Shipping Multiple Cars Across Country at the Same Time: A Guide
If you ever need to ship multiple cars, it shouldn’t be a problem. In this guide, you’re going to get a crash course on the ins, outs, and all the benefits of a cross country auto transport service. The process is a simple one, and you’ll be able to take advantage of some of the best pricing options for individual customers and organizations.
What is multiple-vehicle transport?
Multiple-vehicle transport is a service that allows you to ship more than one vehicle at a time, usually for the same owner. The service is delivered by trucks and trailers that can transport up to 10 cars at the same time. The vehicles can be either covered or uncovered, depending on the trailer.
When multiple car owners, dealerships, and car collectors want to ship several cars simultaneously, multiple-vehicle transport comes with several benefits.
What are the advantages of a cross country auto transport service?
You can expect to enjoy several benefits when shipping multiple cars across country. The first one is, of course, the cost. Shipping your vehicles all at once via the same provider will be more affordable than shipping them one by one via one or more providers.
Convenience is another advantage. The scheduling process is simplified with multiple-vehicle transport. Knowing that all your cars will show up in the same place at the same time is also going to be very reassuring.
Types of vehicles you might want to ship in multiple
There are a range of different cars you might want to ship at the same time. Here’s a list of some of the most common examples:
- Muscle cars and sports cars
- Luxury, high-value, and exotic vehicles
- Vintage and classic automobiles
- Vehicles for military personnel
- Pickups, SUVs, and trucks
- All-Terrain vehicles
- Motorcycles, sports bikes, and Harley Davidson’s
- High-performance cars and race cars
Vehicles of this kind are regularly transported in groups. Even larger vehicles such as RVs and construction equipment can be shipped in multiples. However, the provision of such a service depends on the size and what sort of equipment a shipping company has available.
Who ships multiple cars at the same time?
Auto transport companies will be more than happy to move several cars at the same time. It’s an ideal situation. It saves money and time, and these savings can be passed on to the customer in the form of better prices.
If you’re wondering who might want to ship multiple cars, here are a few examples:
Rental agencies and dealerships
It’s not unusual for a car dealership or rental agency to ship more than one vehicle simultaneously. Using such a service means they can keep their car inventory stocked and save money on the overall cost of multiple-car shipping.
Individual families and owners
Families and individual owners often need to ship more than one vehicle at a time. More than 90% of households have at least one light vehicle at their disposal, while 33.1% have two, 14.9% have three, 6.1% have four, and 3.4% have five or more vehicles at their disposal. These figures were gathered in 2017, so in 2021, the percentages may be even higher.
Companies and businesses
Businesses and companies often have a fleet of vehicles that they use for business purposes. If they ever need to relocate, multiple-vehicle shipping is the perfect answer. The reason for needing multiple-car shipping could be a location change or shipping multiple cars to another office or branch.
Military
When you’re a member of the military, relocation is just another part of everyday life. Military personnel must move not just for active duty. They may receive PCS orders, often at short notice.
Discounts are available for shipping multiple cars; plus other discounts may be available. SGT Auto Transport, for example, offers discounts for military, police, EMS, and first responders, as well as college students and snowbirds.
Car collectors
Collectors of custom, classic, vintage, and other high-end cars might need to transport several of their collections to a local exhibition or show. Car events take place throughout the year across the United States. So, there are plenty of occasions that might call for a cross country auto transport service.
Is shipping multiple cars across country safe?
Yes, multiple-vehicle transport is 100% secure and safe. Ship your car with us, and there will be proper spacing between each car. In addition, we can provide the best shipping process for multiple-car transport when you want to ship more than one car from one location to another.
We only work with the most reputable carriers, and their experienced and well-trained drivers take great care transporting your vehicles from A to B. So, you’re sure to receive the ultimate in auto transport services, whether you’re an auto dealership, business, or individual.
Get in touch now and get an instant quote for shipping your cars across country!
What is the cost to ship multiple cars?
Just like any other product or service, it’s far more cost-effective on a per-car basis when you ship more than one at the same time. Of course, that’s not to say it’ll be cheap. However, if you plan accordingly and ship multiple cars at the same time, you will be able to make considerable savings. Let’s explain why this is the case.
It’s usual for auto shippers to start their delivery routes as soon as the carrier is at or near full capacity. This makes perfect sense because the company’s profit margins rely on delivering full truckloads, even if deliveries must be made to various locations across the United States. When the carrier’s trailer is full, it is much easier to plan shipment routes based on where each car needs to go. This is one aspect of the auto transport process that is most important and makes up the most significant percentage of the planning stage.
As soon as a carrier has a full shipment of vehicles to deliver, they will work out the most efficient delivery path for each one. This information is then consolidated into an overall logistics plan for that particular load. The auto transport process works much the same way as other shipping processes, whether household goods, TVs, or produce.
When you decide to ship more than one car at the same time, you’re doing the carrier a favor by helping the driver fill the truck. This tends to be why there is generally a discount on the cost to ship multiple cars.
How to save money when you want to ship multiple cars
If you’re going to ship more than one vehicle, you’re already in an excellent position. Because you want to ship multiple cars, you can expect to save money on transport costs. But that’s not the only way you could shave a few bucks off the cost to ship multiple cars. There are a couple of other ways you can cut the cost.
Booking
If you’ve got the time to book both ends of your shipment ahead of time, you’ll find it another fantastic way to save money. The shipper will appreciate the longer lead time. It’ll also be more convenient for you since you won’t have to stress about starting from scratch if you’re a snowbird, for example, and shipping back to the exact location.
Discounts
Auto transport companies offer several discounts, some of which you might not know you qualify for. The most common discounts are for members of the military. However, SGT Auto Transport also offers discounts for Police, EMS, first responders, snowbirds, and college students.
Top multiple car shipping tips
If you’re still a little unsure about what to do, let’s finish up with our top tips for anyone shipping multiple cars across country.
How far in advance should you book your shipping?
The recommended timeline is to schedule your auto transport anywhere between two days and two weeks in advance. Of course, it is possible to ship a vehicle within a shorter time frame, but allowing a longer lead time means the service can be scheduled better.
Should you choose open or enclosed car shipping?
Open car transport is by far the most popular auto transport option. It’s proven to be a very safe method with statistically very few problems. You might have noticed new cars being delivered to dealerships in open trailers. That’s because it’s safe.
However, if you have a really valuable, old, or unique car, the recommendation is that you should ship it in an enclosed trailer. The cost of this service is between 30% to 40% more.
Should you worry about paying a deposit?
You must pay a deposit, even just a small one, because then your auto transport service is guaranteed. In addition, when a company asks for a deposit, they recognize the good faith placed in them and will work hard to meet the commitment.
How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?
The standard timeline is anywhere from one to four days, depending on the pick-up and delivery locations.
How long does it take to deliver my vehicle?
Delivery is the last stage in the auto transport process. Once your vehicle is assigned and picked up, there’s not a lot that can go wrong. Once your vehicle is collected, the average time it takes for delivery is one day of transit time for every 500-mile distance.
- 100-500 miles takes 1 or 2 days
- 500-1000 miles takes 2 or 3 days
- 1000-1500 miles takes 3 or 4 days
- 1500-2000 miles takes 4 or 5 days
- 2000-2500 miles takes 5 or 6 days
- 2500-3000 miles takes 6 or 7 days
The actual time depends on the distance, weather conditions, population centers, traffic, detours, and road construction. Still, your vehicle should reach its destination in a few days or a little over a week. Carriers estimate it will take ten days for a coast-to-coast trip, but they frequently arrive earlier.
Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?
The honest answer to this question is no. You can’t ship items inside your vehicle. However, in reality, carriers tend to look the other way if you want to ship items that weigh no more than 100 pounds in the trunk and out of sight.
It’s also worth noting that any personal items you ship in your car are not covered by the carrier’s insurance. You, therefore, ship them at your own risk.
Is my vehicle insured, and what paperwork can I expect?
Yes, your vehicle is insured throughout the auto transport service.
Regarding the paperwork, you’ll be emailed an order confirmation explaining the whole process as soon as you make your booking online or with one of our shipping advisors.
Once your vehicle is assigned, it will be picked up within a day or two of the assignment. The information will also be automatically emailed to you, plus your carrier will call to confirm the details of the shipment.
When your vehicle is picked up, you and the driver will do a detailed examination of your vehicle and note its condition on the Bill of Lading and Vehicle Inspection Report. Then, you both sign the form, and you’ll be given a copy.
When the driver gets close to the destination, they will call you again to confirm the details for the delivery. When your car is delivered, you re-inspect it, comparing it to the Bill of Lading and Vehicle Inspection Report. If it’s in the same condition that it left in, you sign the Bill of Lading and can drive your cars away.
If any damage has occurred, you must report it immediately and note the damage on the Bill of Lading and Vehicle Inspection Report. You will still have to pay the carrier the balance you owe for the shipment because nobody can determine fault at that time. What’s more important is that you and the driver sign the inspection papers, after noting the damage.
How do I prepare my vehicle for shipment?
To get your vehicles ready for shipment, you must clean them out of all loose items wherever possible. Leave nothing of value in the vehicles. Keep extra things to a minimum and place them in a box or suitcase in the trunk of a car. You only need to have a maximum of a quarter tank of gasoline. Give the driver a set of keys and let them know whether there are any special instructions for the vehicles, such as difficulty starting, braking, or steering.
SGT Auto Transport has been arranging multiple vehicle transport for many years. If you’d like to speak to one of our knowledgeable shipping advisors, call (864) 546-5038. Alternatively, get an instant quote for shipping your car across country today!
