How to Price Auto Shipping: More or Less

By Tom Kearns

Whether that car you need to relocate to a distant location is a classic collector's item or the family minivan, you are probably looking for an inexpensive yet secure method of transport. One of the best ways to do this is via an auto shipping company. This remarkable service saves you the time, trouble and money of driving that vehicle yourself thousands of miles. The price of gas these days is enough of a deterrent, let alone the wear and tear on you and your vehicle.

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.

Among the most obvious factors which determine the price and the first things you are likely to be asked is the brand and make of the car, the distance it is to travel and the precise pick-up and drop-off points.

Some peculiar, out of the way destinations may require out of the way services, and precise destination, rather than only the distance, is important for the service provider to know what conditions to expect along the way. A good company should inform you of any road or weather conditions which might be harmful to the vehicles transported and offer services which will suitably prevent any damage or unwanted circumstances.

The cost of transportation will increase if your vehicle is especially large and heavy, like a big SUV, taking up more than the usual space inside the carrier and not allowing the company to load its usual number of vehicles. Some exotic cars, especially old collector cars, have odd dimensions, but such vehicles may require special handling, regardless of size and weight.

Obviously, whatever the car, you want it insured for its journey and your usual policy will probably not cover this. You will incur an added, but absolutely necessary cost by buying coverage from the company you select. Just like your regular insurance carrier, they will offer various coverages at various prices. You want to lean toward the expensive coverage to be absolutely safe.

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. - 30242

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Necessary Items To Consider When Choosing An Auto Transport Company

By Tom Kearns

A car is a valuable asset that needs to be protected. Not only is there a monetary value to our vehicle, we often are emotionally attached and physically dependent on our vehicles to transport us from one place to another. When a vehicle needs to be moved a long distance, it is important that it have good care. When you must choose an auto transport company, you need to be diligent in your search in order for that vehicle to arrive at the new destination without damage. These tips should help you in choosing a safe and reliable auto transport company.

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.

Inquire with the company to be sure that they have the necessary licenses to move your vehicle. They should have a federal license as well as the necessary insurance and bond requirements. If the carrier is legitimate, they should have no problem in showing you this paperwork.

Be sure that you ask the company about the insurance that they have to cover any damage that might happen to your car during the move. Be sure to find out about any limitations to that insurance. For example, some companies do not cover damage that might be caused by flying gravel. This includes paint chips and broken glass. If this is not a part of the companies insurance, you will want to know before signing any paperwork.

Most companies offer different options for shipping your vehicle. Not every company will offer every option, so check to see 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 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 is the quickest way to get you vehicle to its new destination and usually includes door to door service. - 30242

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Auto Shipping Is What Exactly?

By Tom Kearns

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.

Just What is Auto Shipping?

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.

Types of auto shipping

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) 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.

You have now received a basic education in auto shipping. You are able to do your research armed with your new found wisdom and find that perfect company and carrier for your needs. Good job! - 30242

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How To Choose Courier Delivery Services

By Adriana Noton

A courier service is described as an organization which will personally arrange for the delivery of packages or documents from one place to another. Courier services usually boast fast delivery times and are often more reliable than regular mail as they carry the packages from door to door. These companies are generally used by businesses to ensure the fast delivery of important goods. Courier services can ship your package just down the street or all the way across the globe. There are so many courier delivery services - how to choose?

When trying to decide which courier delivery service to use the first thing you need to consider is where you need your package to go and how quickly you need it to get there.

The second factor to consider is the size of the package you are wanting to ship. Most courier companies determine their pricing on the size of the package as well as the distance it needs to travel.

If your package is smaller then it will be able to fit in the smaller delivery vehicles and this will reduce the cost. Keeping this in mind when getting quotes is handy as most companies will not tell you this information first hand as their prerogative is maximizing their profit margins. Find out exactly what is included in the price of the service and does this include insurance of your parcel and what this covers.

Make sure that the courier has liability insurance. Ensure that they are covered if they loose or damage your package. Make sure that you know before hand what the implications are to yourself and to the company.

You also need to make sure that any courier company is able to handle any special needs of your package. You need to determine if it needs refrigeration, hazmat or special handling. You need to make sure that your chosen courier is qualified to carry your package.

It is important to do your research when it comes to choosing a courier company and word of mouth referral is always best. Some companies may promise the cheapest rates but they do not always offer the best service. If your package is valuable it may be wise to go with the more expensive option with a higher guarantee. One factor that will help you decide is how long they have been in service. Companies that have been operating for a long period of time have well-placed systems that work whilst newer companies may not know the best routes and methods for delivery.

Find out what types of customer service is offered by the company, are there ways that you can track your package once it has left your hands? Are there ways that you or the receiving company can get in touch with the courier company should the package fail to arrive?

Do they have online services? Can you arrange a pick up online and track your package online. A website which allows you to calculate a quote for the services is a handy tool. - 30242

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Discover How To Select The Right Auto Shipping

By Tom Kearns

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. - 30242

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Shipping That Classic Car With Class

By Tom Kearns

You've bought a Blower Bentley and lovingly customized it a la California Kid: it is a customized vintage sports car and you are weaving in and out of traffic like a comet between common stars. Or you have already acquired the unique recent Marussia. The point is, nobody has a car like yours and now you have to ship it and you are not sure how to. You are reluctant to drive that mint-new beauty all those miles and it seems that for a magical car like yours only magic would do to teleport it to the destination.

But though they have been somewhat neglected by mystically inclined authors from Kafka to King and it is difficult to imagine anything sinisterly supernatural about them, auto shipping companies provide precisely the service you need, guaranteeing that your monetary and emotional investment will not be lost or so much as scratched.

The first thing that you should do is find the carrier that you plan to use. Make sure that you seek out a carrier that has real experience. Most of us have never been in a situation where we need to ship our car so it is often difficult to know who the best auto carriers are. If you find yourself in this situation, hiring a good auto shipping broker may be the best option for you.

Compare a number of companies to make sure their terms make sense and that the companies have experience shipping your type of car. Contact them to carefully review their insurance policies and make sure that you precious property is fully covered.

If you opt for an open carrier, make sure they understand your car must be on the top tier, to keep it safer from possible vandalism or theft. On the down side, the upper deck is more prone to exposure to harsh weather, vermin, and any road debris that may be flying high along open roads.

Ideally you want to probably go with a closed carrier. This means that your car will be in an enclosed trailer from start to finish and will not be exposed to the outside world in any way. This will cost more money. Its up to you how much you want to spend depending how comfortable you are with your car shipping in an open carrier.

Once you decide on your choice of trailer options you should begin to remove any external customizations that are not bolted down. This will help the auto shipping company move your vehicle from place to place without the extra worry of breaking or losing any aftermarket products.

Unnecessary fuel is a hazard: leave only enough fuel to get the car to the carrier and off it at destination. This extra fuel adds weight to the load and increases the cost to you.

Before handing the car over to the company, inspect it and document the smallest prior damage, if such exists. I am sure the owner of a Bentley or a Marussia need not be reminded, but just in case, make sure you wash the car before you take dated digital pictures of it in clear daylight light from all sides and angles, so that no significant nuance or scratch remain undocumented. - 30242

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Auto Shipping - Open Carriers

By Tom Kearns

It often happens that a customer avails himself of a service without realizing they had any choice about it. There may be so many issues to consider, the most vital of which is the estimated price and reliability, that you might never think of the existence of multiple carrier types. The trucks offered by any sensibly sized company are not merely great big trucks or trailers hauling a bunch of cars. The owner who would rather not drive endless miles by himself and who will have his car shipped safely had better have some notion of the technical differences between the various methods offered by standard companies.

Since air and water shipment are a business unto themselves, we are not dealing with that here. We are concentrating on domestic auto shipping within one country's borders, usually over land, in either open or closed carrier transport. When visualizing such a vehicle, the long, many tiered, open truck with trailer comes to mind. This is the most commonly seen type of vehicle on the road today and is a safe and reliable means to ship a vehicle requiring no special attributes. Long distance transportation though is probably better carried out with closed carriers. Cars in open carriers are exposed to the vagaries of weather, road dirt, and vandals, thieves and hijackers. When looked at in this way, even with short distances the open carrier may be the right choice. Of course, you have made sure that your vehicle is covered by insurance, preferably the company's rather than your own. But even with that, settling the claim you make because your 1928 Duisenberg was a scratched up pile of mud on arrival is not something to look forward to.

Naturally, owners of rare, expensive or vintage cars are more aware of the closed carrier option than those of us with normal, everyday cars. But the folks with Fords and Chevys should also consider this as an option, even though a more expensive one. The extra expense is partially due to the smaller capacity of the open carrier.

The essence of open carrier shipping is its cost advantage. Driving a car yourself a long distance to its final destination will probably cost you more than hiring it done by an auto shipper, because of the cost of gas, repairs on route, possible damage to the vehicle, and the differing traffic laws of states that are you not aware of. The cost of shipping your car is at very least a known factor.

An open auto transport truck is hardly an uncommon sight which is testimony not only to its popularity but its reliability. Such trucks are around 80 feet long by 14 feet high and are restricted to only those roads capable of handling them, those without low bridges, sharp turns, or overhanging tree branches. Factories trust these vehicles routinely to transport their finished products to show rooms and lots.

The open transport method is likely to offer more flexibility in time frames and perks. Also, a customer of an open carrier can specify where he wants he car located on the truck, whether top tier to keep it further away from ill-intentioned humans, or even towed behind the truck keeping it away from other vehicles. - 30242

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International Auto Shipping

By Tom Kearns

Traveling internationally can open your eyes, mind, heart and soul. The gorgeous vistas, cultures, food, music and people can unlock the mysteries within you and the world. Sometimes we travel on foot other times we travel in vehicles but if we have a specific vehicle we want to ride along with us during our travels we must prepare its departure along with ours.

Shipping your Vehicle

It's important to find an international auto shipping company that can assist and support you in this endeavor; for it's not easy to do on your own.

Most often, it will take approximately 20 to 30 days to actually ship your vehicle. However, there are some specific routes that may only require 7 to-- days, but you would have to be absolutely sure of the route you wanted it to take. You must allow the company adequate time to ship your vehicle in any case. The international companies will generally allow you to plan up to two months before departure time. You must notify them, however, about two weeks in advance of the departure. If you wish to speed up this process, it is possible but it will cost you for the individual special arrangements. Once your vehicle reaches the designated destination, you have two or three days to pick it up. Suppose that your desired destination is inaccessible to the shipper? Not to worry, they will hire a driver to get it to your location, or if not there, to a terminal within a reasonable distance from that. Get a trusted friend or family member to pick it up wherever it lands if you are unavailable within two or three days to pick it up. It's a wise move to have an alternate plan for pick up in any case.

Again, for a price, you can ask for a different time frame or delivery and they will try to accommodate your schedule. The price will vary depending on individual scheduling circumstances. The size and weight of the vehicle is the determining factor in calculating the rate. You are allowed to either prepay or pay an agent at the destination country. Most companies will accept personal checks, money orders, cashier's checks or major credit cards. An absolute must for the shippers' convenience is that your gas tank be as low as possible when shipping your vehicle overseas.

Please note that even though it seems like a grand opportunity to load up your vehicle with your personal belongings since it is going internationally, do not do this. It is prohibited by a Department of Transportation ruling of'98. Trucks are checked at random for prohibited items within them. Prohibited items would include household goods or any belongings of a personal nature. They will be disposed of if found. Personal goods are not covered by the shippers carrier insurance, so this practice is very risky. This regulation covers domestic as well as international vehicle shipments. This "contraband" also adds to the weight of your vehicle which could damage its suspension during loading and unloading, thus compromises the shipping company. Just don't do it. - 30242

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Factors that May Effect the Cost of Auto Transport

By Tom Kearns

The dimensions of the car to be shipped mean that it will either fit a single slot on the truck or that it will require several slots, raising the price. Moreover, a closed carrier, which costs more in itself, accommodates less vehicles; which means that transportation of a odd sized car in a closed carrier is even costlier.

Carriers are prohibited by law the overall weight they are allowed to carry at any one time. A reliable, law abiding trucking company will be forced to impose additional fees because they can carry fewer vehicles. Some cars are just plain built heavy and nothing can be done about that. But for your normal average-sized auto, weight may be reduced by removing all personal belongings and any custom add-ons before you ship it.

The date you ship your vehicle is subject to variables like the price of fuel, the weather conditions, and the competition. It is possible to get a cheaper quote by just changing the date of shipment.

For the most part, companies operate trucks which accommodate more than one car, serving more than one customer at a time. For this reason, and because customers book the services at different times, with individual specifications, it may either not be possible for a specific available truck to deliver your car as and when you require it, unless perhaps you change their priorities by paying more. In any case, requiring delivery on a specific date, rather within a more or less flexible time-frame, costs more.

If the company is very large, you may actually be able to get your car shipped alone on one truck, which as mentioned above, will cost you. However, you will get the advantage of a safer, speedier delivery and on the required date. If you are not pressed for time, though, make arrangement to ship your car on a multi-vehicle carrier, which will save you money.

Overseas shipping is highly likely to be more expensive than domestic. Different countries have different rules and regulations. Add to that the fact that more than one method of shipment may be required, such as air, water, rail or possibly a combination of these. This requires more of a concern for safety and insurance.

This process may seem frightening to you considering all the ramifications and details involved, but bear in mind, that auto shipping is now a large global enterprise and growing. The amount of detail and services offered for the client's consideration is testimony to the fact they are in the business to endure and offering more is to your advantage as well as theirs. Their proliferation also gives the customer the capability to make comparisons among the companies and select the one most suitable to their needs.

Competition among these burgeoning enterprises may drive them to be more flexible with their pricing, though this is less true of foreign companies than domestic. Most companies will offer free quotes so don't limit yourself to just the gargantuans of the industry. The quotes for similar services among the contenders may vary also by the specific states or borders required. Try the young, energetic companies and don't be afraid to negotiate for your best price. - 30242

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