Archive for the ‘Car Shipping’ Category

Auto Shipping: Save the Environment First, Money Second

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Though, actually, contributing to the reduction of the industries which contribute to global environmental collapse in many cases means less expense on the services these industries provide. It is one thing to be a Hi-Tech theoretician and be excited about the possibilities of emerging technologies like super crystals or nano-microchips. It is another thing entirely to be an insatiable consumer who understands next to nothing about the technologies, but who eagerly acquires all and any of them, as long as they are the latest word in fashionable hardware. All those people who buy the latest generations of cell phones so that they can listen to music without ear phones while walking in a noisy street or riding a noisy bus are about as interested in technology as they are interested in music.

The case is the same with car users. With many cars are a luxury item; with others they are a critical status item. As many as a quarter of car owners worldwide do not own vehicles out of necessity, but as a way to conform. To won a car is not even always convenient or sensible, yet people will own cars, work double jobs and double shifts just to buy a second-hand Suzuki Esteem which they can then take out to the club around the corner.

By derivation, the same is true for related services. Promising industries like the Auto Shipping industry begin by offering real enough benefits. They work to perfect themselves, their services, and, inevitably, their marketing campaigns, and soon become not simply the sensible service to take advantage of, but a status symbol. When the symbol is generalized enough, not only the major names in the field, but even the smallest and least successful companies benefit from indiscriminate consumerism.

Despite certain measures to reduce the effect of heavy goods vehicles on the environment, heavy carriers increase in number as shipping industries grow in potential and popularity. Technologies are being invented to improve auto shipping, but the technology has not yet been invented which could undo the damage a single ro-ro ferry does to the sea and air in the course of a single job.

It may seem that environmental problems are not as yet apparent enough in the world for individual consumers to worry about. But the opposite is true. Heedless consumerism distracts from actual events only slightly outside the field of auto shipping by sea and land. Invasive species introduced by large cargo ships are estimated to cost the U.S. dozens of billions of dollars per year. Ballast water spreads bacteria, cholera of various strains, toxic algae, and voracious pests like the the Zebra Mussel. A single load of ballast water from a freight carrier can spread within a matter of years enough pests to destroy fishery, agriculture, tourism and recreational industries.

That the future of the auto shipping industry seems bright, one must realize, is not merely because the business takes its natural course, but because its marketing is successful. Before we know it, governments may impose technical and performance restrictions and charges for use on roads, vehicle types, and mass services precisely because business, right now, seems good.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Car Shippers Can Transport The Car For You

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

There are many logistics to be worked out for a cross country move. One of those is how are you going to get your cars to the new home. One of the easiest ways to move a car is to use car shippers.

This will prevent dividing up the family to move across country. Moves are stressful enough without worrying about a car caravan. Even with a tow trailer or dolly, you can only move one car with you.

Some families give up trying to move two vehicles and sell one to replace it when they get to the new home. The problem with this approach is that in addition to moving expenses, you must come up with money for a second vehicle. Instead of selling and re-buying cars, why not have the vehicle shipped to your new home.

Persons with antique or specialty vehicles, driving the vehicle is unthinkable. Shipping may be the only option to get your collector car to its new home.

Shipping costs for vehicles are very reasonable. It may only be a few hundred dollars more than the cost of gas to drive the vehicle to the new destination. The car arrives in great shape and you have not added all of the extra miles.

Your vehicle is loaded onto a trailer which is in tern pulled across the country by a semi trailer. You will not be adding any extra miles to the vehicle that will make a difference in your lease contract. It is safely delivered to your new location so you are able to start driving it once again.

Shippers try to fill trailers with vehicles to save you money in the transportation costs. The transportation may take two to three weeks unless you pay for the available expedited service that gets your car to you in a shorter time.

Vehicles can also be shipped in enclosed trailers to avoid more of the possible dangers or the roads like flying gravel chips. You will have to pay extra for this service, but may find that the extra cost is another layer of insurance for that collectors car.

Some shipping companies offer door to door service. Your vehicle is picked up form your old drive way and delivered to the new drive way. If the car arrives before you do, then there is secure storage available for the vehicle.

If your move is too long to drive, then ship all the vehicles and save the long drive by flying. Ship one vehicle to be at the new home to be there for your arrival and keep the second one until moving day. This allows you to have a car at both ends of the move and gets both vehicles to you. It saves the long drive for everyone. You arrive at the new home ready to unpack and get life back in order. Your car arrives in top shape and has not had all the extra miles of wear and tare from a long trip.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Save Money with an Auto Shipping Professional

Friday, January 1st, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Shipping Your Auto Can Save You Money

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

More or Less on Pricing Auto Shipping

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Whether that car you need to relocate to a distant location is a classic collector’s item or the family minivan, you are probably looking for an inexpensive yet secure method of transport.  One of the best ways to do this is via an auto shipping company.  This remarkable service saves you the time, trouble and money of driving that vehicle yourself thousands of miles.  The price of gas these days is enough of a deterrent, let alone the wear and tear on you and your vehicle.

The auto shipping industry is becoming popular for those very reasons.  Nonetheless, selecting from the many companies and their services, whether large or small is not without risk.  You need to be aware of the companies insurance coverage, past experience, and previous performance with your type of car, particularly if it is somewhat exotic in either model or size.  You will also need to find out what criteria they use to determine pricing.

Clearly, all companies will start the price structure with the model, the travel distance and the exact sites of pick up and delivery.

The road less travelled in this case will cost you more, due to remote, hard to find services, and the time and energy the company must put forth to keep your car safe from the various road and weather conditions that could harm the vehicles on the carrier.  This will cause the company to add services (and charges)  not normally encountered on well-traveled routes.

If your vehicle is abnormally heavy, large, or odd-sized the cost will increase because the carrier can load fewer vehicles.  Many esoteric cars, and particularly vintage, classic and collector’s cars are of nonstandard dimensions, but also require unusual tender loving care, regardless of weight or size.

Obviously, whatever the car, you want it insured for its journey and your usual policy will probably not cover this.  You will incur an added, but absolutely necessary cost by buying coverage from the company you select.  Just like your regular insurance carrier, they will offer various coverages at various prices.  You want to lean toward the expensive coverage to be absolutely safe.

One other determination aside from the above is whether your car is drivable or not.  If the car cannot be driven on and off the carrier, special trucks will be dispatched to take it to the carrier, it then must be pushed or towed to its spot, and the entire procedure must be repeated at its destination.

Better to have an operable vehicle and hire the carrier giving them as much advance notice as you can before your required shipment date.  If you give the company only a few weeks notice, the price will increase, and if because of your car’s pre-shipment condition it becomes damaged along the way, oh boy, are you in for some sticker shock.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Great Methods To Choose A Car Shipping Carrier

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

If you are moving, you may have already selected the moving company, but what will you do with your vehicles? Unless you are willing to drive cars cross country, you are going to also need to choose a car shipping company.

In order to find a good company, you can go directly to the website of the company that your are interested in and request a quote or you can find one of several websites that offer you five to ten quotes by submitting only one form. Be sure that you enter in the information as accurately as possible for the most accurate quote. If your vehicle has been modified in any way, the standard quote you get from the internet may not be accurate, since modifications often add weight. If the vehicle is not running, you may also be charged more since it will be more difficult to load and unload.

Be cautious about the lowest quotes. Sometimes you will get a low quote that is not yet attached to a carrier. Once you dismiss all the other quotes, you will start to hear about additional charges that make that lowest quote the most expensive one. If a quote is way below all of the others, be careful.

Use resources such as the internet, friends and co-workers and the Better Business Bureau to check out any company you are considering hiring to move your vehicle.

Brokers should be bonded and carriers should carry insurance and be licensed. This will help to make sure your vehicle is covered during transport.

Once you are fairly sure you have found a reputable company, you are ready to book an order. You should receive a confirmation by e-mail or by fax. Read everything that is sent by the company before making the final signature. When you are ordering on the internet an e-signature is binding just like an actual signature.

You will need to prepare your vehicle for the transport. That will include removing personal or valuable items from the car. Do not pack things that need to be moved in the car as they are not allowed. The gas tank should be below 1/4 tank. This lowers the weight of the load the truck must pull and increased the fuel efficiency. If you wash your vehicle before pickup so that its condition can be seen when picked up.

You should get a copy of the carrier’s inspection of your vehicle. This report should show and damage that was already done to your vehicle. You will need to sign this form before the vehicle is moved. Keep the copy of your form until the vehicle is safely returned to your possession.

After delivery, you will be asked to perform your own inspection of the vehicle. Be very careful in performing this inspection, as once you sign off on the form, you cannot claim any further damage to the vehicle. If there is additional damage, be sure that the carrier signs the form noting the additional damage to the vehicle. Make sure that you get a copy of this form also.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Important factors to consider when choosing an auto transport company

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

If your were to list your most valuable assets, near the top of the list, you would likely include your auto. Cars are valuable as the proved transportation to and from work or school. They are also expensive to replace. If you are moving your vehicle a long distance, you want to be sure that it is well taken care of. If you are using an auto transport company, you should be very diligent in choosing that company in order to ensure that your vehicle makes it to the new destination without damage. These tips will help you to choose the best carrier.

Choose a company that has a good reputation in the auto transport industry. If a company has a bad reputation, the internet makes it easy to find that out. Use a good search engine to check out the company and see if they have any bad reviews. Many customers with a problem with a company will quickly make a review. Be sure that you read the reason for a poor rating as well as any steps the company took to resolve the problem. Make sure that the company tries to meet the customers needs, otherwise, you may want to consider another company. If a company only has bad reviews, regardless of the price, choose another company.

Before signing any paperwork be sure that the company has the proper documentation to perform the service they are offering. They should have a federal license as well as insurance and bonding. The company representative should have no problem in showing this paperwork.

Ask about insurance that will cover any damage your vehicle sustains in transport. Also be sure that you understand any limitations in the coverage of your vehicle. What the company considers minor damage may be rock chips to the paint or even broken glass. If their insurance does not cover this damage, then you will be responsible to pay for the repairs yourself. Be sure that you read the fine print.

You will find that there are several options for shipping your vehicle. Not all companies will offer all of these options, so ask the representative what is available.

If you agree to open shipping, your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer for transport. While less expensive, your vehicle is subject to more damage than if it is in an enclosed container.

Enclosed shipping uses an enclosed trailer and reduces the likelihood of damage to your vehicle from road debris. The difference in price may be worth protecting your vehicle from possible damage, especially if you are shipping an antique or specialty vehicle.

Economy service is the least expensive way to ship your vehicle. The vehicle is loaded onto trailers on a space available basis and eventually works its way to your new home. It can take up to three weeks to arrive, so if time is of the essence, pay for the quicker service. If this is a vehicle you can do without for a few weeks, then this method of shipping can save money.

Full service is the quickest way to get you vehicle to its new destination and usually includes door to door service.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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.

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.

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.