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

About the Author:

For more information on auto shipping or to get an instant auto shipping quote please visit http://www.jmnhaul.com .

Steps To Take To Prepare Your Car For Shipping

By Tom Kearns

Common sense and a few tips can make the rather daunting task of shipping a vehicle run more smoothly. Follow these steps to make sure that vehicle shipping results in a calm, cool and collected experience for you.

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.

Remove all exterior attachments. This includes bike racks, spare tire covers, and even your car antenna if it does not retract. Anything that can easily be knocked off, or that can damage another car on the carrier should be removed. You should also remove any personal belongings that may be inside the vehicle. This includes global positioning systems, removable radios, and anything else that can be reasonably removed. The shipping company's insurance will not want to be responsible for anything other than your vehicle and chances are that they won't be.

Do not ship a vehicle that leaks any fluid whatsoever. Fix those leaks before you ship. Leaky fluids can cause harm to other vehicles stacked on the carrier, to the carrier itself, and not of the least concern, to the environment. Show the same respect to others as you would want them to show to you.

Have your keys ready. If there is a separate key for the trunk or anything else on your vehicle make sure to turn over a complete set of keys when you drop off your car or truck or when it is picked up from you. It is also important that you make sure that you disarm or, even better, disconnect your alarm system.

Shipping your vehicle does not have to be a nightmare if you follow these simple steps. Have a nice trip. - 30242

About the Author:

For more information on Auto Shipping or to get an auto transportation quote please visit http://www.jmnhaul.com .

Auto Shipping Brokers Versus Auto Shipping Carriers

By Tom Kearns

There are two companies in the ring. The carrier in one corner, the broker in the other. Which one are you going to put your money on?

Competitors in the ring

The auto shipping carriers are as numerous as baby bunnies. These businesses provide a convenient service for vehicles on the move, for car dealers and for customers with specific requirements. Most find that contacting one of these carriers online may be the only way to go as they are all over the place and a face-to-face contact with them is unlikely. Even so, it is not very difficult to obtain quotes and rates either online or by telephone. Excellent customer service is usually their stock in trade. The rates quoted to you will include the cost of insurance which is imperative for the well being of your vehicle. The auto shipping carriers will offer you several options by which to ship your vehicle or equipment of any sort. Your vehicle can be transported in an open or enclosed environment, by truck, rail, freight or boat, and these are just some of the services they offer.

On the other hand, auto shipping brokers are individual agents operating as the middleman between you and the car hauling company. These brokers are widely used by both the trucking company and the individual shipping his vehicle. They definitely do ease the burden of both parties by bringing the clients and revenue to the shipping company and by handling the gory details of the move for the customer. The customer shipping the vehicle also enjoys the freedom of not being tied down to any one shipper and has a variety of companies and prices from which to choose. The customer can actually talk to the broker providing direct communication.

Who is the winner?

The main difference between broker and carrier is brokers do not have their own trucks or transportation systems. Carriers have their own shipping utilities, and the cost is somewhat less expensive. Brokers are the people that find the companies for you, and get your vehicle picked up and delivered. A major problem for carriers is that their transportation services are far away from the customer and you can only use their services, but with a broker you are allowed full disclosure to a multitude of options without being tied down to any one company; as well as the benefit of relying on your broker to get the carrier to your destination quickly and easily.

If you choose a broker instead of the carrier itself, you will get various quotes and rates and select the one you want. The broker also can take advantage of immediate interaction with the carrier's drivers. Or so the promise goes. In reality, this is not always true. Most carriers do not have the equipment to communicate directly to the driver. Brokers, if they can communicate, are working with one shipper at a time. Contrast this to the carrier/shipper companies who have a huge supply of trucks or other drivers domestically, internationally or both, which hampers communication significantly.The carrier will most often drop off the vehicles at a terminal expecting you to pick it up there. A broker gives you door-to-door service as an added convenience.

The fight was a good one, but it all depends on your standards of competition. The one you pick will be the winner, so choose away! - 30242

About the Author:

Visit JMN Logistics for more information on Auto Transport or follow JMN Logistics on Auttr.

Auto Transport - Why It Is Important To Always Inspect Your Vehicle

By Tom Kearns

As an auto shipping customer, there are several important questions that we ask ourselves, concerning our vehicle when deciding on the right auto shipping company. How much will it cost to ship my car, truck, or van from point A to point B? How long with the transport take?

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.

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.

Should you find damage at journey's end, the following tips will help you set it right.

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.

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.

By following these steps, you will have a good chance of making certain that the vehicle you shipped out will be in the same shape at the end of it's trip as it was in the beginning. This is as it should be. - 30242

About the Author:

Visit JMN Logistics for more information on Auto Shipping or follow JMN Logistics on Auttr.

Buying A Second Hand Truck Has Its Advantages

By Alberto Moyano

It is sometimes better to buy a used truck for your business. Buying a used vehicle can save you a good amount of dollars that might be handy for the progress of your business.

But, it might not be that easy as it sounds. A used truck brings a certain degree of risk with it. To completely wipe out that risk, it is important to implement the following steps while buying a used truck:

Research

It is important to carry out extensive research if you want to buy a quality used truck. Refer to the classifieds and surf through the used truck?s dealers in order to find out the best offer available.

It is advisable to narrow down you research to two or three models, which suit your requirements the best. This will make things more convenient for you.

You can also read some of the reviews on the internet about used vehicle you are eyeing. This will give you an idea of pros and corns of the used truck you are buying.

Shortlist the dealers

Once you have researched extensively for the dealers, it is time to zero down on them. Depending on their repute and offer, you should shortlist the dealers from whom you will buy your used truck.

Apart from going for conventional classifieds and dealer's websites, you should also visit some of the Government and private auctions. Who knows - you might find your truck at very, very low prices.

Scrutinize

Before striking the deal with the dealer, you should carefully check the used truck you are going to buy. There are few things you can keep in mind while scrutinizing a used truck. They are:

* Condition of engine and its life

* The exterior and interior body

* Condition of tyres

* Working of heaters, brakes, radio, A/C, seat belts and power windows

Negotiate

Don't forget to negotiate with the dealer before you buy your used truck. It is noticed that dealers price these vehicles a bit higher so there is enough scope of negotiation.

If you consider all the above factors, you will surely be able to buy a cheap used truck for your business. - 30242

About the Author:

If you are looking to buy second hand cabs be sure to check the vehicle documents. Before making a decision on any kind of cheap used truck, make sure you familiarise yourself with the vehicle history.

The Value Of Tracking Shipment Packages

By Amy Nutt

Whether you are shipping a package for business or to family and friends, it is important that you know your package will arrive on time and in the same condition as you sent it. Once you ship your package, you have the ability to track your package any time of the day and night. This is very useful for time sensitive packages, packages containing quality items such as antiques and collectables, and important documents.

Giving customers the ability to track their shipments is now a standard practice of shipping companies such as couriers like FedEx and UPS, as well as USPS. Reputable shippers now offer customized tracking services for all of their clients, whether a business or individual. For instance, UPS, FedEx, and USPS all provide an Internet tracking tool that customers can use on their own Internet or intranet sites. For retailers who ship products to their customers, they can install the tracking tool on their website, and customers can track their packages from the manufacturer to their homes. UPS, FedEx, and other shipping companies also provide delivery confirmation information, such as the precise delivery time and the name of the person who accepted the package.

There are innovative methods that shipping companies now offer through the use of the Internet. For instance, for a small fee, UPS will acquire an image of the receiver's signature and make it available for viewing online. This is beneficial for businesses that send a lot of packages to customers because this delivery method will help avoid problems with people who try to claim the package did not arrive

When people prepare a package for shipment, the cost is always a factor. It is important to call around to various shippers to compare prices. Prices can vary depending on the shipper and the services they offer. You can also check the websites of the companies that provide very detailed information about their shipping methods, costs, and online tracking tools. There are also sites that provide information on most of the major shipping companies such as UPS, DHL, Purolator, USPS, Canada Post, and local carriers. The best part is that it is a free service and a time saver. All that is required is entering the ZIP code of where you are shipping the item from, the ZIP code of the destination location, the weight of the package, and the number of packages. You will then receive a list of rates from the various shipping companies. As well, each individual shipping company has their own online tool where you submit your information to get a shipping quote.

Once you have shipped your item, then you can track it online. You track the package by entering the shipment number and you will be given information about where your package is while it is in transit. You can also receive mails updates about the location of your package. There is a tool that lets you submit your email address to have the tracking information sent to you as it is updated. There are also websites that let you track your packages no matter which shipping company you use.

Whether for business or personal use, we all want to feel comfortable and secure with the shipping company we use. Using a tracking method ensures that you know where the package is and when it will arrive. All of the main shippers have tracking software available allowing the public and businesses to check the status of their packages. - 30242

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As we offer courier delivery service, your goods are guaranteed to be delivered at the lowest freight. With international shipping quote, you can plan ahead of how much shipping you want to do. Our service offers speed like no other, same day courier is available!

How to Avoid Scams When Shipping a Package

By Amy Nutt

With so many shoppers now making use of retailers that ship their purchased items to their homes, there are now criminals looking to take advantage of people by swindling them out of their hard earned money. Scammers are very clever and are skilled at tricking the most informed person, so it is important to know how to avoid scams when shipping a package.

1. With the huge growth of the internet, retailers are making use of drop courier delivery services. Because the retailer does not get to see the items being shipped, a few drop shipping companies may ship poor quality items directly to the retailer's customers. To make sure the drop shipper that you use is legitimate, you can order a few products from them to make sure they are as described and are of good quality. You will also be able to assess the shipping times. There are many quality drop shippers so the key is to find good wholesale supplier. A good drop shipping wholesale supplier should be trustworthy because they are an important part of a business.

2. Do an internet search of the shipper you are investigating to see if they are legitimate. Make sure there is a legitimate address and contact phone number. You can then contact the shipper directly. As well, there are scam busting sites where people report scammers so you can to see if there was any thing posted about the shipping company you are researching. Every legitimate company will have licenses and certifications to provide the services that they offer. You may want to call the better business bureau who can inform you of any issues they have on file for a company.

3. Do not ever give out financial or personal information. This can include your driver's license number, social security number, credit or debit card number, or bank account number. Do not click on links to your account because it may possibly be a Phishing email that will send you to a fraudulent site. Read the purchaser's email carefully and look for questionable words. Make a note of persistence to ship right away. Phrases and sentences should make sense. Do not open any type of attachments from unknown sources.

4. Do not ship anything until you have received the payment. If the payment is by e-check, wait until it clears before you ship the item.

5. If you are the victim of a scam, go to the shipping company that you used to send the package and tell them what happened. They may be able to intercept the package and return it before it arrives at its destination.

6. Report any scammers to the company where the transaction process took place such as eBay, PayPal, Craig's list, etc. You should also report it to the police.

7. Be on the lookout for phony cashier checks and money orders. If a bank cashes it, you will be responsible for paying the bank when the fake is discovered.

Unfortunately there are predators out there looking to take advantage of people. Anyone can be a victim of a scam so it is important to take precautionary measures when shipping an item or paying for an item that is supposed to be shipped to you. - 30242

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As we offer courier delivery service, your goods are guaranteed to be delivered at the lowest freight. International shipping quote is also available so you can plan ahead of how much shipping you want to do. Our air freight service offers flexibility like no other, visit us today!