Posts Tagged ‘Vehicle Shipping’

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.

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.