Shipping a vehicle is usually quite a hassle, especially if you have to deliver it within a very short amount of time. If you are moving, selling your car, or taking it to a special event, there may be moments when you have to ship it as soon as possible. Thus, you might be wondering, “Can I ship a car on the same day?”
Well, the main point is that same-day car shipment is indeed doable but various factors play a role in this being a reality or not. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the procedure, give you an idea of what is required, and assist you in knowing how to make the right choice.
What Does Same-Day Car Shipping Mean?
Same-day car shipping is basically a service where the provider comes to pick up your vehicle and transports it on the same day. Usually, such a service is available only from top transport providers and is charged at a higher rate, given the time sensitivity.
They do not offer a fast car service to every place and every kind of vehicle, but several companies give the possibility of achieving a deadline close to the scheduled time, thanks to their expedited shipments. Learn the ins and outs of this service to make an informed decision if this is the right choice for you.
What Factors Affect Same-Day Car Shipping?
There are several factors that influence the decision whether it is possible to ship your car on the same day or not. Those factors include:
1. Location of Pickup and Delivery
The less distance there is between the places of pickup and delivery the more feasible the idea of same-day car shipping will be. In case the pickup and drop-off points are close or within a certain radius, same-day delivery will be more attainable.
Lets say, if you need to transport a car within a city or the nearby metropolitan area, a car shipping company might be able doing the tour on the same day. In contrast, due to the long distances involved, same-day service is hardly achievable for cross-country shipments.
2. Availability of a Carrier
Auto transport companies perform the shipping of cars via the carriers they have. The range of a carrier who can accept a last-minute request might be different according to time of day, the season, and the companys schedule. In the event that there is a carrier, then you can go forward and coordinate a same-day service but you should first ask the company if they have the capacity for that to be able to confirm it.
3. Vehicle Type
Some cars could be difficult to ship on the same day if they are big, heavy, or need special treatment. Thus, for instance, a luxury car, an antique car, or an over-the-top vehicle may require that a professional carrier is assigned to it, which may take longer to be organized.
On the other hand, normal cars that include sedans or small SUVs are the most times the easiest to be moved and hence they can be picked up on the same day if the shipping company agrees.
4. Shipping Method
Shipping method you selected also determine whether it is possible to ship a car on the same day.
Open Carrier Shipping: Generally, this is the most popular and the most economical way, but a same-day shipment is not always feasible due to the planning and other related issues.
Enclosed Carrier Shipping: Basically, this method of shipping keeps your car safe from any damage, but it may take a longer time to be arranged, thus, it is less likely that the car can be shipped on the same day.
Expedited Shipping: A lot of companies provide an urgent option for shipments, namely an expedited shipping, which gives a priority to the transport of your vehicle, but it is more expensive.
5. Time of Day and the Shipping Companys Schedule
It is often the case that shipping companies operate on set schedules and hence they can only collect a vehicles at certain times. In case you are seeking a same-day service in the late afternoon, you will probably face the problem that there are fewer carriers available to deliver within the next 24 hours.
Moreover, some firms that provide same-day deliveries can only perform a certain number of shipments daily, so it would be wise to reserve your place as soon as possible if you want to be one of the lucky ones.
How to Arrange for Same-Day Car Shipping
In case you want to get your car transported in the shortest time possible, the following is a stepwise procedure to accomplish the same:
1. Call the Shipping Company First Thing in the Morning
When you realize that your car needs to be shipped on an emergency basis, the first thing you should do is connect with the shipping company. Give them all the necessary details such as the make and model of your car, the locations of pickup and delivery, and your desired shipping schedule. It is more likely to get a same-day dispatch if you make your call to them early.
2. Talk about Availability
Enquire if a carrier is available to transport your goods on the same day. Outline your requirements clearly and ask when they think your shipment will arrive. It is possible that some businesses will be able to take your order, while others could provide you with a faster service to pick up your shipment soonest.
3. Get the Shipping Details and the Price
Be aware that the use of an expedited and a same-day type of service will be charged at a higher rate. Negotiate the shipping cost first as it may be influenced by the distance, the kind of vehicle, and the service level you picked.
4. Get Your Vehicle Ready for Shipping
It is necessary that your automobile is prepared prior to the arrival of the carrier for the shipment. Take out any personal possessions, do not fill the gas tank over a quarter (as a half or a quarter tank is usually recommended), and if you want the driver to conduct a good inspection, then your car must be clean.
5. Follow Your Shipment (if Provided with a Tracking Service)
Some shipping companies offer tracking facilities so that you can follow the vehicles journey to its destination in real-time. If the shipment of your car is scheduled for today, it would be advisable to keep a communication line open with the company to be sure that everything is going smoothly.
What Are the Costs of Same-Day Car Shipping?
Even though same-day car delivery is extremely handy and fast, the price of the service is significantly higher than the normal one. In order to get a carrier on short notice, you would have to pay extra for expedited services due to the need for quicker scheduling, special handling, and immediate access to a carrier.
The exact amount will be influenced by such factors as:
- Distance: The longer the destination, the higher the price.
- Vehicle Type: Bigger and heavier vehicles will probably be more expensive to ship.
- Shipping Method: Open or enclosed carrier?
- Time of Year: The prices tend to be higher during the popular seasons.
Can You Ship a Car on the Same Day?
Sure, one can send a car on the same day but this is a conditional fact that depends on several factors such as your local area, carriersavailability, the kind of vehicle, and the shipping companys schedule. When you have to execute an emergency car shipment, the best thing to do is to reach the company first thing, let them know your situation, and get ready to pay more for an expedited service.
At Car Transport 24, we know that there are situations when time really matters and we provide a range of shipping solutions to fit your requirements. If you really have to ship your car on the same day, or you just want to look at your options, we can make the whole process work for you.
