Archive for the ‘Auto Shipping’ Category

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A Look At The Details Of Auto Shipping Rules

Monday, November 1st, 2010

A popular profession nowadays is driving commercial trucks across the country in order to deliver goods and services. However, there is a lot more to auto shipping than simply loading up your truck and driving to your destination. Commercial vehicle drivers that are shipping goods such as vehicles must adhere not only to the individual state laws of the different states they enter, but federal laws as well. Being aware of these laws will help any vehicle shipping business avoid fines or complicated legal situations.

When shipping heavy loads across the country, drivers must be aware of weight restrictions. Because different roads in the United States vary in their weight requirements, it is important that a driver and their company plan their driving route ahead of time. This will help them to avoid roads where they outweigh the maximum axel weight allowed.

Some drivers disregard these rules and attempt to sneak by on shortcut roads whose weight restrictions they do not meet. This is not a good idea because roads often have mandatory stops where shipping vehicles must stop to get weighed. At these stations, you can receive fines should you not meet the weight requirement. If the weighing station is full of other auto transport drivers when you drive by, you may be allowed to bypass the specific weighing station. However, there will most likely be more stations further ahead.

Vehicles are a heavy load to transport and require specific trucks for the job. Any reputable hauling company should verify that the commercial vehicles they use to transport vehicles are approved for vehicle transport. Again, if you do not meet this requirement, you can be subject to a fine for not adhering to mandatory regulations.

The number one thing to keep in mind when transporting vehicles is safety. The worst possible thing that could happen during your route is having a vehicle fall from your load.

To mitigate this risk, there are regulations that dictate how the vehicles must be tied down while hauling, with what type of chains and how tight they must be secured. If you cannot meet these regulations then you should not be towing vehicles.

Auto shipping or driving of any sort while overly exhausted is a dangerous idea. In the past, commercial drivers were allowed to drive for days at a time without stopping to rest. Because of the high incident report of accidents caused by tired drivers, commercial drivers are now only allowed to work a certain portion of a 24 hour period. In order to find out work restrictions, vehicle shipping companies should research federal and state laws.

Get the exclusive low down on the details of auto shipping rules and regulations now in our easy vehicle shipping review.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Preserving the Environment: More Important than Excessive Profits

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

It is most unfortunate that reducing the pollutants that industries spew into the environment leads to increased cost of the products and services they provide. Techies tend to get excited about the possibilities of upcoming technologies such as super-crystals or nano-microchips.  These things are innovative and bring out the curiosity of the technologically inclined.  The other side of this, though, is the trendy consumer who must acquire everything new and shiny because “everybody who is anybody” has one.  There are a lot of folks walking around with the latest in wireless cell phones listening to music without earbuds who don’t give a whit about either the technology involved or even the music.  They are fashionable.

Car owners tend to follow the same pattern.  To many of them, a car is a luxury item, while to others it a symbol of status, an achievement to display.  There are approximately 25% of car owners worldwide who own their vehicle not out of necessity, but because “everybody has one.”  Some own cars even though it is not sensible or convenient to do so.  Yet these same people will do anything, even work multiple jobs so they can show that they own a car, whether used or new, or Kia Rio or Mercedes XL.  Why?  So they can drive around the corner (instead of walk) to the hottest club.

This phenomenon can also be applied to auto related services, like auto shipping.  This is an industry that began by satisfying a genuine need.  They are constantly working to enhance their services, and with this, their marketing strategies.  They soon became much more than a sensible service providing industry, and are now something of a status symbol.  When this symbol becomes standardized sufficiently, not just the major names in the industry, but even the small fry benefit from rampant consumerism.

There are measures in place to reduce the effect of heavy cargo carriers on the environment.  But these measures are fighting against a rapidly increasing shipping industry, with continued growth in both potential and popularity.  Innovative technologies are constantly emerging in the industry but there is no technology as yet to reverse the damage to the sea and the air caused by just one ro-ro ferry in finishing up just one job.

You might think that an individual need not worry about global environmental matters.  But the truth is to the contrary.  Unchecked consumerism detracts from the side effects on the periphery of auto shipping by sea and air.  Little thought is given to invasive species introduced by these mega-carriers that cost the United States alone many billions of dollars annually.  Cholera and its many strains, bacteria, toxic algae, and hungry and destructive pests like Zebra Mussels are spread by ballast water.  One load of this water from a cargo ship can circulate in a few years a sufficient number of vermin as to be fatal for fisheries, agriculture, tourism and recreational industries.

Successful marketing is just as much responsible for the bright future of the shipping industry as the need for its services.  Because business is currently good for the industry,  governments are sure to impose technical and performance restrictions, surcharges for roads, vehicle models, and related services.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

Problems and Perspectives in Shipping with Closed Containers

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

For most people, the only consideration of getting their car from here to there is to drive it.  But now there is another option, that of shipping your vehicle by using a recently developing industry, that of auto shippers.  There are many burgeoning reliable companies available now who will ship you car long distances, domestically or internationally.  Shipping your auto has become easier, cheaper, more widespread and more secure

If you have just bought a car overseas, won a car lottery or are relocating far, far away, you do not have to give up that prized possession just because you can’t drive it to its destination.  You will no longer have to suffer the expense and monotony of driving your car to its final home, even if that is, in fact possible.  You will not have to subject yourself and your car to possible damage, wear, tear and stress, or vandalism and theft.  You will not have to learn a foreign language.  What you will do is call a shipping company.

In early August of 2007, the French company CMA COM, S.A. ventured into the container shipping business.  CMA COM, S.A. is the third largest shipping company in the world.  They stated that at least four light vehicles, no matter what make or model, could be loaded into each of their containers.  They declared that cutting edge technology was responsible for their entry into the container shipping industry.  This technology enabled door-to-door shipping – from factory conveyor to the destination distribution center – with absolute safety.

Even with the increasing popularity of this method of transportation, the jury is still out on the future of the industry.  This is due to the highly complex nature inherent in each shipment, risks involved and the burden of responsibility.  This means that only the largest transportation companies that have the resources in technology and the funds available to solve any problems that may occur, will be able to survive in the business especially where large-scale projects are involved.

The shipping company must be an experienced, qualified specialist to be entrusted with handling a cargo of expensive vehicles where even the slightest damage to them may lead to a financial nightmare for the company.  An operator with a regular shipment schedule will need to hire a crew of permanent workers that have shown themselves to be skillful and gentle when dealing with the precious cargo.  Such workers don’t come cheap.

The future of the container shipping business will be decided by their ability to fully develop a national and international enterprise.  Generally, international shipments are the ones requiring containers for the long-distance, large-scale operations.  Should a country have roads in good condition throughout and a good number of car manufacturers, the more effective, quicker and cheaper open carrier mode can be standardized.  Pretty much all countries are working on the condition and safety of their roads, but the improvements will take several years if not decades to complete, putting the popularity of this method way into the future before it is deemed safe enough for auto transport on any scale.

A business must be quite large to be able to take advantage of the cheapest options.  There is much riding on whether car manufacturers can, in the future, transport their vehicles across borders directly to large metropolitan cities and commercial/industrial complexes

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

Car Shippers Can Move The Vehicle For You

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Anytime you are moving a long distance, getting all of your vehicles to the new place can be a problem. While, if you only have one vehicle, it may not be that big of a deal, families that have multiple vehicles face more problems. Car shippers can help to solve those problems.

A caravan of vehicles with the family spread across the country is just not all that fun. The drive can be long and tiring. While it may be possible to tow one vehicle behind a self moving van, what do you do with the other one?

Some people end up selling one of their vehicles and replacing it when they get to the new home. Buying a new car is not always an option and who knows what you you will get in a used car. It is a shame to sell a perfectly good vehicle and hope to get something close as a replacement one at the new place.

If that second or third vehicle is a restoration or antique vehicle, there may be no replacement available and you certainly cannot replace the car when you get to the new place. Driving the car is also not feasible.

Shipping costs for vehicles are very reasonable. The cost may not be that much more than you would pay for gasoline to drive your car that distance. The vehicle will arrive safely and in the same shape as when it was loaded onto the truck.

Your vehicle will be shipped on a trailer loaded with several other vehicles that are headed to a similar destination. This will save adding all of those miles to your vehicle. Once it is safely delivered, you can resume driving the vehicle.

Since several cars will be on the trailer, normal shipping can take two to three weeks. Some shippers offer an upgrade that allows you to get your vehicle to the new destination quicker if needed.

Some car shippers have both open and enclosed trailers. The enclosed trailers are especially useful for specialty cars. There is normally an additional fee for this service.

Some of the shippers will pick up you vehicle and deliver it to the driveway of the new home. If you are delayed in getting to the new home, secure storage is also available for your car until you are ready for it to be delivered to the new home.

If you are making an extremely long move and will be using professional movers, why not ship both vehicles. Send one vehicle ahead a couple of weeks in advance so that it will be waiting when you get to your new destination. Keep the other with you for transportation needs as you get ready for the move. Have the shippers pick up the second car and ship it to the new residence while you fly. You will not be without a vehicle on either end. You are not worn out from the long drive when you arrive at your new home.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Shipping, Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Transport | No Comments »

Save Money with an Auto Shipping Professional

Friday, January 1st, 2010

Hardly anyone can get away without owning a car these days.  It may be convenient in a major metropolis to walk to most places, however you still can’t walk everywhere your business takes you.  Public transportation can be just as iffy, either it is basically nonexistent or it doesn’t go where you want to go.  Thus, most families own at least two automobiles.

If you and your family are moving to a town far away from where you now live, you are probably thinking of driving your cars yourself to the new home.  It seems like the obvious thing to do.  You should probably think again.  Auto shipping companies are professionals who are capable of moving several vehicles at once over long distances, saving you the trouble, stress, and cost of driving one or two vehicles across long stretches of road.  The auto shipper is expert in transporting any type of vehicle safely over long distances and offers you a choice of many services to best suit your needs and pocketbook.

If you are not naturally a planner, this is the time you need to change that.  You need to make careful preparations based on your circumstances.  Figure the cost of driving those vehicles yourself including fuel, wear and tear on the car and you (and quite possibly other drivers in other vehicles) and the cost of food and lodging on the road, especially over long distances.  Compare this total with an estimate from a reliable auto shipper and you will undoubtedly hire the carrier.

The cost to you to hire a shipper depends on several factors.  Chiefly the cost is made up of the distance to be travelled and the dimensions and weight of the car(s) being transported.  For really long distance shipment, the professional carrier is usually the smartest and most economical method to choose.

The standard transport company will offer some basic service plans.  Cheapest of these is the “economy guide” which will load your vehicle(s) only if there is enough space on the carrier to do so, with first come first served being the rule.  If you want your car to be among the first to be loaded on the truck, you will pay for that convenience.  The higher the priority you demand, the more it will cost you.  This method is good only for the most financially challenged or those to whom delivery date is not an issue.

Next to “economy guide” in price is shipment by open carrier, which leaves the car open to inclement weather conditions, road conditions, flying debris, and possible damage by other vehicles on the carrier.  A safer choice and more expensive one is the closed carrier which avoids the aforementioned hazards.  There is also “Full Service” available with both open and closed shipment that guarantees door-to-door service of pick up and delivery on specific dates.  You can minimize costs somewhat by reducing the weight of the vehicle.  Remove any objects that can be removed from the car, do not load any personal belongings and make sure the tank is as low as is reasonable –these are some ways to lower the car’s weight and thereby the price.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

Shipping Your Auto Can Save You Money

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Most families are of the two-car variety.  Even though in some large cities walking makes more sense than driving, you will probably not be able to walk everywhere you need to go and the public transportation is either nonexistent or is woefully inadequate.

If you or a member of your family is planning to relocate, driving your car(s) yourself to your far off new home may seem convenient, but oh my, what a hassle.  Think auto transport company.  These companies exist to transport many vehicles at once over long distances, saving stress on both you and your car as well as being economical.  Your car will be provided with some protection against bad weather, bad road conditions, and vandalism or theft.  Auto shipping companies offer many services for any type of vehicle and are specialists in what they do.

The first thing that needs to be done is, not surprisingly, plan your car’s trip.  Compare the differences in cost between driving, possibly more than one vehicle yourself versus hiring a company to do it for you.  Auto shippers charge by distance and dimensions of the vehicle.  You can figure the cost to drive yourself and then compare the cost against a reliable company’s estimate.

There are further considerations that affect the pricing.  The date you want your car(s) to be delivered as well as condition and type of vehicle all play into the charges.  However, if the destination is far, far away, whether your car is an old clunker or a sleek, sexy new one, hiring a professional, reliable auto shipper is the wise and budget-friendly way to go.

Standard transport companies will offer various plans of shipment services at various prices.  The cheapest being the “economy guide”.  This is something of a crap shoot, though, because your vehicle will only be loaded if there is enough room for it on the carrier – first come first served.  To get your car into a priority shipping time slot, you will have to pay more.  The “economy guide” plan is only for the truly financially strapped and/or those who really don’t give a hoot when their vehicle arrives at its destination.

The next most economical mode of transport is the open carrier.  The car will be exposed to damage from weather conditions, road conditions, flying gunk from the air and the road, and possible theft and vandalism.  You can do more to protect your vehicle from the above at a greater price, of course, by transporting it via a closed truck.  You can also go with “Full Service” which will guarantee timely pick up at your doorstep and delivery right to your new home.  This option will set your wallet back even more.  You can minimize the charges by doing everything possible to eliminate extra weight from your car by not packing any personal belongings, removing everything you can and shipping it with only enough fuel required for the journey.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Shipping, Automotive, Car Shipping, auto shipping quotes | No Comments »

Auto Shippers Can Be A Great Choice If You Need To Transport A Vehicle Across Country

Saturday, December 26th, 2009

There are situations where you may need to get a motor vehicle from one point to another and for whatever reason you are unable to drive it from point A to point B, or perhaps you simply do not desire to drive it. Whatever the reason may be for this you prefer to get the vehicle there without driving. Auto shippers provide a great alternative to driving this vehicle from A to B.

Auto shippers allow you to eliminate excessive wear on a vehicle and still get it to the point you desire to get it to. A popular reason for this is a situation where you need to fly to a location and later send for your car. Whatever the reason auto transporters can provide the necessary service to move a vehicle from A to B for you.

Not only can traveling long distance place unnecessary wear on a vehicle it can also be time consuming and cost you additional expenses. When you calculate the expense for lodging in food as you travel from A to b you may determine that it is actually more economical for you to have the auto transport move the vehicle for you.

You may want tom ask around your friends to see if any of them have ever used an auto shipper. You can also check internet forums. Many cities have internet forums that consist of members that live in that area. Often these web groups will provide suggestions for different services including auto shippers.

Auto shippers use many different methods to transport a vehicle from A to B. One way that is becoming increasingly more popular is to use a train to transport your vehicle. Trains can often transport faster and for a smaller fee.

You will need to keep a couple basic rules in mind when shopping for an auto transport service to move your vehicle for you. The first rule is to make sure they are willing to provide you with a free estimate. If they cannot or will not provide you with an estimate then you need to consider another service. You may also want to look elsewhere if the service you are talking to is not willing to provide you with proof of insurance and bonding. You want to make sure that the transporter you use is able to cover the damages in the event of an accident.

It is also a good idea to know what type of carrier your auto transporter will be using. Many auto shippers will use flat beds, these are great if you have a vehicle that you do not need to have cover and you are not concerned about getting dirty or possibly hit by small objects that get lifted off the road.

If you are shipping a car that is rare or exotic you will most likely want to use auto shippers that will use a closed carrier. Many auto shippers can provide the transport of several vehicles at a time. These services will commonly use multiple car carriers like those used by car manufacturers to ship new vehicles to the dealership.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Shipping, logistics, 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 »

How To Find An Auto Transport Company

Monday, November 30th, 2009

One of the most valuable assets you own is probably your car. For many people a car not only holds monitory value, it is a necessity for transportation to and from work as well as for errands that must be ran. When you are moving your car across the country, you want to be sure that it will be well cared for. That means when choosing an auto transport carrier you will need to be very diligent so that your vehicle arrives at the new destination without any damage. The following tips will help you to choose a safe and reliable carrier.

You should choose an auto shipping company with a good reputation. The Internet has made it easy to check out the reputation of such companies. Enter the company name into one of the better search engines and see what people have to say. Customers that are unsatisfied with a company are quick to report to review sites today. With larger companies, you will always find one or two dissatisfied customers, so read the reviews carefully to see how the issue was resolved. In addition, if the majority or reviews that you find for a company are negative, then you should consider using another company.

You will want to know if the shipping company has the proper licenses to transport your car. Auto transport companies need a federal license ans should fulfill insurance and bond requirements. Legitimate carriers will have no problem in allowing you to see these items.

Ask the company about the insurance that they carry to cover any damage your car may receive during transportation. Also ask about any limitations or exclusions that may be included. There are some risks in transporting a car that may not be covered. Flying rocks can cause damage to the vehicle, and it is unlikely that the insurance of the auto transport company will pay for dings to the paint or even broken glass.

Most companies offer different options for shipping your vehicle. Not every company will offer every option, so check to see what is available.

Open shipping means that your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer. This type option is usually less expensive, but your car is more susceptible to damage from flying objects like rocks or gravel.

Enclosed shipping puts your vehicle in an enclosed trailer and it is unlikely that flying objects will cause damage to the vehicle. If you have a very new vehicle, a specialty vehicle or an antique automobile, the extra expense may be worth the extra cost.

Economy service cost less but may take more time to get your vehicle where you need it to be. The vehicle may change trailers several times in the process of getting to your new home and spend a few days between locked in a secure storage yard. If you are not in a big hurry to get the vehicle where you eventually will need it, this can save money.

Full service moving means that you vehicle will likely remain on one trailer and be shipped to your new home as directly as possible.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

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