Posts Tagged ‘Vehicle Transport’

Auto Shippers Can Be A Great Option If You Need To Move A Vehicle Across Country

Monday, August 8th, 2011

There are many times when it is a better idea to ship a vehicle from one location to another. These events include a move across the country or from one state to another. They may also involve moving a car to a child who is in college, or transporting a fine vintage or exotic automobile that you would rather not drive across country. Auto shippers exist for these very occasions.

By using an auto shipper you can eliminate unnecessary wear and tear on an automobile that would be inflicted on it as a result of a long distance drive. Auto transporters also come in handy if purchasing a vehicle in another state. Regardless of the reason auto shippers can provide an excellent service that may be more affordable than you might think.

Shipping a vehicle across country can often be cheaper than driving a car across country. When traveling long distanced you need to take into consideration the amount of time you will need to a lot yourself. You will also need to consider the amount of time it will take you to drive and the hotels and meals that you will need along the way.

When shopping for auto shoppers it is a good idea to ask around. You may know a friend who has used a service or perhaps you know someone who knows someone who provides this service. Another way to get references on auto shippers is to check with internet forums that have members in your areas. Some of these forums can be a great way to find someone who is in the business or knows someone who is.

The best thing to do when looking for an auto shipper is to ask friends if they have ever used anybody or if they have ever hired a service. Another way to find reputable auto shippers is to check the internet. Often you can find local forums where members who live in your area may be able to provide advice.

You will need to keep a couple basic rules in mind when shopping for an auto transport service to move your vehicle for you. The first rule is to make sure they are willing to provide you with a free estimate. If they cannot or will not provide you with an estimate then you need to consider another service. You may also want to look elsewhere if the service you are talking to is not willing to provide you with proof of insurance and bonding. You want to make sure that the transporter you use is able to cover the damages in the event of an accident.

You may also want to discuss the method that the shipper will use in transporting your vehicle. Some transporters strictly used enclosed car carriers, while others use a flat bed or a conventional car carrier like the manufacturers use to transport new cars to a dealer.

If you are shipping a car that is rare or exotic you will most likely want to use auto shippers that will use a closed carrier. Many auto shippers can provide the transport of several vehicles at a time. These services will commonly use multiple car carriers like those used by car manufacturers to ship new vehicles to the dealership.

If you need Hartford Auto Shipping, San Jose Auto Shipping, or auto shipping to anywhere in the United States, check out MetroGistics.com.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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What If My Car Is Damaged During Transport

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

If you are not prepared for it this can be a frightening moment. It doesn’t have to be of course. During the screening portion and while you are comparing prices is the right moment to handle this issue.

Truckers/Carriers licensed and permitted by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) are required to have insurance. The real question you need to discover is do they have it? You can find out for yourself online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site.

If you are dealing with a Carrier (Trucker) you can simply ask them to fax or email you a copy of their insurance. If you are working with a Broker just ask the Broker and he will be glad to advise you. This is part of the service that a Broker is always happy to provide.

But, what do I do if my car is damaged during car shipping ?

Easy Answer. When your car arrives you and the driver need to inspect it together before you accept it and sign the bill of lading. If you in fact find damage (new damage that was not there when the car was loaded) simply make a not of it on his bill of lading, both of you sign it, and you get a copy. Request that the driver provide you with proof of insurance (yes, again) and contact his insurance company. The only thing required is to file a claim with his provider of insurance and supply them with the documents they request which will also include an estimate of repairs from your body shop.

Upon discovery of damage and while still with the driver, it is always a good idea to make a call to his insurance company and simply ask them how they would like to proceed. They will direct you in how to file a claim with them and you will find that the insurance company will be very pleasant and helpful as they really have no reason to be otherwise. If you can’t reach the insurance company representative it’s still not the end of the world, call your Auto Transport Broker, he can help.

This is a good time to point out the obvious. Household goods (and the damage they cause) are not supposed to be in your vehicle, and are not covered by the truckers insurance according to the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration.

Although kinda scary light damage is not unusual during auto transport and is handled in a rather routine manner. You will be taken care of and your car will be fixed and guess what ???? This problem too will simply go away.

If you are working with an Auto Transport Broker, relax because most of them check out the truckers you will use very carefully during the quoting process. Part of their job is to only select the good guys. You can count on it.

During searching for estimates to compare don’t fail to check out Bob Frost’s fantastic articles on details to know when shipping auto transport as a little information can save a lot of money and grief.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Automotive | No Comments »

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.

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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.

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Posted in Automotive | No Comments »

Car Shippers Can Move The Vehicle For You

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Anytime you are moving a long distance, getting all of your vehicles to the new place can be a problem. While, if you only have one vehicle, it may not be that big of a deal, families that have multiple vehicles face more problems. Car shippers can help to solve those problems.

A caravan of vehicles with the family spread across the country is just not all that fun. The drive can be long and tiring. While it may be possible to tow one vehicle behind a self moving van, what do you do with the other one?

Some people end up selling one of their vehicles and replacing it when they get to the new home. Buying a new car is not always an option and who knows what you you will get in a used car. It is a shame to sell a perfectly good vehicle and hope to get something close as a replacement one at the new place.

If that second or third vehicle is a restoration or antique vehicle, there may be no replacement available and you certainly cannot replace the car when you get to the new place. Driving the car is also not feasible.

Shipping costs for vehicles are very reasonable. The cost may not be that much more than you would pay for gasoline to drive your car that distance. The vehicle will arrive safely and in the same shape as when it was loaded onto the truck.

Your vehicle will be shipped on a trailer loaded with several other vehicles that are headed to a similar destination. This will save adding all of those miles to your vehicle. Once it is safely delivered, you can resume driving the vehicle.

Since several cars will be on the trailer, normal shipping can take two to three weeks. Some shippers offer an upgrade that allows you to get your vehicle to the new destination quicker if needed.

Some car shippers have both open and enclosed trailers. The enclosed trailers are especially useful for specialty cars. There is normally an additional fee for this service.

Some of the shippers will pick up you vehicle and deliver it to the driveway of the new home. If you are delayed in getting to the new home, secure storage is also available for your car until you are ready for it to be delivered to the new home.

If you are making an extremely long move and will be using professional movers, why not ship both vehicles. Send one vehicle ahead a couple of weeks in advance so that it will be waiting when you get to your new destination. Keep the other with you for transportation needs as you get ready for the move. Have the shippers pick up the second car and ship it to the new residence while you fly. You will not be without a vehicle on either end. You are not worn out from the long drive when you arrive at your new home.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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

Auto Shippers Can Be A Great Choice If You Need To Move A Vehicle Long Distances

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Many occasions arise when it is more feasible to use a professional service to transport a vehicle form one state to another. You may need to move and you are pressed on time, so you fly and then have the vehicle transported by an auto shipper. Auto shippers are in business for this very reason.

By using an auto shipper you can eliminate unnecessary wear and tear on an automobile that would be inflicted on it as a result of a long distance drive. Auto transporters also come in handy if purchasing a vehicle in another state. Regardless of the reason auto shippers can provide an excellent service that may be more affordable than you might think.

Traveling across country or from one state to another can be both time consuming and expensive. You not only need to pay for the gas you need to cover hotel expenses and food when traveling. This trip can cut into your work schedule and may require time you simply do not have. These factors make using an auto transport mo0re affordable than transporting the vehicle yourself.

When shopping for auto shoppers it is a good idea to ask around. You may know a friend who has used a service or perhaps you know someone who knows someone who provides this service. Another way to get references on auto shippers is to check with internet forums that have members in your areas. Some of these forums can be a great way to find someone who is in the business or knows someone who is.

There are many ways that auto shippers move vehicles from one area to another. But one way that you may not have considered is traveling your car by train. This method can be less expensive and often faster than using a truck service. Train services can be located on the internet.

The first thing you will want to do when you locate some auto shippers is to ask for a free estimate of the anticipated cost. Most auto shippers will gladly provide this information. It is also important to inquire about insurance and bonding when talking to an auto shipper. Make sure they can cover the expense of the vehicle if something should happen while it is in their care. If they are reluctant to provide you with this information then you need to find another auto shipper.

You may also want to discuss the method that the shipper will use in transporting your vehicle. Some transporters strictly used enclosed car carriers, while others use a flat bed or a conventional car carrier like the manufacturers use to transport new cars to a dealer.

When transporting a rare or exotic automobile it is a good idea to find auto shippers that will provide an enclosed carrier. If you are not concerned with the vehicle being exposed to the elements and dirt and other debris that may come in to contact with the vehicle during transport then you may want to find a small auto shipper who will use a flat bed. These independents can often be the most economical choice.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Carriers, Auto Transport, moving, relocating | No Comments »

How to Find the Best Auto Shipping Company

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

You car is one of your prized possessions, so it makes sense that when you are moving interstate or internationally you should carefully think about which company can offer you the best auto shipping. By following the tips in this article you will be able to collect your car at its destination intact and without fuss.

Auto shipping can be expensive, so finding the best price is an important consideration. It should not, however, be the only consideration. There are many Internet sites these days that can generate quotes on auto shipping with several different companies. Do not automatically choose the cheapest as when you look at the fine print it may not be the most trustworthy company.

Before choosing your shipping company check out the conditions under which the car will be shipped. By electing a company that is careful with your car, you can substantially reduce the chance of damage or breakages to the vehicle. Ensure that you are happy with the conditions provided by the company before signing on the dotted line. If in doubt, it is best to choose another company rather than have the worry of your car being mishandled.

Time of delivery can be a very important detail depending on your situation and needs. Several companies will now guarantee the time of delivery of your car and this can save a lot of stress and anxiety if you are running to a tight schedule. A company that is organized enough to be able to promise time of delivery of your vehicle also speaks well of their management and general business ethos.

A company’s reputation is also a very important point to investigate. You can do an Internet search to learn more about what the companies offer and what past customers have to say about their services. You might also have coworkers or friends who have used auto shipping services they were happy with.

A company that has all their licensing in order is the most secure way to do your auto shipping. Companies that that have all the proper licenses will not have any problem in sharing them with you and in fact will be proud of their professionalism.

It is important that you know what type of insurance the shipping company has in the event of damage to your vehicle. Some auto shipping companies have very extensive insurance policies and will guarantee your car against any damage no matter how big or small that is done to the car while in their care, other companies may not cover certain things such as minor scratches or chips which may be part of an associated risk of transportation.

Your car is likely to be one of your most important assets so you want to make sure that the shipping company you transport with is able to deliver what they promise. By checking their licenses and insurance, reading company reviews from customers and knowing exactly what they offer and guarantee you can protect yourself from problems. Peace of mind is definitely worth paying a little more for in the long run.

Visit MetroGistics for all of your Vehicle Shipping needs.

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Posted in Auto Carriers, Auto Shipping, Auto Shipping Carriers, Cars | 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 »

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 »