Archive for the ‘Auto Shipping’ Category

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Classic Shipping for Classic Cars

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

You’ve bought a Blower Bentley and lovingly customized it a la California Kid: it is a customized vintage sports car and you are weaving in and out of traffic like a comet between common stars. Or you have already acquired the unique recent Marussia. The point is, nobody has a car like yours and now you have to ship it and you are not sure how to. You are reluctant to drive that mint-new beauty all those miles and it seems that for a magical car like yours only magic would do to teleport it to the destination.

But though they have been somewhat neglected by mystically inclined authors from Kafka to King and it is difficult to imagine anything sinisterly supernatural about them, auto shipping companies provide precisely the service you need, guaranteeing that your monetary and emotional investment will not be lost or so much as scratched.

Locate an experienced carrier. The average person does not require shipping services that often and it is unlikely that you are familiar with a reliable company by word of mouth. The best way to find what you need is either through a professional broker or through the internet. Numerous companies have websites nowadays, but that includes the old and established shippers who keep up with the world and who would be just right for you.

Compare a number of companies to make sure their terms make sense and that the companies have experience shipping your type of car. Contact them to carefully review their insurance policies and make sure that you precious property is fully covered.

Choosing an open trailer, insist and make sure that the vehicle is loaded onto the upper deck, where it is more difficult to reach and is thus safer from theft and vandalism. However, on the upper deck of the open carrier your car will still be exposed, especially so to inclement weather, birds, bugs, and any detritus that may be carried by gusty winds along stretches of interstate roads.

It is far better to book your car for a closed carrier and have it shipped immediately to the destination. In some cases this may only be possibly if you pay for the truck to leave at once without waiting for its standard minimal load. Otherwise, the company will take the car to a storage facility for an indefinite amount of time, which additional manipulation and waiting time at a general garage increases the risk of theft or damage.

Leave no personal belongings in the car and remove any easily removable “upgrades,” lest they be stolen or broken. Clearly document any removable upgrades which you may chose to leave.

Unnecessary fuel is a hazard: leave only enough fuel to get the car to the carrier and off it at destination. Before handing the car over to the company, inspect it and document the smallest prior damage, if such exists. I am sure the owner of a Bentley or a Marussia need not be reminded, but just in case, make sure you wash the car before you take dated digital pictures of it in clear daylight light from all sides and angles, so that no significant nuance or scratch remain undocumented.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

Choosing The Right Auto Shipping Carrier

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

When you are moving overseas or transporting your auto for any other reason, you want to be sure that your prized possession arrives in top condition. Knowing how to choose the right auto shipping is essential to ensure that everything is done as painlessly as possible and your car will be safe and secure.

One of the important things to consider is the cost of auto shipping. While it is not the best idea to decide on auto shipping based entirely on price it should definitely be considered. Choosing an auto shipping company that is based in the country you are shipping to will help to minimize expenses. You can easily compare the prices of shipping with a simple internet search.

The conditions under which the company will ship your car are also very important. Make sure you thoroughly understand how they will protect your car while it is in transit. There is no sense in getting a bargain on the price of shipping if the car arrives damaged and the company absolves itself of responsibility. Ensure you are happy with the conditions under which your car will be transported and clear about what is being offered.

Another thing to think about when you are looking for auto shipping is the amount of time it will take to be delivered. Some companies can differ substantially in the length of time they take to deliver your car. If time is of the essence, then this should be an important consideration and many companies will actually guarantee the delivery date.

Always look for a company that has an A1 reputation. You can look for reviews on the Internet, which will give you impartial opinions on the operating practices of the auto shipping company. You may also have friends or colleagues that have used shipping companies they were happy with and can heartily recommend them.

Before you pack up your car and send it off to the next destination you should check that the auto shipping company is properly licensed: a legitimate business will easily be able to show you their certification and will have no problem doing it.

Insurance is also an essential point when choosing a shipping company. You need to be absolutely sure that the company is appropriately insured against damage to your vehicle: know what the company’s insurance will and will not cover in the event of accidental damage. Some companies will not cover minor damage such as paint chipping and put it down to regular damage associated with the risk of transportation.

There are several things to consider when you are moving your auto to another location. Usually your car is one of your costliest assets and you want to be absolutely sure that the company you choose will act professionally and do everything possible to ensure that your car is delivered safe and sound. By following the above tips and searching auto shipping reviews on the Internet you will be able to rest easy in the knowledge that your vehicle will be taken care of.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

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

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.

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Posted in Auto Shipping, Auto Shipping Carriers, auto shipping brokers, auto shipping quotes | No Comments »

Auto Shipping That You Can Depend On

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Rather than driving your car long distances yourself, the most sensible and economic way to go is auto shipping, which can save you time, money, wear on your car, and hassle.  There are many types of carrier trucks that can carry your car by road, or also shipment by sea, air and rail for vehicles from Mini Coopers to Ford Explorers, motorcycles, vintage, classic, and sports cars.

Auto shipping is a term that normally implies a car will be shipped to its destination in a timely and secure manner, not shipped gradually or in parts.  Most people think if a company has a promising slogan such as “You Can Depend on Us,” that you can, indeed trust them.  This is folly.  The company may in no way live up to its name, it’s just a bunch of words that sound ideal but really mean nothing.  What does mean something to you is the experience and track record of the company.

You should know that most auto shipping companies, while spread out in thousands of locations all across the larger countries, are really rather small operations that own a few trucks.

If you offer the company you choose to ship your auto a flexible schedule, the price will be more reasonable than if you dictated a specific time frame.  Given the more flexible terms, most companies will perform well, no matter your car’s final destination.

Typically, you hire a broker to do the leg work to find the best shipper for you.  More and more though, clever entrepreneurial types are acting as a broker themselves.  When you are dealing with a carrier, be sure to understand that the one you are doing business with is also the one that is transporting your car.  You don’t want the surprise of trusting your car to a carrier you had no knowledge of.

Before signing a contract, there are two absolute musts for you to remember to do.  First, make sure the carrier shows you a valid MC license and second, request a copy of their Insurance Certificate.  You will then contact the insurance company to ask about the terms of this specific policy, what it covers and what it does not cover.  A good, reliable auto shipping company will applaud your efforts because they have gone to the trouble to be comfortable enough to give you this information  On your end, you want to be absolutely certain that that smokin’ car of yours is guaranteed to be insured all the way to journey’s end.

Do some research on several companies.  If there is nothing to research, ditch that company.  You want to see a track record.  Some good information can be found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration publication.  For one thing, you can check to be sure that the carrier you are dealing with directly is not one of those clandestine broker/carrier companies, but actually does the transporting themselves.

It is, of course, not a silly notion at all to put all this work into a broker’s capable hands and let him do the research and select a few reliable companies from which you can choose.  A broker can get information that possibly you cannot and that may just give you the warm, secure feeling that your car will wind up where its supposed to be after a reasonable period of time and all in one piece.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Auto Shipping: Save Yourself Money and the Trouble

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

When you are a college or university (under)graduate, just learning to live with your young spouse in that inauspicious space which is the fate of many independent and hardworking students to call their home until they get that big break moving to another place may be a fairly easy task. You will be surprised how many bundles and collapsible furniture can fit into your parents’ car: very likely you will require no more than a single trip.

But once you are a well established family with children and a big screen TV, and the move is to another city or state, the change of place is a daunting and sometimes impossible challenge, especially so if now you have a car of your own. Not only that most of your belongings won’t fit into the trunk and the back seat anymore, you have to move the car itself a considerable distance. Not only that this requires time and effort, it costs miles of expensive fuel, with the car overloaded and liable to break down on an interstate. Most cars’ performance is unpredictable on long distances even when not heavily loaded. If the family owns more than one vehicle the cost of driving them yourselves across the country may add up to more than the cost of transporting your household stuff. It is likely you will fail to find either the time or the money to move to that better apartment closer to that other, career-defining working place.

Sometimes, however, people are simply unaware that they can save time, trouble, and money by shipping, rather than driving, their cars. The service of auto-shipping is widespread enough, but perhaps because it is not yet the most commercially glamorous of services, because it is natural for many persons to rely on themselves rather than think of requiring professional help (many illnesses are diagnosed and treated late and even too late simply because people tend to “wait and see” before consulting a physician), and because hiring services is naturally associated with additional and perhaps avoidable costs, perhaps because of all these people may find it hard to imagine that Auto Shipping is likely to cost less than doing your own driving and maintenance.

With auto shipping your car is transported on a carrier, saving you fuel, food, lodging, and maintenance costs while you save time and energy by taking a bus, plane, or a train to your destination. This means more time for unpacking at the new place, more time for the family, and more profitable time for work. Even if auto shipping does cost more than doing your own driving, in many cases it will not cost significantly more and it will always conserve vital time and energy.

While the benefits to your emotional and physical health alone may be worth every penny of the price that any reasonable, reliable auto shipping company may require, the likelihood that shipping may even cost less, perhaps significantly less, is high, especially for the larger families moving across long distances, and should make that option imminently desirable.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

Shipping Your Vehicle: A 1000 Terrific Quotes

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

To paraphrase Benjamin Disraeli, the wisdom of the wise and the experience of ages are perpetuated by good quotes.  You can conduct your research online, by phone or both, then find a broker to pore over their qualifications and choose the most responsible one with the best historical track record.  Just like the good student you are, you will prepare for your auto shipment and take every precaution while doing so.  Having done all that, in the end it comes down to getting quotes from those companies deemed reliable and deciding on the quote with which you are the most comfortable.

Shipping companies aren’t dumb.  They know you are doing this and will offer TERRIFIC QUOTES as undoubtedly listed on their website.  Watch out for this as a good company will prefer you to ask for a quote so they can knock you off your socks with their generosity and you will pick them as your shipper.

Note:  If the company you are interested in asks for an advance, this is probably okay, just make it abundantly clear that you require them to issue you a contract offering a total refund in case they do not fulfill their side of the bargain.  It is not uncommon for some companies to promise you the moon, demand an advance on your shipment, do not ship the car, take your money and run, and you are stuck.

You can lie on your resume, although it is not a good practice and you know it.  You can make yourself appear to be a CEO when in reality you are the sole attendant in a parking lot.  Requesting a quote is not the time to embellish facts.  You want to submit accurate, very detailed and intimate technical information regarding your beloved vehicle that you are turning over to a complete stranger.

You must provide a thoroughly accurate description of your auto’s weight and shape.  Not every carrier can handle every type of vehicle.  If yours is an SUV, off-road vehicle, some kind of small truck, or a heavy van or station wagon you may have to opt for a special carrier.  If there are any exotic features or customized alterations to your vehicle that may keep it from driving up a truck ramp effectively if at all, this will require special consideration.  Most carriers, for a supplemental charge, will ship non-operating vehicles.  You must, however, inform them of this before the loading day arrives as it may require a truck with specialized equipment to deal with a car that can’t be just driven onto it.

The way the company presents the quote, whatever it may be, is very important for you to get some insight into the quality of the shipper.  Was the quote presented to you in a professional, courteous, and helpful manner?  Does the quote given the services they provide seem too good to be true?  It probably is.  Compare quotes of all companies offering similar services.  Start with the most well known companies in the industry to begin getting quotes and estimating quality and prices even if you do not choose them for your business.  At least you will know what the prominent companies offer and at what price so you can compare this more easily with the lesser known companies.

After conducting your thorough research, you can determine if the company you wish to go with, whether a big guy or not, is honest about prices and services.  Then start negotiating for a better deal.  Tell them you got a better price somewhere else and let them know that you really like that.  A good company will not necessarily offer their minimum price for their services right off the top.  So, even with large, well known companies there may be a chance you can get them to lower their price to the one you quoted them.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

1,000 Great Quotes: Auto Shipping

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Benjamin Disraeli once said that, I’m paraphrasing, the wisdom of the wise and the experience of the ages are perpetuated by good quotes. You can look up companies on the net, contact them, hire a broker to sift through them and select the most competent ones with the best records, make every preparation and take every precaution, but in the end it all comes down to asking companies for a quote and making the final decision according to the quote which best suits you.

Companies realize this and many offer GREAT QUOTES already on the home page of their sites. This is something to keep an eye out for: good companies want you to ask for a quote so that they can impress you and win you over.

As a quick aside, if a company requires an advance, make absolutely sure that you are issued a contract which covers a complete refund in case the service is not carried out. A favorite fraudulent technique by not so successful companies is to receive an advance, buy some time, fail to ship the car, and refuse to refund: an easy way to make at least some money with a minimum of expenditure.

Yes, it is better not to lie in your Resume, but in many cases you can use rhetoric to formulate your experience so that you sound as an ideal presidency candidate even if you are just a parking lot attendant. But when requesting a quote it is better to submit accurate, detailed, and even the most intimate technical information about your one and only.

An accurate description of your car’s weight and shape is crucial, since carrier trucks do not accommodate all cars. Heavy SUVs, minivans, station wagons, pick-up trucks, and of-road vehicles must be considered for special carrier trucks. Any exotic features and customized changes (such as lowering the car or otherwise making driving up a truck ramp difficult) will require special service. For a small supplement to the general fee, most carriers are able to ship non-operable vehicles, but it is bets to inform them before hand, because it may take a truck with a specialized ramp to lift a car which cannot be driven.

Besides the actual content of the quoted, consider the way in which the quote is presented to you: try to see how professional, courteous, and willing they are. Compare this insight with the actual service they offer: is too good to be true? Compare their quotes with those of other companies for similar services. Even if you do not choose any of the most prominent companies in the field, it is still better to begin estimating prices and quality with the best, most well known companies.

Once you have conducted this field research, you will be able to tell whether the company that you seem to prefer – perhaps not the biggest name – is sincere about their price and service. And even with a sensible, sincere carrier you can haggle for a better deal. A standard trick is to convincingly suggest that may get a better deal for the same service elsewhere. For the most part, good companies do not offer the minimal price out right, which means that with good companies there is always a chance they might lower their price just enough for you to prefer them over a similar company.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Shipping, Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Transport, auto shipping quotes | No Comments »

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.

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

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