Archive for the ‘Vehicle Transport’ Category

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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.

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

The Auto Shipping Adventure

Monday, September 14th, 2009

Travel Tips and Warnings

Are you still reliving the day that you and your best friend decided to don your backpacks for a full 3 month travel of Europe during the summer after college graduation? Preparing yourself for any mishaps or uncontrolled phenomenon, and planning for months in advance; your mothers probably thought you were out of your minds at the time, but still it seemed alright. Before even setting out on your adventure you felt a big achievement had already been made, and more excitement arose as you made the preparations.

Months of advance planning are required to backpack; packing for the venture, which countries, which cities, which hostels, airport tickets, Euro-rail transports, and money appropriations. Minus the clothes, you must prepare all the same going through the auto shipping industry. You must choose the company or broker, figure the right transportation, pickup and delivery stops; how comfortable is your vehicle’s lodging, which direction you will go, how you will pay, and clothing can be included perhaps.  Your car will need to be undressed of any outside gear and electrical devices; spoilers or any other specific ornaments. Here are some tips and warnings for a safe auto shipping adventure.

Tips

Be forthright with your carrier. An over filled gas tank or any extra “things” in your car can impede the delivery process, and cost the driver additional money during checks.

Do not pay anything upfront. This is a big no-no! Also stay clear of lower-priced companies, their cheap rates could be due to less experience in auto travel; this could result in damages to your vehicle. Make sure of this because your vehicle could be left out in the dust, as companies or brokers will often times go for the highest bidder.

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

Make sure you document and photograph your vehicle. Upon pick up and delivery the company you use should do the same.

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

Warnings!

1.) As convenient and secure as this industry may sound, there are no guarantees and it can be very unstable. Mechanical issues, road blocks, and weather are just a few dilemmas that can happen.

2.) Make sure you do not reserve your vehicle with two different companies. If this occurs most drivers will pass on your vehicle resulting in you having to do the whole process again.

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

In any regard, you must be educated and alert. Just like traveling cross country or internationally with high hopes and a backpack, you will be in more than trouble if not prepared. You can get lost, have your things stolen in an instance, and in a worst case scenario, hurt or killed. All of these are possibilities as to what can happen to your vehicle as well, use the tips and warnings and plan away.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in International, Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Transport, relocating | No Comments »

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.

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

The Importance Of The Auto Inspection In Shipping Your Vehicle

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

When considering the shipment of your vehicle, several important questions must be asked and answered in order to decide on the shipping company that is the right fit for you.  Questions such as how much will it cost to get the vehicle from here to there and how much time will be involved in the transportation.

Also of prime importance is the safety of the vehicle from the beginning of its journey to the end.  You want to receive the vehicle at the end in the same condition as it was in the beginning.  This only happens if you take the important step of a thorough inspection of your vehicle before you hand it over to the auto shipping company.  Some key points in the inspection follow.

  • When making your thorough inspection of the vehicle, do not do so alone.  You must have a representative from the shipping company doing the inspection with you so both agree and sign off on the condition of your vehicle before it is shipped.  List all damages whether inconsequential or not.  You will then know at the end if any damages you see then were pre-existing or brand new.  Get a signed copy of this agreement before you leave the inspection site, and take pictures!. Take lots of pictures!
  • The functionality of your car now should be the same as when you drive it at its destination.  Check every functional aspect (turn signals, head lights, tail lights, etc.) of the vehicle with the representative and get a sign off on this too, as well as a copy of the agreement for you.  Make note of any items attached to the interior that may become knocked about during the journey.  Take pictures of the interior as well as the windows.
  • Windows are prone to damage when being shipped along with whatever else may be in the auto transporting vehicle.  Check all windows and the windshield thoroughly for preexisting cracks and holes.  A little crack may not have bothered you before but don’t let it go unnoticed at this point.  A small chip can escalate into a big crack that will definitely bother you now.

Okay, so what do you do if you do find damage to your vehicle at journey’s end?

  • Foremost, you must report any damages immediately.  Immediate reporting will stop short any confusion as to how the vehicle sustained the damage.  You will then have a much better chance of getting it fixed and not at your expense.
  • Again, pictures are terrific.  Take as many as you can from as many angles as you can.  This is one case where a picture is really worth a thousand words.  There is no better proof to substantiate a claim than photographic evidence of damages.
  • Get a reasonable estimate of the repairs required.  The first thing an insurance company’s claim department will ask is “How much?”  Many shipping companies will allow you to get your own estimate and have your vehicle repaired at your usual auto repair place, whether it’s a dealership or a trusted auto shop.

Hopefully, your vehicle will not sustain any damages at all.  But better to be safe than sorry.  By following the above before-and-after-journey steps to inspect your vehicle, you will not go wrong no matter what folly occurs during shipment.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Shipping, Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Transport, auto inspection | No Comments »

Steps to Take to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipment

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

Common sense and a few tips can make the rather daunting task of shipping a vehicle run more smoothly.  Follow these steps to make sure that vehicle shipping results in a calm, cool and collected experience for you.

First off, start with a clean car.  You together with your shipper will want to inspect your vehicle thoroughly before the pick up to record any pre-existing damages to your vehicle.  This is very important for an easy and accurate final inspection at the end of the trip.

If your car is not in running condition, you must notify the shipper of this.  Better though is to get it in running condition with battery charged and a small amount of gas in the tank.  The shipper may need to drive it from one place another, although this is unlikely.  Car hauling companies will probably have other means of transporting a vehicle a short distance.

All exterior attachments must be removed.  Bike racks, luggage racks, spare tire covers, non-retractable antennas and so forth can be easily knocked off the car and can harm other vehicles on the carrier.  Also any personal belongings such as removable CD players, GPS, CD cases, etc should be taken out of the car.  Anything that can reasonably be removed from the car’s interior should be before its journey.  The shipping company’s insurance carrier is undoubtedly not responsible for any of the contents of the vehicle, just the vehicle itself.  So leaving personal items in the car is risky.

Do not ship a vehicle that leaks any fluid whatsoever.  Fix those leaks before you ship.  Leaky fluids can cause harm to other vehicles stacked on the carrier, to the carrier itself, and not of the least concern, to the environment.  Show the same respect to others as you would want them to show to you.

Have all your keys ready to hand over to the carrier.  These may be the ignition key, the trunk key, the door key, the glove compartment key and the gas cap key among others.  Put them all on one ring so none of them get separated and lost from the pack.  Also disarm, or better yet, disconnect the alarm system if there is one.

Shipping your vehicle does not have to be a nightmare if you follow these simple steps.  Have a nice trip.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Transport, auto inspection | No Comments »

Shipping One’s Auto – Now That My Bags Are Packed, What About Shipping My Vehicle?

Monday, July 13th, 2009

One burning question that dealers, wholesalers, collectors, as well as people relocating for whatever reason within the United States ask thousands of times a day is “What is the cost of shipping my vehicle?  When moving any important item, like a car or other means of transportation, cost is a premier consideration.  What if I told you, though, that it may not be the MOST important question to ask.

Often, when shipping a vehicle, one is apt to turn to a transportation broker, which is either a company or some type of group that do not actually ship the vehicle but arrange for its shipment.  They take a percentage of the cost of moving the vehicle as payment for arranging the shipment of your vehicle.  They broker the vehicle out by posting on online load boards that are visible to those car hauling companies that operate trucks that move around the country.  If the broker posts too low a price on these boards, it will not attract any takers and the vehicle may sit there in anticipation of a move for a very long, uneasy period of time.  Be sure that the price the broker is quoting to the vehicle movers is reasonable enough to entice them to relocate your car.   Too cheap a price may not be in your best interest.

Another expense item to consider is the cost of insurance coverage on the vehicle being transported and that of its contents.  You never know when an unforeseen circumstance may arise and you wind up with costly repairs or replacements.  Accidents do occur and you do not want to be unprotected if one of these unforeseen events involves your vehicle.  A couple of important questions to ask are what kind of coverage will the trucker’s insurance provide in case of loss or damage to your vehicle, and should it be farmed out to another carrier, what is their coverage and how can you obtain a copy of the policy.  You must try to get a copy of the carrier’s certificate of insurance naming you as the certificate holder, not the car hauler(s).  In this way, should some harm come to your vehicle, you can file a claim directly to the insurance company on your own.

The quality and reputation of the auto transportation outfit that is handling the transport of your vehicle is also another concern of yours.  You really have no idea about the company or companies that are moving your vehicle unless you are directly involved in the daily business of transporting vehicles yourself.  Do some research about these companies.  Talk to a car dealer who undoubtedly ships vehicles on a regular basis and find out who they use.  Go online and read reviews about various companies to get as much information as you can before you start collecting bids.  Go to safersys.org, a website operated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, and take a look at a company’s safety profile.  This site can be of invaluable assistance to you in seeking a reputable transport company.

Looking to get your car some distance from A to Z involves several considerations.  Not just the least expensive, but the safest and sometimes the timeliest way to get your wheeled friend happily to its new home.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Transport, Cars, Trucks, Vehicle Transport, moving, relocating | No Comments »

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.

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

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