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Archive for the ‘ Auto transport ’ Category

Auto Transport Companies

January 13, 2010 | Comments Off | Auto transport

Auto transport companies have increased in importance recently as the internet has connected car buyers across the country. With car haulers based around the country, auto transport companies provide a safe, inexpensive and efficient way to move a car from one state to another without taking a road trip or bearing the liability from trusting a stranger with taking your car on the road. The auto transport companies providing quotes at the top of this page are insured, reputable and use licensed, reliable drivers to move your expensive cargo from point a to point b with as little risk as possible.

Technological advances in transporting cars have made the process of hiring and using auto transport companies even simpler. The quote box at the top of this page allows you to get an instant estimate of your shipping costs twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The price for shipping your car will vary based on the type of car, the running condition of the car and the starting and ending points for the car’s journey. Many carriers also provide the ability to track your car’s movement across the country from your computer, similar to tracking a package using a domestic freight carrier.

Auto transport companies have a variety of methods to use for transporting a car between locations. Some transport companies use car hauler trucks for the initial pickup and delivery to the final location, but use rail transport to move the cars between transport hubs. Others use truck haulers for the entire journey and pick up cars along their highway route. Many auto transport companies also provide the option of shipping cars internationally, whether to other countries in North America by road or rail, or across an ocean using shipping containers and freighters.

Before shipping a car using auto transport companies, it is important for you to first prepare your car for transport. The car needs to have a fuel tank that is at least half empty and the car itself needs to have the alarm system disabled. You also need to remove your personal items from the car, as auto transport companies are not willing to accept responsibility for personal items in your car. At the time of pick-up, you will verify the condition of your vehicle and sign off on an inspection report. The transport company will provide a firm deadline for delivery of the car, as well as documents outlining policies and guarantees if the deadline is not met. A similar inspection will be completed at the time of delivery, at which point the balance of the transport charge will be due.

Auto transport companies are the best way to get a car across the country — or even between countries — when you change homes or purchase a car from a distant seller. Auto transport companies can often provide this service for a lower fee than you would spend on hotels, food and fuel during a long road trip to your new destination. Use our free quote service in the box above and receive an instant price estimate for your future transport needs.

Comparing Auto Transport Rates

December 8, 2009 | Comments Off | Auto transport

If you are looking for the best possible auto transport rates, then you need to know all about the various options. Each and every day, people ship cars to all parts of the country from all parts of the country. These people make it happen with a process that is relatively easy to understand. Because there are lots of different shipping companies out there to help people with these needs, it is possible to get solid auto transport rates in the current economy. The question becomes, how do you find these rates? The simple answer is through comparison and using the internet, but that’s not the complete answer.

How distances correlate with rates
As you are comparing auto transport rates, you will find that there is a strong correlation between your rate and the distance that your shipment will cover. What you will find in looking at various companies is that there are some companies who do a much better job of providing low rates for long-range shipments. These companies might take a little bit longer to make the delivery, but they will provide you with something that is actually affordable. For people who are looking for a bit of value, these auto rates will be something to certainly consider. Ultimately you are going to get the best rates only if you do a complete comparison of many different companies, though.

Understanding covered and uncovered options
It doesn’t take a genius to see the difference in auto transport rates between covered trailers and uncovered trailers. For people who want a little bit more protection for their car, the covered route is a solid choice. These auto transport rates, of course, will be higher because these spots are in higher demand. The level of service that accompanies a spot in a covered trailer will vary based upon which company you are working with. This makes it even more important look for as much information as you can when comparing the companies.

Likewise, lower auto transport rates can be had if you are willing to ship the vehicle in an uncovered trailer. As far as getting the car to its destination is concerned, these trailers do an excellent job. The issue here is that they cannot protect the vehicle from outside damage nearly as well as a covered trailer can. Keeping this in mind when looking at various auto transport rates will be your best approach to finding a company that satisfies all of your shipping needs.

Using the internet as your friend
For those people who are serious about finding the best possible company for shipping their car, it is important to understand just how powerful the internet is in your search. Compare auto transport rates right online and you will be able to see how a bunch of different companies fare when put side by side. Cost is not the only consideration that you have to have in mind, so look for even more information on each of the companies. When you use the internet, you will be able to find out how they protect your car and how long it typically takes them to make deliveries to a host of different destinations. Comparing auto transport rates and details in this way will give consumers a better chance of understanding the process before they walk into it.

Shipping An Auto By Train

September 9, 2009 | Comments Off | Auto transport

Transport by auto train is becoming more popular than ever, largely due to the increasing costs of shipping via truck line. As gas prices continue to rise, shipping by train is being turned to by more and more people – especially those seeking to find a more economical way to get a car from point A to point B. If you’ve never shipped a vehicle  before, it may sound complicated or too involved; the fact of the matter, though, is that shipping by auto train is quick, efficient and budget-friendly.

Why Use An Auto Train?

Even if an auto train isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to moving a car, it’s important to realize that there are many excellent reasons for using one. The most common reason people chose to ship their car is when they have to relocate. The logistics of moving from one coast to another, for example, can be daunting; if your family has more than one car, shipping via car transport can simplify things considerably. Why waste the gas and try to coordinate moving two, three – or even more – cars from one place to another, when having it shipped can cut your work in half for you?

Use An Auto Train When Vacationing

Believe it or not, moving isn’t the only time that people choose to enlist the help of a car shipping company. Renting a car can be prohibitively expensive, especially if you’re planning a long trip. Rather than spend all that cash on a rental, you can have your car sent to you via auto train. Considering that the average cost of shipping a car  is approximately $1,000, it’s easy to see why it’s the more budget friendly choice. If you’re planning an extended vacation and would like to use your own car – but don’t feel like driving it wherever you’re going – shipping your car  might be just the right option for you.

Get High End Vehicles Transported Safely

Moving can be a car collector’s worst nightmare, in terms of getting their beloved vehicles from place to place safely. This is where an auto train comes in: your high end vehicle can be loaded onto a train and carried to its destination. Using an auto transporter allows you to avoid putting an excessive number of miles on your well maintained classic car – and that helps you keep its value high. In that regard, an investment in shipping via  train makes good fiscal sense. As an added bonus, shipping your vintage car protects it from the dangers of the road better than just about anything. There’s no doubt about it: shipping by auto train is a car collector’s dream come true.

Avoid High Fuel Expenses

Astronomical gas prices are on everybody’s mind these days; they can be assuaged by shipping. Although the flat fee charged to ship may sound excessive, when it’s broken down by the cost per gallon of fuel, it’s an absolute steal. Economically savvy folks know that  car shipping is the way to go, whether it’s for moving purposes, an extended vacation or any other reason. Using an auto train can save you time, money and from excessive worrying, too. Get your free auto train shipping quotes now- just fill out the form at the top of the page!

Auto Transfer FAQ

September 9, 2009 | Comments Off | Auto transport

Auto transfer services exist to put you at ease when deciding how to move your car. If you have  recently bought or sold a car online, or  have  a performance machine you’d rather not put the miles onto, an auto transport service may be your solution.  Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about auto transfer services.

How Long Will Auto Transfer Take to Ship My Car?

This of course depends on how far you are moving it. Chances are, if you are on this site, you are planning to move a car long distance. In general it will take anywhere from 3-7 days for your car to get to its new home. Be sure to ask each service for an estimate as to how long your transport will take, but be wary of any service who offers verbal guarantees but won’t back it up in writing, with a clause as to what your recourse is if they fail to deliver within the specified time.

How Much Does Auto Transfer Cost?

The first factor for pricing auto transfer is of course distance traveled—you will pay less to ship from Texas to Tennessee than from Connecticut to California. The second is weight—it will cost more to ship a pickup truck than a subcompact. The cost usually depends on the type of transport being used, and the services offered as well. An open transport will cost less than an enclosed transfer, and a transfer to and from a large city will usually cost less than a delivery to a rural area. Be sure to discuss all of these options with each company you receive quotes from.

What Paperwork Do I Need?

You will be expected to provide your auto transfer provider proof of ownership of the car as well as sales records if you are shipping for sale to a new owner. This way the shipper won’t be an accessory to any crimes and doesn’t get to the end of the line with nobody to pick up the car.

How Do I Choose an Auto Transfer Company?

Your best bet for an auto transfer firm is one that is bonded and insured—in fact, you should never go with a company that isn’t bonded and insured. Most companies will also offer you the option of purchasing an additional insurance policy to cover any damages that may occur along the way. Most auto transport services use flatbed trucks such as you typically see moving cars to dealerships. As a result debris can cause minor damage, though this is relatively rare.

Another feature any FAQ would be remiss to not mention is reputation. There are a number of sites available online which offer reviews of various transport companies across the country. Read the reactions of past customers and find one with a reputation for customer service and professionalism.

My Car Doesn’t Run, Is This a Problem?

Not for most companies, but be sure to mention it when getting a quote. Specialized equipment may be needed to load and unload your car if it isn’t drivable
We hope that this FAQ has answered the most common questions, but we understand that the prospect of putting your baby on the back of a truck and sending it on the road can be frightening. For this reason, all of our partners are fully licensed, bonded, insured, and pre-screened.  Fill out the form above to check out the best rates and service for auto transfer anywhere today!

Questions to Ask Your Auto Mover

September 9, 2009 | Comments Off | Auto transport

What is an auto mover? Many people find on moving day that they must either have additional cars transported to their new home, or simply have the primary car moved as they are flying to their new destination. This is common for people who are moving cross-country or to another country, since it is often much more economical to have the car transported than to try and drive it to the new location. These people hire auto movers, which are companies that specialize in the safe shipment of automobiles.

Therefore, it is important for anyone hiring car shipping company to ask the following questions:

-Is the transport company licensed? And how long has the company been licensed?
This is the most important question. While theoretically anyone can claim to be an auto mover, since cars are large, delicate, and can easily be destroyed if improperly secured, all states have licensing laws regarding car shipper. An unlicensed company is sure to be trouble, as is a transporter  which has lost and regained their  license!

-How much will the auto mover charge?
The cost of moving a vehicle is dependent on the type of the vehicle, how far it needs to travel, and how it will be transported. It is important to have these costs locked down contractually before the vehicle is moved, to ensure that no extra costs are racked up during the move. It is also a good idea to see if the fee can be reduced by transporting the vehicle at a later date or to a nearby city instead of the final destination. Many times it will cost hundreds of dollars to take a vehicle deep into an urban area, and they are willing to pass much of the savings on to the customer if the vehicle is delivered to a nearby suburb instead.

-What sort of transportation options are provided by the auto mover?
In general, transporters use special trucks to move the cars around, and carry those same cars on board ships when crossing the ocean. It is important to choose a transportation method appropriate for the car. Cars which can withstand the weather can easily take an un-enclosed transportation trailer, while vintage and collectible cars generally cannot. Ask your car transport company what sort of trailers they can offer.

-What sort of references can the auto mover provide?
All it takes is one loose chain to turn a beautiful car into a smashed pile of wreckage by the highway. Does the transporter have a history of quality service? Can they point to happy  customers and a good rating by the Better Business Bureau? Ideally you want a  company  who will treat your car with the same sort of care that they would treat their own vehicle.

-What sort of insurance does this auto mover carry?
All licensed auto shippers are required by law to carry insurance, but it is always a good idea to check with your personal auto insurance company to verify what coverage it provides during transport as well.  Even a good driver may run afoul of bad weather or defective equipment, so this  insurance is very important!

These are just some of the most basic questions one should ask, and it is always important to shop around and research a company’s business history before hiring them. This not only ensures one gets the best deal, but that they hire a transporter that they know they can trust.

To get started now, fill out the form at the top of the page to get your free quotes from reputable, licensed, bonded, and insured auto movers!