Archive for the ‘Auto Shipping Carriers’ Category

Perspectives and Problems in the Closed Container Shipping Industry – What Lies Ahead?

Monday, January 11th, 2010

Auto shipping is a newcomer in the business world and is still in the process of development.  The first thing most people who own a car think of when they need to relocate is to drive their car  toits new destination, no matter how far.  But now, they need to rethink – the auto shipping companies are making the transportation of private vehicles safer, more widely available and cheaper for the customer while more profitable for them.

Before the advent of the auto shippers, if you had won a car in a lottery, bought that new baby overseas or merely needed to move it far, far away to your relocation city, you would have to drive it yourself with all the monotony, perils and expense that that entails.  You no longer need to deal with this situation.  You do not have to learn a foreign language, put up with road conditions, vandals and inclement weather any longer, for now you have the option of calling a shipping company.

The French company CMA COM, S.A. declared to the world in early August of 2007 that they had ventured into container shipping, not a bad thing since they are the third largest shipping company in the world.  In their announcement they made clear that at least four light vehicles could be loaded into each of their containers.  This was made possible by the latest technological advancements which became a breakthrough for the industry.  For the first time, shipping could be handled from the factory to the distribution center with complete safety.

Although the popularity of this method is increasing, the future of container shipping is still undetermined.  The industry demands shipments of great complexity, risk and above all, responsibility.  The makes large scale projects impossible to carry out successfully except for those large transportation companies able to obtain sufficient capital and technology to cover any problematic situation that may emerge.

Labor is costly in the industry.  Each vehicle is expensive and any damage to it, no how matter small could become a very costly matter for the company.  A shipper who regularly moves its cargo of automobiles on schedule must hire and probably train a full-time, permanent crew of skillful workers who understand the need for tender loving care of the cargo under their care.

Without the development of global as well as domestic business, the future for auto transport is limited.  Long distance, large scale movement between countries is what container shipping is all about.  Should a country be blessed with a network of roads in good condition, they can transport autos the quick, easy and economical way, by open carrier trucks.  This method also requires in order to thrive,  a large number of car manufacturing companies.  If you travel at all, you will have noticed that most countries are hard at work improving their roads, but this can take years and even decades to become a reasonable and safe method of popular transportation.

It takes a large enterprise to be able to avail itself of the cheapest possible options.  The future of the business relies heavily on the large car manufacturers and if they have the mass production of vehicles necessary to require them to transport across borders into the major cities and industrial complexes of the world.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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.

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.

What Exactly is Auto Shipping?

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Indeed, we all have our treasured vehicle that we groom and take care of; as if it were our pet or perhaps our significant other. In every way possible we take care of maintaining its appearance and upgrading. So, seeing that most of us have vehicles which we love and need in our daily lives it is imperative to know what goes on in the auto shipping world. In the call for our need to travel abroad or move to a distant location may not actually require worry about being “transportation-less” or having our vehicle hurt in any way. Let’s see what we got.

First off what is auto shipping?

In a simple definition, it is basically transporting your vehicle from one destination to another. Seems pretty easy, and it is. Auto shipping is one of the most convenient shipping services to customers. It has carriers of all kinds of sizes and shapes to adhere to your every vehicle requirement. Also there are availabilities with domestic and international destination spots, even door to door service. You can choose to work with an online provider or an in house company to figure out your travel needs and car destination; offering a variety services such as flexible mode of transportation, and, on the whole front, excellent customer service.

Types of auto shipping

If you have purchased a new mode of transportation, being a car, boat, or a motorcycle or need your present vehicle to be shipped anywhere you need to be, it is important to know what types of shipping methods there are. There are two specific types of vehicle shipping:

1)      Open vehicle shipping- this is typically a great option for most consumers; for it is cheap and provides the least expensive method in shipping your vehicle. However, open is exactly what it is. Remember driving on the highway and seeing the huge trucks with trailers connected to it, carrying a variety of vehicles. Well if you choose to go this way that will one day be your car, bike or boat. Though economical the downsides include any destruction from road debris, or elements flying around or from the other cars. Security is also a potential hazard for open traveling vehicles. Equipment such as navigation systems, stereos, and other expensive electronics have a much higher chance of being stolen than if closed away in a private traveling quarter.

2)      Enclosed vehicle shipping- is precisely as it sounds. Your vehicle is tucked away   safely; protected from debris, exposed elements, and above all else other vehicles. As well as secluded from any robbers who are eyeing your vehicles electronic or outerwear candy. Enclosed shipping typically receives more attention and better care when loading into the carrier. Conversely there two major downsides to enclosed shipping. The price range can range from 25 to 100% more expensive, and the availability with this shipping, seeing that most companies are not participating in this shipping method, can be a challenge.

Now that you know what auto shipping is, and what types are out there, it is time to do your research and figure which is best for you. Good luck!

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

A Look at Auto Shipping Carriers

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

The notion of sending your vehicle from one spot to another seems pretty straight forward but now you must find a carrier . First let’s look at what exactly an auto shipping carrier is.

The carrier

Transporting your vehicle to your required destination is, in general, what an auto shipping service does. Your vehicle can be shipping across country or internationally. Online services and in person help is available. Your car, boat , or motorcycle can be shipped to any destination you need. Carrier companies exist in vast numbers to fit your every accommodation. Cars, boats, motorcycles, heavy equipment which includes industrial, construction and farming machinery, bulldozers, and cranes can be shipped using an auto shipping carrier. Your RVs and SUVs can also be picked up and delivered by carrier companies.

Services to cater to every demographic such as corporate, dealer relocations, and other specialized services are provided by auto shipping carriers. There is specific transportation that carriers have for ATVs, antiques classic and custom vehicles, also for race cars and yachts. Inquiring about their information on these offerings is important; especially because these items are special to you.

To transport your vehicle, carrier companies have a nice selection of traditions. Amongst the many offerings available to you and your auto travel are open and closed shipping services, freight, LTL, boating and flight shipping. A move to start the quoting action is taken once you’ve made your choice.

Although carrier companies depend on brokers for much of their business, they will deal directly to their customers. To escalate their business and revenue they use newspapers, the internet, and, most importantly, word of mouth as they do not have huge budgets for advertising.

Establishing great customer service is something they try to do which is a plus. A huge deficit to their existence can be word of mouth and low grading. Having efficiency and kindness on the other end is something you should be prepared for. However, pay close attention to all the details, asking for references and looking for any faults they may have is crucial; do not be swindled.

Most likely you will be able to get free quotes, so that is another good thing. In fact, it’s probably time to take your business elsewhere if the carrier you are working with will not offer a free quote. When figuring out what carrier to use this part seems the easiest amongst all workings in investigating. A quick and easy online system is something most companies have, while finding the carrier most suitable for you this allows you to roam around free. Calling the auto carrier directly is simple if the online quote system confuses you. A well-located number will be posted on their website. It’s always a good thing to have a free number to call.

An auto shipping carrier can take you no matter where your vehicle needs to end up.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Auto Shipping Carriers 101

Sunday, October 4th, 2009

Your vehicle needs to be transported and you need an auto shipping carrier to take you on your way, but what is an auto shipping carrier? This is your answer.

The carrier

An auto shipping service transports your vehicle to your required destination, in general. Shipping your vehicle across country or even internationally is what they can do. They have in person help along with online services. The ability to ship your car, boat, or motorcycle to any destination you need, is allowed. To fit your every accommodation there are a vast number of carriers. Shipping that carries cars, boats, motorcycles, heavy equipment that includes industrial, construction and farming machinery, bulldozers, and cranes, is offered. Carrier companies also pick up and deliver SUVs and RVs.

For every demographic such as corporate, dealer relocations, and other specialized services there is a service provided by auto shipping carriers. Specific transportation for ATVs, antique classic and custom vehicles, also race cars and yachts is available. On these offering s it is important to inquire information; seeing as how these items are special to you.

Carrier companies have traditions to transport your vehicle in nice selections. Available to you and your auto travel are many offerings such as open and enclosed shipping services, freight, LTL, boating and flight shipping. Once you make your choice action is taken to start the quoting.

Although they do depend on brokers for much of their business, auto shipping carriers will directly deal with their customers. Because they do not have huge budgets for their advertising, to escalate business and revenue they use newspapers, the internet, and word of mouth.

A plus is that they do try to establish great customer service. Low grading from word of mouth can be a huge deficit to their existence. On the other end, be prepared to have kindness and efficiency. Pay close attention to all the details, do not be swindled, asking for references and looking for any faults they may have is crucial.

The ability to get free quotes is something you will most likely have, which is another good thing. If a free quote is something the carrier you are using won’t offer, it’s time take your business elsewhere. Amongst all the workings in investigating and figuring what auto shipping carrier to use, this part seems to be the easiest. Something that allows you the freedom to roam around and find the most suitable carrier for you is the easy online systems that most companies have. If you find yourself confused by the online quoting system it’s simple to call the auto carrier directly. On their website there should be a number posted that is well-located. Having a free number to call is always a good thing.

No matter where your vehicle needs to end up or where you travel, an auto shipping carrier can take you there.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Understanding Auto Shipping Carriers

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Ok so you have a vehicle that needs to be transported from one spot to another. The notion seems pretty straightforward but now you must find a carrier service to send your vehicle on its way. But, and a major but at that is; what is an auto shipping carrier? Here is your answer.

The carrier

Ok, in general an auto shipping service company transports your vehicle to your required destination. They can ship your vehicle across country or even internationally. They have online services and in person help. They allow the ability to ship you car, boat or motorcycle to any destination you need. There are vast numbers of carrier companies out there to fit your every accommodation. They offer shipping that carries cars, boats, motorcycles, heavy equipment; this includes industrial, construction and farming machinery, bulldozers, and cranes. Carrier companies also pick up and deliver RVs and SUVs.

Auto shipping carriers also have services to cater to every demographic such as corporate, dealer relocations, and other specialized services. The carriers have specific transportation for ATVs, antique classic and custom vehicles, also for race cars and yachts. It is important to always inquire about their information on these offerings; seeing as though these items are very special to you.

Carrier companies have a nice selection of traditions to transport your vehicle. Open and enclosed shipping services, freight, LTL, boating and flight shipping services are amongst the many offerings available to you and your auto travel. Once you make your choice, a move to start the quoting action is taken.

Auto carrier companies will directly deal with their customers but they do depend on brokers for much of their business. They do not exactly have huge budgets for their advertisements so they use newspapers, the internet, and, most importantly, word of mouth to escalate their business and revenue.

They do try to establish great customer service which is a plus. The word of mouth and low grading can be a huge deficit to their existence. Thus, be prepared to have efficiency and kindness on the other end. However do not be swindled and pay close attention to all the details; asking for references and looking for any faults they may have is crucial.

Another good thing is that you’re most likely able to get free quotes. In fact, if the carrier that you are working with will not offer you a free quote, it’s probably time to take your business elsewhere. This part seems to be the easiest amongst all the workings in investigating and figuring what auto shipping carrier to use. Most of the companies have a quick and easy online system, which allows you the freedom to roam around and find the most suitable carrier for you. If the online quote system confuses you it’s simple to call the auto carrier directly. The number will be posted on their website, and be well-located. A free number to call is always a good thing.

No matter where you travel and where your vehicle needs to end up an auto shipping carrier will take it there.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.