Archive for the ‘Auto Transport’ Category

How Much Will It Cost To Ship My Vehicle?

Monday, July 11th, 2011

That Question Is Loaded. Wow !

However, with the information available to you on the internet, we not only have answers but can also supply good reasons for those answers.

There is quite a variety in pricing within the auto shipping industry. It is important that you understand the reasons and there are several.

Firm Costs: Start off with the cost of a tractor/trailer rig which in today’s world can run up around $500,000.00. Add to that insurance of about $10,000.00 – $25,000.00 per year, fuel costs of over $4.00 per gallon (these trucks will average 3 – 4 miles per gallon) maintenance, repairs, tires, and depreciation. Don’t forget to include the cost of licensing, permitting, and paying a driver and you are starting to get the idea. Operating an auto hauler is a very expensive operation

Marketing: The owner/operator of an auto transport rig must now find customers in order to make any money. This can typically cost several thousand dollars per month.

Pricing in the auto transport industry will run the gamit from top to bottom. From those who practice the Walmart strategy of offering low discount pricing in order to encourage high volumes of business to those who would rather charge top prices and not move their trucks unless they obtain them. The auto transport industry certainly has many schools of thought represented when it comes to pricing. There is a price that will meet with your approval somewhere between the top prices and the bottom as you search.

Comparing several prices is of course the secret to discovering that range of pricing you desire. Simply provide them with your email address and phone number and then wait to be contacted in a prompt manner. Or you can simply pickup the phone and give them a call.

In order to really be smart about this you will need to do your homework. The American Trucker is known as an independent spirit. This translates into a wide range of pricing for the same delivery job when you compare the prices across a wide range of quotes. This is not about being right or wrong, several prices are available. This is about being smart and comparing prices.

Some differences in the way brokers do business are deposits. Some require deposits up front and some don’t. Both are correct in the way they do things, they just don’t agree. Most if not all will want final payment in the form of a cashier’s check or money order paid to the driver and that is the normal way of doing it.

Searching Google is one of the best and easiest ways to get pricing. Simply search under auto transport quotes or auto shipping quotes and select one of the many that come up. Provide them with your information and submit. With quotes in hand you will be ready to talk with a broker. This is the time to ask all of the questions you may have concerning your auto transport. Broker’s that truly want your business will be happy to provided answers at this point.

Quotes received will be from brokers that will only select the really good guys to transport your vehicle. This pre-screening done for you is an additional service that really enhances your auto transport experience.

Compare car transport quotes and compare quotes at car shipping quotes

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Auto Shipping In The News – Bend The Trend

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

News items on every subject are everywhere – the internet, newspapers, magazines, television and radio. People can become obsessed with the news simply because it is always changing. As the saying goes, there is nothing as old as yesterday’s news. This certainly applies to the auto shipping industry as well.

Take that maxim to the auto shipping industry and you will find there is nothing different there either. This is an industry that depends greatly on outside influences and constant change. The law and finances are as much of a concern to auto shippers as they are to other businesses. Let’s take a look at some of the issues in these fields.

Not surprisingly, one of the main topics of discussions in the auto shipping industry is the price of fuel. The price of gas, supply of diesel and miles per gallon are all crucial topics to auto shippers. Therefore, the news abounds with reports on these subjects in publications aimed at the auto shipping industry. Vehicle transportation is market-dependent. In the event of a recession, disposable income goes down and along with it car manufacturing and car sales. As those industries go, so does the auto shipping industry.

Besides the price of fuel, other newsworthy matters in the auto transportation industry include toll increases, taxes, and ever rising maintenance and employment costs. Acquisitions and mergers, bankruptcies and the cost of new technologies also weigh heavily on the minds of auto industry financial officers. Road building and maintenance are other factors that come up in trend analysis. The auto transport companies that stay on top of the financial and market related trends will manage to survive where those who do not, will not.

Financial trends are not the only important issues that need to be accounted for but also legal issues surrounding the auto transportation industry are of concern. The rules and regulations pertaining to work hour limits change periodically as do the technologies of drug testing and the legal ramifications of illegal substance abuse while at the wheel. Shipping involving interstate commerce is always subject to changing rules and regulations.

Other legally related vehicle transportation topics may include: theft protection and prosecution, licensing agreements and safety program certifications. For international shippers, in depth legal knowledge of customs guidelines is becoming a more and more respected specialty and represents a trend that receives some press time. Rounding out some of the legal auto shipping news is usually a discussion or two tied into the definition, carrying and reporting of hazardous materials. What you can and can not carry and how it is reported is debated often. Regardless of your auto shipping needs or relationships it is a good idea to stay abreast of the latest gossip and happenings.

Auto shipping is a very news heavy service industry. With so many different outlets of change, vehicle transportation is in no way, shape or form a static business. From auto shipping quoting and brokering, to driving and loading, there is always a subject matter that flutters with the fate of time. As the laws and financial pressures change inside the industry, it will be key for those involved to make sure they know what is going on. There must be a willingness to accept change while at the same time embracing its offerings. Auto shipping is a very important service that deserves media space and our undivided attention if we are planning to incorporate it into our ever changing lives.

If you need to find West Virginia Auto Transport companies, Washington Auto Transport companies, or auto shipping in any other state, please visit MetroGistics.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Steps to Successful Auto Shipping

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Before we learned to walk we crawled. Certain steps must be taken to get the job done correctly beginning with the simplistic and increasing the complexity on our way to a successful conclusion. The right tools for the job at hand is another requirement of successful completion. You can’t make wine without grapes. You can’t bake a cherry pie without cherries and an oven, you can’t play baseball without a bat and a ball. If you want to do something right, you need a plan and the appropriate tools. When it comes to shipping your auto, you need to undertake certain actions.

From the early stages to the final one there are some best practice steps for you to follow. First item on the list is to research the various auto shipping companies by reading articles, visiting auto shipping websites and networking with people who have had experience with shipping their cars or such businesses as auto dealerships who regularly depend on auto shippers. Once you have a good basic knowledge of how the industry works and the services they offer, look into a few providers and/or brokers.

The next step is to get your documentation together. Necessary documents include driver’s license, registration, proof of insurance and vehicle specifications. Now, providing you have narrowed your search down to one auto transportation company or broker to work with, it is time to negotiate a price.

These costs depend on distance traveled, choice of shipping container type, shipment weight and expected timeframe of delivery along with various miscellaneous fees and expenses. When a deal is satisfactorily agreed upon, you must review all the terms and conditions of the contract with a keen eye on cancellation fees and insurance options. Make sure you discuss these in detail and are acutely aware of them and understand them completely. Once your deal is solidified, you are ready for the deal to come to fruition.

You will now have the times and dates of the pickup and delivery of your vehicle and can begin your vehicle preparation. You will need to check engine function, gas levels, security features and the overall condition of your vehicle – make an actual checklist for you and your shipper to sign off on. Now your vehicle is ready for pickup and once that is accomplished, you need to follow up with the car transport company and the vehicle’s receiver so you can ensure a smooth trip for your car.

Now your car is on its way to its new home. Follow up with the auto shipping company along the way to make sure all is well and follow up with the receiver of the vehicle so everyone knows what to expend at journey’s end. If in your follow up you find some issues have arisen, you can deal with them promptly so they don’t run amok. When all is to your satisfaction, be sure to give positive feedback and a profound thank you to your auto shipper – you may be back.

Following these steps will help alleviate any problem that may arise, leaving you and the shipper less stressed. Auto shipping is a complex business requiring much knowledge and expertise, so do not rush the numerous decisions that must be made. Perform background checks, question anything you don’t understand and pursue those questions until you feel comfortable that they have been correctly answered. As noted, auto shipping is a complex process with many bends in the road. Make sure it bends your way when handing over your vehicle to an auto shipping company.

If you need to find New Hampshire Auto Transport companies, Nevada Auto Transport companies, or auto shipping in any other state, please visit MetroGistics.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Auto Transport: Put Money Second, Save the Environment First

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Reducing the number of industries contributing to the collapse of our planet’s environment actually lowers the cost on the services these companies provide in many cases.  Some technologically minded theorists quiver with excitement over new technologies like super-crystals and nano-microchips.  Others are simply insatiable consumers with no concept of how things work as long as they can own the latest gadgets the new technologies provide.  These fashionistas will grab the latest generation of wireless cell phones so they can listen to music without earbuds while displaying themselves on crowded, noisy thoroughfares.  They could care less about the technology or even the music for that matter.  They are the trendy ones.

Some car owners fit this description as well.  To some, a car is a necessity of life, to others it is a status symbol.  There may be 25% of car owners around the world who do not own a car because they must, but because all their acquaintances do.  In some locales it is inconvenient and nonsensical to own a car, but they must have one, even if it means working multiple jobs.  They will do this so they can afford any model or year of car from the Kia Rio to the Lamborghini so they can show it off while driving around the corner to the hottest spot in town – to be seen.

Some of this rubs off on related services.  Burgeoning industries like auto shipping originated out of a real need for the services.  They strive to excel in their industry through expanded services and marketing campaigns to soon become not just a service provider but a status symbol.  When the symbol becomes generally recognizable, not only the major players, but the minor league as well benefit from unchecked consumerism.

There have been steps taken to reduce the ill effects these mammoth carriers have on the environment, but their number is increasing as shipping grows in both potential and popularity.  Innovative technologies are being created to improve auto shipping, but there is no current technology that can turn back the damage done to the sea and air by one lone ro-ro ferry performing only one job.

To the individual, the environmental damages to the environment are not apparent or significant enough to be of concern.  Quite the contrary.  Rampant consumerism detracts from the reality of pollution of the air and the sea  lurking in the periphery of the heavy cargo shipping industry.  Large cargo ships introduce invasive species into the environment  that cost just the United States alone many billions of dollars annually. Bacteria, many strains of cholera, toxic algae, and destructive pests like the Zebra Mussel are disseminated throughout the environment by  ballast water.  One load of this water dumped by a freight carrier can spread in a matter of years enough vermin to bring the end to fisheries, agriculture, tourism and recreational industries.

The future of the auto shipping industry is not dimming.  The business is undergoing a natural growth, but the growth is also because of the successful marketing campaigns.  It is fairly certain that soon governments will impose technical and performance restrictions and fees for road use, vehicle types, and hundreds of services exactly because, at present, business is good.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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.

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

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

There are many times when it is a better idea to ship a vehicle from one location to another. These events include a move across the country or from one state to another. They may also involve moving a car to a child who is in college, or transporting a fine vintage or exotic automobile that you would rather not drive across country. Auto shippers exist for these very occasions.

Shipping an automobile can be a good way to limit the wear and tear on a vehicle. They can also be a great way to get a car from one destination or another when you need to fly. No matter what the reason you can be assured that chances are there are several auto shippers in your area that can provide expert shipping service.

Shipping a vehicle across country can often be cheaper than driving a car across country. When traveling long distanced you need to take into consideration the amount of time you will need to a lot yourself. You will also need to consider the amount of time it will take you to drive and the hotels and meals that you will need along the way.

All of these factors can make using auto shippers a more feasible and practical choice than driving the vehicle from one point to another yourself. There are many auto shippers who are reputable and economical.

The best thing to do when looking for an auto shipper is to ask friends if they have ever used anybody or if they have ever hired a service. Another way to find reputable auto shippers is to check the internet. Often you can find local forums where members who live in your area may be able to provide advice.

While most auto shippers will use tractor trailers or car carriers there are also trains that provide these services. Transporting of a vehicle using a train can often be a quicker and more affordable way to transport a vehicle. To check out the availability of a train auto transporter in your area you can reference autos by train on the internet.

When searching for auto shippers it is always a good idea to call for a free quote. Most auto shippers will be glad to give you an estimate of the cost that will be incurred to transport your vehicle from one point to another. When interviewing these companies it is also a good idea to ask if they are fully licensed bonded and insured. Don’t be afraid to ask for evidence of this. If a shipper gets offended by this question then they don’t deserve your business anyway.

It is also a good idea to ask the auto shippers you are considering hiring, how exactly they intend to haul the vehicle. It is important that you know how they intend to transport the vehicle. You may have a preference of how your vehicle is shipped. If it is a rare or exotic automobile you may desire for it to be transported in an enclosed car carrier. You may also prefer that it be carried on a large flat bed trailer. If you have several vehicles to transport you may want to hire a service that will transport all of your vehicles on one car carrier.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Brokers and Customer Responsiveness in Auto Shipping

Friday, December 18th, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

How to Price Auto Transport: More or Less

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

The cheapest way to get that classic car or family sedan transported over many miles is by auto carrier.  Auto shipping offer a safe and inexpensive way to get your car to its new location.  You know the cost of fuel today as well as the possible cost of car maintenance and repair of driving your car yourself long distances.

For those in the know, and there are more and more of those all the time, the auto shipping industry is a first choice for vehicle transportation.  The customer nonetheless assumes some risk when hiring even the most reliable and most experienced auto carriers.  One must be cautious and diligent in their search.  You must review insurance policies and past experience and performance with shipping similar vehicles, especially if yours is exotic.  Hauling an expensive, custom, or vintage car requires different safeguards than that Ford Taurus.  The pricing aspects of such vehicles will also differ substantially.

Pricing is determined by the manufacturer and model of the vehicle, the distance to be transported, the drop-off and pick-up sites and your required time-frame.

If you require remote sites for drop-off and pick-up that may require special services and absolute locales, this rather than distance may become the most important pricing factor, as it becomes mandatory for the provider of transport to know about special conditions that may be encountered along the way.  The reliable company will be able to inform you of various road and weather conditions that your vehicle will be facing and the harm that they may cause.  They will also know exactly how to carry your car to its destination without suffering injury and should inform you of these technicalities as well.

If your vehicle takes up more space that a normal one, that will cost you because it reduces the number of paying customers’ vehicles  that the company can handle on a single carrier.  The expensive vintage or classic cars that are usually a collectors’ pride and joy have odd dimensions that will not fit normally on a carrier and will also demand more loving care in transport, even if of standard dimensions.

The amount of insurance necessary to cover your vehicle in transport is also a consideration.  Your regular policy may not cover the odd conditions that the car might meet in transit.  The auto shipping company will have its own insurance carrier and you need to research the policies offered to pick the one most pertinent to your vehicle.  It is undoubtedly not the cheapest option that will meet your needs, especially on the vintage model.

If your car is not drivable, then preparations must be made to have a truck pick it up from a location you state rather than the standard terminal, and shove it or tow it to its location on the carrier.  Same service is in effect when it reaches its destination.  These circumstance requires a separate truck and separate service from the norm.

A fully operable vehicle is, of course, the preferred one to transport.  No matter, you need to hire the auto shipping company as early as you can before the shipping date, and try for off-season if possible.  The longer you hold off on deciding on a transport company, the costlier it will be for you.  I’m talking here well over a month in advance.  If your car’s prior condition results in damage while in transit, besides the inconvenience of waiting for the car to be repaired, the final price could spiral out of sight.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Important Factors To Consider When Choosing An Auto Transport Carrier

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

A car is a valuable asset that needs to be protected. Not only is there a monetary value to our vehicle, we often are emotionally attached and physically dependent on our vehicles to transport us from one place to another. When a vehicle needs to be moved a long distance, it is important that it have good care. When you must choose an auto transport company, you need to be diligent in your search in order for that vehicle to arrive at the new destination without damage. These tips should help you in choosing a safe and reliable auto transport company.

Seek out a shipping company which has a very good reputation. Use the internet and search to check out the companies. If a company has a bad reputation a quick internet search will let you see reviews of several dissatisfied customers. Look for a site that gives you more than just a star rating if possible. You will want to know both what happened and how the company tried to resolve the problem. You need a feel for how the company deals with problems as well as the problems that happened. If the majority of reviews are negative, it is probably best to stay away from that company and to choose a different carrier.

Inquire with the company to be sure that they have the necessary licenses to move your vehicle. They should have a federal license as well as the necessary insurance and bond requirements. If the carrier is legitimate, they should have no problem in showing you this paperwork.

Be sure that you ask the company about the insurance that they have to cover any damage that might happen to your car during the move. Be sure to find out about any limitations to that insurance. For example, some companies do not cover damage that might be caused by flying gravel. This includes paint chips and broken glass. If this is not a part of the companies insurance, you will want to know before signing any paperwork.

You will find several different options for shipping a vehicle. Not all companies offer all of these options, so if one is important to you, be sure that you check.

With the open shipping method your vehicle is simply loaded in an open trailer. While less expensive, cars are more susceptible to damage from the elements. If it is storm season, there is the possibility of hail damage. Flying gravel can also cause problems.

You may want to pay extra for an enclosed trailer if you have an expensive vehicle that is to be transported. The enclosed trailer protects your vehicle from those elements of the road that are likely to case damage. This could also be important if you are transporting an antique automobile.

Economy service is the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. This method of shipping is on a space available method and it can cause significant delays in your vehicle arriving at your new home. Some companies say that this method of transportation can take up to three weeks to get your vehicle delivered. If you are not in a hurry to get the vehicle at the new home, this can save some money.

Full service moving will get the vehicle to the new destination in the shortest amount of time possible.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Auto Shipping Costs Less: But What Influences its Pricing?

Monday, November 9th, 2009

The dimensions of the car to be shipped mean that it will either fit a single slot on the truck or that it will require several slots, raising the price. Moreover, a closed carrier, which costs more in itself, accommodates less vehicles; which means that transportation of a odd sized car in a closed carrier is even costlier.

There is a law imposed on carriers as to the allowed overall weight they may carry at any one time: any heavier than usual cars may be subject to additional fees, because a reliable, law abiding company will have to carry less vehicles and more weight. With  some cars this cannot  be helped, but the weight of a regular car may be reduced by removing any heavy personal belongings and of the removable upgrades you may have made to your car.

Even the specific date on which your car is to be shipped may influence the price, since oil prices, competition, and predicted weather conditions vary from day to day. Often when asking for quotes, customers do not realize that if they specify a different date, the same company could charge less than it first offered for the same service.

For the most part, companies operate trucks which accommodate more than one car, serving more than one customer at a time. For this reason, and because customers book the services at different times, with individual specifications, it may either not be possible for a specific available truck to deliver your car as and when you require it, unless perhaps you change their priorities by paying more. In any case, requiring delivery on a specific date, rather within a more or less flexible time-frame, costs more.

If the company is big enough to afford it, you may have the option of renting a truck for your one vehicle only, which obviously costs significantly more, but ensures a safer, quicker delivery on the required date. On the other hand, if you are not pressed for time and book your car with a truck carrying another 8 or so vehicles, the service will cost less.

Consider moreover that oversees shipping is likely to cost more due to oversees relationships and taxes. Oversees transport may require transportation by air or water, or even a combination of all three, which costs more and requires additional considerations of safety, insurance, and any of the parameters of a car.

If all  this seems like to much nuance to cost less in time, effort, and money, it is only because you are probably because you are daunted by the prospect of an unfamiliar service. Auto shipping by now is not merely a quickly growing world-wide business, but a huge industry and the amount if detail it offers for consideration to each client only ensures that you can choose, compare, and adjust to finally sing a deal which suits you best.

With numerous companies now operating, competition often drives companies to be flexible with their prices, though foreign companies are less likely to be so than national companies. Compare free quotes which most companies offer for similar services and look for various coupons specific companies may offer within the specific states or borders you need. Don’t try only the biggest companies, or you might never get beyond mechanical service to anybody with whom you can reason. Consider young, dynamic companies and try haggling for the final price without being afraid to decline inflexible offers.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.