Posts Tagged ‘logistics’

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.

Slam Locks – A Prevention In Logistics Crime

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

A slam lock is a product which, as the name suggests, locks vehicles and does so automatically once the door is closed. This resolves the problem with drivers failing to remember to lock the door or not.

Cargo crime is a huge problem in Europe and the EU’s estimated figure believed to cost European businesses each and every year is eight billion Euros. Due partly to their familiarity with the roads and routes, it is not uncommon to find organised criminal groups behind a number of these offences.

Logistics vehicles are a prime target for criminals. There is far more accessibility than other vehicles such as trains or ships making them a more attractive target. Another factor that makes them such a target is that the driver takes frequent breaks, often leaving the vehicle unattended whether for a break or to take an overnight stay. The most appealing factor to the criminal, however, is that they can carry such a massive amount of goods, equalling more profit potential.

Drivers are, of course, capable of human error and do display this fact from time to time. The good news is that this human error is at least minimised by slam locks which force the door closed once shut. Criminals do target drivers who forget to do so, so it safeguards such drivers.

When looking to secure your vehicle on long journeys, you should minimally have a slam lock or at least another form of advanced vehicle locking system. There are so many on the market nowadays e.g. immobilisers and advanced alarm systems. Some drivers resent the fact that they have to take this measure to prevent criminals taking advantage but when you are carrying goods of a certain value, it is only the smart thing to do to protect not only your goods but your personal safety.

Learn more about slam locks and other vehicle security measures.

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.

Discover The Best Auto Shipping Services

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

When you are shifting interstate or overseas and you need to ship your car there are many things that you need to consider. Your vehicle is undoubtedly one of your costliest possessions and you should do some research beforehand to minimize risk to your car and make the auto shipping goes smoothly.

The cost of the auto shipping is obviously an important factor. Auto shipping can be quite expensive, but there are now Internet comparison sites that can search automatically for different prices. There can be a bid difference between the prices offered for car shipping, but there can also be a big difference between the quality and professionalism of the companies.

One of the most important factors when choosing your auto shipping company is the conditions under which they will transport your car. There is a risk when shipping that there may be some damage done, in secure and sound conditions you can minimize the risk of scratching or breakages. Make sure you are confident that the company that you choose puts you at ease with their professionalism.

Many shipping companies will now guarantee car delivery times and they can be brought directly to your front door. Compare the estimated times of delivery between companies and choose one that meets your needs. For different people in different situations the timeliness of delivery may be a very important factor.

Before choosing the company that will ship your car do a little background search and check out their reputation. It is easy to undertake an Internet search with the major companies and any others that have less than sterling pasts will be able to spot. You might also have family, friends or colleagues who have used auto shipping companies in the past that they had good experiences with.

Selecting a company that has the proper licensing in place is also an important point to check on when considering auto shipping. A company that has everything in order will have no hesitation in sharing their paper work with you.

Check into the type of insurance that the auto shipping company’s have themselves and what they can also offer you in addition. Knowing what types of damage or breakages the company insurance will cover and what they might not is important before you ship your car. Some companies will not cover scratches or paint chips that may happen while the vehicle is in transit putting it down to the associated risk of transportation. Other companies offer a very thorough insurance that will cover any type of damage done to the vehicle.

Since your auto is one of your most valuable assets, it is important that you choose your auto shipping company with great care after having reviewed the business’ insurance, licensing, reputation and operating policies. With a little thought and consideration you can save yourself a lot of stress and potential problems. Never choose a shipping company based purely on price, as it may end up costing you much more in the long run if there are problems or delays along the way.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Shipping Your Vehicle and 1000 Splendid Quotes

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

A very wise Englishman, Benjamin Disraeli, once said something like “the wisdom of the wise and the experience of the ages are perpetuated by good quotes.”  This is ever so true with the search for an auto shipper.  You can research companies on the net, give them a call, hire the services of a broker to help select the most competent and reasonable company, but what it all really means is which one has the price quote that best fits your needs.

Realizing that this is true, many companies will publish their terrific quotes on deals right on their home page.  The really good companies, though will want to talk to you before they proffer a quotation on the work involved in your particular case.  So be aware of this.

A bit off the subject, but if you are required to make an advance payment, it is an iron-clad prerequisite that you obtain a contract that ensures a complete money-back guarantee if the services are not up to the specifications agreed upon between you and the shipper.  Some companies will actually take the advance money, hem and haw around, never fulfill the contract expectations, your wonderful car will never reach its destination, you lost your advance money, and you are up the proverbial creek without a paddle (or a car).

There may be some special circumstances you encounter that require a little white lie to further your interests.  Obtaining a quote from an auto shipping company is definitely not one of those times.

You must have an accurate weight and shape of your car to give the prospective shipper.  This is crucial as not every carrier is equipped to accommodate vehicles such as SUVs, off-roaders, pick-up trucks, vans, or even minivans.  Customized changes such as chassis lowering or exotic add-ons should also be related to the shipper as these may interfere with loading your car onto the ramp that takes it up to the truck.  Most carriers will accommodate a non-operating vehicle for an additional fee but you must let them know of this circumstance before they venture a quote.  This also may require special equipment to load.

Pay attention not only to the actual quote but how it was given to you.  Observe the presentation of the quote.  Was it done in a professional, courteous, and customer-friendly manner?  Is this quote compared to the services they are offering abnormally low?  If the quote seems too good to be true, it is.  Obviously you are obtaining quotes from many companies within the industry in order to compare the quotes.  Do obtain quotes from the leaders in the industry.  Even if you don’t choose them, at least you know what the big guys are charging for similar services and this can be enlightening when selecting a company.

By doing all this legwork, you will be much more able to discern the honest operators from the fly-by-nights.  And don’t fail to negotiate a price whether with a big company or small.  Any honest company will not be put off by this and may actually have not quoted you their rock bottom price at first.  So let them know you are shopping around and they may meet the lowest price you found elsewhere in order to get your business.  If not, you still haven’t lost a thing.  You can go with the lowest bidder or not.  It is always a good idea to go with the company with which you are the most comfortable.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Auto Shipping Carriers 101

Sunday, October 4th, 2009

Your vehicle needs to be transported and you need an auto shipping carrier to take you on your way, but what is an auto shipping carrier? This is your answer.

The carrier

An auto shipping service transports your vehicle to your required destination, in general. Shipping your vehicle across country or even internationally is what they can do. They have in person help along with online services. The ability to ship your car, boat, or motorcycle to any destination you need, is allowed. To fit your every accommodation there are a vast number of carriers. Shipping that carries cars, boats, motorcycles, heavy equipment that includes industrial, construction and farming machinery, bulldozers, and cranes, is offered. Carrier companies also pick up and deliver SUVs and RVs.

For every demographic such as corporate, dealer relocations, and other specialized services there is a service provided by auto shipping carriers. Specific transportation for ATVs, antique classic and custom vehicles, also race cars and yachts is available. On these offering s it is important to inquire information; seeing as how these items are special to you.

Carrier companies have traditions to transport your vehicle in nice selections. Available to you and your auto travel are many offerings such as open and enclosed shipping services, freight, LTL, boating and flight shipping. Once you make your choice action is taken to start the quoting.

Although they do depend on brokers for much of their business, auto shipping carriers will directly deal with their customers. Because they do not have huge budgets for their advertising, to escalate business and revenue they use newspapers, the internet, and word of mouth.

A plus is that they do try to establish great customer service. Low grading from word of mouth can be a huge deficit to their existence. On the other end, be prepared to have kindness and efficiency. Pay close attention to all the details, do not be swindled, asking for references and looking for any faults they may have is crucial.

The ability to get free quotes is something you will most likely have, which is another good thing. If a free quote is something the carrier you are using won’t offer, it’s time take your business elsewhere. Amongst all the workings in investigating and figuring what auto shipping carrier to use, this part seems to be the easiest. Something that allows you the freedom to roam around and find the most suitable carrier for you is the easy online systems that most companies have. If you find yourself confused by the online quoting system it’s simple to call the auto carrier directly. On their website there should be a number posted that is well-located. Having a free number to call is always a good thing.

No matter where your vehicle needs to end up or where you travel, an auto shipping carrier can take you there.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

Shipping Your Cars

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

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

Deliberating – Knowing When to and What

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

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

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

Auto Shipping Tips and Steps

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

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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.

Things To Do to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.