Archive for the ‘Cars’ 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.

Perspectives and Problems in the Closed Container Shipping Industry – What Lies Ahead?

Monday, January 11th, 2010

Auto shipping is a newcomer in the business world and is still in the process of development.  The first thing most people who own a car think of when they need to relocate is to drive their car  toits new destination, no matter how far.  But now, they need to rethink – the auto shipping companies are making the transportation of private vehicles safer, more widely available and cheaper for the customer while more profitable for them.

Before the advent of the auto shippers, if you had won a car in a lottery, bought that new baby overseas or merely needed to move it far, far away to your relocation city, you would have to drive it yourself with all the monotony, perils and expense that that entails.  You no longer need to deal with this situation.  You do not have to learn a foreign language, put up with road conditions, vandals and inclement weather any longer, for now you have the option of calling a shipping company.

The French company CMA COM, S.A. declared to the world in early August of 2007 that they had ventured into container shipping, not a bad thing since they are the third largest shipping company in the world.  In their announcement they made clear that at least four light vehicles could be loaded into each of their containers.  This was made possible by the latest technological advancements which became a breakthrough for the industry.  For the first time, shipping could be handled from the factory to the distribution center with complete safety.

Although the popularity of this method is increasing, the future of container shipping is still undetermined.  The industry demands shipments of great complexity, risk and above all, responsibility.  The makes large scale projects impossible to carry out successfully except for those large transportation companies able to obtain sufficient capital and technology to cover any problematic situation that may emerge.

Labor is costly in the industry.  Each vehicle is expensive and any damage to it, no how matter small could become a very costly matter for the company.  A shipper who regularly moves its cargo of automobiles on schedule must hire and probably train a full-time, permanent crew of skillful workers who understand the need for tender loving care of the cargo under their care.

Without the development of global as well as domestic business, the future for auto transport is limited.  Long distance, large scale movement between countries is what container shipping is all about.  Should a country be blessed with a network of roads in good condition, they can transport autos the quick, easy and economical way, by open carrier trucks.  This method also requires in order to thrive,  a large number of car manufacturing companies.  If you travel at all, you will have noticed that most countries are hard at work improving their roads, but this can take years and even decades to become a reasonable and safe method of popular transportation.

It takes a large enterprise to be able to avail itself of the cheapest possible options.  The future of the business relies heavily on the large car manufacturers and if they have the mass production of vehicles necessary to require them to transport across borders into the major cities and industrial complexes of the world.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shipping Your Classic Car Safely and with Class

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

At great expense you have finally customized that Classic Bentley and have taken it gingerly on the road to show it off to all the world.  Or perhaps it’s that vintage Silver Shadow.  But now you have to ship that precious and unique classic auto, and you have no idea how to go about it.  You certainly don’t want to drive that rolling money pit thousands of miles away yourself, and teleporting isn’t here yet.

Though not supernatural, auto shipping companies are there to perform just the service you need, and they will do so in a safe and reliable manner.  Your gorgeous investment in love and money is guaranteed to arrive at its new home in one piece and as lovely as the day you took it to the carrier.

You want to find a carrier with experience.  It is not likely that you have been in this situation before, so you and even your acquaintances won’t immediately know of any reliable shipping companies.  You need to either go online or locate a professional broker.  Most companies will have a website, whether old and established or new and vigorous.

Just like buying any other service, you need to shop around.  Make sure you understand their terms and all the services they provide.  Make sure they understand the quality and type of car you are asking them to ship for you.  You want a company with experience in shipping expensive one-of-kind vehicles.  Pore over the carriers insurance coverage and policies so you are confident your baby will be thoroughly protected.

If you opt for an open carrier, make sure they understand your car must be on the top tier, to keep it safer from possible vandalism or theft.  On the down side, the upper deck is more prone to exposure to harsh weather, vermin, and any road debris that may be flying high along open roads.

Ideally, you will choose a carrier with a closed trailer and one who is able to ship it immediately to its destination with no layovers in either their garage or some other company’s.  This may cost  you because you are asking that the carrier leave immediately without waiting for its usual minimal load before it takes off.  If you don’t do this however, the company will take your car to a storage lot to await more traveling companions, thus increasing the odds of theft and bodily harm.

You will of course not add to the shipment any of your personal belongs for transport.  It is a good idea to remove all customizations that can be taken off the vehicle and those that cannot should be thoroughly documented.

The fuel tank should only be holding the minimum to get it to the carrier and then off the carrier to its journey’s end.  You don’t want any excess weight.  That will up the price.  Before you and your car part company,  go over it with a fine tooth comb and note in writing even the smallest of dings, if any.  And of course, after washing the beauty, on a clear day, take pictures from all angles with a digital camera and date them.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

How to Find the Best Auto Shipping Company

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

You car is one of your prized possessions, so it makes sense that when you are moving interstate or internationally you should carefully think about which company can offer you the best auto shipping. By following the tips in this article you will be able to collect your car at its destination intact and without fuss.

Auto shipping can be expensive, so finding the best price is an important consideration. It should not, however, be the only consideration. There are many Internet sites these days that can generate quotes on auto shipping with several different companies. Do not automatically choose the cheapest as when you look at the fine print it may not be the most trustworthy company.

Before choosing your shipping company check out the conditions under which the car will be shipped. By electing a company that is careful with your car, you can substantially reduce the chance of damage or breakages to the vehicle. Ensure that you are happy with the conditions provided by the company before signing on the dotted line. If in doubt, it is best to choose another company rather than have the worry of your car being mishandled.

Time of delivery can be a very important detail depending on your situation and needs. Several companies will now guarantee the time of delivery of your car and this can save a lot of stress and anxiety if you are running to a tight schedule. A company that is organized enough to be able to promise time of delivery of your vehicle also speaks well of their management and general business ethos.

A company’s reputation is also a very important point to investigate. You can do an Internet search to learn more about what the companies offer and what past customers have to say about their services. You might also have coworkers or friends who have used auto shipping services they were happy with.

A company that has all their licensing in order is the most secure way to do your auto shipping. Companies that that have all the proper licenses will not have any problem in sharing them with you and in fact will be proud of their professionalism.

It is important that you know what type of insurance the shipping company has in the event of damage to your vehicle. Some auto shipping companies have very extensive insurance policies and will guarantee your car against any damage no matter how big or small that is done to the car while in their care, other companies may not cover certain things such as minor scratches or chips which may be part of an associated risk of transportation.

Your car is likely to be one of your most important assets so you want to make sure that the shipping company you transport with is able to deliver what they promise. By checking their licenses and insurance, reading company reviews from customers and knowing exactly what they offer and guarantee you can protect yourself from problems. Peace of mind is definitely worth paying a little more for in the long run.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Shipping Your Car Safely

Monday, October 19th, 2009

Hastily trusting your car to the first trucking company you come across is the last thing you want, sign a contract on faith, have your car picked up already that day, and then in Pompeii or Paris have the shipment delayed. Your vehicle is finally but with damage and you can’t prove it wasn’t there before.

Submitting your property for transportation themselves is something that good companies may inform you on. Being self- informed is best, so save time by preparing your car beforehand, and make sure the clerk doesn’t leave anything out. It is the client’s responsibility for any overlooked issues.

It is better to be fastidious than a careless slacker where your car is concerned. It is not uncommon for occurrences of scandalous customer service involving expensive cargo. Inspect you car minutely before admitting it to a company clerk, pay particular attention to the motor. So that later you will not have to wrack your brains about a bunch of wires you never before noticed it is better to be fully aware of the motor’s condition before shipment.

Removing any removable customized accessories such as radios, alarms, mirrors, etc. is better. Be sure to make sure there aren’t any personal valuable or belongings inside the car that can be seen by anyone. The tires should be checked for wear and air. In the agreement to be signed by both parties there should be written record of any damage. In your presence the car will most likely be checked by a company official, but don’t be afraid to nag him with small details. Obliging their customers is something good carriers companies will be glad to do, and a display of negligence might deter bad companies from carelessly handling your property.

Any reasonable person would be insane to pay all of the insurance policies insistently offered over the phone and by mail. While buying insurance against damage and theft from the company is a good idea.

Inquire beforehand if the company offers the insurance you prefer whether it’s primary or excess. The primary insurance policy will cover damages independently covered by your regular auto insurance. What your regular coverage insurance doesn’t cover your excess policy will. Be sure you know exactly what is and isn’t currently covered.

For exotic vehicles, antiques or classic cars there are companies specializing in the shipping of these. Handling your precious cargo is what their specially designed carriers are designed for, but it is still advisable to an insurance contract.

Inspect your car with the truck driver, it is also a good idea to take digitally-dated photos of your car prior to shipping. In the presence of the driver/official inspect immediately for damage this will help in filing a claim if new objectionable damage is found.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.