Archive for the ‘Auto Brokers’ Category

Car Shippers Can Move The Car For You

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

If you have ever made a move across country, you know how long and boring the trip can be if you have more than one vehicle that needs to make the move. Car shippers can help with the move.

If you drive one vehicle and a spouse drives the other, then caravanning across the country can be a long drive. If you move yourself, one vehicle can be towed behind the moving van, but what do you do with the other vehicle.

One option is to sell one of the vehicles and buy another one when you get to the new place, but that may mean that you will be buying a used car and who knows what problems will come with that. Additionally, you like the car you have now and trust it to get you where you are going. Instead of selling that car and re-buying, have your car shipped.

If you have a specialty or antique vehicle, driving that vehicle across country may not be an option. The trip might take days and the vehicle would not offer the comfort that we have come to expect on these large cross country trips.

The cost of shipping a vehicle is very reasonable. In fact, it will cost little more than you would spend on gas to drive most vehicles the same distance. Your vehicle will arrive safely and in the same shape as when it was loaded onto the trailer.

Car shippers load your vehicle onto a trailer that will be pulled by a semi tractor. Since the vehicle is moved on the trailer, you will not be putting those hard highway miles on the vehicle. It will be safely driven to your new location and you will be able to pick it up when you get there.

While many shippers work to fill a trailer before a move and it may take two to three weeks to get your car from one point to another, some also offer an upgraded service that will allow you to get your car shipped in less time.

If you have a vehicle that you want transported in an enclosed trailer, many of the car shippers also offer this service at an additional fee.

Many of the services offer door to door service. They pick up the car at your old home, transport it and deliver to the new home. If there is a delay in your getting to the new home, they offer storage of the vehicle until you are able to make it to the new home.

If you have a long move and will be having professional movers move your household goods, why not fly to the new location and have all of your vehicles shipped. Have one vehicle picked up early and another the day of the move. Then you will have a vehicle to use on both ends of your trip. This saves the long and tiring trip for the entire family. You can arrive at your new home fresh and ready to get the household set up so that you will be able to start your new home.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Brokers and Customer Responsiveness in Auto Shipping

Friday, December 18th, 2009

When dealing with a company yourself, you may get that feeling that all is not right but don’t have  enough knowledge of the industry to ask the right questions in order to satisfy yourself of the company’s reliability.  This is where the broker steps in.  Brokers have the whereabouts to check out a company’s insurance, reliability record, the reputation within the industry as well as with past customers.  They can also verify that they are licensed in order to do what they do.

The broker’s decision will be made on the company’s past performance, whether it has industry longevity or not.  The broker will then give you a choice of several companies that have passed this initial test.  You will have much better access to information that is pertinent to you so you can make an intelligent decision on which company best suits your needs.

A website worth noting is Transportreviews.com.  You can research brokers and companies on the site and aside from what the broker tells you about the company, this site allows to look into customer reviews.  You can determine from the site how many cars are shipped per month and compare the number of positive responses with the negative.  You will undoubtedly uncover way more positive reviews than negative, because human nature is such that if they have a negative experience, they will deal directly with the company and/or broker to come to a solution.  But, at any rate, you can compare the magnitude of the company’s business with the rate of happy customers.

As in any industry the company that is of merit will work very hard to satisfy the customer – that is it’s livelihood.  Some customers will shower praise on a company even though some minor mistakes were committed.  This is certainly not rare and is not too meaningful if the overall response is good and there are several good responses noted.  And as good customer reviews are not 100% reliable, bad reviews do not mean you should shun the company entirely.  The negative responses could come from people who just generally complain about everything all the time, even when fully compensated by the company.

If you encounter customer complaints of wide variation, this could be very meaningful.  A dependable company may have a weak point, or have run into one of those genuine cranks.  However, the company that dissatisfies myriads of people in many different ways is a company to avoid.

Whatever, the online reviews are just one area to be examined that doesn’t require a broker’s services.  The broker, though, is able to obtain customer responses and analyze them more expertly than you, and can also view official documents and records that you cannot.  The broker is also bringing to you the advantage of his experience and professional knowledge.  They will take the burden of onerous detail and fee negotiations off your hands.  They will undoubtedly be able to negotiate more effectively and that will save you money, considering they only charge between 100$ and 200$, depending on the time-frame and complications of your particular job.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Auto Shipping: Brokers and Customer Response

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

A company may be unwilling to produce the information required for you to feel secure in contracting them, but though you suspect something fishy you might not know what to look out for and how to ensure dependable service. A broker’s job is to verify current insurance, track record, general reputation with the industry and past customers, and the validity (and in some cases the reality) of their MC license.

A broker makes the decision to use the carrier company if its past performance record is good (in most basic business terms there is absolutely no reason why even the smallest starting company’s record shouldn’t be 100% perfect; mistakes may not be avoided, but any company worth its name compensates its customers to ensure full satisfaction). And though it doesn’t make sense for a broker to contract a company other than with a satisfactory record (lest it may lead to his own customer’s dissatisfaction), with a broker you yourself will have better access to most or all pertinent information, allowing you to make the final decision.

A good place to look for companies and brokers is the much used Transportreviews.com. Besides what the broker might provide, on the site you have access to customer response. The way to appraise customer response is to compare the magnitude of the company’s activity (do they ship 10 or 100 cars a month, etc) with number of responses, and the number of responses with the number of negative responses. Often, when a company simply does its job competently enough or even well, a customer may either not appreciate the fine work or just not bother to leave a thank-you comment. But most people are more than ready to complain, especially when their cars are concerned.

Now, as I have already said, any worthy company works to satisfy customers fully. So that you often may find responses praising the service despite some initial mistake: this is normal customer-company relationship. Still, just as one or two positive responses (which makes for a 100% perfect record on the site) are not proof of reliability, so negative responses are not necessarily a sign of absolute unreliability. Pay attention to the type of complaint (major or minor: the site does not, of course, distinguish these) and to recurrent complaints. A particularly ill-tempered customer may complain even if the company acted in the best way and fully compensated the client.

A wide variety of complaints may be as bad or worse. A company might not have one particular tricky angle figured out, but be otherwise competent. But a company which dissatisfy in a number of related fields is probably badly run or hasn’t the budget to cope with basic requirements, or both.

In any case, online responses are only preliminary precautions that you can take without broker services. A broker is more reliable and will procure not just ambiguous customer responses but official records and documents, as well as bring his or her personal professional knowledge and advice. They will save you the headache of bureaucratic procedures and ineffective negotiations. Good brokers take between $100 and $200 for a job, depending on time-frame and magnitude.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Understanding Auto Transport

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

If you are not relocating either to a distant state or abroad, you will have no reason to explore the companies involved with auto shipping.  Ah, but if you are making a long distance move, you will want to be sure that your precious, pampered car, boat, motor cycle, or SUV arrives safely and on time.  After all, you have spent money and time making sure that vehicle looks cherry and runs like a charm, and you want it there when you arrive at your destination so you won’t be without transportation.

What Does Auto Shipping Entail?

Basically and simply, it is a method of getting your car from where it is to where you want it to be without driving it yourself.  Fortunately, there are many companies that offer the convenient service of doing just that.  They have fleets of carriers in all shapes and sizes.  One will surely fit your vehicle whether you are relocating domestically or internationally.  You can also opt to have your vehicle delivered to your door.  If you live in one of those rare municipalities that have a local auto shipping company, good for you.  You can walk right in and arrange for shipping with a representative.  This is probably not the case, however, there are numerous companies online that offer many services, such as flexible modes of shipping as well as flexible schedules.  Most of these companies also pride themselves on their excellent customer service.

Two Types of Shipping Carriers

Whether you are transporting a recently purchased vehicle to your current location or are transporting your old friend to a new one, you will need to know what type of shipping carriers are available. There are two main types of carriers.

  1. The open vehicle carrier is the most commonly seen and is a great option for most people.  It will give your vehicle service at the most economical price.  Remember though, that “open” is precisely what it is.  You have often seen those huge trucks with their huge trailers rambling down the road with a load of 12 or 14 or more automobiles.  One of those vehicles could be yours if you opt for this type of carrier.  And, you can see that the disadvantages of this least expensive method is all those other vehicles which can cause yours harm, inclement weather conditions, flying debris, and theft, if not of your car itself, of the GPS, fancy stereo or other electronic gizmos that are dear to you.  There is much less chance of any of this occurring if you go for option #2.
  2. The enclosed vehicle carrier is, yup, enclosed.  Your precious vehicle will be lovingly laid to rest in its own little bed for a safe journey to its destination without fear of debris, harm from other vehicles or theft.  More attention and care will be lavished on it when loading and unloading.  Of course, this being the real world, there are two distinct downsides to this mode.  1.) The cost can be from 25% to 100% more expensive than the open carrier mostly because considerably fewer vehicles can be carried at one time.  2.) There are only a few companies that have closed type carriers available in their fleets.  Even finding an enclosed carrier can be very difficult and  time consuming if not downright impossible.

You have now received a basic education in auto shipping.  You are able to do your research armed with your newfound wisdom and find that perfect company and carrier for your needs.  Good job!

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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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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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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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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To Deal With Auto Shipping Carriers Or Auto Shipping Brokers? – That Is The Question

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

There are two companies in the ring.  The carrier in one corner, the broker in the other.  Which one are you going to put your money on?

A Background on the Two Competitors

There are many auto shipping carriers out there and they are multiplying like spring rabbits.  These companies provide you with a convenient means to transport your vehicles whether you be a car dealer or an individual with special needs when it comes to shipping a car or other vehicle.  Dealing with the carrier online or by phone are usually the only options open to you because the carriers are far flung and not apt to be local thereby unavailable for a face-to-face meeting.  Even so, it is not too difficult to obtain quotes and rates online or by phone.  One of the main features of a carrier’s business is that the majority of them offer great customer service.  They also include the cost of insuring your vehicle in the quote, which is mandatory when shipping your vehicle.  They also offer more than one way to ship your vehicle to you.  It can be transported via an open or enclosed means, by truck, freight, or boat, to just name a few of the available services.

Auto shipping brokers, on the other hand, are specific individuals acting as the carrier’s agent.  These people are the ones most often used when dealing with both you and the shipping companies.  They not only make you, the customer’s, life easier, they bring more client traffic and therefore revenue to the auto carrier companies.  You as the customer are offered greater freedom as you do not have to be tied up with just one company.  Your broker chooses from a variety of companies and prices for you and also has the advantage of direct communication with the shipper.

So Which One Gets the Prize?

The carrier companies have their own trucks or transportation systems, the brokers do not.  This is the difference between the two competitors, who are not really competitors at all, but more like coworkers.  Dealing with a carrier in lieu of a broker can be somewhat less expensive.  The brokers, however, do much of the work for you and have knowledge of the shipping companies at their disposal as well as the ability to provide the convenience of door-to-door car delivery.  If you contract directly with a car carrier, you are locked into the services they provide, not the widespread list of services that a multitude of carriers can provide the broker, and therefore, you.

Brokers also uncover a plethora of rates and quotes out there in the industry and can offer you the best they found.  They will probably have better communication with the drivers but this is not a guarantee as most carriers do not have the communication equipment to talk directly to the drivers.  An added advantage with choosing the broker scenario is that the brokers are communicating with more than one shipping service at a time.  The far flung domestic and/or international scope of the shippers have an inherent lack of communication with the various components of a shipment.  As previously stated, the carrier will normally drop off their vehicles at terminals, whereas the broker will deliver it to your door – definitely a convenience.

And the winner is?  Everybody!  Just pick the method most suitable to your needs and your pocketbook.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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What Is The Difference Between An Auto Shipping Broker And An Auto Shipping Carrier?

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

And in this corner of the ring is the auto shipping broker…his opponent in the opposite corner is the auto shipping carrier.  May the best fighter win.  Let’s get it on.

Who are the Competitors?

The auto shipping carriers are as numerous as baby bunnies.  These businesses provide a convenient service for vehicles on the move, for car dealers and for customers with specific requirements.  Most find that contacting one of these carriers online may be the only way to go as they are all over the place and a face-to-face contact with them is unlikely.  Even so, it is not very difficult to obtain quotes and rates either online or by telephone.  Excellent customer service is usually their stock in trade.  The rates quoted to you will include the cost of insurance which is imperative for the well being of your vehicle.  The auto shipping carriers will offer you several options by which to ship your vehicle or equipment of any sort.  Your vehicle can be transported in an open or enclosed environment, by truck, rail, freight or boat, and these are just some of the services they offer.

On the other hand, auto shipping brokers are individual agents operating as the middleman between you and the car hauling company.  These brokers are widely used by both the trucking company and the individual shipping his vehicle.  They definitely do ease the burden of both parties by bringing the clients and revenue to the shipping company and by handling the gory details of the move for the customer.  The customer shipping the vehicle also enjoys the freedom of not being tied down to any one shipper and has a variety of companies and prices from which to choose.  The customer can actually talk to the broker providing direct communication.

And the Winner Is….

The major factor separating the broker from the carrier is that brokers don’t own vehicles or transportation systems.  The carrier companies have their own shipping utilities and so the cost to them is somewhat less, which makes the cost of dealing with the carrier directly somewhat less for the customer as well.  The broker provides a valuable service to you by locating the companies for you and getting your vehicle picked up and delivered to you without difficulty.  The carriers have a problem in that are undoubtedly not local to the customer shipping his vehicle and so the customer must rely on strictly the services offered by the carrier.  With the broker scenario, the customer receives full disclosure to a plethora of options without being married to any one company.  The broker, then, becomes the responsible party for the timely and efficient delivery of your vehicle to its destination, relieving you, his customer, of this burden.

If you choose a broker instead of the carrier itself, you will get various quotes and rates and select the one you want.  The broker also can take advantage of immediate interaction with the carrier’s drivers.  Or so the promise goes.  In reality, this is not always true.  Most carriers do not have the equipment to communicate directly to the driver.  Brokers, if they can communicate, are working with one shipper at a time.  Contrast this to the carrier/shipper companies who have a huge supply of trucks or other drivers domestically, internationally or both, which hampers communication significantly.The carrier will most often drop off the vehicles at a terminal expecting you to pick it up there.  A broker gives you door-to-door service as an added convenience.

It was a fair fight.  The winner depends upon your needs.  Everyone wins this one.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Auto Shipping Brokers Versus Auto Shipping Carriers

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Ding, ding, ding… In the left corner is auto shipping brokers, in the right corner is auto shipping companies; let’s fight fair…GO!

Competitors in the ring

Auto shipping carriers are like offspring rabbits. There are so many out there it is crazy. They provide a large and convenient function for traveling vehicles, dealers, and special needs customers. You can basically do it all online or call for immediate contact; a slight problem is doing an in house meeting with them for most of the shipping companies are far away from your local area. Although this may be, it is pretty easy to take care of the quoting and rates online or over the phone. Most carrier companies have excellent customer service. Included in their rates is insurance which is imperative for your vehicle safety. They present an abundant way of travel convenience for your vehicle or equipment. Offering your vehicle to be transported via open or enclosed, by truck, LTL, freight, or boat; these are just some of the available services.

Auto shipping brokers are specific individuals who work as the middleman between you and the shipping company. They are the most widely used in dealing with auto shipping for both parties. This being due to the fact that they make the customers life easier and they bring more clientele and revenue to the shipping companies. They allow the curious customer much freedom in that they never have to be tied down to one company. Brokers give the patrons a variety of companies and prices to choose from, as well as direct communication.

Who is the winner?

The main difference between broker and carrier is brokers do not have their own trucks or transportation systems. Carriers have their own shipping utilities, and the cost is somewhat less expensive. Brokers are the people that find the companies for you, and get your vehicle picked up and delivered. A major problem for carriers is that their transportation services are far away from the customer and you can only use their services, but with a broker you are allowed full disclosure to a multitude of options without being tied down to any one company; as well as the benefit of relying on your broker to get the carrier to your destination quickly and easily.

Brokers are able to get your various quotes and rates and then accommodate accordingly. Brokers have the benefit of immediate interaction with the trucking or shipping drivers; it is promised with most carriers that this can happen but the reality of it is not always true. The fact is that most trucking or shipping companies don’t have the equipment to communicate directly to the driver. Plus, brokers, during communication, are working with one shipping service at a time. While the carrier companies have an abundant amount of trucks or other drivers spread around the USA or internationally, thus causing inherent lack of communication. Most carriers drop off the vehicles at terminals, yet working with a broker you have door to door service at your disposal; making it all much more convenient.

The fight was a good one, but it all depends on your standards of competition. The one you pick will be the winner, so choose away!

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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