Archive for the ‘Auto Transport’ Category

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.

The A to Z of Auto Shipping

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

When Russia recently launched a unique new brand of sports cars the super-car world was surprised. A popular pet female given Russian name and a play on the English word “Russia”, Marussia was coyly christened. It was manufactured in limited numbers and released in two models, B1 and B2.

It requires careful auto shipping as it is now a collector’s item: being battered by hail, handled roughly, or brutally exploited is something you do not want for this baby while you’re not present.

So how do you get your Marussia, in one virgin piece, from Moscow to Minneapolis? When choosing an auto shipping company; which truck type to use, which service to order, and insurance are the basic things to consider.

When it comes to companies, don’t just settle for the first one you come by. Preferring well known, perhaps costly, companies is the best way, names you have read about that are trusted. Obscure businesses, often on their way to bankruptcy, exist in multitudes. They are looking to swindle you out of as much money as they can before they close while posing as experts. Do not become paranoid, there are reasonable and decent companies out there. See which companies get the most references and recommendations by asking around, do some research.

You have the general choice of open and closed carriers when it comes to trucks. Open carriers are numerous and often used, they can be seen hauling vehicles within or between cites. The costlier approach is closed carriers, but the distance your car is to travel and the brand of the car needs to be taken into consideration. It is better, perhaps, to transport an exotic car in a closed carrier which prevents exposure to harmful elements as well as prying eyes.

If you want your car picked up by the truck from your place or whether you prefer to drop it off at a company terminal is the next thing to consider. It may take longer for your car to be shipped from the terminal and it must be picked up by the owner when it reaches its destination terminal, this service is slower and fussier. Having the car picked up from your garage is better, this way before committing the vehicle to the company you and the driver can check the mileage and any already present damage. Any damage unspecified in the signed list when the car is delivered to the destination will be the company’s responsibility. Door to door shipping is provided by most companies.

For each vehicle transport, cargo insurance is offered by the companies. While the car is being handled by the company any damage will be compensated. A minimum of $800,000 for liability insurance is usually arranged for by trucking companies, this takes care of a large number of handled cargo.

Lasting companies that are good make sure you are insured and do not find it profitable to endanger the property of their clients. When even so much as a hint of reluctance to offer adequate insurance or mentioning is neglected by some fishy organization, beware.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Auto Shipping Brokers 101

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Our money does not grow on trees and a vehicle is not just a vehicle. If you are trying to handle vehicle transportation all by yourself you may find yourself in a hectic situation. There is no need to ‘Stop being lazy’ when you can have someone do it all for you. An auto shipping broker can take care of it all. So lay back, relax and it will all be handled.

We are talking about going to an auto shipping broker, of course, someone who will take care of all our car needs. Let us further examine what exactly an Auto Shipping Broker is. A broker deals with a vast number of carriers based on your budget and convenience. They are the middleman. Instead of dealing with the auto shipping companies yourself, the broker will find you most likely the best price when you contract through them. Your vehicle is not shipped by the broker. Instead they have the absolute leverage in finding the right shipping service for you to send your vehicle in the accurate direction with an open spot using a vast network of carriers. When you consider the slim openings that are available to the single customer, this can be incredibly useful. Your vehicle is usually transported on a specific route with a definite schedule when you use an auto shipping service. While working with the broker more options are available for you.

The broker does help in aiding you to use the right company which will insure your vehicle; as the broker does not insure your vehicle. Also the right party to pick up and deliver your car exactly as you want it will be found by the auto shipping broker. While many carrier services have a large amount of trucks to transport your car, the broker is not tied down to a specific fleet company. The situation rests on the fact that the trucks used to transport your vehicle are a great distance away and this leads to a more expensive turn around. The ability to track down the trucks or shipping services in your immediate area is much easier while working with a broker. Rather than working with a carrier company, the broker allows the pick up and drop off times to be sooner.

While working with a broker you will never be rushed or fixed and this is one of the best things about it. Once you speak to a carrier and get a quote they want you to book right then while that spot is still open. Based on your requirements, brokers offer a plentitude of options, nothing is forced. Direct service communication is another great benefit. Brokers can inform the drivers or carriers of anything by being able to speak directly to them. While that access is usually not available for carrier companies. They are limited to shipping then it’s off.

You always have the choice. Going with an auto shipping broker can make your life a lot easier and hassle free. The right choice for you may be to use an auto shipping broker.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

How to Ship Your Cars

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Thinking about auto shipping can be very confusing. Knowing how to get it started and what needs to be done can be an asset. One thing to consider is where your car is going. The farther your car is shipped the more expensive it will be. Deciding what shipping method you will use is the next step.

Deciding to deliberate

It might be a good idea to consider letting an auto shipping company or freight forwarding service take care of everything because doing it yourself can be a hassle. Contacting as many companies and comparing quotes is important, it narrows your choices. You should choose a good carrier with little or no complaints. Try not to choose a smaller company just because the rates are cheaper, it’s possible for them to have more liabilities than assets.

Another decision to make is whether to use an open vehicle transport or an enclosed one. While the open vehicle transport may be cheaper there are certain risks to consider. Your car will be on either a flatbed or on a truckload, this means your car will be exposed to the outside elements. There is also a possibility of your electronic equipment being stolen.  Enclosed shipping rates are very high and while your car may be protected often it is hard to book this method of shipping. In other words you must predate any shipping.

Insurance is another vital aspect to consider when auto shipping. The prices may vary due to the length of the transit and the value of your vehicle. It is important to insure the shipping of your car in case a wreck occurs during shipment.

Tips and steps

Your car should be washed and cleaned extensively so if it is scratched or chipped the damages can be easily seen. You should remove personal items as these can be stolen. Disable your car alarm so it won’t go off during shipping. Remember weight is money so do not fill your gas tank. You might want to lower your antenna and remove any specialty items. The top should be up and secure if your car is a convertible. It may be wise to draft or document any damages or mechanical issues, use photos if available. Tell the driver if there are any leaks. Also, inflate tires to the proper pressure and top off fluid levels so that no damages will occur during loading.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

The Adventure of Backpacking through the Auto Shipping Industry

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Travel Tips and Warnings

You and your best friend have decided to spend the 3 months of summer following college graduation backpacking through Europe. The planning process began months in advance and you have prepared yourself for any mishaps or uncontrolled phenomenon. Despite your mothers’ thinking you were out of your mind, everything seemed right. A feeling of achievement swept over you as you made the preparations.

Backpacking requires months of planning in advance; airport tickets, Euro-rail transports, which countries, cities, hostels, money appropriations, and packing all have to be considered and planned. A company or broker must be chosen. Pick up and delivery stops will need to be researched, figure the right transportation; which direction you will go, how much you are going to pay, which direction you will go, and the comfort of your vehicle’s lodging. Perhaps clothing can be included. Your car will need to be undressed of any electronic devices and outside gear; spoilers or any other specific ornaments. Here are some tips and warnings for a safe auto shipping adventure.

Tips

Be forthright with your carrier. An over filled gas tank or additional “things” in your car can impede the delivery process and during checks can cost the driver extra money.

Do not pay anything upfront. Steer clear of lower-priced companies as well. Cheaper rates could be a result of less experience, thus possibly damaging your vehicle. Make sure of this as companies and brokers often will go for the highest bidder and leave you and your vehicle stranded.

Be sure to do extensive research on your broker or company of choice. Make certain they are insured, licensed, bonded, and registered with the Better Business Bureau.

Document and photograph your vehicle. At pick up and delivery your company should do the same.

Read the contract in full before signing, this is very important. Pay close attention to small print and any hidden fees.

Warnings!

1) Although this industry may sound convenient and secure, it can be very unstable and there are no guarantees. Many dilemmas can occur such as weather, mechanical issues, road blocks, and more.

2) When making reservations with an auto shipping carrier be sure not to reserve with two different companies. Most drivers will pass on your vehicle when this occurs. This will cause you to repeat the entire process.

3) With a credit card reservation make sure fees are not added unless a driver is assigned to your vehicle.

Being alert and educated is a must. If you are not fully prepared, you will find yourself in a lot of trouble, just like when traveling cross country or internationally with a backpack and high hopes. It is possible to get lost, have your possessions stolen, or worse. This can all happen to your vehicle, so be prepared and use these tips and warnings as a guide.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Auto Shipping International Style

Friday, September 4th, 2009

Traveling internationally can open your eyes, mind, heart and soul. The gorgeous vistas, cultures, food, music and people can unlock the mysteries within you and the world. Sometimes we travel on foot other times we travel in vehicles but if we have a specific vehicle we want to ride along with us during our travels we must prepare its departure along with ours.

International Auto Shipping

It’s important to find an international auto shipping company that can assist and support you in this endeavor; for it’s not easy to do on your own.

Allowing the company 7 to 14 days to complete the trip on their W-E runs can make the time frames quicker on specific routes, but a majority of time it takes approximately 20 to 30 days for shipping. Planning enough time for the company to ship your vehicle overseas is needed. International shipping companies will let you plan up to two months before departure however the carrier will need about two weeks in advance for the shipment. If one needs the vehicle in advance companies will work on an individual basis with priority. You are normally scheduled to pick up your vehicle within 2 or 3 days. If your destination is inaccessible to you the shipping company will ask the driver to get as close as possible to your desired location, and if you are not available to pick up your vehicle it may have to go to a terminal for you to get it, but having an alternative part or family member to pick and sign the car for you is also a good idea.

If you have any requests for a different time frame or delivery they’re most likely able to accommodate to your schedule; of course this will vary in the pricing forefront. Rates are determined by size and weight, and you can either prepay or pay in the country through one of their agents. Most international shipping companies allow you to pay with personal checks, cashiers’ checks, postal money orders, and major credit cards. Also it’s mandatory when shipping overseas that your gas tank should be as low as possible, for their convenience.

Some customers ask, since the car is going international, if they can pack personal belongings in the car. However, the Department of Transportation has ruled, as of 1998, that you may not leave or pack any items in your vehicle. All trucks are occasionally checked for items within the vehicles, and have the right to dispose of them. Household items and personal belongings are not allowed in vehicles, whether it is international or domestic. Your items are also not covered by carriers insurance so the risk of loading all your belongings in your vehicle isn’t a good idea. Also any damage that is made by the goods or items stuffed in your car is not covered. If items are loaded into the vehicles it adds more weight to your car; which can affect the international shipping carrier and their trucks. It can damage the loading and unloading of your vehicle causing harm to the suspension of your car.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Why It Is Important To Inspect Your Vehicle Before You Ship It

Friday, August 21st, 2009

If you are about to become a customer of an auto shipping company, prior to deciding on a specific one, you will probably first ask how much will it cost and when can I expect to arrive at its destination. Good questions, both.

But another factor that should be considered is the safety and well being of your vehicle. You want that car or whatever wheeled transport in the same condition at the end of its ride as it was in the beginning. So, to be safe you must put it through a thorough inspection together with a representative of the chosen shipping company.

  • You must inspect the entire vehicle top to bottom. Make notes of every little and big ding and get the shippers representative to sign off on the document before its departure. Get a copy of this agreement. This is the “before” picture of your vehicle. Speaking of pictures – take pictures. Take a lot of pictures so when you see your vehicle again, you can compare notes as well as pictures should any damage be sustained that you want to claim.

  • You will also want to inspect the functionality of the vehicle to make sure that the lights work, the turn signals, and everything else that should function normally when you turn the key. Take pictures inside as well. Things can get knocked around and you don’t want to have to pay to fix these yourself.

  • Don’t forget the glass in your car. A little chip in the windshield may not be annoying now, but oh boy, when it turns into a big crack, you’re in trouble. Take pictures. Check and get pictures of all the windows in your car.

Should you find damage at journey’s end, the following tips will help you set it right.

  • The first thing you must do is report any and all damages immediately. This will avoid confusion as to where and when the damage occurred and will give you a much better shot at getting it fixed and paid for by someone other than yourself.
  • Take pictures. These along with the pictures you took before your vehicle’s journey are the best proof of evidence you can offer to the claim department of any insurance company.
  • If the car did suffer damages, the shipping company will normally allow you to get your own estimate from your usual auto shop and have it repaired there. If you don’t have a usual auto repair place, a dealership is generally a good bet.

By following these steps, you will have a good chance of making certain that the vehicle you shipped out will be in the same shape at the end of it’s trip as it was in the beginning. This is as it should be.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Auto Transport – The Importance of Auto Inspections

Friday, August 7th, 2009

As an auto shipping customer, there are several important questions that we ask ourselves, concerning our vehicle when deciding on the right auto shipping company. How much will it cost to ship my car, truck, or van from point A to point B? How long with the transport take?

An important factor that we all should also consider is the safety of our vehicle. You want to make sure that your car or truck arrives in the same condition at its final destination as it was in at its origin. In the transportation world this doesn’t always happen. That’s why it is so important to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle when you turn it over to the auto shipping company. Below are a few key points to keep in mind when inspecting your vehicle:

  • Before and after shipping, make sure to do a thorough inspection of the entire vehicle with a representative from the shipping company. That way you can both agree and sign off on any existing damage before departure, and any new damage that may have happened during transport. Make sure that you get a signed copy of the condition report before turning your car over to the driver.
  • Check the functionality of your car as well as the body. A lot of people will take a look at the body of their car and assume that everything is fine. Make sure that you turn the car on, test the lights, turn signals, and everything else. Things can get knocked loose during transport and it can be a hassle to try to get these things fixed by yourself.
  • Check your windows and windshield. A small crack or chip on your windshield may seem like no big deal, but don’t let it go unnoticed. Small chips turn into big cracks. This is a real problem even if it seems minor at the time of inspection.

If you do find any damage on your vehicle make sure to follow these tips below:

  • Report any damages as soon as possible. If you find anything that is wrong with your car, truck or van, reporting it immediately will avoid any confusion as to how the damage got there. This will in turn give you a much better chance of getting it fixed.
  • Take pictures. Take a lot of pictures. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and there is no better proof of claim than photographic evidence of damage.
  • Get a valid estimate for repairs. One thing that the claims department will want to know is “how much?”. Many auto shippers will let you get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice so make sure you choose wisely. Dealerships are generally a safe bet.

To ensure that there was no damage caused to your vehicle during transport, always do a thorough inspection before and after shipping. If you do find any damage make sure to report it immediately and take photos of the damage. Noting any damage sooner is always better.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Shipping One’s Auto – Now That My Bags Are Packed, What About Shipping My Vehicle?

Monday, July 13th, 2009

One burning question that dealers, wholesalers, collectors, as well as people relocating for whatever reason within the United States ask thousands of times a day is “What is the cost of shipping my vehicle?  When moving any important item, like a car or other means of transportation, cost is a premier consideration.  What if I told you, though, that it may not be the MOST important question to ask.

Often, when shipping a vehicle, one is apt to turn to a transportation broker, which is either a company or some type of group that do not actually ship the vehicle but arrange for its shipment.  They take a percentage of the cost of moving the vehicle as payment for arranging the shipment of your vehicle.  They broker the vehicle out by posting on online load boards that are visible to those car hauling companies that operate trucks that move around the country.  If the broker posts too low a price on these boards, it will not attract any takers and the vehicle may sit there in anticipation of a move for a very long, uneasy period of time.  Be sure that the price the broker is quoting to the vehicle movers is reasonable enough to entice them to relocate your car.   Too cheap a price may not be in your best interest.

Another expense item to consider is the cost of insurance coverage on the vehicle being transported and that of its contents.  You never know when an unforeseen circumstance may arise and you wind up with costly repairs or replacements.  Accidents do occur and you do not want to be unprotected if one of these unforeseen events involves your vehicle.  A couple of important questions to ask are what kind of coverage will the trucker’s insurance provide in case of loss or damage to your vehicle, and should it be farmed out to another carrier, what is their coverage and how can you obtain a copy of the policy.  You must try to get a copy of the carrier’s certificate of insurance naming you as the certificate holder, not the car hauler(s).  In this way, should some harm come to your vehicle, you can file a claim directly to the insurance company on your own.

The quality and reputation of the auto transportation outfit that is handling the transport of your vehicle is also another concern of yours.  You really have no idea about the company or companies that are moving your vehicle unless you are directly involved in the daily business of transporting vehicles yourself.  Do some research about these companies.  Talk to a car dealer who undoubtedly ships vehicles on a regular basis and find out who they use.  Go online and read reviews about various companies to get as much information as you can before you start collecting bids.  Go to safersys.org, a website operated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, and take a look at a company’s safety profile.  This site can be of invaluable assistance to you in seeking a reputable transport company.

Looking to get your car some distance from A to Z involves several considerations.  Not just the least expensive, but the safest and sometimes the timeliest way to get your wheeled friend happily to its new home.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.