If your car has been sitting in a storage facility and you need it shipped to your location, you may wonder if that's possible. The good news is that many auto transport companies offer pick-up services from storage facilities. This service is helpful whether you're relocating, selling a vehicle, or simply want your car back without traveling to pick it up yourself. Here's what you need to know about shipping a vehicle from a car storage facility and what costs to expect.
Can a Car Be Picked Up from a Storage Facility?
Yes, auto transport companies regularly pick up cars from storage facilities. These facilities are designed to store vehicles safely, which makes it easy for carriers to access and transport them. However, you need to coordinate with both the storage facility and the transport company to ensure a smooth process.
Some storage facilities may require specific paperwork or authorization before releasing the vehicle to a shipping company. Make sure to notify the storage company in advance and provide the transport service with all the necessary details, such as gate codes, storage unit numbers, or contact information for the storage manager.
Steps for Shipping Your Car from Storage
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Company
Look for a reputable transport service with experience in picking up vehicles from storage. Always compare customer reviews and ask questions to make sure that the company can meet your needs.
Get a Quote for Shipping Costs
The average cost to ship a car depends on several things, such as the distance, type of vehicle, and transport method. On average, shipping a car within the U.S. can range from $600 to $1,200. For shorter trips, such as 200 to 500 miles, you might pay between $300 to $500. Longer distances, like coast-to-coast shipments, can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500.
Coordinate with the Storage Facility
Provide the transport company with all relevant information about the storage facility, such as its address and hours of operation. Make sure the car is ready to be picked up on the scheduled date to avoid delays or extra storage fees.
Inspect the Vehicle Before Transport
If possible, visit the storage facility to inspect the vehicle. Check for any pre-existing damage and take photos to document the car's condition. If you can't go yourself, ask the facility staff to perform the inspection and send you pictures.
Prepare the Vehicle for Shipping
Ensure the car is clean and empty. Remove all personal items from the interior since auto transport companies are not responsible for lost belongings. Confirm that the vehicle is operational, or notify the transport service if it needs to be loaded as an inoperable car, which may incur extra fees.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from Storage?
The cost to ship a car from a storage facility follows the same pricing rules as other car shipments. However, a few additional factors may influence the final price.
- Distance: The longer the trip, the higher the cost.
- Type of Vehicle: Larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs cost more to ship than smaller sedans.
- Transport Method: Open carriers are cheaper, while enclosed carriers, which provide more protection, cost more. Enclosed shipping can increase the cost by 30% to 50%.
- Location: Picking up a car from a remote storage facility may increase the price due to limited access or longer detours for the carrier.
- Vehicle Condition: If your car is not operational, the company may charge extra for the specialized equipment needed to load it.
The average cost to ship a car over 1,000 miles on an open carrier is around $1,000. For shorter distances, you can expect to pay less, though additional fees might apply if the storage facility is located far from major highways.
Timing and Delivery Options
When shipping a car from storage, timing can be flexible. Most companies offer door-to-door delivery, meaning the vehicle will be picked up from the storage facility and delivered directly to your specified address. Standard delivery times vary based on the distance:
- 200 to 500 miles: 1 to 2 days
- 500 to 1,000 miles: 2 to 4 days
- 1,000 to 2,000 miles: 5 to 7 days
- Coast to Coast: 7 to 10 days
If you need the car fast, some companies offer expedited shipping for an additional fee.
How to Save on Car Shipping
Shipping costs can add up, but there are a few ways to reduce the price:
- Book Early: Scheduling your shipment in advance gives you more options and can lower the overall cost.
- Choose Open Carrier Transport: Unless your vehicle requires extra protection, open carriers are more affordable.
- Be Flexible with Pickup and Delivery Dates: If you can give the carrier a wider delivery window, you might get a better rate.
- Ship During Off-Peak Times: Avoid shipping in summer or around holidays when demand is high.
Having your car picked up from a storage facility and shipped to your location is not only possible but also convenient. With the right planning and communication, the process can go smoothly. Remember to compare prices from different transport companies to get the best deal. Also, make sure both the storage facility and the shipping company are on the same page to avoid delays or complications.
The average cost to ship a car depends on different factors like distance, vehicle type, and shipping method. Knowing these details will help you plan better and ensure your car arrives safely at your destination. Whether you're moving, selling, or simply need your car delivered, this service offers a practical solution without the hassle of picking up the car yourself.
