Whether you’re relocating across the country, buying a car from a distant seller, or moving your vehicle to a seasonal home, single vehicle shipping is a popular choice for many car owners. Unlike multi-vehicle transport, where several cars are shipped together, single vehicle shipping focuses solely on transporting one car. This method provides flexibility, security, and convenience, making it the perfect solution for those who need to ship their vehicle without worrying about it being mixed with others.
In this blog, we’ll explore what single vehicle shipping is, how it works, the benefits, and when it’s the best option for transporting your car.
What is Single Vehicle Shipping?
Single vehicle shipping is a transport service that involves the shipment of just one car at a time. This method offers personalized care and attention to your vehicle, ensuring it is safely transported to its destination without the risk of being damaged or delayed by other cars. Single vehicle shipping can be arranged using either an open carrier or an enclosed carrier, depending on the protection your vehicle needs.
With single vehicle shipping, the car is picked up, securely loaded onto the transport vehicle, and delivered directly to the specified location. This method is commonly used for luxury cars, vintage automobiles, personal vehicles, or any situation where you need to transport just one vehicle.
How Does Single Vehicle Shipping Work?
The process of shipping a single vehicle is straightforward, but understanding each step will help ensure your car arrives safely and on time:
- Request a Quote: First, you’ll need to contact a reputable auto transport company to request a quote for shipping your vehicle. You’ll need to provide details such as the make, model, year, and condition of the car, as well as the pickup and delivery locations. The quote will include the cost of transport, estimated delivery time, and any special requirements for your vehicle.
- Booking the Shipment: Once you’ve received a quote and are satisfied with the terms, you can book the shipment. Depending on the company, you may be able to choose between an open carrier or an enclosed carrier, which will affect the cost and level of protection provided during transport.
- Vehicle Pickup: On the scheduled date, the transport company will send a driver to pick up your vehicle. The car will be carefully loaded onto the carrier, either using ramps or hydraulic lifts, depending on the transport method chosen. The vehicle will be secured with wheel straps to ensure it doesn’t shift or move during transport.
- Transport: Once loaded, the vehicle will be transported to its destination. The transport company will provide an estimated delivery time and keep you updated on any delays or changes in the route. Depending on the distance and route, the vehicle may be shipped directly to its destination or may involve a few stops along the way.
- Vehicle Delivery: Upon arrival at the destination, the driver will carefully unload your vehicle and inspect it to ensure it’s in the same condition as when it was picked up. You’ll have the opportunity to inspect the car yourself before finalizing the delivery.
Types of Single Vehicle Shipping
Single vehicle shipping offers two main types of carriers, each with its own benefits:
1. Open Carrier Shipping
Open carrier shipping is the most common and cost-effective way to transport a single vehicle. The vehicle is placed on a flatbed or an open trailer with other cars, exposed to the elements. While it’s a safe and reliable method for standard cars, open carrier shipping does leave the vehicle vulnerable to weather conditions like rain, snow, and road debris. However, it’s perfectly fine for vehicles that aren’t highly sensitive to such factors.
Benefits of Open Carrier Shipping:
- More affordable than enclosed transport
- Ideal for standard, everyday vehicles
- Widely available and efficient for short- and long-distance shipping
2. Enclosed Carrier Shipping
Enclosed carrier shipping involves transporting the car inside a fully enclosed trailer, providing complete protection from weather, road debris, and potential damage. This option is typically chosen for luxury, classic, or high-value cars that require the highest level of protection. While it is more expensive than open carrier shipping, it ensures the safety of the vehicle and offers peace of mind.
Benefits of Enclosed Carrier Shipping:
- Full protection from the elements and road hazards
- Ideal for luxury, exotic, vintage, or collectible vehicles
- Extra layer of security against theft or vandalism
Benefits of Single Vehicle Shipping
1. Personalized Service With single vehicle shipping, your vehicle is the sole focus of the transport company. This allows for personalized attention and ensures your car is treated with care throughout the shipping process. Whether it’s the loading, transport, or unloading stages, the focus remains on your vehicle, reducing the risk of damage.
2. Direct Delivery In most cases, single vehicle shipping offers direct delivery to your specified location. While some multi-vehicle shipments may involve multiple stops, single vehicle transport is typically a more streamlined process, getting your car to its destination faster. You can also schedule the delivery for a specific date and time, making it more convenient for your needs.
3. Flexible Shipping Options Single vehicle shipping allows you to choose the transport method that best suits your needs. Whether you opt for an open carrier for an affordable, no-frills service or an enclosed carrier for extra protection, you can choose what works best for your car and budget.
4. Safety and Security With fewer vehicles being transported, there is a lower chance of damage during transit. Since your car is the only one being shipped, there’s no risk of it being scratched or dinged by other cars during the loading or unloading process. Enclosed carriers also provide an extra layer of security, reducing the chances of theft or vandalism.
5. Ideal for Luxury or Classic Cars For high-end, classic, or luxury vehicles, single vehicle shipping is often the best choice. These cars require special care and protection, and an enclosed carrier provides the peace of mind that your car is shielded from any potential hazards during the shipping process. This is especially important if you’re shipping a rare or expensive car that you don’t want exposed to the elements.
When Should You Choose Single Vehicle Shipping?
Single vehicle shipping is the ideal solution in several scenarios:
- When You Own a High-Value or Classic Car: Luxury, exotic, and classic cars should be shipped using an enclosed carrier to ensure they are protected from weather and road hazards.
- If You’re Moving Across the Country: Whether you’re relocating or moving a seasonal vehicle, single vehicle shipping provides a reliable solution for getting your car to your new location without the hassle of driving it there yourself.
- When You Need Direct Transport: If you’re looking for a hassle-free and timely delivery, single vehicle shipping often offers direct, door-to-door delivery to your specified destination, saving you time and effort.
- For New or Used Car Purchases: If you’ve purchased a car from a distant seller or dealership, shipping it via a single vehicle transport service is a safe and efficient way to get it to you without putting miles on it or risking damage during a road trip.
Disadvantages of Single Vehicle Shipping
While single vehicle shipping offers many benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. Higher Cost (Especially for Enclosed Carriers)
Enclosed carrier shipping, in particular, can be significantly more expensive than open carrier shipping. If you’re on a budget, the cost of enclosed transport might be a major consideration, especially for standard vehicles that don’t require extra protection.
2. Limited Availability in Certain Areas
While single vehicle shipping is a widely available service, certain regions, particularly remote areas, may not have easy access to transport companies that offer the service. This may lead to longer wait times for pickup or higher costs due to longer routes.
3. Weather and Road Conditions for Open Carrier Shipping
If you choose open carrier shipping, your vehicle will be exposed to weather conditions, road debris, and potential accidents that could cause damage. For most vehicles, this isn’t a significant issue, but if you’re shipping a car with delicate paint or finishes, it could be a factor to consider.
Conclusion
Single vehicle shipping offers a safe, efficient, and flexible way to transport your car, whether it’s a luxury vehicle, a vintage classic, or your everyday car. It provides personalized service, direct delivery, and multiple transport options to suit your needs and budget. Whether you opt for an open carrier or an enclosed carrier, the goal is to get your vehicle to its destination securely and on time.
If you need to ship just one car, single vehicle shipping is a convenient and effective option. Whether you’re relocating, buying a new car, or moving your prized vehicle, this service ensures your car is in good hands during its journey. Choose single vehicle shipping for peace of mind and a hassle-free experience.