Each method of transporting your vehicle has its own set of advantages. Your shipping criteria, urgency, and available finances all contribute in choosing the most suitable method for you. Expedited and standard shipping, for instance, are two of the most frequently used vehicular transport options. Both options have their pros and cons, which makes it crucial to look into details in order to choose how each aligns with your specific needs. This article aims to highlight the differences between these two methods for easier decision-making.
What is Expedited Car Shipping?
Such mode of vehicle transport is regarded as premium since it ensures the quickest delivery service possible. This is by far the best option available for anyone who needs access to their cars as soon as possible. In expedited shipping, your vehicle is usually sent ahead of all the standard shipments and the time-frame for delivery is greatly minimized. This method is effective in situations where you need a car to be shipped, such as when acquisition or relocation, an event or quick access to a purchased vehicle is pulling you into a time deficit.
In expedited shipping, the fastest available carrier is assigned by the shipping company on scheduled basis. In some instances, receipt of your vehicle may be possible in a few days. Usually, the vehicle will be transported using direct drive, allowing for fewer stops along the way.
What is Standard Car Shipping?
In contrast, standard ‘car shipping’ signifies an economical alternative to expedited shipping. This type of vehicle transport service is almost always associated with increased travel duration and a more conventional transport mode. If the vehicle is required at some point in the future, it’s a good option, albeit one that would take some time.
Standard shipping allows for the transport of several vehicles, which are placed in one carrier. The route may consist of several stops. Thus while this option is inexpensive, and effective, time for delivery is unpredictable and highly dependent on the carrier’s timetable, distance, and amount of vehicles scheduled for transport.
Expedited vs. Standard Car Shipping
- Duration for Delivery
– Expedited Car Shipping: When using this method, the vehicle can be received in a few days, which is useful when time is limited. This is often the best choice when a vehicle needs to be delivered with short notice.
– Standard Car Shipping: This method takes longer than expedited shipping; however, it is less expensive. Depending on how far the destination is, standard shipping will take anywhere from a week to several weeks.
- Expense
-Expedited Car Shipping: Just as in air travel, this option can incur significant expenses. Paying for expedited services means incurring some additional costs, so you should expect to spend more with this option. With prioritization comes a fee, which in this case is more waiting time. Time and attention comes at a price.
-Standard Car Shipping: Standard car shipping is relatively inexpensive. Because the carrier is not in a hurry and shipping does not have to pay a higher fee, the transport company makes a profit by consolidating multiple cars into a single shipment. If you possess a rather flexible deadline and are not in a rush, this is the cheapest option there is.
- Transport Routes and Stops
-Expedited Car Shipping: As the name implies, expedited shipping comes with plans that offer the quickest roads for transport, meaning you pay less than what you would have had to fork out for everything else. The driver will do their best to minimize the number of stops, which increases efficiency. Time spent idling when few vehicles are on the carrier also reduces congestion during loading and unloading.
-Standard Car Shipping: With this option, the vehicle is often just one of a multitude of items being transported.
During this time, the driver will continue to conduct pick ups and drop offs which will incrementally add to the distance that needs to be travelled. While the standard mode of shipment is still safe and reliable, the route taken may be longer and more highly congested with additional stops encountered more frequently.
- Type of Carrier
– Expedited Car Shipping: In an expedited automobile shipping plan, a customer is provided with an option of full or exclusive access to the carrier. This means that your car is the only one being shipped and you will thus be prioritized, allowing all further processes to run smoothly. Since your vehicle will most likely be the only one in shipment, the delivery will significantly enhanced owing to its control on timing and conditions.
– Standard Car Shipping: The vehicle undergoing standard car shipping will form part of several vehicles loaded onto one carrier. This suggests that the transport company will very likely have to deal with numerous other clients’ vehicles and schedules which may result in greater delays. Generally, the cars are transported on open carriers but can be enclosed for an extra fee.
- Availability and Flexibility
– Expedited Car Shipping: The essence of flexibility in expedited shipping lies in its options. However, such services are not guaranteed to be offered everywhere. Due to the need for committed service and fast-paced shipping, the availability of expedited shipping is limited to certain routes and times. If this is a service you want, you should be ready to plan early in order to reserve a spot and confirm that the service will be offered.
– Standard Car Shipping: Unlike expedited shipping, this method is within easy reach and offers scope to fulfill multiple shipping requirements at the same time. This mode of shipping is the most accessible as it is quite common. Many carriers have set schedules, and this means that customers will have much less difficulty booking a time that they want. These factors come together to make standard shipping an all-purpose option for most customers.
When Should You Choose Expedited Car Shipping?
– Relocation: Expedited shipping will save you time and hassle if you are relocating and have specific timelines for needing the car to be rolled out.
– Event Transportation: Important events like car shows and races will require you to utilize expedited shipping to ensure the expedited delivery of your vehicle.
– On the Perspective of Getting Things Done: Sudden work or personal engagements that require absolute schedule adherence can be alleviated by expedited shipping.
– On the Somewhat Boring Perspective of Acquiring Cars: Expedited shipping guarantees that purchase is made without any delays and that all shipping is done to the highest standards.
When Do You Opt For Standard Car Shipping:
– Well Defined Budget: If the budget is what needs focusing on and the car doesn’t need to arrive earliest within a set time, standard shipping is better.
– Permissive Schedule: Permissive waiting periods for pickup, delivery, or both, enable one to enjoy lower prices while still maintaining reasonable quality expectations.
– Moves: Moves that is not tied to a specific timeframe can utilize standard shipping for car transport and save money.
Final Remarks: Which Option Best Suits Your Needs?
One’s preferences dictate the decision on expedited vs standard car shipping. For individuals whose major concern is the speed at which the vehicle is delivered, expedited shipping fulfills that need, irrespective of cost. On the other hand, when cost is the main factor, and the customer does not require the delivery to be on a specific timeline, standard car shipping is the better option.
These are a few important things to consider when weighing expedited versus standard shipping options. Regardless of what option you choose, ensure that the auto transport company you contract, for instance Car Transport 24, is reliable so that you won’t get deceived concerning their adherence to timelines.
