Do you need to move your van but don’t want to drive? There’s a better way to move that van. Using a van shipping service is an excellent alternative.

We understand that van shipping can seem like uncharted territory. To help streamline the process, we have created a great resource you can use to make informed decisions when you need to ship a van.

Take a minute to explore the essentials of shipping a van. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to choose the best shipping partner for your van’s journey.

Table of Contents

Van Shipping Methods

As part of your decision-making process, it’s a good idea to explore your van shipping options. You might be surprised at how many different ways you can ship a van.

Open-Air Transport 

The most common van shipping method is the open-air carrier. It consists of a trailer and platform, but doesn’t have sides or a roof. These carriers can transport multiple vehicles, which makes them a more cost-effective option.

One thing to keep in mind is that open-air carriers leave your van exposed to the elements.

Enclosed Transport

If maximum protection is a priority, enclosed transport might be the ideal choice for shipping your van. An enclosed trailer or container offers added safety and security during transit.

Although enclosed transport generally comes at a higher cost compared to open-air transport, the extra protection is worth the investment.

Flatbed Service

In certain situations, such as transporting oversized or non-running vans, flatbed service becomes a valuable option. Flatbed trailers offer versatility and can accommodate vans of various sizes and conditions. Flatbed service works well for cargo van shipping.

Take the time to weigh out the benefits and costs of each van shipping option before making your final decision. A representative at the auto transport company you’re interested in using can always clarify any questions you might have.

Shipping a Van vs Shipping a Car

Vans differ from cars in several ways when it comes to shipping. These differences stem from their size, weight, dimensions, and specific features. Here are some key factors that make vans different to ship than cars:

Size and Dimensions

Vans are generally larger and taller than standard cars. They may require specialized equipment, such as flatbed trailers or carriers with higher weight capacity and sufficient clearance, to accommodate their size and dimensions during transportation.

Weight and Payload Capacity

Vans tend to have a higher weight and payload capacity compared to cars. This can impact shipping costs, as carriers may charge based on weight or require additional considerations for heavier vans.

Interior Space and Configurations

Vans often have unique interior configurations, such as seating arrangements, cargo compartments, or customized features. If your van has specialized interior modifications, it’s crucial to communicate these details to the shipping company for appropriate handling and protection.

Accessibility and Loading

Vans may have different access points, such as sliding doors or rear doors, which require careful consideration during the loading and unloading process. The carrier you choose should be able to ensure they can safely and efficiently load the van without causing any damage to the vehicle or its surroundings.

Customization and Modifications

Vans are often customized for various purposes, such as camper vans, mobile offices, or specialty vehicles. These modifications may include added features, equipment, or unique structural elements. Make sure the company you go with knows how to ship a van with custom features.

Understanding these differences allows shipping companies to provide tailored services and solutions for vans, taking into account their specific requirements.

What Impacts Van Shipping Prices? 

Another thing to consider when transporting a van is shipping costs. Understanding what influences these costs can help you crack the cost code and plan and budget effectively.

Here are the key factors that impact van shipping prices:

Distance

Miles matter. The distance between the pickup and delivery locations is one of the primary factors that affect shipping costs. Generally, the longer the distance, the higher the transportation expenses.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of your van are essential considerations when calculating shipping costs. Larger and heavier vans may require specialized equipment or carriers, which can impact pricing. 

Seasonality and Demand

Timing is key. Seasonal fluctuations and market demand can influence shipping costs. During peak seasons or when there’s high demand for van transportation, prices tend to rise. 

Additional Services

In addition to the basic transportation service, most transport companies offer various optional services. These services can enhance the convenience, efficiency, and safety of shipping your van but may come at an additional cost.

We’ll look more closely at additional services in a minute. For now, let’s see how you can cut shipping costs.

How to Save Money on Shipping

When shipping a van, there are several strategies you can employ to save costs while ensuring a reliable and secure transportation experience.

Here are some tips to help you save money on van shipping:

  • Early bird booking
  • Compare multiple quotes
  • Be flexible with pickup and delivery
  • Choose open-air transport
  • Use terminal-to-terminal options
  • Consolidate shipments
  • Discounts and promotions

Another way to manage costs is to remove non-essential Items: Additional weight can increase shipping costs, so ensuring that your van only carries the necessary items can help keep expenses down.

Additional Van Shipping Services That Make Things Easier

Usually, standard shipping services suffice, but taking advantage of additional services can make the process even easier. The following services are something to consider adding:

Expedited Shipping

You’re on a tight deadline and need your van delivered quickly. In this case, an auto transport company that offers expedited shipping services is your best friend. These services prioritize your shipment and ensure faster transit times.

Keep in mind that expedited shipping typically costs more due to the need for special arrangements and dedicated resources.

Tracking and Notifications

Many shipping companies provide tracking services.  You can monitor the progress of your van throughout the transportation process. As part of this service, you’ll receive real-time updates and notifications regarding pickup, transit, and delivery. T

This added visibility provides peace of mind and helps you plan accordingly.

Insurance Coverage

Most auto transport companies provide basic insurance coverage. They also carry business insurance. Both help protect the business and you, the customer.

Your van is a valuable asset, and having comprehensive insurance coverage can provide financial security and protection against unforeseen circumstances during transit.

When considering additional services, weigh the benefits against the associated costs to determine which ones align with your priorities and budget. It’s advisable to discuss these options with your shipping company and get a detailed quote that outlines the specific services included.

Essential Considerations for Van Shipping 

When you need to ship a van, a professional transport company will take care of the details. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend some time preparing your van for shipment. Insurance coverage and van prep are two essential details you should consider.

Insurance Coverage

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of protecting your valuable asset. On one level, you’ll rely on the transport company to get your van to its destination safely and without damage. The transport company’s insurance will certainly come into play, but you still need to understand their coverage.

Verify the insurance provided by the shipping company and understand the extent of protection offered by their policy. If needed, consider purchasing additional insurance to cover any gaps and protect your van against potential damage or loss.

Van Preparation

Ask your transport company if they can provide a checklist to help you prepare your van for shipping. If not, create your own and include the following:

  • Clean the interior and exterior
  • Remove personal belongings
  • Secure loose parts
  • Disable alarms
  • Maintain appropriate fuel levels

Taking these precautions will minimize potential risks and help streamline the shipping process.

Research Shipping Companies

Choosing trustworthy partners to help ship a van means the world as far as making the process go smoothly. Where do you start?

Take time to research and compare different van shipping companies. A reputable and reliable shipping company is essential for a successful transportation experience. 

Factor in things such as:

  • Experience
  • Licensing
  • Insurance coverage
  • Pricing
  • Customer reviews

Earlier we mentioned a few of the differences between shipping a van vs. shipping a car. An auto transport company that doesn’t have much experience shipping vans may not be your ideal choice for a shipping partner. Be specific when you ask about the shipper’s level of experience.

A key part of your research process is getting estimates or quotes in writing. Finally, base your decision not only on price, but also evaluate the transport company’s track record and their ability to meet your specific needs.

We Can Ship Your Van Just About Anywhere

Shipping a van doesn’t need to be a complex project. Armed with knowledge and understanding of van shipping methods and cost considerations, you can navigate the process with confidence.

Use your research and choose a reputable shipping company that aligns with your requirements. With these insights and practical tips, your van will reach its destination safely and efficiently.

Mercury Auto Transport offers over 15 years of shipping experience. Whether you need to ship a van or another type of vehicle, we guarantee a smooth trip.

We’d love to provide you with a free quote.

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What Our Customrs Are Saying

FAQs

We feel it’s important for you to know how we determined your quote. Quotes are based on what the market demands for cars to be moved at a given time. Each quote is compared with the current rates on the National Load Board before being sent to our customers and will be reviewed periodically through the process.

Other companies might offer you a lower price to obtain your business. This method is ineffective because if the car does not pay the correct amount of money, it will run the probability of not getting loaded or transported on time. You will not get this information from our competitors. Truck drivers always take the loads that pay the most first, leaving the loads that are mispriced to be moved last or not at all. We try very hard to avoid this with our customers by quoting a fair but realistic quote up front. Visit our How we determine your quote page for more information.

Understanding auto transport insurance is important and we think it’s valuable to explain how it works. As part of providing a great car transport service, it is our job to guarantee that the carrier we assign to pickup your vehicle is licensed and insured. Click here to check out our license.

When you go with Mercury to ship your vehicle, you can rest assured that the carrier assigned to move your car is fully insured and licensed with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier and Saftey Administration).

Your vehicle is covered by the carrier’s insurance policy that is doing the shipping. Depending on the type and size of the truck/trailer that is shipping your car, the insurance policy can cover from $100,000 to $1,000,000 of damage.

We have also provided a checklist to explain what you need to do at both pickup and delivery in case there are any issues so, you can file a claim and know that everything will be taken care of.

It is rare but, time-to-time there may be accidental damage while in transit and it is good to know that your carrier’s insurance will protect your auto shipment in that event.

To view a sample BOL (Bill of Lading) and learn what to do in case of accidental damage, please check out our Condition Report and Procedure checklist.

When comparing auto transport companies, keep in mind that low-priced quotes often result in delays in getting your vehicle loaded. Choosing the right broker is vital to getting a reputable carrier for the lowest price possible.  

We feel it’s important for you to know how we determine your quote.

When you’re looking for a car shipping rate, you want to understand how auto transport works. Prices are based on seasonal market demands for cars to be moved at any given time. Each quote is prepared based on the season and the current national rates.

When comparing auto transport companies, keep in mind that low-priced quotes often result in delays in getting your vehicle loaded. Choosing the right broker is vital to getting a reputable carrier for the lowest price possible. Not all brokers are created equal in this talent.

Mercury does a thorough background check with each carrier for every shipment. We verify their ratings, references, and in addition, we obtain a certified copy of their insurance certificate, directly from the government agency that it is on file with.

You can have peace of mind knowing that the carrier shipping your vehicle is the very best and that there are no surprises guaranteed.

Mercury Auto Transport is licensed, Bonded and Insured. Our FMSCA Motor Carrier Number is MC647319.

While we do our best match your auto shipping needs with the most responsible carriers with the best track records, from time-to-time there may be accidental damage while in transit, it is good to know that the insurance of the carrier we locate for you will protect your auto shipment in that event.

Shipping a vehicle can be stressful if you don’t know what to do.  This is why we believe it is paramount to have our highly trained agents be your main point of contact from start to finish.

They will go over everything you need to know so you can relax.  In the meanwhile, we prepared this checklist.  This includes everything from pickup to delivery and how to make sure your car is ready for pickup.

When it comes to car moving, we want you to be ahead of the game!  For any questions and further assistance our agents are standing by, (800) 553-1828.  Please read our checklist to prepare your vehicle to learn more.

There are several ways you can ship a car.  The options include enclosed trailer, open carrier transport, flatbed truck, door-to-door shipping services, and to or from a terminal as well.  The most popular of the options is a 7 to 10 car open carrier.  These large trucks can accommodate almost any size vehicle including carsSUVstrucksjeeps, and vans.

Open car transport, door to door is also the best way to get the cheapest auto transport rate possible.  To learn more and see what transport method is best for you, please fill out our free quote form and one of our representatives will respond to you within minutes.  You can also call us at (800) 553-1828.

We present offers from FMCSA Licensed and Insured Carriers. When you accept an offer, we send your service agreement that guarantees the price, door-to-door service, and 100% bumper-to-bumper insurance. There are never any hidden fees or charges, guaranteed.