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Shiplux

Car Dealership Transport for Car Resellers

USA / Canada

International

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USA / Canada Car Shipping Quote

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Understanding Auto Transport services and Car dealerships

Auto transport services are our expertise at ShipLux! As auto transporters, we specialize in transporting vehicles from one spot to another—between states, across the country, and even internationally. We’ll break it down a little more: 

What’s offered by ShipLux:
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Open Transport:

This is the most common and typically the most affordable way. Vehicles are transported on open-air carriers.
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Enclosed Transport:

Vehicles are transported in a covered truck, offering protection from weather and road debris. It's more expensive but recommended for luxury or classic cars.
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Door-to-door Service:

We pick up and deliver your vehicle as close to your specified locations as possible.
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Terminal-to-terminal:

You drop off your vehicle at a specified location and pick it up from another location.
Car dealerships are businesses authorized to sell new or used vehicles. They play a pivotal role in the automotive industry by serving as intermediaries between manufacturers and consumers. Both new and used car dealerships do exactly what they say on the package! Dealerships with new cars, sell new vehicles, and often are affiliated with specific manufacturers. Used car dealerships only sell used vehicles that are procured from auctions, trade-ins, or direct purchases from owners.

Transporting Cars For Dealerships

Transporting cars for dealerships can ensure that vehicles are available at locations where there's demand.

 Car transport becomes necessary for several reasons:
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New Inventory:

Dealerships order new vehicles based on what they believe will sell in their market. These vehicles need to be transported from the manufacturing plant to the dealership.
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Dealer Trades:

Sometimes, one dealership may have a customer who wants a specific vehicle they don't have in stock, while another dealership has that vehicle. They might agree on a dealer trade, necessitating vehicle transport.
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Auctions:

Dealerships often purchase vehicles at auctions in other locations and need those vehicles transported back to their lot.
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Pre-Owned Sales:

If a dealership is part of a larger chain or has multiple locations, they might move used vehicles around to maximize sales opportunities.
Auto shipping companies, including our team at ShipLux, and car dealerships regularly collaborate to ensure a smooth flow of vehicles either from manufacturers to showrooms or between dealerships. 

After the first contact, we assess the specific transport needs of the dealership, through a comprehensive quote process. Based on this assessment, a 100% transparent quote is provided by our team, which, upon agreement, leads to a detailed transport contract outlining pricing, timelines, and other specifics. 

Before transport, vehicles are meticulously inspected to document their pre-shipment condition. They are then securely loaded onto chosen carriers, be they open or enclosed, transported, and transported, ensuring all safety standards are maintained throughout the trip. 

From us, you can expect regular communication and real-time tracking that will keep the dealership informed of the transport progress, every step of the way. 

Upon delivery, a second inspection verifies the condition of the vehicles, ensuring no damages occurred during transit. Voila! With ShipLux, it can truly be that straightforward. 
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How Much Does Transporting Cars for Dealerships Cost?

Transporting cars for dealerships can vary in cost depending on several factors. While it is sadly not possible to provide a specific figure, as everything we do is based on personalization. Below are the main determinants of cost: 
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Distance:

Naturally, the longer the distance, the higher the cost. Moving a car across the country will be more expensive than transporting it between neighboring states, or even internationally.
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The Type of Transport:

The type of transport chosen impacts the price. Open Carrier, the most common and cost-effective mode, carries multiple cars at once on a two-tiered trailer whereas an enclosed carrier is more expensive than open carriers, This mode offers protection against weather and debris. We suggest using this for luxury, classic, or expensive vehicles.
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Vehicle Size and Weight:

Larger vehicles, like SUVs or trucks, typically cost more to transport than smaller sedans due to weight and space considerations.
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Route Popularity:

Common routes with regular demand might be cheaper due to volume, whereas less-traveled routes could be more expensive.
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Pick-up and Drop-off Locations:

Door-to-door services (picking up and delivering the car at specified addresses) might be more costly than terminal-to-terminal services (where the car is dropped off and picked up at large storage locations).
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Seasonality:

Some seasons typically see a rise in prices due to adverse conditions and increased risk, or busy times.
It's essential to note that these figures are general estimates, and actual prices can vary based on specific situations and evolving market conditions. Dealerships or individuals looking for exact figures should get quotes from multiple auto transport companies to ensure competitive pricing.

What Types of Vehicles Are Eligible When Transporting Cars for Dealerships?

When transporting cars for dealerships, a wide range of vehicles are eligible when you work with ShipLux. We don't stop at cars! The following types of vehicles are eligible:

  • Sedans

  • SUVs

  • Trucks: Pickup trucks, whether they are light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty, can be transported. Their size, weight, and configuration (e.g., extended cab, long bed) can affect transport logistics and costs

  • Vans

  • Coupes and Convertibles

  • Boats

  • Luxury and Exotic Cars

  • Classic and Vintage Cars

  • Motorcycles

  • ATVs


…and more! Contact us today if you do not see what you wish to ship in the list above.

What Methods of Transporting Cars for Dealerships Are Used?

When transporting cars for dealerships, several methods are employed to ensure the vehicles reach their destinations safely and efficiently. These methods take into account the type of vehicle, distance, cost considerations, and any specific requirements or preferences set by the dealership.

 
Open Transport

Open Transport is the most commonly used method, primarily because of its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. In this method, vehicles are loaded onto open trailers, often capable of carrying multiple cars simultaneously. These two-tiered trailers are a familiar sight on highways, carrying a mix of sedans, SUVs, and sometimes even larger vehicles. While open transport exposes vehicles to the elements and potential road debris, it's generally considered safe and is the go-to option for many dealerships transporting vehicles over land, especially for shorter distances or when moving standard inventory.


Enclosed Transport

Enclosed Transport, on the other hand, offers a shielded environment for the vehicles. Encased in a fully covered trailer, cars are protected from external elements, making this method especially favored for transporting luxury cars, classics, exotics, or any vehicle that might need extra protection. Enclosed transport is more expensive than its open counterpart, but the added security and peace of mind often justify the additional costs, particularly for high-end dealerships or when transporting vehicles over longer distances.


Train Transport

Lastly, Train Transport or Ship by Rail is another viable method, especially when moving vehicles across vast distances or between regions. Rail transport can be cost-effective for bulk shipments, with cars being loaded onto specialized auto racks. These racks can be open or enclosed, similar to truck transport options. Shipping by rail can be combined with other methods; for instance, a car might be transported by train across the country and then loaded onto a truck for final delivery to a specific dealership. 



While not every dealership might opt for rail transport due to logistics, accessibility, and scheduling concerns, it remains a valuable option for those located near major rail hubs or when moving large volumes of vehicles.

The method chosen by the dealerships often hinges on a balance between cost, efficiency, safety, and the specific requirements of the vehicles being transported.

Picking up Car Dealership Vehicles

For us, picking up vehicles from car dealerships is a foundational step in the auto transport process, and it's different from personal, home pick-ups. 

Here's a general overview of the process and considerations when working together for picking up car dealership vehicles. 

Before ShipLux or the transport company arrives, the dealership should:

  • Ensures the vehicle is clean for accurate inspection.

  • Removes any personal or promotional items.

  • Check tire pressure and battery.

  • Leaves a minimal amount of fuel (usually a quarter tank or less).

  • Disable all alarms to prevent unnecessary interruptions during transit.


Upon ShipLux’s arrival, a thorough inspection of the vehicle is conducted to document its current condition, with the dealership present.  This ensures any pre-existing damage is noted. Both parties should agree on the inspection results. 

Once the inspection is complete, we take it over! Care is taken to ensure the vehicle is secured properly to prevent any movement or damage during transit. Throughout the trip, we will keep open lines of communication with the dealership, updating them about the vehicle's status, and any delays, or changes in the delivery schedule.

Efficiency, clear communication, and professionalism during the pickup process are essential to ensure a smooth and successful transportation experience for both the dealership and the transport company.

FAQ

How long does it take to transport a vehicle for dealerships?

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Can dealerships request expedited delivery?

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What payment methods does ShipLux accept?

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