Archive for the ‘Car Transport’ Category

Saving Yourself Money and Stress While Having Your Vehicle Shipped

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Now that you have graduated from college, got married and moved to your first place, you are all settled for a while.  You probably made that move to your small apartment from college by packing all your belongings into a borrowed car and driving it to your new digs.  Life was simple then.

But now, you have a family, a bunch of furniture, big screen TV, and two cars.  And, you or your spouse just got a promotion and you need to relocate all of this to your new city, which may be a considerable distance.  Your first thought, is to do what you have always done; pack up your car(s) and drive off to your destination.  This will require you to drive probably two cars with a U-Haul some distance with all the associated fuel costs, maintenance costs, screaming children and all the stress and strain, let alone the cost this type of moving plan entails.

You have certainly heard of moving vans, but It is quite possible that you have never heard of the fact that you can save time, labor, and money by shipping rather than driving that car(s).  There are many companies that will perform this service for you.  You may not be aware of them simply because auto shipping is not a glamorous business, albeit, a most convenient one.  You probably turn first to your sense of self-reliance to get any job done, but this is a good situation to rethink that concept.  You also may think that hiring any service is more expensive than doing the job yourself.  Again, think this one over too.  Auto shipping is likely to cost you less than the cost of fueling and maintaining that car(s) for long distances.  It will certainly cost you less aggravation, energy and effort.

While the auto shipping carrier is getting your car to its new home, you and your family could be leisurely taking advantage of public transportation to get you to your new neighborhood.  Once at your destination, you have the time and energy to do your unpacking and start settling into your brand new home. This will have saved you time by hiring the auto shipping out and also saved you money in at least one way – you can start your new job earlier and be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed from your very first day.

Just the health benefits of avoiding the emotional and physical stress caused by moving everything yourself can be worth the cost of the auto transport service.  The likelihood however is that it really did cost you significantly less than if you had paid for the fuel and maintenance to drive yourself to your destination.  The larger the family and the longer the distance, the more savings you will see.  Should a relocation ever occur to you and your family, do not forget that there are companies that perform this very valuable service.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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.

A Look at Auto Shipping Carriers

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

The notion of sending your vehicle from one spot to another seems pretty straight forward but now you must find a carrier . First let’s look at what exactly an auto shipping carrier is.

The carrier

Transporting your vehicle to your required destination is, in general, what an auto shipping service does. Your vehicle can be shipping across country or internationally. Online services and in person help is available. Your car, boat , or motorcycle can be shipped to any destination you need. Carrier companies exist in vast numbers to fit your every accommodation. Cars, boats, motorcycles, heavy equipment which includes industrial, construction and farming machinery, bulldozers, and cranes can be shipped using an auto shipping carrier. Your RVs and SUVs can also be picked up and delivered by carrier companies.

Services to cater to every demographic such as corporate, dealer relocations, and other specialized services are provided by auto shipping carriers. There is specific transportation that carriers have for ATVs, antiques classic and custom vehicles, also for race cars and yachts. Inquiring about their information on these offerings is important; especially because these items are special to you.

To transport your vehicle, carrier companies have a nice selection of traditions. Amongst the many offerings available to you and your auto travel are open and closed shipping services, freight, LTL, boating and flight shipping. A move to start the quoting action is taken once you’ve made your choice.

Although carrier companies depend on brokers for much of their business, they will deal directly to their customers. To escalate their business and revenue they use newspapers, the internet, and, most importantly, word of mouth as they do not have huge budgets for advertising.

Establishing great customer service is something they try to do which is a plus. A huge deficit to their existence can be word of mouth and low grading. Having efficiency and kindness on the other end is something you should be prepared for. However, pay close attention to all the details, asking for references and looking for any faults they may have is crucial; do not be swindled.

Most likely you will be able to get free quotes, so that is another good thing. In fact, it’s probably time to take your business elsewhere if the carrier you are working with will not offer a free quote. When figuring out what carrier to use this part seems the easiest amongst all workings in investigating. A quick and easy online system is something most companies have, while finding the carrier most suitable for you this allows you to roam around free. Calling the auto carrier directly is simple if the online quote system confuses you. A well-located number will be posted on their website. It’s always a good thing to have a free number to call.

An auto shipping carrier can take you no matter where your vehicle needs to end up.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Shipping Your Cars

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

Auto shipping can be really confusing. Having the understanding of what needs to be done and knowing how to get into it is an asset. The first step to auto shipping is considering where your car is going. It’s easy to understand that the farther your car is shipped the more expense is involved. Keeping this in mind, you need to decide what shipping method you will use to get your car to its destination.

Deliberating – Knowing When to and What

It can be a hassle to ship your car by yourself. It might be worth considering a shipping company or freight forwarding service to handle the details for you. Not only will they give you a quote on the price but they will also take care of everything as well as great customer service. Get quotes from many different companies, this is important in helping with the elimination process. Choosing a good company with little or no complaints is imperative. Do not choose a smaller company just because the cost is less because they might have more liabilities than assets. Make sure a reliable company is elected.

It is cheaper to transport your vehicle using open vehicle transportation but placing your car on a flatbed or truckload is risky. When using open vehicle transport your car is vulnerable to outside elements such as debris, not to mention there is the risk of stolen electronic devices. Enclosed auto shipping, although the cost is more, is safer for your vehicle. If enclosed auto shipping is an option you take seriously you should know that you must predate shipping times because often they are booked up in advance.

Insurance is another vital aspect when auto shipping. Depending on the longevity of the transit and the value of your car, insurance prices vary. Shipping insurance is crucial because of the risk of an accident during the shipping process.

Auto Shipping Tips and Steps

It is wise to thoroughly wash and clean your car, so if it is scratched or chipped it will be more easily noticed. Do not leave personal items in the car, these can be stolen. Be sure to shut off or disable your car alarm. Do not fill the gas tank: more gas means more weight and less weight lowers the price. Fold in mirrors, lower the antenna and remove all specialty items on the car. Make a complete report of existing damages or mechanical problems, use photos if available. Ship convertibles with the top up and make sure it is secure. Top off any fluids and let the driver know if anything leaks. Make sure your tire’s air pressure is where it needs to be incase the car needs to be moved.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Backpacking Through the Auto Shipping Adventure

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Tips and warnings during travel

Still basking the very day that you and your best friend decided to throw in your backpacks for a full forward 3 month summer travel of Europe after college graduation? Planning for months in advance, and preparing yourself for any mishaps or uncontrolled phenomenon; maybe your mothers at the time thought you were out of our minds, but it all seemed right. The preparations only led to more excitement and before you even set out on your travel you felt that you already achieved something so big!

Backpacking takes months of advance planning; airport tickets, Euro-rail transports, which countries, which cities, which hostels, money appropriations, and the packing for the venture. Going through the auto shipping world you must prepare all the same, well minus the clothes. You must get the company or broker. Pickup and delivery stops, figure the right transportation; which direction will you go, how comfortable is your vehicle’s lodging, how much are you going to pay, and perhaps clothes can be included. Why? Well you do need to undress your car 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. Any extra “things” in your car or an over filled gas tank can impede the delivery process, and cost the driver extra money during checks.

Do not pay anything upfront. Big no-no! Also stay clear of lower priced companies, their inexperience or cheap rates could be due to less experience in auto travel, thus causing possible damages to your vehicle. Make sure of this because a lot of the times the companies or brokers will go for the highest bidder and leave you and your vehicle out in the dust!

Research the company or broker you are using. Make sure they are insured, licensed, bonded, and registered with the Better Business Bureau.

Be sure to document and photograph your vehicle. The company you use should do the same as well at pick up and delivery.

Most importantly, read the contract in full before signing. Be conscious of small print and any hidden fees.

Warnings!

1) This industry may sound convenient and secure but on the contrary it can be very unstable and there are no guarantees. A number of dilemmas can happen such as weather, mechanical issues, road blocks, and more.

2) When reserving your spot with an auto shipping carrier due not reserve with two different companies. If this occurs most drivers will pass on your vehicle and then you will have to do the whole process again.

3) A credit card reservation is normal but make sure they do not charge anything unless your vehicle is assigned to a driver.

In any regard, you must be alert and educated. Just like traveling cross country or internationally with a backpack and high hopes, if you are not prepared you will be in more than big trouble. You can get lost, have your things stolen form you in a blink of eye and, in worst regards, hurt or killed. This can all happen to your vehicle, so use these tips and warnings as an aid, and plan away.

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.

Things To Do to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

If you have never shipped a vehicle before, you are undoubtedly apprehensive about the task at hand.  There are, however, some steps you can take to alleviate your fears and make the vehicle shipping experience run smoothly.

Start with a very clean car.  You, along with the shipping company, are going to make a careful inspection of the vehicle together so you can note any damage that exists pre-shipment.  Knowing the car’s exact condition at pick up makes the final inspection not only easier, but more accurate.

Make sure the vehicle is running in good order.  The trucker may need to drive your car from one place to another, even though they will likely have other means to this rather than drive it themselves.  The shipper will transport a car that is not in running condition, but make sure you notify them of this in advance.

Anything on it’s exterior that can be knocked off with little trouble or may damage another car in transit should be removed.  These items include such exterior attachments as luggage or bike racks, spare tire covers or a non-retracting antenna.  Do not ship your car with any of your personal belongings such as a GPS, CD holder, removable CD player or anything that can be reasonably taken from the car.  Shippers insurance will not usually cover anything but the vehicle it is transporting, so leaving personal belongings in the car is risky.

You do want any fluids to leak from your car onto another or even onto the truck that is carrying your vehicle.  Make sure all leaks are stopped to show respect for the carrier, the other vehicle owners and the environment.

You will, of course, disarm or even better, disconnect any alarm systems that may be on your car and make sure that the hauler has a full set of keys to your car.  This means ignition key, door key, trunk key, gas cap key, glove compartment key, etc.

Following these few simple, common sense tips before shipping your vehicle will definitely help you to be less apprehensive about the task that lies ahead.  Now, wasn’t that easy?

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.