Archive for the ‘Auto Carriers’ Category

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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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Posted in Auto Brokers, Auto Carriers, Car Transport, Cars | No Comments »

Auto Shippers Can Be A Great Choice If You Need To Move A Vehicle Long Distances

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Many occasions arise when it is more feasible to use a professional service to transport a vehicle form one state to another. You may need to move and you are pressed on time, so you fly and then have the vehicle transported by an auto shipper. Auto shippers are in business for this very reason.

By using an auto shipper you can eliminate unnecessary wear and tear on an automobile that would be inflicted on it as a result of a long distance drive. Auto transporters also come in handy if purchasing a vehicle in another state. Regardless of the reason auto shippers can provide an excellent service that may be more affordable than you might think.

Traveling across country or from one state to another can be both time consuming and expensive. You not only need to pay for the gas you need to cover hotel expenses and food when traveling. This trip can cut into your work schedule and may require time you simply do not have. These factors make using an auto transport mo0re affordable than transporting the vehicle yourself.

When shopping for auto shoppers it is a good idea to ask around. You may know a friend who has used a service or perhaps you know someone who knows someone who provides this service. Another way to get references on auto shippers is to check with internet forums that have members in your areas. Some of these forums can be a great way to find someone who is in the business or knows someone who is.

There are many ways that auto shippers move vehicles from one area to another. But one way that you may not have considered is traveling your car by train. This method can be less expensive and often faster than using a truck service. Train services can be located on the internet.

The first thing you will want to do when you locate some auto shippers is to ask for a free estimate of the anticipated cost. Most auto shippers will gladly provide this information. It is also important to inquire about insurance and bonding when talking to an auto shipper. Make sure they can cover the expense of the vehicle if something should happen while it is in their care. If they are reluctant to provide you with this information then you need to find another auto shipper.

You may also want to discuss the method that the shipper will use in transporting your vehicle. Some transporters strictly used enclosed car carriers, while others use a flat bed or a conventional car carrier like the manufacturers use to transport new cars to a dealer.

When transporting a rare or exotic automobile it is a good idea to find auto shippers that will provide an enclosed carrier. If you are not concerned with the vehicle being exposed to the elements and dirt and other debris that may come in to contact with the vehicle during transport then you may want to find a small auto shipper who will use a flat bed. These independents can often be the most economical choice.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Carriers, Auto Transport, moving, relocating | No Comments »

Auto Shipping Pricing: More or Less

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Whether it’s a common family vehicle or a collector’s item, if you want to transport your car over a long distance in the safest as well as the cheapest way, it is probably best to contract an auto shipping company. The service does not only save time and the trouble of driving the vehicle across states on your own, it reduces the amount of fuel that you would otherwise have to buy. With today’s fuel prices, if you find it necessary to see first which of the gas stations available along an interstate offer better prices, you had better consider auto shipping and save your car unnecessary wear.

For those familiar with the industry, which gains in popularity even now, auto shipping is the obvious solution. At the same time, the customer is always at risk, as Rod Taylor says in The Birds, when contracting even the long-tried services of a reliable company: it is better to be cautious about choosing a transport company, to be aware of their insurance policies, previous performances on similar jobs (including the brand of the car, since a company which is competent at handling regular vehicle, may not be as good with exotic vehicles which it is eager to take on simply for the money and the ostensible prestige of it), and the various aspects of pricing.

Among the most obvious factors which determine the price and the first things you are likely to be asked is the brand and make of the car, the distance it is to travel and the precise pick-up and drop-off points.

Some peculiar, out of the way destinations may require out of the way services, and precise destination, rather than only the distance, is important for the service provider to know what conditions to expect along the way. A good company should inform you of any road or weather conditions which might be harmful to the vehicles transported and offer services which will suitably prevent any damage or unwanted circumstances.

The cost of transportation will increase if your vehicle is especially large and heavy, like a big SUV, taking up more than the usual space inside the carrier and not allowing the company to load its usual number of vehicles. Some exotic cars, especially old collector cars, have odd dimensions, but such vehicles may require special handling, regardless of size and weight.

Since you also want to insure your car while it is handled by the company, buying an adequate policy from the company you have decided to go with is another factor in the final pricing. Your regular car insurance may not cover the dangers posed to your car during shipping and of the various policies usually available in any standard company, it is better to buy the costlier one.

Besides these key factors, there are many secondary circumstances which affect pricing. If a car is not in running condition, the truck will have to pick it up from your place, rather than the terminal, and will have to push or tow it into place, which is a special service requiring a special truck.

It is better to make sure the vehicle is fully operable, and book the service as much in advance as possible, preferably during off-season. If you contract a company only a  month or so in advance, the price is likely to be higher, and if in addition your car suffers damage during transportation as a result of its prior condition, besides the delays to you, the final price, may skyrocket unexpectedly.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Carriers, Auto Shipping, moving | No Comments »

Choosing and Auto Carrier

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

Moving involves more than just household goods. If you own a car, then you must also move your vehicle. If you are unwilling or cannot drive those vehicles, then you must find a car shipping company to move them.

The internet is a great tool for finding car shipping companies. You can go directly to the company’s website to as for a quote or you can find a broker’s website that will give you five to ten quotes for the move. You need to be sure that all information given on the website is accurate and entered correctly. Automatic quotes are only as good as the information that you give and are normally for unmodified cars that are operable. If your vehicle has been modified or is inoperable, expect to pay more for the shipping.

Be cautious about the lowest price, especially if it is significantly lower. Some brokers will give a low ball quote without a carrier to fulfill it to get your business. Unless a carrier agrees to the quote, your vehicle will not be moved, so you end up paying more for the move than some of the middle of the road quotes would have cost in the first place.

If you think you have found a company, do an internet search for that company’s name. If you find many bad reviews, then you may want to look elsewhere. Also check with the Better Business Bureau and with friends or co-workers.

Make sure that any brokers you deal with are bonded and that any company you contract with is licensed and insured.

Once you are confident in the company you are choosing, book the order. Be sure that you get either an e-mail or a fax confirmation. Read all the paperwork or e-mails that the company sends you before signing the contract. Also, do not forget that an electronic signature is just as binding as a virtual signature.

Your vehicle will need to be prepared to be transported. Remove any of your personal or valuable items from the car. Most carriers do not allow you to pack any of your household goods into the vehicle and most prefer that you have less than half of a tank of gasoline in the vehicle at the time of pickup. You car should be washed as theis allows the carrier to easily see any damage that may have been done to the vehicle.

The carrier should inspect your vehicle at the time of pickup. Any damage to the vehicle will be noted and you will be asked to sign the inspection form. Keep the copy that the carrier gives you until you pickup your vehicle.

Once your vehicle has been transported and delivered, it is your turn to do the inspection. Be very thorough in your inspection as you will not be allowed to claim any damage that is found after you sign off on the inspection form. If you do find additional damage to the vehicle, the carrier will need to sign the inspection form and will give you a copy of it. Keep that copy of the form until any claim has been settled.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

Great Methods To Choose A Car Shipping Carrier

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

If you are moving, you may have already selected the moving company, but what will you do with your vehicles? Unless you are willing to drive cars cross country, you are going to also need to choose a car shipping company.

In order to find a good company, you can go directly to the website of the company that your are interested in and request a quote or you can find one of several websites that offer you five to ten quotes by submitting only one form. Be sure that you enter in the information as accurately as possible for the most accurate quote. If your vehicle has been modified in any way, the standard quote you get from the internet may not be accurate, since modifications often add weight. If the vehicle is not running, you may also be charged more since it will be more difficult to load and unload.

Be cautious about the lowest quotes. Sometimes you will get a low quote that is not yet attached to a carrier. Once you dismiss all the other quotes, you will start to hear about additional charges that make that lowest quote the most expensive one. If a quote is way below all of the others, be careful.

Use resources such as the internet, friends and co-workers and the Better Business Bureau to check out any company you are considering hiring to move your vehicle.

Brokers should be bonded and carriers should carry insurance and be licensed. This will help to make sure your vehicle is covered during transport.

Once you are fairly sure you have found a reputable company, you are ready to book an order. You should receive a confirmation by e-mail or by fax. Read everything that is sent by the company before making the final signature. When you are ordering on the internet an e-signature is binding just like an actual signature.

You will need to prepare your vehicle for the transport. That will include removing personal or valuable items from the car. Do not pack things that need to be moved in the car as they are not allowed. The gas tank should be below 1/4 tank. This lowers the weight of the load the truck must pull and increased the fuel efficiency. If you wash your vehicle before pickup so that its condition can be seen when picked up.

You should get a copy of the carrier’s inspection of your vehicle. This report should show and damage that was already done to your vehicle. You will need to sign this form before the vehicle is moved. Keep the copy of your form until the vehicle is safely returned to your possession.

After delivery, you will be asked to perform your own inspection of the vehicle. Be very careful in performing this inspection, as once you sign off on the form, you cannot claim any further damage to the vehicle. If there is additional damage, be sure that the carrier signs the form noting the additional damage to the vehicle. Make sure that you get a copy of this form also.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Carriers, Car Shipping, car carrier | No Comments »

Important factors to consider when choosing an auto transport company

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

If your were to list your most valuable assets, near the top of the list, you would likely include your auto. Cars are valuable as the proved transportation to and from work or school. They are also expensive to replace. If you are moving your vehicle a long distance, you want to be sure that it is well taken care of. If you are using an auto transport company, you should be very diligent in choosing that company in order to ensure that your vehicle makes it to the new destination without damage. These tips will help you to choose the best carrier.

Choose a company that has a good reputation in the auto transport industry. If a company has a bad reputation, the internet makes it easy to find that out. Use a good search engine to check out the company and see if they have any bad reviews. Many customers with a problem with a company will quickly make a review. Be sure that you read the reason for a poor rating as well as any steps the company took to resolve the problem. Make sure that the company tries to meet the customers needs, otherwise, you may want to consider another company. If a company only has bad reviews, regardless of the price, choose another company.

Before signing any paperwork be sure that the company has the proper documentation to perform the service they are offering. They should have a federal license as well as insurance and bonding. The company representative should have no problem in showing this paperwork.

Ask about insurance that will cover any damage your vehicle sustains in transport. Also be sure that you understand any limitations in the coverage of your vehicle. What the company considers minor damage may be rock chips to the paint or even broken glass. If their insurance does not cover this damage, then you will be responsible to pay for the repairs yourself. Be sure that you read the fine print.

You will find that there are several options for shipping your vehicle. Not all companies will offer all of these options, so ask the representative what is available.

If you agree to open shipping, your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer for transport. While less expensive, your vehicle is subject to more damage than if it is in an enclosed container.

Enclosed shipping uses an enclosed trailer and reduces the likelihood of damage to your vehicle from road debris. The difference in price may be worth protecting your vehicle from possible damage, especially if you are shipping an antique or specialty vehicle.

Economy service is the least expensive way to ship your vehicle. The vehicle is loaded onto trailers on a space available basis and eventually works its way to your new home. It can take up to three weeks to arrive, so if time is of the essence, pay for the quicker service. If this is a vehicle you can do without for a few weeks, then this method of shipping can save money.

Full service is the quickest way to get you vehicle to its new destination and usually includes door to door service.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Carriers, Car Shipping, Car Transport | No Comments »

How to Find the Best Auto Shipping Company

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

You car is one of your prized possessions, so it makes sense that when you are moving interstate or internationally you should carefully think about which company can offer you the best auto shipping. By following the tips in this article you will be able to collect your car at its destination intact and without fuss.

Auto shipping can be expensive, so finding the best price is an important consideration. It should not, however, be the only consideration. There are many Internet sites these days that can generate quotes on auto shipping with several different companies. Do not automatically choose the cheapest as when you look at the fine print it may not be the most trustworthy company.

Before choosing your shipping company check out the conditions under which the car will be shipped. By electing a company that is careful with your car, you can substantially reduce the chance of damage or breakages to the vehicle. Ensure that you are happy with the conditions provided by the company before signing on the dotted line. If in doubt, it is best to choose another company rather than have the worry of your car being mishandled.

Time of delivery can be a very important detail depending on your situation and needs. Several companies will now guarantee the time of delivery of your car and this can save a lot of stress and anxiety if you are running to a tight schedule. A company that is organized enough to be able to promise time of delivery of your vehicle also speaks well of their management and general business ethos.

A company’s reputation is also a very important point to investigate. You can do an Internet search to learn more about what the companies offer and what past customers have to say about their services. You might also have coworkers or friends who have used auto shipping services they were happy with.

A company that has all their licensing in order is the most secure way to do your auto shipping. Companies that that have all the proper licenses will not have any problem in sharing them with you and in fact will be proud of their professionalism.

It is important that you know what type of insurance the shipping company has in the event of damage to your vehicle. Some auto shipping companies have very extensive insurance policies and will guarantee your car against any damage no matter how big or small that is done to the car while in their care, other companies may not cover certain things such as minor scratches or chips which may be part of an associated risk of transportation.

Your car is likely to be one of your most important assets so you want to make sure that the shipping company you transport with is able to deliver what they promise. By checking their licenses and insurance, reading company reviews from customers and knowing exactly what they offer and guarantee you can protect yourself from problems. Peace of mind is definitely worth paying a little more for in the long run.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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A Look at the Auto Shipping Industry

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Most everyone has a treasured vehicle to take care of so it will behave nicely on the road.  We do everything we can to keep it looking good and running smoothly and reliably.  There may come the necessity at some time to get our pampered pet to a faraway destination due to relocation or just plain moving away.  You don’t need to worry, though, that you will be without transportation once you get there.  Here is why.

Just What is Auto Shipping?

To simplify, it is the art of getting a vehicle from where it is now to where it will be in the future, say a couple of days or more.  This does sound easy and in actuality, it is.  Auto shipping is a great convenience to anyone on the move.  The auto shipping companies generally include carriers of all different dimensions to suit every vehicle’s needs.  They will ship your car domestically as well as internationally and even door to door if that’s what you want.  You can work with an online service provider or a local one, although a local company where you can actually walk in the door and meet with a representative is rare.  Most of these companies are scattered hither and yon, so online is probably where you will be.  In any case, you and the company’s agent can work out all your travel preparations and needs.  Most offer a variety of services including great customer service and are flexible with modes of transportations and schedules.

Auto Shipping Types

Now that you know that you must ship your vehicle whether, car, truck, motorcycle or yacht, you need to educate yourself as to the various shipping methods that exist.  Following are two of these.

  1. Open carrier is the most commonly used type because it offers the most economical rates.  Open is an apt description.  We have all seen the mega-trucks with mega-trailers carrying a dozen plus automobiles rumbling down the highways.  One of those cars could be yours.  That’s fine but bear in mind that those vehicles are subject to road dirt, inclement weather, damage from other vehicles on the carrier and even theft.  Any accessories, such as a GPS, sound system, or other expensive electronic gadgets have greater odds of disappearing than if they were in a closed carrier.
  2. An enclosed carrier is just that.  Your precious vehicle is safely tucked in for the journey with no fear of debris, weather, theft, or harm from other vehicles traveling with it.  Your car will inevitably receive better care and more attention while being loaded and unloaded from the carrier.  Sounds like heaven but there are disadvantages to this shipping method.  Firstly, it is from 25% to 100% more costly, and secondly, not every shipping company has these closed vehicles in their fleets.  Finding the few that do can be a real challenge.

I hope this helps in your mission to get that vehicle of yours safely to its destination.  You still have a lot of research ahead of you, but the above noted basic principles should get you on your way.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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A Look At Open Auto Carriers

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

Many issues must be considered before deciding upon one of the many companies available to provide a specific service, the most important are probably cost and reliability.  When looking for a reliable auto shipping company, many customers are not aware that there is more involved in their decision, that there are actually different carrier types within the auto shipping industry.  The trucks offered by most of the medium sized to large transport companies are not just the big trucks with big trailers that haul a bunch of cars.  The car owner who prefers not to endure the stress involved in driving his car long distances himself needs to educate himself on the more technical aspects of the auto shipping industry.

Since air and water shipment are a business unto themselves, we are not dealing with that here.  We are concentrating on domestic auto shipping within one country’s borders, usually over land, in either open or closed carrier transport.  When visualizing such a vehicle, the long, many tiered, open truck with trailer comes to mind.  This is the most commonly seen type of vehicle on the road today and is a safe and reliable means to ship a vehicle  requiring no special attributes.  Long distance transportation though is probably better carried out with closed carriers.  Cars in open carriers are exposed to the vagaries of weather, road dirt, and vandals, thieves and hijackers.  When looked at in this way, even with short distances the open carrier may be the right choice.  Of course, you have made sure that your vehicle is covered by insurance, preferably the company’s rather than your own.  But even with that, settling the claim you make because your 1928 Duisenberg was a scratched up pile of mud on arrival is not something to look forward to.

In fact, that Duisenberg owner probably shipped it in a closed carrier, like most owners of rare, expensive, or vintage cars.  But that shouldn’t keep owners of Fords and Chevys from considering this means of transport too.  Yes, it is more expensive than open carrier transport because the closed-type cannot carry as many vehicles, only 2 to 4 units, and is itself more expensive to buy than the open one.

The essence of open carrier shipping is its cost advantage.  Driving a car yourself a long distance to its final destination will probably cost you more than hiring it done by an auto shipper, because of the cost of gas, repairs on route, possible damage to the vehicle, and the differing traffic laws of states that are you not aware of.  The cost of shipping your car is at very least a known factor.

An open auto transport truck is hardly an uncommon sight which is testimony not only to its popularity but its reliability.  Such trucks are around 80 feet long by 14 feet high and are restricted to only those roads capable of handling them, those without low bridges, sharp turns, or overhanging tree branches.  Factories trust these vehicles routinely to transport their finished products to show rooms and lots.

Another advantage to the open carrier mode of shipment is it is apt to offer more flexible options in the way of time frames and perks.  A customer can specify where on the carrier he wants his car to ride, upper tier away from the bad guys, or even hauled behind away from possible damage by other vehicles.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Open Auto Transports

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

It often happens that a customer avails himself of a service without realizing they had any choice about it. There may be so many issues to consider, the most vital of which is the estimated price and reliability, that you might never think of the existence of multiple carrier types. The trucks offered by any sensibly sized company are not merely great big trucks or trailers hauling a bunch of cars. The owner who would rather not drive endless miles by himself and who will have his car shipped safely had better have some notion of the technical differences between the various methods offered by standard companies.

There is air and water shipping which are a separate special subject. Within a country, cars are most commonly shipped over land, either in open carriers or in closed carriers. Open carriers are the more common, quickly operated, and cheaper type, though often through oversight than necessity. They accommodate about a dozen vehicles and are reliable enough to be used by anybody, as long as the precise purposes and circumstances of the transport are estimated. Long-distance transportation had perhaps better be done by closed carriers, since cars in open carriers are open to road debris, dirt, inclement weather, and plain vandalism or theft. In fact, even short distances are sometimes better traveled when sleet, sun, sand, or hail threaten to turn your car from that beautiful cherry red to patchy brown. Even if you have made sure any such damage is covered by insurance (preferably, the company’s), the resulting fuss in most cases is not worth the trouble.

Owners of expensive or rare vehicles prefer closed transportation, but the method is likewise popular among people who can afford to protect their ordinary Mazdas and Pajeros, even at the cost of higher prices. The price is made steeper by the closed carrier’s capacity to transport only 2 or 4 units.

Essentially, then, the advantage of open auto transport is its relatively economic cost. Even driving a car by your own means to a remote destination is likely to cost more, because of the gas prices, especially if your car has poor gas mileage. Driving your own car even across a single state may incur expenses and involve unforeseen damages which are otherwise easily avoided when shipping the car with a company.

Anybody has almost certainly seen an open auto transport truck and that only speaks in its favor as a reliable, well controlled means. They are about 80 feet long and 14 feet high, and are allowed only on roads built to accommodate them and keep them away from low trees and low bridges. Factories routinely entrust batches of new products to be shipped to stores and showrooms.

Open transport is likely to be more flexible in its options, offer convenient time-frames and perks. Open-carrier customers have the option of shipping their car on the top rack (further away from thieves and vandals) or even in tow behind the truck (perhaps further away from hostile natural elements).

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Carriers, Open Auto Shipping, Open Car Carriers, car carrier | No Comments »

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