Archive for September, 2009

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Auto Shipping Brokers 101

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Our money does not grow on trees and a vehicle is not just a vehicle. If you are trying to handle vehicle transportation all by yourself you may find yourself in a hectic situation. There is no need to ‘Stop being lazy’ when you can have someone do it all for you. An auto shipping broker can take care of it all. So lay back, relax and it will all be handled.

We are talking about going to an auto shipping broker, of course, someone who will take care of all our car needs. Let us further examine what exactly an Auto Shipping Broker is. A broker deals with a vast number of carriers based on your budget and convenience. They are the middleman. Instead of dealing with the auto shipping companies yourself, the broker will find you most likely the best price when you contract through them. Your vehicle is not shipped by the broker. Instead they have the absolute leverage in finding the right shipping service for you to send your vehicle in the accurate direction with an open spot using a vast network of carriers. When you consider the slim openings that are available to the single customer, this can be incredibly useful. Your vehicle is usually transported on a specific route with a definite schedule when you use an auto shipping service. While working with the broker more options are available for you.

The broker does help in aiding you to use the right company which will insure your vehicle; as the broker does not insure your vehicle. Also the right party to pick up and deliver your car exactly as you want it will be found by the auto shipping broker. While many carrier services have a large amount of trucks to transport your car, the broker is not tied down to a specific fleet company. The situation rests on the fact that the trucks used to transport your vehicle are a great distance away and this leads to a more expensive turn around. The ability to track down the trucks or shipping services in your immediate area is much easier while working with a broker. Rather than working with a carrier company, the broker allows the pick up and drop off times to be sooner.

While working with a broker you will never be rushed or fixed and this is one of the best things about it. Once you speak to a carrier and get a quote they want you to book right then while that spot is still open. Based on your requirements, brokers offer a plentitude of options, nothing is forced. Direct service communication is another great benefit. Brokers can inform the drivers or carriers of anything by being able to speak directly to them. While that access is usually not available for carrier companies. They are limited to shipping then it’s off.

You always have the choice. Going with an auto shipping broker can make your life a lot easier and hassle free. The right choice for you may be to use an auto shipping broker.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Brokers, Auto Transport, auto shipping brokers | No Comments »

A Look At Auto Shipping Brokers

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

You may find yourself in a hectic situation if you are trying to handle vehicle transportation all by yourself. The best part of vehicle transportation is you can have someone do it all for you. Everything can be handled by an auto shipping broker. Which for you means more rest and relaxation.

Of course, going to an auto shipping broker is what we are talking about; someone to take care of all of your car needs. It all sounds perfect but what is an auto shipping broker anyways? Well, basically he is the middleman. A broker deals with a vast number of carriers and based on your budget he can find you the most suitable vehicle carrier. When you contract through a broker he will most likely find you the best price, instead of you dealing with the auto shipping companies yourself. The broker does not ship your car themselves, they find the right shipping service to send your vehicle in the accurate direction or spot using a large network of carriers. This gives them the leverage needed to best serve you. This can be extremely useful considering that the single customers usually have slim openings available to them. Working with an auto broker you have more options, rather than when using shipping services which usually transport your vehicle on a specific route with a definite schedule.

Brokers do not insure your vehicle, but can help you find the right company that will. Also the right party to pick up and deliver your car exactly as you want will be found by the broker. While a large amount of trucks are owned by many carrier services, the broker is not tied down to a specific fleet company. A more expensive turnaround can be expected if the trucks used to transport your car are very far away, but when working with a broker they can quickly track down the trucks or shipping services in your immediate area. You can also expect sooner pick up and drop off times working with a broker instead of a carrier company.

One of the best things is you will never be rushed or fixed with a broker; meaning, most of the time with carriers once you get a quote they immediately expect you to book with them. Nothing is forced with a broker, you are given plenty of options based on your requirements. You will also receive direct service communication. Brokers can inform drivers or carriers directly of everything, while this access is not something carrier companies have often. It is simply their job is done once they ship.

You always have the choice. If you want an easier life along with auto shipping then I suggest using an auto shipping broker.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Brokers, Car Shipping, auto shipping brokers | No Comments »

Understanding Auto Shipping Brokers

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

A vehicle is not just a vehicle, and our money does not grow on trees. Vehicle transportation can put you into a hectic situation if you are trying to do it by yourself. The best of this world is we can have someone do it all for us; no need to ‘Stop being lazy’! An auto shipping broker can do what we do not want to do; take care of it all, while we just rest on our laurels and pick which state of affairs that is best for our monetary and situational circumstances.

Of course we are talking about going to an auto transport broker. Someone to take care of all our car needs! Perfect, but what is Auto Shipping Broker anyway? Here it goes. A broker is the middleman who deals with a vast number of carriers so they can find you the most suitable vehicle carrier based on your budget and, of course, convenience. A broker will most likely find you the best price when you contract through them versus dealing with the auto shipping companies. The broker does not ship your vehicle for you. Instead they have the right to use a vast network of carriers and with this have the absolute leverage in finding the right shipping service to send your vehicle in the accurate direction with an open spot. This can be incredibly useful when you consider the slim openings that are often available to the single customer. Auto shipping services usually transport your vehicle on a specific route with a definite schedule; working with a broker you have more options.

However a broker does not insure your vehicle, but can help in aiding to use the right company which will. They also find the right party to pick up and deliver your car exactly as you want it. The broker is not tied down to a specific fleet company, while many carrier services have a large amount of trucks to transport your car. The situation rests on the fact that the trucks used to transport you vehicle are very far away thus leading to a more expensive turn around. Working with a broker is much easier due to the fact they are able to quickly track down the trucks or shipping services in your immediate area. The broker allows the pick up and drops off time to be sooner than working with a carrier company.

One of the best things when working with a broker is never being rushed or fixed. What I mean by this is most of the time, when we work with carriers; once you talk and get a quote from them they immediately want you to book right then and there while that spot is still open. When working with a broker nothing is forced, and you are given a plentitude of options based on your requirements. Another great benefit is direct service communication. Brokers are able to speak directly to the drivers or carriers to inform them of everything, while often carriers companies do not have that access.  They simply ship and it is off.

The choice is always yours. If you want auto shipping, and life, to be a bit easier and hassle free, going with an auto shipping broker may be the right choice.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Brokers, Auto Shipping, Automotive | No Comments »

How to Ship Your Cars

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Thinking about auto shipping can be very confusing. Knowing how to get it started and what needs to be done can be an asset. One thing to consider is where your car is going. The farther your car is shipped the more expensive it will be. Deciding what shipping method you will use is the next step.

Deciding to deliberate

It might be a good idea to consider letting an auto shipping company or freight forwarding service take care of everything because doing it yourself can be a hassle. Contacting as many companies and comparing quotes is important, it narrows your choices. You should choose a good carrier with little or no complaints. Try not to choose a smaller company just because the rates are cheaper, it’s possible for them to have more liabilities than assets.

Another decision to make is whether to use an open vehicle transport or an enclosed one. While the open vehicle transport may be cheaper there are certain risks to consider. Your car will be on either a flatbed or on a truckload, this means your car will be exposed to the outside elements. There is also a possibility of your electronic equipment being stolen.  Enclosed shipping rates are very high and while your car may be protected often it is hard to book this method of shipping. In other words you must predate any shipping.

Insurance is another vital aspect to consider when auto shipping. The prices may vary due to the length of the transit and the value of your vehicle. It is important to insure the shipping of your car in case a wreck occurs during shipment.

Tips and steps

Your car should be washed and cleaned extensively so if it is scratched or chipped the damages can be easily seen. You should remove personal items as these can be stolen. Disable your car alarm so it won’t go off during shipping. Remember weight is money so do not fill your gas tank. You might want to lower your antenna and remove any specialty items. The top should be up and secure if your car is a convertible. It may be wise to draft or document any damages or mechanical issues, use photos if available. Tell the driver if there are any leaks. Also, inflate tires to the proper pressure and top off fluid levels so that no damages will occur during loading.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Shipping, Auto Transport, Automotive, car carrier | No Comments »

Shipping Your Cars

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

Auto shipping can be really confusing. Having the understanding of what needs to be done and knowing how to get into it is an asset. The first step to auto shipping is considering where your car is going. It’s easy to understand that the farther your car is shipped the more expense is involved. Keeping this in mind, you need to decide what shipping method you will use to get your car to its destination.

Deliberating – Knowing When to and What

It can be a hassle to ship your car by yourself. It might be worth considering a shipping company or freight forwarding service to handle the details for you. Not only will they give you a quote on the price but they will also take care of everything as well as great customer service. Get quotes from many different companies, this is important in helping with the elimination process. Choosing a good company with little or no complaints is imperative. Do not choose a smaller company just because the cost is less because they might have more liabilities than assets. Make sure a reliable company is elected.

It is cheaper to transport your vehicle using open vehicle transportation but placing your car on a flatbed or truckload is risky. When using open vehicle transport your car is vulnerable to outside elements such as debris, not to mention there is the risk of stolen electronic devices. Enclosed auto shipping, although the cost is more, is safer for your vehicle. If enclosed auto shipping is an option you take seriously you should know that you must predate shipping times because often they are booked up in advance.

Insurance is another vital aspect when auto shipping. Depending on the longevity of the transit and the value of your car, insurance prices vary. Shipping insurance is crucial because of the risk of an accident during the shipping process.

Auto Shipping Tips and Steps

It is wise to thoroughly wash and clean your car, so if it is scratched or chipped it will be more easily noticed. Do not leave personal items in the car, these can be stolen. Be sure to shut off or disable your car alarm. Do not fill the gas tank: more gas means more weight and less weight lowers the price. Fold in mirrors, lower the antenna and remove all specialty items on the car. Make a complete report of existing damages or mechanical problems, use photos if available. Ship convertibles with the top up and make sure it is secure. Top off any fluids and let the driver know if anything leaks. Make sure your tire’s air pressure is where it needs to be incase the car needs to be moved.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Car Transport, Cars, Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Transport | No Comments »

How do I Ship My Cars?

Friday, September 18th, 2009

Thinking about auto shipping can be as confusing as trying to find the perfect future home. However knowing the “hows” of getting into it and understanding what needs to be done, can be an asset. A main thought of the preliminary steps to auto shipping is considering where your car is going. It is common sense to know that the farther your car goes the more expensive it will be. With this in mind you then need to figure what shipping method you will use to get your car where it needs to go.

What to deliberate?

Shipping your car by yourself can be a hassle. You might want to consider letting an auto shipping company, or freight forwarding service take care of all the details for you. They will quote you on a price and basically take care of everything for you, as well as, overall, great customer service. It is important to get in contact with many companies and figure out the quotes, this way the elimination process is more feasible. It is imperative to choose a good carrier; one with no or little complaints. Make sure you elect a reliable company; choosing a smaller company because the cost is less is not always the way to go because they might have more liabilities than assets.

Open vehicle transportation is placing your car on a truckload or flatbed. It is open to outside debris, external elements and the possibility of stolen electronic devices is there, but the rate to transport your vehicle is much cheaper than that of the enclosed auto shipping. Enclosed auto shipping takes better care of the placement of your car and has it covered from outside influences, robbers, and any destruction that may occur from another car. Though enclosed auto shipping affords your vehicle the safest possible ride, there still is the contemplation of money matters. Enclosed shipping rates are very high, and you must predate any shipping times because offerings are slim and often booked up advance.

Another vital move in the auto shipping assessments is insurance. Insurance varies in prices dealing with the longevity of the transit and the value on your car. The cosmic hassle of cars getting wrecked in the shipping process makes the need for shipping insurance crucial.

Tips and steps when auto shipping

Wash your car thoroughly so you can easily be able to notice any chips, dings or scratches made in and out of the car. Remove any personal items from your vehicle as to not be stolen. Shut off or completely immobilize the car alarm so no one will need to obstruct your car. Do not fill the gas tank; less in the gas means the car weighs less lowering the price. Remove all specialty items off the car, fold in mirrors and lower antenna. Formulate a complete report of any existing damages already existing with the car; photos are great too. Ship convertibles with the top up and secured. Design a list of any known car problems and one to start and stop the vehicle in case of shipping obstruction or emergency. Let the shipper know if there are any leaks in the car. Also, fill up liquid levels and make sure the tires are nice and full incase your vehicle needs to be moved.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Carriers, Auto Shipping, Automotive, relocating | No Comments »

The Adventure of Backpacking through the Auto Shipping Industry

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Travel Tips and Warnings

You and your best friend have decided to spend the 3 months of summer following college graduation backpacking through Europe. The planning process began months in advance and you have prepared yourself for any mishaps or uncontrolled phenomenon. Despite your mothers’ thinking you were out of your mind, everything seemed right. A feeling of achievement swept over you as you made the preparations.

Backpacking requires months of planning in advance; airport tickets, Euro-rail transports, which countries, cities, hostels, money appropriations, and packing all have to be considered and planned. A company or broker must be chosen. Pick up and delivery stops will need to be researched, figure the right transportation; which direction you will go, how much you are going to pay, which direction you will go, and the comfort of your vehicle’s lodging. Perhaps clothing can be included. Your car will need to be undressed of any electronic devices and outside gear; spoilers or any other specific ornaments. Here are some tips and warnings for a safe auto shipping adventure.

Tips

Be forthright with your carrier. An over filled gas tank or additional “things” in your car can impede the delivery process and during checks can cost the driver extra money.

Do not pay anything upfront. Steer clear of lower-priced companies as well. Cheaper rates could be a result of less experience, thus possibly damaging your vehicle. Make sure of this as companies and brokers often will go for the highest bidder and leave you and your vehicle stranded.

Be sure to do extensive research on your broker or company of choice. Make certain they are insured, licensed, bonded, and registered with the Better Business Bureau.

Document and photograph your vehicle. At pick up and delivery your company should do the same.

Read the contract in full before signing, this is very important. Pay close attention to small print and any hidden fees.

Warnings!

1) Although this industry may sound convenient and secure, it can be very unstable and there are no guarantees. Many dilemmas can occur such as weather, mechanical issues, road blocks, and more.

2) When making reservations with an auto shipping carrier be sure not to reserve with two different companies. Most drivers will pass on your vehicle when this occurs. This will cause you to repeat the entire process.

3) With a credit card reservation make sure fees are not added unless a driver is assigned to your vehicle.

Being alert and educated is a must. If you are not fully prepared, you will find yourself in a lot of trouble, just like when traveling cross country or internationally with a backpack and high hopes. It is possible to get lost, have your possessions stolen, or worse. This can all happen to your vehicle, so be prepared and use these tips and warnings as a guide.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Shipping, Auto Transport, Cars, International | No Comments »

The Auto Shipping Adventure

Monday, September 14th, 2009

Travel Tips and Warnings

Are you still reliving the day that you and your best friend decided to don your backpacks for a full 3 month travel of Europe during the summer after college graduation? Preparing yourself for any mishaps or uncontrolled phenomenon, and planning for months in advance; your mothers probably thought you were out of your minds at the time, but still it seemed alright. Before even setting out on your adventure you felt a big achievement had already been made, and more excitement arose as you made the preparations.

Months of advance planning are required to backpack; packing for the venture, which countries, which cities, which hostels, airport tickets, Euro-rail transports, and money appropriations. Minus the clothes, you must prepare all the same going through the auto shipping industry. You must choose the company or broker, figure the right transportation, pickup and delivery stops; how comfortable is your vehicle’s lodging, which direction you will go, how you will pay, and clothing can be included perhaps.  Your car will need to be undressed of any outside gear and electrical devices; spoilers or any other specific ornaments. Here are some tips and warnings for a safe auto shipping adventure.

Tips

Be forthright with your carrier. An over filled gas tank or any extra “things” in your car can impede the delivery process, and cost the driver additional money during checks.

Do not pay anything upfront. This is a big no-no! Also stay clear of lower-priced companies, their cheap rates could be due to less experience in auto travel; this could result in damages to your vehicle. Make sure of this because your vehicle could be left out in the dust, as companies or brokers will often times go for the highest bidder.

Research the broker or company you are using. Make sure they are registered with the Better Business Bureau, are insured, bonded, and licensed.

Make sure you document and photograph your vehicle. Upon pick up and delivery the company you use should do the same.

Most importantly, before signing read the full contract. Be conscious of small print and hidden fees.

Warnings!

1.) As convenient and secure as this industry may sound, there are no guarantees and it can be very unstable. Mechanical issues, road blocks, and weather are just a few dilemmas that can happen.

2.) Make sure you do not reserve your vehicle with two different companies. If this occurs most drivers will pass on your vehicle resulting in you having to do the whole process again.

3.) A credit card reservation is normal but make sure that unless your vehicle is assigned to a driver they do not charge anything.

In any regard, you must be educated and alert. Just like traveling cross country or internationally with high hopes and a backpack, you will be in more than trouble if not prepared. You can get lost, have your things stolen in an instance, and in a worst case scenario, hurt or killed. All of these are possibilities as to what can happen to your vehicle as well, use the tips and warnings and plan away.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in International, Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Transport, relocating | No Comments »

Backpacking Through the Auto Shipping Adventure

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Tips and warnings during travel

Still basking the very day that you and your best friend decided to throw in your backpacks for a full forward 3 month summer travel of Europe after college graduation? Planning for months in advance, and preparing yourself for any mishaps or uncontrolled phenomenon; maybe your mothers at the time thought you were out of our minds, but it all seemed right. The preparations only led to more excitement and before you even set out on your travel you felt that you already achieved something so big!

Backpacking takes months of advance planning; airport tickets, Euro-rail transports, which countries, which cities, which hostels, money appropriations, and the packing for the venture. Going through the auto shipping world you must prepare all the same, well minus the clothes. You must get the company or broker. Pickup and delivery stops, figure the right transportation; which direction will you go, how comfortable is your vehicle’s lodging, how much are you going to pay, and perhaps clothes can be included. Why? Well you do need to undress your car of any electronic devices and outside gear; spoilers or any other specific ornaments. Here are some tips and warnings for a safe auto shipping adventure.

Tips

Be forthright with your carrier. Any extra “things” in your car or an over filled gas tank can impede the delivery process, and cost the driver extra money during checks.

Do not pay anything upfront. Big no-no! Also stay clear of lower priced companies, their inexperience or cheap rates could be due to less experience in auto travel, thus causing possible damages to your vehicle. Make sure of this because a lot of the times the companies or brokers will go for the highest bidder and leave you and your vehicle out in the dust!

Research the company or broker you are using. Make sure they are insured, licensed, bonded, and registered with the Better Business Bureau.

Be sure to document and photograph your vehicle. The company you use should do the same as well at pick up and delivery.

Most importantly, read the contract in full before signing. Be conscious of small print and any hidden fees.

Warnings!

1) This industry may sound convenient and secure but on the contrary it can be very unstable and there are no guarantees. A number of dilemmas can happen such as weather, mechanical issues, road blocks, and more.

2) When reserving your spot with an auto shipping carrier due not reserve with two different companies. If this occurs most drivers will pass on your vehicle and then you will have to do the whole process again.

3) A credit card reservation is normal but make sure they do not charge anything unless your vehicle is assigned to a driver.

In any regard, you must be alert and educated. Just like traveling cross country or internationally with a backpack and high hopes, if you are not prepared you will be in more than big trouble. You can get lost, have your things stolen form you in a blink of eye and, in worst regards, hurt or killed. This can all happen to your vehicle, so use these tips and warnings as an aid, and plan away.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Car Transport, Trucks, Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Transport | No Comments »

Shipping Your Car Overseas

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Traveling is awesome.  It broadens your heart, mind and soul.  There is no other way for you to feast on the sounds, colors, cultures, food, and folk found in this great wide world of ours.  Whether traveling by foot, train, air or car, you are in for a rare adventure.  Sometimes, there may be a special vehicle that you wish to accompany you in your international travel.  Obviously, this is a cause for additional planning on your part.  Now, you have to have travel plans for your vehicle as well yourself.

Vehicle Shipment

This is one venture that you should not undertake on your own.  International shipping companies are there for your assistance.  By all means, find an experienced and reputable one.

Most often, it will take approximately 20 to 30 days to actually ship your vehicle.  However, there are some specific routes that may only require 7 to 14 days, but you would have to be absolutely sure of the route you wanted it to take.  You must allow the company adequate time to ship your vehicle in any case.  The international companies will generally allow you to plan up to two months before departure time.  You must notify them, however, about two weeks in advance of the departure.  If you wish to speed up this process, it is possible but it will cost you for the individual special arrangements.  Once your vehicle reaches the designated destination, you have two or three days to pick it up.  Suppose that your desired destination is inaccessible to the shipper?  Not to  worry, they will hire a driver to get it to your location, or if not there, to a terminal within a reasonable distance from that.  Get a trusted friend or family member to pick it up wherever it lands if you are unavailable within two or three days to pick it up.  It’s a wise move to have an alternate plan for pick up in any case.

If you would like to arrange for a different shipping schedule or delivery option, the shipping company can probably accommodate you, of course for a price.  The shipping rates are determined by vehicle size as well as poundage.  Any additional requests from you to customize the shipping will add to that.  You can usually pay with a personal check, money order, cashier’s check or obviously, a major credit card.  The payment can be made with the shipper’s agent in the destination country or you may prepay it.  Remember, it is an absolute necessity to have the vehicle’s tank as low as possible so as to not inconvenience the shipper.

Please note that even though it seems like a grand opportunity to load up your vehicle with your personal belongings since it is going internationally, do not do this.  It is prohibited by a Department of Transportation ruling of 1998.  Trucks are checked at random for prohibited items within them.  Prohibited items would include household goods or any belongings of a personal nature.  They will be disposed of if found.  Personal goods are not covered by the shippers carrier insurance, so this practice is very risky.  This regulation covers domestic as well as international vehicle shipments.  This “contraband” also adds to the weight of your vehicle which could damage its suspension during loading and unloading, thus compromises the shipping company.  Just don’t do it.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Car Shipping, Car Transport, Cars, International | No Comments »

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