Archive for the ‘Car Transport’ Category

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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.

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Posted in Car Shipping, Car Transport, Cars, car carrier | No Comments »

Car Shippers Can Move The Car For You

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

If you have ever made a move across country, you know how long and boring the trip can be if you have more than one vehicle that needs to make the move. Car shippers can help with the move.

If you drive one vehicle and a spouse drives the other, then caravanning across the country can be a long drive. If you move yourself, one vehicle can be towed behind the moving van, but what do you do with the other vehicle.

One option is to sell one of the vehicles and buy another one when you get to the new place, but that may mean that you will be buying a used car and who knows what problems will come with that. Additionally, you like the car you have now and trust it to get you where you are going. Instead of selling that car and re-buying, have your car shipped.

If you have a specialty or antique vehicle, driving that vehicle across country may not be an option. The trip might take days and the vehicle would not offer the comfort that we have come to expect on these large cross country trips.

The cost of shipping a vehicle is very reasonable. In fact, it will cost little more than you would spend on gas to drive most vehicles the same distance. Your vehicle will arrive safely and in the same shape as when it was loaded onto the trailer.

Car shippers load your vehicle onto a trailer that will be pulled by a semi tractor. Since the vehicle is moved on the trailer, you will not be putting those hard highway miles on the vehicle. It will be safely driven to your new location and you will be able to pick it up when you get there.

While many shippers work to fill a trailer before a move and it may take two to three weeks to get your car from one point to another, some also offer an upgraded service that will allow you to get your car shipped in less time.

If you have a vehicle that you want transported in an enclosed trailer, many of the car shippers also offer this service at an additional fee.

Many of the services offer door to door service. They pick up the car at your old home, transport it and deliver to the new home. If there is a delay in your getting to the new home, they offer storage of the vehicle until you are able to make it to the new home.

If you have a long move and will be having professional movers move your household goods, why not fly to the new location and have all of your vehicles shipped. Have one vehicle picked up early and another the day of the move. Then you will have a vehicle to use on both ends of your trip. This saves the long and tiring trip for the entire family. You can arrive at your new home fresh and ready to get the household set up so that you will be able to start your new home.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Brokers, Auto Carriers, Car Transport, Cars | No Comments »

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.

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

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.

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Posted in Car Shipping, Car Transport, Cars, car carrier | No Comments »

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.

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

How To Find An Auto Transport Company

Monday, November 30th, 2009

One of the most valuable assets you own is probably your car. For many people a car not only holds monitory value, it is a necessity for transportation to and from work as well as for errands that must be ran. When you are moving your car across the country, you want to be sure that it will be well cared for. That means when choosing an auto transport carrier you will need to be very diligent so that your vehicle arrives at the new destination without any damage. The following tips will help you to choose a safe and reliable carrier.

You should choose an auto shipping company with a good reputation. The Internet has made it easy to check out the reputation of such companies. Enter the company name into one of the better search engines and see what people have to say. Customers that are unsatisfied with a company are quick to report to review sites today. With larger companies, you will always find one or two dissatisfied customers, so read the reviews carefully to see how the issue was resolved. In addition, if the majority or reviews that you find for a company are negative, then you should consider using another company.

You will want to know if the shipping company has the proper licenses to transport your car. Auto transport companies need a federal license ans should fulfill insurance and bond requirements. Legitimate carriers will have no problem in allowing you to see these items.

Ask the company about the insurance that they carry to cover any damage your car may receive during transportation. Also ask about any limitations or exclusions that may be included. There are some risks in transporting a car that may not be covered. Flying rocks can cause damage to the vehicle, and it is unlikely that the insurance of the auto transport company will pay for dings to the paint or even broken glass.

Most companies offer different options for shipping your vehicle. Not every company will offer every option, so check to see what is available.

Open shipping means that your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer. This type option is usually less expensive, but your car is more susceptible to damage from flying objects like rocks or gravel.

Enclosed shipping puts your vehicle in an enclosed trailer and it is unlikely that flying objects will cause damage to the vehicle. If you have a very new vehicle, a specialty vehicle or an antique automobile, the extra expense may be worth the extra cost.

Economy service cost less but may take more time to get your vehicle where you need it to be. The vehicle may change trailers several times in the process of getting to your new home and spend a few days between locked in a secure storage yard. If you are not in a big hurry to get the vehicle where you eventually will need it, this can save money.

Full service moving means that you vehicle will likely remain on one trailer and be shipped to your new home as directly as possible.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

Discover The Best Auto Shipping Services

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

When you are shifting interstate or overseas and you need to ship your car there are many things that you need to consider. Your vehicle is undoubtedly one of your costliest possessions and you should do some research beforehand to minimize risk to your car and make the auto shipping goes smoothly.

The cost of the auto shipping is obviously an important factor. Auto shipping can be quite expensive, but there are now Internet comparison sites that can search automatically for different prices. There can be a bid difference between the prices offered for car shipping, but there can also be a big difference between the quality and professionalism of the companies.

One of the most important factors when choosing your auto shipping company is the conditions under which they will transport your car. There is a risk when shipping that there may be some damage done, in secure and sound conditions you can minimize the risk of scratching or breakages. Make sure you are confident that the company that you choose puts you at ease with their professionalism.

Many shipping companies will now guarantee car delivery times and they can be brought directly to your front door. Compare the estimated times of delivery between companies and choose one that meets your needs. For different people in different situations the timeliness of delivery may be a very important factor.

Before choosing the company that will ship your car do a little background search and check out their reputation. It is easy to undertake an Internet search with the major companies and any others that have less than sterling pasts will be able to spot. You might also have family, friends or colleagues who have used auto shipping companies in the past that they had good experiences with.

Selecting a company that has the proper licensing in place is also an important point to check on when considering auto shipping. A company that has everything in order will have no hesitation in sharing their paper work with you.

Check into the type of insurance that the auto shipping company’s have themselves and what they can also offer you in addition. Knowing what types of damage or breakages the company insurance will cover and what they might not is important before you ship your car. Some companies will not cover scratches or paint chips that may happen while the vehicle is in transit putting it down to the associated risk of transportation. Other companies offer a very thorough insurance that will cover any type of damage done to the vehicle.

Since your auto is one of your most valuable assets, it is important that you choose your auto shipping company with great care after having reviewed the business’ insurance, licensing, reputation and operating policies. With a little thought and consideration you can save yourself a lot of stress and potential problems. Never choose a shipping company based purely on price, as it may end up costing you much more in the long run if there are problems or delays along the way.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Car Transport, moving, relocating | No Comments »

Choosing The Right Auto Shipping Carrier

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

What Influences the Price of Shipping a Car?

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

Whether a car’s dimensions will allow it to fit in a single slot on the truck, a double slot, or even more will make the price higher.  A closed carrier is more expensive than an open one in and of itself.  Add to that that it is not able to carry as many vehicles as an open one makes it a costlier option.

Because there are laws covering the overall weight a carrier is allowed at any one time, an usually heavy vehicle may have additional fees imposed upon it because a law-abiding trucking company will be forced to carry fewer vehicles to make up for the weight difference.   Some vehicles are just plain heavy and nothing can be done about it.  But a normal-sized automobile may be made less heavy (and less expensive to ship) by removing any and all personal objects and removable upgrades that may be attached to it.

The date you ship your vehicle is subject to variables like the price of fuel, the weather conditions, and the competition.  It is possible to get a cheaper quote by just changing the date of shipment.

Most companies operate trucks that carry more than one vehicle for serving several customers at a time.  So don’t be surprised if you request a specific truck for a specific date, that you are charged more than if you were to be more flexible with the time frame and type of carrier.

If you are dealing with a large company, it may offer the opportunity of shipping your one vehicle on just one truck without considering other customer’s needs and schedules.  This, of course, will cost much more but you have the luxury of a safer, quicker delivery and on the date of your choice.  If you are not pressed for time and do not require special treatment, you will save money.

Overseas shipping is highly likely to be more expensive than domestic.  Different countries have different rules and regulations.  Add to that the fact that more than one method of shipment may be required, such as air, water, rail or possibly a combination of these.  This requires more of a concern for safety and insurance.

This process may seem frightening to you considering all the ramifications and details involved, but bear in mind, that auto shipping is now a large global enterprise and growing.  The amount of detail and services offered for the client’s consideration is testimony to the fact they are in the business to endure and offering more is to your advantage as well as theirs.  Their proliferation also gives the customer the capability to make comparisons among the companies and select the one most suitable to their needs.

Competition among these burgeoning  enterprises may drive them to be more flexible with their pricing, though this is less true of foreign companies than domestic.  Most companies will offer free quotes so don’t limit yourself to just the gargantuans of the industry.  The quotes for similar services among the contenders may vary also by the specific states or borders required.  Try the young, energetic companies and don’t be afraid to negotiate for your best price.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

Dependable Auto Shipping

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Shipping the car across large distances is in most cases the most sensible and economic solution, saving effort, time, and car wear. There is shipment across roads by several types of carrier trucks, shipment by sea, and shipment by air of any type of car or motorcycle, whether modern, prestige, vintage, veteran, classic or sports.

The term “auto shipping” naturally implies that your car will be delivered to the specified destination whole and on time (rather than gradually and in parts). And surprisingly large numbers of people regularly commit the mistake of taking a company’s dependability for granted. It would certainly be strange for a company slogan to read: “We deliver (most of the time)!” Yet one must just the same realize that it is a trick of language to imply reliability while in fact the company may not be deserving of its name, to say the least. Company names and official titles are platonic ideals: language suggests what function the establishment is supposed to represent in principle, but it does not attest to its actual performance in the field down on Earth. Hence, it is inadvisable to go with just any company or to rely on the company to perform impeccably no matter what.

As in almost any industry, most auto shipping companies are relatively small independent organizations spread in the thousands all over most large countries, owing a handful of trucks.

To ensure dependable shipping consider first the most basic factors of time and money. A flexible timeframe for the company to operate in often means reasonable prices, and most companies will then perform well, whatever the destination. Prices rise when you are pressed for time and the risk of delay rises.

An actual deal is set up via a broker or with a specific carrier. But smart dynamic carrier companies often act as brokers themselves. That’s why, when dealing with a carrier, you must always make sure that they are the ones who will make the transportation and not broker the job to another company you have no idea about.

Do not sign contracts without having seen a valid MC license and always ask to see a copy of their Insurance Certificate and contact their insurance company to find out the exact terms of their insurance. Reputable companies will be glad to oblige a vigilant client, demonstrating their reliability, and will always be comfortably ensured several years ahead. You don’t want to trust the car you worked so hard for to a company whose insurance policy ends next moth without a guarantee that they will be insured or even in existence as an official firm at the time of transportation.

Looking companies up is always a good idea. Better not to be involved with companies which are not listed anywhere or unwillingly offer basic info about themselves. Check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to verify they are indeed a carrier and not a covert broker-carrier.

Doing the same via a professional broker may be even a better idea: it is the broker’s job to dig up any vital background information on even the most reticent carriers; and once you have that information your suspicions will be either justified or officially disproved, so that you may proceed more safely.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

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