Auto Shipping - Now That My Bags Are Packed What About Shipping My Car

By Tom Kearns

"How much will it cost to ship my car"? That is a question that is asked thousands of times each day by dealers, wholesalers, collectors and people moving all around the United States. Cost is always a consideration when moving something as important as your transportation. However, it may not be the MOST important question a person might want to ask.

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 thing to consider is insurance coverage on the vehicle and its contents should something unforeseen occur during transport. Accidents do happen and you don't want to be on the unprotected side if one happens with your vehicle. Important questions to ask are 'what kind of coverage is provided in case of damage or loss of the vehicle' AND 'if this vehicle is to be brokered out to another auto carrier, can I get a copy of their insurance certificate?' Always try and get a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate showing YOU as certificate holder. This way, if something unfortunate happens, you can file a claim on your own directly to the insurance company.

One more thing to think about is the quality and reputation of the auto transportation company. If you are not involved daily in the vehicle transportation business, you really have no idea about the companies that are. Ask around. Go to a car dealer that ships vehicles regularly and ask them who they use for car transport. Go online, look at reviews and get as much information as possible before you start calling for bids. There are places like safersys.org where you can look at a company's safety profile. This website is operated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association and can be a valuable resource when trying to find a company to transport your automobile.

Bottom line is you do not necessarily want the cheapest mode of transportation to bring your "baby" home to you. You want a company that takes pride in the quality and timeliness of their transportation consignments. So shop around and you won't get burned. - 30242

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