Multi Vehicle Transport – Process, Costs & Discounts
Have multiple vehicles to move? Let’s see how multiple vehicle transport is different from single-vehicle shipping, does it help people efficiently move their vehicles, do vehicles leave and arrive together, the overall process, total cost, and who usually benefits from multiple vehicle shipping. We’ll also discuss how car shipping companies benefit from people shipping multiple vehicles with them and how these companies pass on some cost benefits to these customers.
Unpacking Multi-Vehicle Car Hauling Services
Multi-vehicle car hauling services are built for moving two or more cars at once. Instead of paying for separate trips, you load 8-10 vehicles on a single 78-foot trailer. It’s cheaper, faster, and way more efficient. Let’s break down how it works.
Carrier Types: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
Not all trailers are the same. Here’s the deal:
Open trailers handle most jobs, but if you’re hauling a rare Porsche, go enclosed. It’ll cost more, but scratches and weather won’t ruin your day.
How Do Carriers Handle Multiple Car Shipping?
Coordinating multiple pickups and drop-offs sounds chaotic, right? Professional vehicle movers use tech to keep things smooth:
Central dispatch systems lock in pickup/drop-off times so you’re not waiting around.
Route software cuts empty return trips (no wasted gas or time).
Real-time GPS tracking lets you check your car’s location anytime.
Who Uses Multiple Car Transport Service:
It’s not just rich folks with car collections. Regular people use it too:
Military families: Moving family cars to a new base due to PCS.
Dealerships: Shipping inventory from manufacturers or to another dealer.
Construction companies: Relocating work trucks for a job site.
Auction houses: Moving vintage cars to events like Barrett-Jackson.
Key Differences from Single-Vehicle Shipping
Shipping several of your cars at once? It’s way different from moving one. Here’s the real deal on costs, logistics, and surprises nobody tells you about.
Make sure to ask about whether they’re covering each vehicle with its own coverage amount they offer or all of them under that single amount (eg: $100k for each of them or $100k for the whole batch)
Furthermore, if you’ve got a luxury/exotic vehicle in the mix, you may have to get GAP coverage for it. Also, remember, claims can get messy if damage affects multiple cars.
Ask car hauling services about “per-vehicle” add-ons if you’re mixing daily drivers with pricier rides.
Ensure all vehicles are going on the same trailer and not separately because then they’ll not arrive together or even picked up together.
One thing to remember is that if you need addons like top load, you will have to pay extra for each vehicle to be placed on the top ramp.
Furthermore, if the drop-off address of each car is in different cities or states, they will arrive days apart.
When it’s worth it: Shipping 2+ cars you own? The savings are real. But if one car is irreplaceable, consider single-vehicle transport for that one. Use multi-car hauling for the rest.
How to Ship Multiple Vehicles With Professional Vehicle Movers
Step 1: Pick the Right Hauling Company
Don’t just Google “car hauling services” and click the first ad. Look for:
Carriers with multi-level trailers (SUVs go low, sports cars up top)
Reviews mentioning group shipments (avoid companies that only move single cars)
Proper insurance for all your vehicles (ask for proof!)
Step 2: Get Smart About Quotes
Email ALL vehicle details (makes, models, locations) in one request. Auto shipping solutions charge more if they piecemeal your info.
Step 3: Time It Right
When hauling multiple cars, here’s what to do when booking their shipping:
Book all under one contract (prevents “lost” vehicles)
Pick dates when all cars are available (no “I need another week!”)
Align delivery cities (Texas first, then Florida? Costs extra)
Step 4:Prepare Your Vehicle(s)
Professional vehicle movers hate surprises. Do this 48 hours before hauling:
¼ tank gas MAX (safety rule – trailers hate explosions)
Remove your gym bag/tools (theft risk + weight issues)
Disable toll tags/E-ZPass (you don’t pay for the trailer’s tolls)
Step 5: Be Prepared For Loading
Be there when they load your cars. Why?
Verify scratches/dents on THEIR condition report
Watch how they secure vehicles (straps vs. wheel locks?)
Confirm ALL keys work (tag them “Car 1,” “Car 2,” etc.)
Step 6: Keep Track of Things
Good vehicle transport companies give you one tracking link. Bad ones? You’re calling 3 drivers. Demand:
A single contact person (not a call center)
GPS updates every 4-6 hours
Heads-up before delivery (no “we’re outside!” texts)
Step 7: Delivery Day Checks
Never sign anything until you:
Inspect EVERY car in daylight
Compare damage to the initial report
Hold final payment until all vehicles arrive
Cost & Discounts With Multi Auto Shipping Solutions
Shipping multiple cars? Your wallet will thank you – if you play it smart. Here’s how pricing works and where to grab discounts.
Dead cars cost more too. Non-running vehicles add $250+ for winch loading. Exotics? Expect premium insurance fees. Car hauling services charge extra for headaches.
For instance, if you ship three cars from NYC to LA:
Single shipments: $1,500 each = $4,500 total
Multi-vehicle: $1,440 each = $4,320 total
You save $60 per car. But wait – the real wins are hidden:
Fewer loading cycles = less door ding risk
One contract = no chasing 3 drivers
Group prep = 2 hours saved vs doing it solo
Watch Out for Sneaky Fees
Auto shipping solutions aren’t all sunshine. Rural deliveries often add $200+ surcharges. Fuel prices can spike your quote last-minute. Always ask:
“Is this price locked?”
“What’s NOT included?”
“Got all my cars’ details right?”
Bottom line: Multi-vehicle transport cuts costs but needs homework. Compare quotes, read the fine print, and push for group rates. Your cars (and bank account) will roll smoother.
