Archive for the ‘Transportation’ Category

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The Advantages Of Using Meet And Greet Parking Birmingham Airport

Friday, February 4th, 2011

Birmingham is a very beautiful city in England. It is well known throughout the world as one of the most friendly and livable places in which to live. One feature they offer, for people flying out of the country, is the meet and greet parking Birmingham Airport has available.

This airport has developed a system of parking which is stress free. There is no driving around to find a parking space, then trying to get to the terminal with luggage. The efficiency of this operation allows the passenger or passengers to reach their departing flight very easily and quickly.

The airport has a crew of highly trained employees and professional chauffeurs are on hand to offer immediate service to those who drive to the terminal. Upon arrival, one is greeted by one of these employees and the luggage removed from the car. A chauffeur then drives to the parking compound with the car.

The parking area, known as the Park Mark, is a secure parking compound, located three miles from the airport. Always conscious regarding the importance of their customers’ cars, the parking area provides a 24 hour manned security with a high fence and regular patrols. In addition to this convenience, one saves almost an hour that it would take to park the car and get to the airport.

When one is planning a trip it is the little details that often become stressful. Parking a car at an airport falls in this category. At this airport it is possible to take care of this by booking online, or by phone, in advance. This can be done in as short a time as ten minutes before arrival. With this reservation there will be a chauffeur on hand to immediately take over the car upon one’s arrival.

Over 900,000 passengers used the Birmingham Airport in July 2010. Many of these passengers used the convenience of this airport parking, with a number of reviews received speaking very highly regarding the service enjoyed as well as the courtesy of its employees. Regardless of which of the two terminals is used for departure, the service is available at both.

When one returns from their journey, after collecting their luggage, it is just a matter of using the hot-line to call a chauffeur. The airport is proud of their record of having one’s car available outside the terminal in just six minutes. There is no other airport in the world that can match the meet and greet parking Birmingham Airport service.

Airport parking Birmingham location need not be a traumatic experience. You can take advantage of meet and greet parking at Birmingham airport for convenient and economical car handling and parking.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Closed Container Shipping: Perspectives and Problems

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

Auto shipping is a fairly recent still developing national and international industry. Not many car owners are aware of the possibility to ship their cars over vast distances by employing a dependable specialist company. Even now the business is being perfected and auto shipping becomes easier, safer, more widespread, more plausible, and more profitable.

Have you just won your dream car in an auto lottery; bought a car overseas; are you moving to another city? Before the dawn of the auto shipping industry you would have to either give up your dream, give up your car, or drive it (the car, that is, to pursue the dream) all the way yourself, suffering long monotonous (the word itself tediously rides on the wheels of 4 dull o’s) hours at wheel, expenses (expected and unexpected), damage (hopefully, mostly to the car) by criminal and natural elements, and, after you have mastered a few foreign-language audio-courses and listened to the entire King James Bible, some bad luck while passing through one of those sleepy American towns which are not what they seem. Now you can spare yourself all this trouble by calling a shipping company.

In the beginning of August 2007, CMA CGM S.A., the French and third largest shipping company in the world, announced the beginning of container shipping. The statement specified that each container could be loaded with at least 4 light vehicles of any make and that the new technology was a breakthrough in the transportation industry. It made possible “door-to-door” shipping – from the production conveyor to the distribution center – which guarantees complete safety.

Yet, while statistics testify to the increasing popularity of the method, the perspectives of container auto shipping are still not quite clear. The auto shipping industry is distinguished by the high complexity of each shipment, increased risks, and great responsibility. For this reason, large-scale projects are undertaken by large transportation organizations which command sufficient technical and monetary resources to adequately solve any problems which may arise.

Considering the high costs of each vehicle and the fact that even slight damage may incur significant expenses, only qualified specialists can be trusted with the security of the cargo. An operator regularly shipping cars should have a regular team of workers: regular workers are costlier, but show more care when handling expensive cargo.

The future of container shipping depends on the development of national and international business. Containers are mostly required for large-distance, large-scale operations, most often in trading between countries. If a country has good safe roads – and not all large countries do – and a sufficiently large network of car factories (foreign or domestic) than the quicker, easier, and less expensive open-carrier method may be standardized. Countries work to improve conditions (road quality and road crime), but these improvements may take several decades before the easier method may be popularly regard as safe enough.

The more widespread and efficient the means of any business become the more the tendency to adopt the cheapest of the effective options. A lot depends on whether large car manufacturers will be able to transport products straight across borders and into major cities and industrial centers.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Enclosed Auto Shipping, Enclosed Car Carriers, Transportation, moving | No Comments »

Save Money with Auto Shipping

Monday, December 28th, 2009

Nowadays it becomes more and more of a necessity for any adult to own a car. While in big bustling cities it may be increasingly more convenient to get by on foot or by means of public transport,  many prosperous towns have wretched bus service and are generally so planned that without a car it is near impossible to do even your essential shopping. As a result the average family owns at least two cars.

When moving, driving these on your own may prove too much trouble and money, even if initially it may seem like the more convenient thing to do. Auto transport companies are designed to efficiently ship a number of vehicles at once, eliminating the need to drive each of the cars separately, preventing fuel expenses and wear, and providing a certain degree of protection from hostile elements, theft, and vandalism. Carrier companies specialize in shipping any type of civilian vehicle, providing a selection of services to ensure the best accommodation for your property.

If you have no proclivity or the possibility to plan carefully, it may be best to go safe with a reliable auto shipping company. But it is best to plan carefully in accordance with the circumstances. Some cars cover more distance with less fuel. The precise distance to your destination and the gas mileage of your car may decide whether to go by carrier or by car. Gasoline costs may be more than $20 for every hundred miles or so. If you have more than two cars and something like 500 miles to drive, fuel costs alone may add up to more than a $1000.

The cost of shipment likewise depends on certain parameters. The distance and date by which the vehicles are to be delivered, as well as the type and condition of vehicle, decides the cost of transportation. But in most long-distance cases, whether your car is old or new, to hire a professional carrier is a sensible and economic thing to do.

There are several basic service types offered by standard transport companies. The “economy guide” is the cheapest of these, but the vehicle is only loaded if there is enough space in the carrier, in accordance with previous orders for the service. The more you pay, the greater priority you receive, the more likely you are to be shipped. Only if you are in financial strain or do not care to make sure the vehicle will be shipped should you favor this service.

Open transport is the next cheapest means and is transportation by an open truck, where the car, over long distances, is open to sun and hail. Closed transport is auto transport in a closed carrier which does not allow damage by sun or rain, but which is much more expensive. “Full Service” guarantees timely pick up and door-to-door delivery, but costs still more. Money is partially repaid to the client if service is unsatisfactory. Cost may be further reduced if you minimize the weight of the vehicle by removing any loose objects, tools, even seats, and by leaving the tank near empty.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

The Significance of Brokers and Customer Responses in the Auto Shipping Industry

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

You may be interested in a particular company to ship your auto to a distant location and find that they are rather tight about relinquishing certain information, which rightly causes you to be suspicions.  Moreover, you are not sure what to ask in order to allay your suspicions.  This is why you need the services of a broker.  He is able to verify insurance policies, licensing, track records, official documents and records that you can’t get at, as well as the company’s reputation within the industry and with its customers.

A broker will select from a sea of companies,  reputable companies of all sizes and with varying services and show them to you for a final decision.  It would not be good business sense for a broker to offer you a company to contract with that would not lead to your satisfaction.  The broker has better access to the information that concerns you most.

A very popular website to help you in your search for auto shipping brokers and/or companies is Transportationreviews.com.  You can find customer reviews on the site above and beyond what the broker may provide.  A good way to analyze the customer responses is to measure the positive reviews against the number of cars shipped out in a week, month, or year.  But remember, the lack of negative responses doesn’t mean there is no one out there with a negative experience.  People tend to write only good reviews for publication and deal with the broker or company directly to get satisfaction from either a real or perceived unhappy event.  A bad review may also be coming from a chronic whiner who is never satisfied with any service provider with whom he does business.

Full customer satisfaction is the goal of any worthy enterprise and the heart and soul of his business.  But while 100% positive responses are not a sign of total reliability, neither are 100% negative responses significant proof a company is completely undependable.  You should pay the most attention to whether the nature of the complaint is major or minor and if it reoccurs with any degree of consistency.  You will have to perform this analysis yourself, the website won’t do it for you.  Remember any negative comments could be coming from someone for whom the company bent over backward to please, and there was just no pleasing this irrational hothead.

What you don’t want to see is a company with a large variety of bad reviews.  True, a company may have a weak link, but otherwise be of sterling reliability and reputation.  On the flip side, a company that doesn’t appear to be doing anything right by its customers is not the one to deal with.  They may be badly managed or constantly cash poor or both.

Nonetheless, customer response is only an early phase of your investigation and one of the very few you can research yourself without a broker.  By hiring a broker, you will be able to take advantage of the information he can uncover that you can’t, not just cryptic customer reviews but official documents and records as well as professional experience, industry knowledge and advice.  You will avoid the tedious details involved in industry bureaucracy and endless negotiations to set a price.  A good broker is an effective negotiator who will save you money while charging a nominal fee, usually between $100 and $200 dollars for their services depending on the complexity and time restrictions your particular job entails.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Transportation, Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Transport, auto shipping brokers | No Comments »

Great Methods To Choose A Car Shipping Carrier

Friday, December 4th, 2009

When moving, persons often think of the household goods, but what about the cars. Unless you are willing to drive those cars cross country in the move, you are going to need to find a car shipping company.

The best way to find that company is to find the company you are interested in and go directly to the company’s website for a quote or to find one of the websites that will allow you to get five to ten quotes from one web page. For the most accurate quote, you must be sure that all the information has been entered correctly. The automatic quotes you receive will be for standard passenger vehicles which are operable. Cars that have been modified or that do not run increase the cost of shipping.

Be careful about choosing the lowest price. Some companies give a very low quote, but do not yet have a carrier that will agree to the quote. Without a carrier, the vehicle will not be moved. You will then start to hear about additional costs so that low quote may cost more than the originally higher quote.

Check out any company you are considering by doing an internet search. Also check with the Better Business Bureau and ask around. You may have friends or co-workers that have used a company and can give you their own personal review.

If you are dealing with a broker, be sure that he is bonded. The carrier you use should be insured and licensed.

Once you have done your research, you are ready to book the order. Make sure that the company sends you a confirmation by e-mail or fax. Read everything regarding the move that is sent by the company before signing contracts. Remember that when you order using the internet, the e-signature is just as binding as your actual signature.

Prepare your vehicle for transportation. Remove any personal or valuable items from the car. Many carriers require that you have less than one-quarter tank of gasoline, since this will decrease the weight of the vehicle and increase their fuel economy as they transport your car. In addition, you will not be allowed to fill the car with any moving goods. Wash your car before pickup so that all of the dings and scratches are easily visible at the inspections.

The carrier will make an inspection of your vehicle when they pick it up. They will make a note of any damage to the vehicle and ask for your signature on the form. You should be given a copy of the form at this time. Keep this form until you get your vehicle back.

Once your vehicle has been delivered, you will perform an inspection to be sure that it is in the same condition as when it was picked up. Take your time with this inspection, because once you have signed this form, you will not be able to make any further claims about damage to the vehicle. If there are additional damages, the carrier needs to sign the form and you need to get a copy of the form.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Transportation, moving, relocating | No Comments »

Understanding Auto Transport

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

If you are not relocating either to a distant state or abroad, you will have no reason to explore the companies involved with auto shipping.  Ah, but if you are making a long distance move, you will want to be sure that your precious, pampered car, boat, motor cycle, or SUV arrives safely and on time.  After all, you have spent money and time making sure that vehicle looks cherry and runs like a charm, and you want it there when you arrive at your destination so you won’t be without transportation.

What Does Auto Shipping Entail?

Basically and simply, it is a method of getting your car from where it is to where you want it to be without driving it yourself.  Fortunately, there are many companies that offer the convenient service of doing just that.  They have fleets of carriers in all shapes and sizes.  One will surely fit your vehicle whether you are relocating domestically or internationally.  You can also opt to have your vehicle delivered to your door.  If you live in one of those rare municipalities that have a local auto shipping company, good for you.  You can walk right in and arrange for shipping with a representative.  This is probably not the case, however, there are numerous companies online that offer many services, such as flexible modes of shipping as well as flexible schedules.  Most of these companies also pride themselves on their excellent customer service.

Two Types of Shipping Carriers

Whether you are transporting a recently purchased vehicle to your current location or are transporting your old friend to a new one, you will need to know what type of shipping carriers are available. There are two main types of carriers.

  1. The open vehicle carrier is the most commonly seen and is a great option for most people.  It will give your vehicle service at the most economical price.  Remember though, that “open” is precisely what it is.  You have often seen those huge trucks with their huge trailers rambling down the road with a load of 12 or 14 or more automobiles.  One of those vehicles could be yours if you opt for this type of carrier.  And, you can see that the disadvantages of this least expensive method is all those other vehicles which can cause yours harm, inclement weather conditions, flying debris, and theft, if not of your car itself, of the GPS, fancy stereo or other electronic gizmos that are dear to you.  There is much less chance of any of this occurring if you go for option #2.
  2. The enclosed vehicle carrier is, yup, enclosed.  Your precious vehicle will be lovingly laid to rest in its own little bed for a safe journey to its destination without fear of debris, harm from other vehicles or theft.  More attention and care will be lavished on it when loading and unloading.  Of course, this being the real world, there are two distinct downsides to this mode.  1.) The cost can be from 25% to 100% more expensive than the open carrier mostly because considerably fewer vehicles can be carried at one time.  2.) There are only a few companies that have closed type carriers available in their fleets.  Even finding an enclosed carrier can be very difficult and  time consuming if not downright impossible.

You have now received a basic education in auto shipping.  You are able to do your research armed with your newfound wisdom and find that perfect company and carrier for your needs.  Good job!

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Brokers, Automotive, Transportation, logistics | No Comments »

Auto Shipping Costs Less: But What Influences its Pricing?

Monday, November 9th, 2009

The dimensions of the car to be shipped mean that it will either fit a single slot on the truck or that it will require several slots, raising the price. Moreover, a closed carrier, which costs more in itself, accommodates less vehicles; which means that transportation of a odd sized car in a closed carrier is even costlier.

There is a law imposed on carriers as to the allowed overall weight they may carry at any one time: any heavier than usual cars may be subject to additional fees, because a reliable, law abiding company will have to carry less vehicles and more weight. With  some cars this cannot  be helped, but the weight of a regular car may be reduced by removing any heavy personal belongings and of the removable upgrades you may have made to your car.

Even the specific date on which your car is to be shipped may influence the price, since oil prices, competition, and predicted weather conditions vary from day to day. Often when asking for quotes, customers do not realize that if they specify a different date, the same company could charge less than it first offered for the same service.

For the most part, companies operate trucks which accommodate more than one car, serving more than one customer at a time. For this reason, and because customers book the services at different times, with individual specifications, it may either not be possible for a specific available truck to deliver your car as and when you require it, unless perhaps you change their priorities by paying more. In any case, requiring delivery on a specific date, rather within a more or less flexible time-frame, costs more.

If the company is big enough to afford it, you may have the option of renting a truck for your one vehicle only, which obviously costs significantly more, but ensures a safer, quicker delivery on the required date. On the other hand, if you are not pressed for time and book your car with a truck carrying another 8 or so vehicles, the service will cost less.

Consider moreover that oversees shipping is likely to cost more due to oversees relationships and taxes. Oversees transport may require transportation by air or water, or even a combination of all three, which costs more and requires additional considerations of safety, insurance, and any of the parameters of a car.

If all  this seems like to much nuance to cost less in time, effort, and money, it is only because you are probably because you are daunted by the prospect of an unfamiliar service. Auto shipping by now is not merely a quickly growing world-wide business, but a huge industry and the amount if detail it offers for consideration to each client only ensures that you can choose, compare, and adjust to finally sing a deal which suits you best.

With numerous companies now operating, competition often drives companies to be flexible with their prices, though foreign companies are less likely to be so than national companies. Compare free quotes which most companies offer for similar services and look for various coupons specific companies may offer within the specific states or borders you need. Don’t try only the biggest companies, or you might never get beyond mechanical service to anybody with whom you can reason. Consider young, dynamic companies and try haggling for the final price without being afraid to decline inflexible offers.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

Auto Shipping That You Can Depend On

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Rather than driving your car long distances yourself, the most sensible and economic way to go is auto shipping, which can save you time, money, wear on your car, and hassle.  There are many types of carrier trucks that can carry your car by road, or also shipment by sea, air and rail for vehicles from Mini Coopers to Ford Explorers, motorcycles, vintage, classic, and sports cars.

Auto shipping is a term that normally implies a car will be shipped to its destination in a timely and secure manner, not shipped gradually or in parts.  Most people think if a company has a promising slogan such as “You Can Depend on Us,” that you can, indeed trust them.  This is folly.  The company may in no way live up to its name, it’s just a bunch of words that sound ideal but really mean nothing.  What does mean something to you is the experience and track record of the company.

You should know that most auto shipping companies, while spread out in thousands of locations all across the larger countries, are really rather small operations that own a few trucks.

If you offer the company you choose to ship your auto a flexible schedule, the price will be more reasonable than if you dictated a specific time frame.  Given the more flexible terms, most companies will perform well, no matter your car’s final destination.

Typically, you hire a broker to do the leg work to find the best shipper for you.  More and more though, clever entrepreneurial types are acting as a broker themselves.  When you are dealing with a carrier, be sure to understand that the one you are doing business with is also the one that is transporting your car.  You don’t want the surprise of trusting your car to a carrier you had no knowledge of.

Before signing a contract, there are two absolute musts for you to remember to do.  First, make sure the carrier shows you a valid MC license and second, request a copy of their Insurance Certificate.  You will then contact the insurance company to ask about the terms of this specific policy, what it covers and what it does not cover.  A good, reliable auto shipping company will applaud your efforts because they have gone to the trouble to be comfortable enough to give you this information  On your end, you want to be absolutely certain that that smokin’ car of yours is guaranteed to be insured all the way to journey’s end.

Do some research on several companies.  If there is nothing to research, ditch that company.  You want to see a track record.  Some good information can be found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration publication.  For one thing, you can check to be sure that the carrier you are dealing with directly is not one of those clandestine broker/carrier companies, but actually does the transporting themselves.

It is, of course, not a silly notion at all to put all this work into a broker’s capable hands and let him do the research and select a few reliable companies from which you can choose.  A broker can get information that possibly you cannot and that may just give you the warm, secure feeling that your car will wind up where its supposed to be after a reasonable period of time and all in one piece.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Shipping, Transportation, logistics | No Comments »

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