There are several options to consider when you have to transport vehicles whether it is a brand new car, classic or personal Vehicle. These options are the different methods of auto transportation. Whether by air, land or sea, these methods all have their advantages and disadvantages.

We understand the challenge of having to make a choice from multiple options. That is why this article will explore car shipping services with focus on the Pros and cons of the different methods.

Different Methods of Car Shipping and their Pros and Cons

Find below brief explanation of the various methods and their pros and cons:-

Open Carrier Shipping

This is one of the most common methods of car shipping. This is the process of transporting vehicles on open trailers which leaves them exposed to road debris and the elements. However this method is the cheapest of all the methods and therefore the most readily available. The following are the pros and cons:-

Pros

1. Cost Effective – Open carrier auto transport is typically more affordable than other means of transportation of vehicles. This is mainly because the carrier can accommodate many cars at the same time thereby sharing the cost amongst many customers.
2. Readily Available – This option is readily available because of the cost effectiveness and it is widely used in the industry. Many auto transport companies specialize in this method which makes it easy for customers to find a suitable option for transporting their vehicles.

Cons

1. Exposure to the Elements – This is a major setback of the open carrier option of transporting vehicles. Unfavourable weather conditions such as snow, hail or rain can possibly damage the outside of cars in transit.
2. Risk of Road Debris– Since the cars are ferried in open trailers, they are exposed to road debris kicked up by other road users. This can sometimes result to dings and scratches on the surface of the vehicles. Click here for tips on how to remove scratches from your car at home.

Enclosed Carrier Shipping

Just as the name implies, this method transports cars in a trailer that is covered and it provides additional protection for the cars. Below are the pros and cons:-

Pros

1. Enhanced Protection – Vehicles in enclosed trailers are shielded from the elements and inclement weather conditions. They are also protected from road debris and other hazards on the road.
2. Peace of Mind – Owners of high end vehicle are advised to use enclosed trailers because it affords them peace of mind. They can rest assured that their cargo will arrive without any damage because of the additional protection and security provided by this option.

Cons

1. Higher Cost – Enclosed carriers are usually costlier to use than open carriers. This is often due to the specialized service that it entails.
2. Not Readily Available – This option is not as readily available as open carriers because it is a specialized service. This can pose a challenge especially in remote areas or during peak periods.

Door-to-Door Shipping

This is the option in which the vehicle is picked up from and delivered to the customer’s designated addresses. Below are the pros and cons:-

Pros

1. Convenience – This is the most convenient form of auto transport that there is because the shipping company will pick up your car from your desired location and deliver it to whatever address you specify. This removes the need for arranging transportation from the terminal or the additional travel time.
2. Saves Time – With this option, you don’t have to drop off your car or pick up from the terminal. The shipping company handles all the logistics which frees you up to focus on other issues. This saves you a whole lot of time and effort.

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Cons

1. Limited Accessibility – Door to door shipping may not be available to everyone due to the location of the customer. For example, a customer that lives on a narrow street that has low hanging branches or in a gated community will not be able to engage this option. They will have to use another method.
2. Extra Cost – The personalized and specialized service in this option comes at an extra cost to the customer.

Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

This involves dropping off and picking up one’s vehicle at a terminal or storage facility. Below are the pros and cons:-

Pros

1. Cost Effective – Using designated terminals and storage facilities allow the auto transporters to optimize their routes. This in turn will result in lower fees and charges for customers.
2. Flexibility – This option is flexible as the customer can schedule pick up and drop off within the extended working hours of the terminals. Since it is not personalized, there is no ‘fixed’ time for drop offs and deliveries.

Cons

1. Inconvenience – This option requires that the customer commute to and fro the terminal to pick up/drop off their vehicle. This can be quite inconvenient especially if the terminal is far from the destination of the car.
2. Potential Delay– Due to the fact that the vehicles have to move from one terminal to the other, there may be delays in pick or delivery due to many factors. These factors include logistics, weather conditions and traffic.

Conclusion

Now that you have seen the pros and cons of these methods, it is left to you to evaluate them and pick the method that serves you best.

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