Posts Tagged ‘Auto Transport’

Ship Your Auto Safely and You Won’t be Sorry

Saturday, February 12th, 2011

The auto shipping proves by its rapid expansion that it is an efficient and safe industry with which to do business. At the same time along the way the industry has accumulated valuable experience with regard to technology and methods of operation.

It also means, however, that many new independent companies are eager to compete. It does not mean, however, that all of them have the experience, the resources, nor even the decency to ensure safe auto shipping. In many cases, as in any other business industry, many of the numerous existing auto shipping companies are simply the result of an increasingly commercialized society. Business today is the prevalent survival style and many people are eager to start a company, whether because they really are competent to do so or because they are simply incapable of doing anything else.

Some of these businesses will prevail despite all odds, but many will fail because they refuse to learn the business or understand the capitalization required for success in the business. Those few that remain because of luck and some beneficial ties rather than true business acumen will hang on as long as they can given the competition but undoubtedly will not remain in business very long.

It is not always easy to tell when one of these new companies will close. Their sales pitch and competitive pricing can be very convincing as to their reliability and safety. It will not make your day to entrust your vehicle to a company that sends it to the wrong destination with half of the accessories missing and no insurance coverage.

Hopefully you have time. Otherwise, you will not be able to ensure the safety of your vehicle. If you so much as merely consider the remote possibility of having to ship your car sometime next year, take the time to carefully research the current market.

If you plan your auto shipping in advance, you can also book the shipment in advance which will save you money. Even the major shipping companies will charge high prices for an urgent order, no matter how simple, because they have to allocate emergency personnel and equipment to your job. Given more time, your job will fit into their standard mode of operation allowing them to quote a more reasonable price for their services.

Businesses do not like to decline offers, especially when dealing with individual private car owners, and are likely to take your order even if they know they are unlikely to complete it satisfactorily. Urgency increases the risk of delay and damage.

Of great importance to you is the company’s licensing and insurance coverage. Thoroughly inspect their Certificate of Insurance and their MC license. If the insurance coverage offered does not meet your needs, ask for additional coverage. They should have no trouble meeting your insurance requirements.

A sure sign of the competence of any company is their customer service attitude. They should show eagerness to satisfy you and initiative in bringing out what is most important to you. The dependable, quality company will have no reticence in showing and explaining their insurance coverage or their licensing to you. If they see that their standard insurance coverage is inadequate for your needs, they will advise you to purchase extra. If these points are not covered in your discussions with them, find another company.

For more information on Auto Shipping or Car Transport please check out our auto shipping blog.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Sifting Through Auto Shipping Quotes to Find the Very Best

Sunday, February 6th, 2011

To paraphrase Benjamin Disraeli, the wisdom of the wise and the experience of ages are perpetuated by good quotes. You can conduct your research online, by phone or both, then find a broker to pore over their qualifications and choose the most responsible one with the best historical track record. Just like the good student you are, you will prepare for your auto shipment and take every precaution while doing so. Having done all that, in the end it comes down to getting quotes from those companies deemed reliable and deciding on the quote with which you are the most comfortable.

Shipping companies aren’t dumb. They know you are doing this and will offer TERRIFIC QUOTES as undoubtedly listed on their website. Watch out for this as a good company will prefer you to ask for a quote so they can knock you off your socks with their generosity and you will pick them as your shipper.

As a quick aside, if a company requires an advance, make absolutely sure that you are issued a contract which covers a complete refund in case the service is not carried out. A favorite fraudulent technique by not so successful companies is to receive an advance, buy some time, fail to ship the car, and refuse to refund: an easy way to make at least some money with a minimum of expenditure.

Yes, it is better not to lie in your Resume, but in many cases you can use rhetoric to formulate your experience so that you sound as an ideal presidency candidate even if you are just a parking lot attendant. But when requesting a quote it is better to submit accurate, detailed, and even the most intimate technical information about your one and only.

You must provide a thoroughly accurate description of your auto’s weight and shape. Not every carrier can handle every type of vehicle. If yours is an SUV, off-road vehicle, some kind of small truck, or a heavy van or station wagon you may have to opt for a special carrier. If there are any exotic features or customized alterations to your vehicle that may keep it from driving up a truck ramp effectively if at all, this will require special consideration. Most carriers, for a supplemental charge, will ship non-operating vehicles. You must, however, inform them of this before the loading day arrives as it may require a truck with specialized equipment to deal with a car that can’t be just driven onto it.

Besides the actual content of the quoted, consider the way in which the quote is presented to you: try to see how professional, courteous, and willing they are. Compare this insight with the actual service they offer: is too good to be true? Compare their quotes with those of other companies for similar services. Even if you do not choose any of the most prominent companies in the field, it is still better to begin estimating prices and quality with the best, most well known companies.

Once you have conducted this field research, you will be able to tell whether the company that you seem to prefer – perhaps not the biggest name – is sincere about their price and service. And even with a sensible, sincere carrier you can haggle for a better deal. A standard trick is to convincingly suggest that may get a better deal for the same service elsewhere. For the most part, good companies do not offer the minimal price out right, which means that with good companies there is always a chance they might lower their price just enough for you to prefer them over a similar company.

For more on Car Shipping or Vehicle Transport please visit our car transport blog.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

The Importance Of The Auto Inspection In Shipping Your Vehicle

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

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!

You will also want to inspect the functionality of the vehicle to make sure that the lights work, the turn signals, and everything else that should function normally when you turn the key. Take pictures inside as well. Things can get knocked around and you don’t want to have to pay to fix these yourself.

Don’t forget the glass in your car. A little chip in the windshield may not be annoying now, but oh boy, when it turns into a big crack, you’re in trouble. Take pictures. Check and get pictures of all the windows in your car.

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

Report any damages as soon as possible. If you find anything that is wrong with your car, truck or van, reporting it immediately will avoid any confusion as to how the damage got there. This will in turn give you a much better chance of getting it fixed.

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.

If the car did suffer damages, the shipping company will normally allow you to get your own estimate from your usual auto shop and have it repaired there. If you don’t have a usual auto repair place, a dealership is generally a good bet.

To ensure that there was no damage caused to your vehicle during transport, always do a thorough inspection before and after shipping. If you do find any damage make sure to report it immediately and take photos of the damage. Noting any damage sooner is always better.

For additional news and information about Vehicle Transport or Vehicle Shipping please check out our vehicle transport blog.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Don’t Let That Auto Jack Slip

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

The owner of a chain of auto dealerships remarked to a customer that he has always had battles with mechanics concerning preventative maintenance on vehicles. Overall prevention is preferable when it comes to automotive maintenance and upkeep. Once the damage is done, parts repair and labor are more extensive than if the work or driving wear and tear is caught in the bud. To the credit of the repair shops of this auto dealership group, “customers just love these shops” and bookings are often some time into the future. Yet if a person goes to a small shop or even prefers to do the auto maintenance and repair work themselves – either for cost savings or simple enjoyment of a hobby one factor often forgotten or certainly not emphasized is “safety on the job”.

First of all take the time to remove all jewelry such as rings, watches and bracelets before starting work. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, ties scarves or coats that might get dangled up in a pulley or drive belt.

Next never crawl under a car or vehicle that is not adequately supported. Next in line never ever rely on the auto jack alone to hold up the car, truck, van or bus that you or your team are working on. No excuses will ever do for this cardinal and very deadly sin of omission and laziness. The vehicle should be on level ground with the transmission in gear (manual transmission) or park (automatic tranny). Next the emergency brake should also be fully engaged. One or preferably more wheels should be solidly and firmly blocked. To block a car from rolling a brick or a piece of wood can be utilized to prevent the car from rolling.

It has to be said and driven home to never ever run an engine inside a closed garage. You would think that this would be the first rule of auto maintenance and repair. Yet many try to get away with -”I will just run the motor for a second” is sometimes the refrain and excuse. . Buildup of dangerous and deadly CO, (that is Carbon Monoxide gas), and gas fumes are odorless and color and can be lethal. If you must run the engine, simply open the garage door or alternately vent the fumes outside with a length of tubing or hose.

Lastly in this day and age with late model and current vehicles having computerized engine components and systems overall – as opposed to older mechanical contact points and less elaborate ignition and control systems , always remember that these computerized electronics are more than sensitive to voltage overloads and fluctuations. It is little different than the sensitive nature of your home computer and how sensitive these computer systems are too simple, in a flash electrical surges. Always remember two things – one that ongoing and regular maintenance of your automobile is the best value overall and provides for the best safest and most reliable driving and motoring.

Alberta Auto Finance

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

How to Price Auto Transport: More or Less

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

The cheapest way to get that classic car or family sedan transported over many miles is by auto carrier.  Auto shipping offer a safe and inexpensive way to get your car to its new location.  You know the cost of fuel today as well as the possible cost of car maintenance and repair of driving your car yourself long distances.

For those in the know, and there are more and more of those all the time, the auto shipping industry is a first choice for vehicle transportation.  The customer nonetheless assumes some risk when hiring even the most reliable and most experienced auto carriers.  One must be cautious and diligent in their search.  You must review insurance policies and past experience and performance with shipping similar vehicles, especially if yours is exotic.  Hauling an expensive, custom, or vintage car requires different safeguards than that Ford Taurus.  The pricing aspects of such vehicles will also differ substantially.

Pricing is determined by the manufacturer and model of the vehicle, the distance to be transported, the drop-off and pick-up sites and your required time-frame.

If you require remote sites for drop-off and pick-up that may require special services and absolute locales, this rather than distance may become the most important pricing factor, as it becomes mandatory for the provider of transport to know about special conditions that may be encountered along the way.  The reliable company will be able to inform you of various road and weather conditions that your vehicle will be facing and the harm that they may cause.  They will also know exactly how to carry your car to its destination without suffering injury and should inform you of these technicalities as well.

If your vehicle takes up more space that a normal one, that will cost you because it reduces the number of paying customers’ vehicles  that the company can handle on a single carrier.  The expensive vintage or classic cars that are usually a collectors’ pride and joy have odd dimensions that will not fit normally on a carrier and will also demand more loving care in transport, even if of standard dimensions.

The amount of insurance necessary to cover your vehicle in transport is also a consideration.  Your regular policy may not cover the odd conditions that the car might meet in transit.  The auto shipping company will have its own insurance carrier and you need to research the policies offered to pick the one most pertinent to your vehicle.  It is undoubtedly not the cheapest option that will meet your needs, especially on the vintage model.

If your car is not drivable, then preparations must be made to have a truck pick it up from a location you state rather than the standard terminal, and shove it or tow it to its location on the carrier.  Same service is in effect when it reaches its destination.  These circumstance requires a separate truck and separate service from the norm.

A fully operable vehicle is, of course, the preferred one to transport.  No matter, you need to hire the auto shipping company as early as you can before the shipping date, and try for off-season if possible.  The longer you hold off on deciding on a transport company, the costlier it will be for you.  I’m talking here well over a month in advance.  If your car’s prior condition results in damage while in transit, besides the inconvenience of waiting for the car to be repaired, the final price could spiral out of sight.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Important factors to consider when choosing an auto transport company

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

If your were to list your most valuable assets, near the top of the list, you would likely include your auto. Cars are valuable as the proved transportation to and from work or school. They are also expensive to replace. If you are moving your vehicle a long distance, you want to be sure that it is well taken care of. If you are using an auto transport company, you should be very diligent in choosing that company in order to ensure that your vehicle makes it to the new destination without damage. These tips will help you to choose the best carrier.

Choose a company that has a good reputation in the auto transport industry. If a company has a bad reputation, the internet makes it easy to find that out. Use a good search engine to check out the company and see if they have any bad reviews. Many customers with a problem with a company will quickly make a review. Be sure that you read the reason for a poor rating as well as any steps the company took to resolve the problem. Make sure that the company tries to meet the customers needs, otherwise, you may want to consider another company. If a company only has bad reviews, regardless of the price, choose another company.

Before signing any paperwork be sure that the company has the proper documentation to perform the service they are offering. They should have a federal license as well as insurance and bonding. The company representative should have no problem in showing this paperwork.

Ask about insurance that will cover any damage your vehicle sustains in transport. Also be sure that you understand any limitations in the coverage of your vehicle. What the company considers minor damage may be rock chips to the paint or even broken glass. If their insurance does not cover this damage, then you will be responsible to pay for the repairs yourself. Be sure that you read the fine print.

You will find that there are several options for shipping your vehicle. Not all companies will offer all of these options, so ask the representative what is available.

If you agree to open shipping, your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer for transport. While less expensive, your vehicle is subject to more damage than if it is in an enclosed container.

Enclosed shipping uses an enclosed trailer and reduces the likelihood of damage to your vehicle from road debris. The difference in price may be worth protecting your vehicle from possible damage, especially if you are shipping an antique or specialty vehicle.

Economy service is the least expensive way to ship your vehicle. The vehicle is loaded onto trailers on a space available basis and eventually works its way to your new home. It can take up to three weeks to arrive, so if time is of the essence, pay for the quicker service. If this is a vehicle you can do without for a few weeks, then this method of shipping can save money.

Full service is the quickest way to get you vehicle to its new destination and usually includes door to door service.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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.

Choosing The Right Auto Shipping Carrier

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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.

What Exactly is Auto Shipping?

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Indeed, we all have our treasured vehicle that we groom and take care of; as if it were our pet or perhaps our significant other. In every way possible we take care of maintaining its appearance and upgrading. So, seeing that most of us have vehicles which we love and need in our daily lives it is imperative to know what goes on in the auto shipping world. In the call for our need to travel abroad or move to a distant location may not actually require worry about being “transportation-less” or having our vehicle hurt in any way. Let’s see what we got.

First off what is auto shipping?

In a simple definition, it is basically transporting your vehicle from one destination to another. Seems pretty easy, and it is. Auto shipping is one of the most convenient shipping services to customers. It has carriers of all kinds of sizes and shapes to adhere to your every vehicle requirement. Also there are availabilities with domestic and international destination spots, even door to door service. You can choose to work with an online provider or an in house company to figure out your travel needs and car destination; offering a variety services such as flexible mode of transportation, and, on the whole front, excellent customer service.

Types of auto shipping

If you have purchased a new mode of transportation, being a car, boat, or a motorcycle or need your present vehicle to be shipped anywhere you need to be, it is important to know what types of shipping methods there are. There are two specific types of vehicle shipping:

1)      Open vehicle shipping- this is typically a great option for most consumers; for it is cheap and provides the least expensive method in shipping your vehicle. However, open is exactly what it is. Remember driving on the highway and seeing the huge trucks with trailers connected to it, carrying a variety of vehicles. Well if you choose to go this way that will one day be your car, bike or boat. Though economical the downsides include any destruction from road debris, or elements flying around or from the other cars. Security is also a potential hazard for open traveling vehicles. Equipment such as navigation systems, stereos, and other expensive electronics have a much higher chance of being stolen than if closed away in a private traveling quarter.

2)      Enclosed vehicle shipping- is precisely as it sounds. Your vehicle is tucked away   safely; protected from debris, exposed elements, and above all else other vehicles. As well as secluded from any robbers who are eyeing your vehicles electronic or outerwear candy. Enclosed shipping typically receives more attention and better care when loading into the carrier. Conversely there two major downsides to enclosed shipping. The price range can range from 25 to 100% more expensive, and the availability with this shipping, seeing that most companies are not participating in this shipping method, can be a challenge.

Now that you know what auto shipping is, and what types are out there, it is time to do your research and figure which is best for you. Good luck!

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.