Archive for the ‘Car Shipping’ Category

Auto Shipping: Save Yourself Money and the Trouble

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Shipping Your Vehicle and 1000 Splendid Quotes

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

A very wise Englishman, Benjamin Disraeli, once said something like “the wisdom of the wise and the experience of the ages are perpetuated by good quotes.”  This is ever so true with the search for an auto shipper.  You can research companies on the net, give them a call, hire the services of a broker to help select the most competent and reasonable company, but what it all really means is which one has the price quote that best fits your needs.

Realizing that this is true, many companies will publish their terrific quotes on deals right on their home page.  The really good companies, though will want to talk to you before they proffer a quotation on the work involved in your particular case.  So be aware of this.

A bit off the subject, but if you are required to make an advance payment, it is an iron-clad prerequisite that you obtain a contract that ensures a complete money-back guarantee if the services are not up to the specifications agreed upon between you and the shipper.  Some companies will actually take the advance money, hem and haw around, never fulfill the contract expectations, your wonderful car will never reach its destination, you lost your advance money, and you are up the proverbial creek without a paddle (or a car).

There may be some special circumstances you encounter that require a little white lie to further your interests.  Obtaining a quote from an auto shipping company is definitely not one of those times.

You must have an accurate weight and shape of your car to give the prospective shipper.  This is crucial as not every carrier is equipped to accommodate vehicles such as SUVs, off-roaders, pick-up trucks, vans, or even minivans.  Customized changes such as chassis lowering or exotic add-ons should also be related to the shipper as these may interfere with loading your car onto the ramp that takes it up to the truck.  Most carriers will accommodate a non-operating vehicle for an additional fee but you must let them know of this circumstance before they venture a quote.  This also may require special equipment to load.

Pay attention not only to the actual quote but how it was given to you.  Observe the presentation of the quote.  Was it done in a professional, courteous, and customer-friendly manner?  Is this quote compared to the services they are offering abnormally low?  If the quote seems too good to be true, it is.  Obviously you are obtaining quotes from many companies within the industry in order to compare the quotes.  Do obtain quotes from the leaders in the industry.  Even if you don’t choose them, at least you know what the big guys are charging for similar services and this can be enlightening when selecting a company.

By doing all this legwork, you will be much more able to discern the honest operators from the fly-by-nights.  And don’t fail to negotiate a price whether with a big company or small.  Any honest company will not be put off by this and may actually have not quoted you their rock bottom price at first.  So let them know you are shopping around and they may meet the lowest price you found elsewhere in order to get your business.  If not, you still haven’t lost a thing.  You can go with the lowest bidder or not.  It is always a good idea to go with the company with which you are the most comfortable.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

The A-Z of Shipping Your Car

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

Very recently surprised was the super-car world when Russia launched a new brand of super sports cars that were unique. Marrusia (a popular pet female given Russian name and a play on the English word “Russia”, to make sure everyone knows where the beauty is coming from) was manufactured in, limited numbers and released in two models, the B1 and B2.

Getting your Marussia from Moscow to Minneapolis in one virgin piece is something you want to make sure of. When considering the basic things are which type of trucks to use, how to choose an auto shipping company, which service to order, and insurance.

You don’t want that baby battered by hail, handled roughly, or brutally exploited while you’re not around; that is a collector’s item that requires careful auto shipping.

Don’t just settle for the first company you come by. Well known companies with trusted names you heard or read about are perhaps best regardless of cost. Often there are many companies posing as experts just looking to swindle you out of your money on their way to bankruptcy. There are plenty of reasonable and decent services out there so don’t let paranoia take over. With some research and by asking around you can see which companies get the most recommendations and references.

Open and closed carriers are you choices when it comes to trucks. Hauling vehicles within or between cities open carriers can often be seen, they are often used and numerous. The cost is more with closed carrier shipping but the brand of car and the distance it is to travel need to be taken into consideration. Using a closed carrier is better for an exotic car; it prevents exposure to harmful elements and hides your car from prying eyes.

Next you need to decide if you prefer to drop off the vehicle at a company terminal or you want the truck to pick it up from your place. From the terminal it may take the car much longer to be shipped and when it reaches its destination terminal it must be picked up by the owner, it’s a slower and more aggravating service. Having the car picked up from your garage is better. The mileage and any pre-existing damage can be checked by you and the driver, this way when the car is delivered to your destination any damage not on the signed list will be the responsibility of the company. Door to door shipping is provided by most companies.

Cargo insurance if offered by the companies for each vehicle they transport. While it is handled by the company any damage done to the vehicle will be compensated. Liability insurance of a minimum $800,000 is usually arranged for, by the trucking companies, so damage to a large number of handled cars is taken care of.

Endangering the property of their clients is not found profitable by good lasting companies so they make sure you are insured. If an organization is the least bit reluctant to offer adequate insurance or they fail to mention it, beware.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Ship Your Car from A to Z

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

The super-car world was very recently surprised when Russia launched a new and unique brand of super sports cars, the very first Russian sports car, coyly christened Marussia (a popular pet female given Russian name and a play on the English word “Russia,” to make sure everyone knows where this beauty is coming from), released in two models – B1 and B2 – and manufactured in limited numbers.

Now that it is a collector’s item requiring careful auto shipping, you don’t want this baby battered by hail, handled roughly, or brutally exploited while you’re not present.

How then to make sure your Marussia gets from Moscow to Minneapolis in one virgin piece? The basic things to consider is how to choose an auto shipping company, which truck type to use, which service to order, and insurance.

Regarding companies, don’t just plump for the first company you come by. The best way is to prefer perhaps costly but well known companies, trusted names you heard or read about. There are many obscure businesses out there, often on their way to sure bankruptcy, posing as experts but merely looking to swindle you out of as much money as they can before they close. Do not develop paranoia either – there are plenty of decent and reasonable services out there. Do some research, see which companies get the most references and recommendations, ask around.

In terms of trucks, you have the general choice between open and closed carriers. Open carriers are often seen hauling vehicles within or between cities; they are numerous and often used. Closed carrier shipping is costlier. But you want to take into consideration the distance your car is to travel and the brand of the car: an exotic auto is perhaps better transported in a closed carrier which prevents exposure to harmful elements as well as prying eyes.

Next, consider whether you want the truck to pick up your car from your place or whether you would rather drop it off at the company terminal. The car may take much longer to be shipped from the terminal and when it reaches its destination terminal, the owner must pick it up again himself: it’s a slower and fussier service. Better to have the car picked up from your garage, where you and the driver can check the car for mileage and any damage already present before committing the vehicle to the company. When delivered at your destination, any damage unspecified in the signed list will be the company’s responsibility. Most companies provide door-to-door shipping.

Companies offer cargo insurance for each vehicle they transport: any damaged to the car while it is handled by the company will be compensated. Moreover, trucking companies usually arrange for liability insurance of a minimum $800, 000 which takes care of damage to large number of handled cargo.

Good, lasting companies do not find it profitable to endanger the property of their clients and make sure you are insured. Beware of fishy organizations which even so much as hint at reluctance to offer adequate insurance or neglect to mention it.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

A Look At Auto Shipping Brokers

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

You may find yourself in a hectic situation if you are trying to handle vehicle transportation all by yourself. The best part of vehicle transportation is you can have someone do it all for you. Everything can be handled by an auto shipping broker. Which for you means more rest and relaxation.

Of course, going to an auto shipping broker is what we are talking about; someone to take care of all of your car needs. It all sounds perfect but what is an auto shipping broker anyways? Well, basically he is the middleman. A broker deals with a vast number of carriers and based on your budget he can find you the most suitable vehicle carrier. When you contract through a broker he will most likely find you the best price, instead of you dealing with the auto shipping companies yourself. The broker does not ship your car themselves, they find the right shipping service to send your vehicle in the accurate direction or spot using a large network of carriers. This gives them the leverage needed to best serve you. This can be extremely useful considering that the single customers usually have slim openings available to them. Working with an auto broker you have more options, rather than when using shipping services which usually transport your vehicle on a specific route with a definite schedule.

Brokers do not insure your vehicle, but can help you find the right company that will. Also the right party to pick up and deliver your car exactly as you want will be found by the broker. While a large amount of trucks are owned by many carrier services, the broker is not tied down to a specific fleet company. A more expensive turnaround can be expected if the trucks used to transport your car are very far away, but when working with a broker they can quickly track down the trucks or shipping services in your immediate area. You can also expect sooner pick up and drop off times working with a broker instead of a carrier company.

One of the best things is you will never be rushed or fixed with a broker; meaning, most of the time with carriers once you get a quote they immediately expect you to book with them. Nothing is forced with a broker, you are given plenty of options based on your requirements. You will also receive direct service communication. Brokers can inform drivers or carriers directly of everything, while this access is not something carrier companies have often. It is simply their job is done once they ship.

You always have the choice. If you want an easier life along with auto shipping then I suggest using an auto shipping broker.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Shipping Your Car Overseas

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Traveling is awesome.  It broadens your heart, mind and soul.  There is no other way for you to feast on the sounds, colors, cultures, food, and folk found in this great wide world of ours.  Whether traveling by foot, train, air or car, you are in for a rare adventure.  Sometimes, there may be a special vehicle that you wish to accompany you in your international travel.  Obviously, this is a cause for additional planning on your part.  Now, you have to have travel plans for your vehicle as well yourself.

Vehicle Shipment

This is one venture that you should not undertake on your own.  International shipping companies are there for your assistance.  By all means, find an experienced and reputable one.

Most often, it will take approximately 20 to 30 days to actually ship your vehicle.  However, there are some specific routes that may only require 7 to 14 days, but you would have to be absolutely sure of the route you wanted it to take.  You must allow the company adequate time to ship your vehicle in any case.  The international companies will generally allow you to plan up to two months before departure time.  You must notify them, however, about two weeks in advance of the departure.  If you wish to speed up this process, it is possible but it will cost you for the individual special arrangements.  Once your vehicle reaches the designated destination, you have two or three days to pick it up.  Suppose that your desired destination is inaccessible to the shipper?  Not to  worry, they will hire a driver to get it to your location, or if not there, to a terminal within a reasonable distance from that.  Get a trusted friend or family member to pick it up wherever it lands if you are unavailable within two or three days to pick it up.  It’s a wise move to have an alternate plan for pick up in any case.

If you would like to arrange for a different shipping schedule or delivery option, the shipping company can probably accommodate you, of course for a price.  The shipping rates are determined by vehicle size as well as poundage.  Any additional requests from you to customize the shipping will add to that.  You can usually pay with a personal check, money order, cashier’s check or obviously, a major credit card.  The payment can be made with the shipper’s agent in the destination country or you may prepay it.  Remember, it is an absolute necessity to have the vehicle’s tank as low as possible so as to not inconvenience the shipper.

Please note that even though it seems like a grand opportunity to load up your vehicle with your personal belongings since it is going internationally, do not do this.  It is prohibited by a Department of Transportation ruling of 1998.  Trucks are checked at random for prohibited items within them.  Prohibited items would include household goods or any belongings of a personal nature.  They will be disposed of if found.  Personal goods are not covered by the shippers carrier insurance, so this practice is very risky.  This regulation covers domestic as well as international vehicle shipments.  This “contraband” also adds to the weight of your vehicle which could damage its suspension during loading and unloading, thus compromises the shipping company.  Just don’t do it.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping

Monday, July 27th, 2009

Shipping your vehicle, for a first time auto shipper, can be a bit of a chore.  There are however some steps that you can take to make your auto sipping experience run much smoother.  Shipping a car or truck can be fast and easy if you follow these simple steps:

Make sure that your car is clean.  This will help you and the shipping company easily inspect the car together to note any existing damage on the car.  Knowing the exact condition of the car at pick up is important.  This will make the final inspection run much more smoothly.

Check to see that your car is running properly.  This means that the car is in working condition and that the battery has a charge.  There may be reason for your auto transporter to move your vehicle from one place to another.  While they will likely have a means other than the cars own power to do this, it is easiest if the car runs.  If your car does not run make sure to notify your shipper before pick up.

Remove all exterior attachments.  This includes bike racks, spare tire covers, and even your car antenna if it does not retract.  Anything that can easily be knocked off, or that can damage another car on the carrier should be removed.  You should also remove any personal belongings that may be inside the vehicle.  This includes global positioning systems, removable radios, and anything else that can be reasonably removed.  The shipping company’s insurance will not want to be responsible for anything other than your vehicle and chances are that they won’t be.

Make sure that your car does not leak fluid of any variety.  Your car may be on top of a car carrier and leaky fluids could drip onto lower cars.  Some fluids are vary harmful to the environment and other cars and you wouldn’t want to have your vehicle damaged by someone else’s leaky car.  Make sure that you show the other vehicle owners the same respect that you expect from them.

Have your keys ready.  If there is a separate key for the trunk or anything else on your vehicle make sure to turn over a complete set of keys when you drop off your car or truck or when it is picked up from you.  It is also important that you make sure that you disarm or, even better, disconnect your alarm system.

If you follow these quick tips before shipping your automobile you should save yourself some time and possible some unneeded headaches.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Auto Shipping – My Bags Are Packed But How Do I Ship My Vehicle?

Monday, July 6th, 2009

“How much will it cost to ship my car”? That is a question that is asked thousands of times each day by dealers, wholesalers, collectors and people moving all around the United States. Cost is always a consideration when moving something as important as your transportation. However, it may not be the MOST important question a person might want to ask.

Many times, people deal with car transportation brokers, that is, companies or groups that operate no trucks of their own. These ‘vehicle transporters’ take an order to move a vehicle, hold on to a percentage of what they have charged and then broker the vehicle out on load boards that are posted online and visible to car haulers that have trucks operating and moving around the country. If the price has been quoted or negotiated too low, it becomes unattractive to auto transporters and the vehicle may sit awaiting transport for a long, uncomfortable time. So, an important question to ask yourself is, ‘what is a reasonable price to move this vehicle.’ Cheapest may certainly not be best.

Another thing to consider is insurance coverage on the vehicle and its contents should something unforeseen occur during transport. Accidents do happen and you don’t want to be on the unprotected side if one happens with your vehicle. Important questions to ask are ‘what kind of coverage is provided in case of damage or loss of the vehicle’ AND ‘if this vehicle is to be brokered out to another auto carrier, can I get a copy of their insurance certificate?’ Always try and get a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate showing YOU as certificate holder. This way, if something unfortunate happens, you can file a claim on your own directly to the insurance company.

One more thing to think about is the quality and reputation of the auto transportation company. If you are not involved daily in the vehicle transportation business, you really have no idea about the companies that are. Ask around. Go to a car dealer that ships vehicles regularly and ask them who they use for car transport. Go online, look at reviews and get as much information as possible before you start calling for bids. There are places like safersys.org where you can look at a company’s safety profile. This website is operated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association and can be a valuable resource when trying to find a company to transport your automobile.

So, when you are looking at trying to find someone to ‘ship my car,’ there are several things to consider other than who can do it the cheapest. Do your homework and find a transporter that will take pride in moving your ‘baby’ to its new home.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.