the customer to receive their car. It is a bit pricier since it is a safer method, and the carrier has to drive a smaller vehicle to transport the vehicle to the exact drop off point. 

Enclosed delivery

Enclosed delivery guarantees a much more secure delivery service for your vehicle, because the car will be covered inside an enclosed area. The person shipping the vehicle can also store some of their other belongings if they are moving. This makes it more comfortable for the customer and will allow them to save a bit on moving costs. 

Enclosed delivery will deliver vehicles in a much safer way than open-air, because it minimizes risk of damages and scratches on the cars. The car will be protected from big temperature changes, such as snow, rain, and the blazing sun. 

Flatbed delivery

Flatbed delivery is very uncommon, but it is similar to a tow truck when they haul an individual car on a flat surface of their truck. This will take longer to deliver the perosn's vehicle to the drop off point, but it is a cost effective delivery service.

Airplane transport

Airplane transport is not widely used, because of the high cost of delivery services. Air transport is beneficial because it will get the vehicle to the drop off location the quickest. Air transport is also the safest way to deliver the customers' cars, and is best for international delivery services. Air transport services offer one to three day shipping, and even overnight services when delivering internationally. The amount of time saved is very valuable for customers and military personnel who need the cars right away. 

Ship and boat transport

Ship transport

Ship transport is not as fast as airplane transport, but it is one of the easiest and safest methods of transport. Ship transport takes a bit longer, since about 2,000 miles will take up to eight days. Ship transport has to be scheduled much more in advance, and is not recommended if your move requires services as soon as possible. 

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