Choosing a car shipper can help make a long-distance move easier and less stressful. But knowing how to choose the best company for your needs and budget can take a little time and effort. Taking the time to consider a few helpful tips can help make the selection of an auto shipping company much simpler. By reviewing the following car shipping checklist, you can choose a car shipper that will help take the stress out of moving your vehicle to your new location.

• Cost. When comparing costs among different companies, make sure each provides you with a total cost, including any and all applicable fees. Some transporters may appear to be cheaper, but, often, there are fees which are not included in the final quoted cost. Be sure to get all quotes guaranteed in writing. Most companies will ask you for certain criteria to determine overall cost, including the origin and destination of the car, the departure date, the type of car or vehicle you want handled by the car shipper, and any special considerations, such as enclosed shipment. If you are shipping a car over a long distance, the costs will be higher than if it were a short trip.
• Deposit. While considering cost, also be sure to ask if a deposit is required. Whether or not a deposit is required, the amount of that deposit may vary considerably from one car shipper to another. Also, inquire whether or not the transporter will add a surcharge for credit card payments. Some companies require payment be made in cash or by cashier’s check only.
• Read your contract.It may seem obvious, but when reviewing the car transport services a specific car shipper offers, be sure to carefully and completely read the contract. If any areas of the contract seem vague, be sure to ask for clarification before signing. Look for the costs assessed when canceling a shipment order, as well as any clause which says the company does not guarantee a specific pick-up or delivery date.
• Are you insured? Be sure the car shipper provides insurance coverage for your vehicle that protects it from damage or theft while in the care of the shipping company or its employees, and ask for a written copy of the insurance contract.
• Establish pick-up and delivery dates. Ask the shipping company to give you, in writing, estimated pick-up and delivery dates for your vehicle. In most cases, a transporter will give a two to three day window for pickup. Verify that the contract stipulates any penalties they may be assessed if they are late in delivery or pick up. If no penalty is indicated, ask the car shipper to include a discount or to pay for car rental if they fail to delivery your car on time. Once the vehicle is picked up, the driver can often give a precise date for delivery.
• Check references. Choose car movers wisely. There are several things to consider when interviewing transporters. First, your car movers should have a long history of delivering a quality service and be able to refer you to satisfied customers. You should hire an experienced company who will know how to properly transport and care for your car, especially after you have gone to so much trouble and expense to move it.You can save yourself considerable headaches by checking the Better Business Bureau. Ask for references from other customers as well.
• Be flexible. While it is important for everyone to adhere to the timeline presented on the car shipping checklist, being flexible about unforeseen circumstances will make it easier on everyone involved. Sometimes, bad weather or equipment failure cause even the most responsible and professional companies to have delays. As long as the car movers are communicating with you about any necessary changes and the car is delivered as soon as possible, try to be as graceful as possible.

An auto shipping checklist lets you know the things that you should do to your vehicle before you turn it over to a car moving company. Most auto shippers require that you complete a pre-transport checklist prior to them taking your vehicle. The checklist will help prepare your car to be transported without incurring any damage or property loss. The checklists are very specific, and will help you and the shipping company to ensure the vehicle arrives in the same shape it was in when dropped off.

Starting Work on Your Auto Shipper Checklist

Your auto shipper checklist should begin with making sure that you have personal insurance on your vehicle. Personal insurance will cover you in cases where your car is damaged, but the shipping company is not held liable.

The next thing your auto transport checklist will tell you is to have you car washed. If your car is clean when you arrive, you can cover several of the other items on your checklist at once.  You should thoroughly inspect your car for any damages with the auto shipper. It is easier to see any scratches or dents on the outside of a clean car. You should also inspect the glass for chips or cracks.

The checklist will suggest you check the inside of the vehicle to note any damage before turning it over to auto shippers. The transport company will require personal items removed from the vehicle.  You will need to remove any cell phones, removable stereo, and GPS units. Some auto shippers may let you carry less than 100 pounds of personal belongings in the trunk, though it will not be covered by insurance.

Everything that is removable from the outside of the vehicle will need to be taken off. Auto shippers will want all spoilers, fog lights, removable antennas and even luggage racks to be removed.  Alarms should also be deactivated before shipping as well.

Checking the Working Status of Your Vehicle

You should service your vehicle prior to taking it to the terminal. Make certain that everything is in working order with no leaking fluids. Most car shipping companies prefer to have about a quarter tank of gas as well, which allows the vehicle to be moved on and off of the transport without having to carry the extra weight of a full tank of gas.

Finally, transport companies will require that you have a complete set of keys for the transport driver, as well as a set for yourself. It is a DOT regulation that the driver has a full set of keys.

Remember, the best way to protect your vehicle is by following the pre-shipment checklist. To get your free quotes from licensed, bonded, and insured auto shippers, fill out the short form at the top of the page now!

Car shipping preparation is important. Failure to make the proper arrangements can increase the chances of damages and other mishaps. To get your car from one destination to another, a reputable auto transport agency will require you to perform a series of preparations ahead of time. Below, we will take a closer look at the things a domestic auto transport company will expect you to do to ready your car for shipping. There’s no reason why your experience shouldn’t go smoothly; the key is to have everything in proper order.

Transport Vehicle Inspection: Clean Out Your Car

Before having your car shipped by a vehicle transport company, remove absolutely everything you possibly can from inside it. Having loose items bouncing around inside your car during the transport process heightens the chances for damages and other problems considerably. Furthermore, presenting a clean, clutter-free car for your transport vehicle inspection will make everything go more smoothly and quickly. A clean car makes it that much easier to notice dents, scratches or stains during the auto transport preparation inspection you will go through with a rep from your transport car company. If there is any damage to your car glass, consider having it fixed before shipping.

Remove Non-Permanent Car Attachments

Part of preparing cars for shipping is removing excess items from your vehicle, which includes racks for transporting bikes, luggage, skis, guns, or other equipment. This equipment can get in the way of vehicle shipping, and can also result in added weight, which will increase your transport costs and may cause your original quote to be invalidated. Your antennae, rear spoilers, grill covers, exterior spare tires, and all car covers are included in “non-permanent attachments,” so make sure to take those off too! Removing high or low hanging items like these ensures that simply driving your truck or car up or down a ramp won’t cause damage. You will also want to remove any non-permanent CD players, radios or stereos, car phones, garage door openers, and an EZ Pass, if you have one.

If your truck has a canopy or a cap, make sure it is bolted to the truck. Otherwise, remove any non-permanent truck caps and canopies to lower your shipping weight if you can. The same goes for camper shells.

Get A Tune-Up Before Hiring a Transport Vehicle Company

Make sure that your car is in top condition as an integral part of any car shipping preparation. Ask a trusted mechanic to look it over carefully so that you have an independent opinion other than the inspection that the company mandates. Your car is probably going on quite a journey if you are hiring a vehicle shipping agency, so it makes sense to cover all of your bases. The last thing that you need after getting your car back from the transport company is to discover a major problem that could have been prevented with a proper tune-up.

Don’t forget to charge your battery. A full battery securely mounted in your car should be ensured as part of preparing a car for shipping. This will allow your transport car company to start your car without problems.

If your car engine has oil, transmission, or other fluid leaks, it can impact your car and others negatively during transport. Make sure that all the obvious fluid leaks have been taken care of before you drop your car off or have it picked up.

Disable Your Car Alarm

You may have to disconnect your car alarm if it does not have a reliable disabling device; having your car alarm triggered during shipping is not only extremely annoying, but it may result in higher charges and issues with your transport car company later on, not to mention a dead battery.

Have the Correct Amount of Fuel Left in the Gas Tank

The vast majority of car shipping companies recommend leaving just a 1/4 tank of gas in a vehicle before having it picked up for car transport. A quarter tank of gas will allow your transport car company to move your car onto their truck at its pickup point and then off again. Not to mention, having more gas in your tank will mean your car is heavier, which can increase the cost of shipping.

Pay Attention to the Transport Vehicle Bill of Lading

As your car gets readied for its journey, you should be presented with a bill of lading by the car shipping company. This bill of lading should be signed by the transport driver and yourself. Make sure that the proper signatures are in place on the bill of lading before releasing the car. This not only protects them – it protects you, too.

Go Over the Transport Vehicle Legalities Carefully

When negotiating, you will eventually be handed contracts and various types of terms and conditions. Don’t scan these documents quickly; be sure to look them over very carefully. If there is something that is ambiguous, ask questions! Also, any reputable agency should be more than happy to explain things in greater detail for you.

Secure the Proper Insurance Through the Transport Vehicle Company

Even if you have a full coverage auto insurance policy, you should ask the shipping company about the extended coverage they may offer. If the auto shipping agency offers extra coverage, sign up for it. It’s one more way to ensure that you don’t incur any losses through the transport process – and it can afford you with a lot of peace of mind, too.

Include a Full Set of Keys

The driver will require access to your ignition, glove box, and car trunk. Make sure that you leave all these keys with your transporter to avoid having difficulties should he or she need to access these parts of your car.

While car shipping preparation does take a bit of work, the benefit is that you can have worry less about the safety of your car as it is transported to a new destination.

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 car shipping 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 Auto Transport 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 certainly something to consider. Ultimately, you are going to get the best rates only if you do a complete comparison of many different companies.

Understanding Your Car Shipping Service 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 to 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 uncovered car transporters. 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.

Save Time & Money with Online Auto Shipping Quotes

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 cost 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 gives consumers a better chance of understanding the process before they walk into it.

Getting Quotes from Various Auto Transport Companies

The nice thing about the internet is that you don’t have to go around calling each and every one of the auto transport companies. In the past, this would have been the only way to find the information that you were looking for. When you compare car shipping prices using a comparison site, you can get a price quote from each and every company you are interested in without ever picking up the phone, which saves time and can really put things into perspective for you.

Who Provides the Best Auto Transport Rates?

When you are going through the various sites and comparing car shipping cost, you should keep your eye on those companies that are looking to break into the business with solid introductory prices. Many times, these companies will be looking to attract a new, loyal customer base. Using the net to find these price deals will save lots of money, whether you are shipping a car that you have just purchased, or a car that needs to be moved across the country with you.

Ultimately, comparing car shipping prices is the first thing that you need to do, and it’s much easier when you enlist the help of solid comparison sites. As a consumer, you have to put in due diligence and, at the same time, you need to be aware of some of the things that impact auto transport prices.

Until a bridge is built from the main land, shipping a car to Hawaii is going to remain one of the biggest concerns for people who are making a move to the islands. Though most people understand that shipping a car to Hawaii requires it to be put on a boat and moved there, few people really understand how to facilitate this process. Luckily for people who have these shipping needs, quite a few auto transport companies specialize in helping you get your car out to the islands. There are many questions that need to be answered on this for those folks who are serious about shipping to Hawaii.

How Do Companies Set Shipping a Car to Hawaii Up?

When you are shipping a car to Hawaii, you have some different options from the beginning. Many companies will offer to ship a car from one of the major ports in San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, or any other big West Coast city. For folks who live on the West Coast and need this service, shipping directly from one of these cities is one of the best ways to save money. For people who don’t live on the West Coast, there are companies that will provide door to door service when shipping a car to Hawaii. They will pick the car up at your home, and ship it to one of these ports before sending it across the ocean.

As you might expect, shipping a car to Hawaii is much more expensive when you have to have the car shipped to the West Coast initially. Taking car shipping quote comparisons of companies who offer this service is a must at the beginning, because the prices will vary greatly depending upon which company you use.

How Much Does the Process Cost?

Some people might think that shipping car to Hawaii has an almost prohibitive cost, but this really is not the case. Though it is certainly not cheap, decent deals can be found if you will explore many of the sites and take quotes to compare against one another. Many people have been able to ship their car to the islands for as little as $1,000. This price, of course, depends upon how quickly you need the car and how much it weighs. Because of the weight factor and how important it is when you ship a car to Hawaii, the shipping companies advise people to remove all items from their vehicle, leave the fuel tank close to empty, and remove the spare tire in some instances.

How Long Does It Take?

The process of shipping to Hawaii can take quite a while, depending upon the season and how busy a company is during that period. Some companies promise to have the job done in as little as three weeks, while other companies ask that you allow more than a month for the shipping to be completed. This process moves much more quickly when you actually ship the car directly from one of the west coast ports, as opposed to shipping it across country to begin with.

When it comes to shipping a car to Hawaii, there are lots of solid companies competing for your business. Finding out more about these companies, their quotes, and their services is just the start to the process if you are serious about shipping a car to Hawaii. To get started, fill out the form at the top of the page to get your free quotes now!

One of the main questions auto shippers are asked today is how much does it cost to ship a car? If you are considering shipping a car, this question is sure to come up in your situation too. Before considering the costs of having your car shipped, you should understand what car shipping is and how it can benefit you. Listed below are the top 10 most commonly asked questions about shipping a car, including how much to ship a car. The questions and answers given can be used as a guideline to help you understand how transporting a car works and how much of a valuable service it really is.

1. What kind of vehicles can be shipped?

   Any car can be shipped, whether it is a compact car, SUV, or even a motorcycle. When inquiring about the cost to ship a car, keep in mind that smaller cars are usually cheaper to ship than larger ones like an SUV or full-sized truck.

2. If I buy a car online, can I have it shipped to me in another state?

   Absolutely. There is no need to drive hundreds or even thousands of miles to pick up your new car. Inquire today about how much it costs to ship a car, and you will see how inexpensive getting your new ride home can be.

3. How long does shipping a car usually take?

   There are many factors that determine how long it will take to ship a car. Distance, weather, and road conditions are just a few of these factors. Typically, most cars being shipped are delivered within days to up to two weeks from the time the car was initially picked up. Some auto transport companies may offer expedited services for faster delivery. You may want to look into these fees when asking yourself about the cost of shipping a car.

4. Do I need to be there when the driver picks up my car?

   It is recommended that you be there when the auto transport driver comes to pick up your car as well as for delivery.  If your schedule does not allow, have a family member or friend meet them. This is to ensure that a proper inspection of the car can be done before and after transport.

5. I have a broken down car that needs to be shipped; is it possible to ship a car that does not run?

   If you are questioning how much to ship a car, consider that shipping a car that is in non-working condition will cost more than shipping a car that is running. However, the fees to ship a broken down car are still competitive and are worth looking into.

6. Is there any special insurance needed to transport a car?

   An auto transport company is required by law to carry enough insurance to cover the value of your car while it is in their possession. It is also recommended that you carry a policy of your own to cover anything the auto transporter’s policy might not.

7. What about the safety of my car during transport?

   Shipping a car is a great way to get your car to its next destination safely and securely. Car shipping is a safe; however, accidents can happen and damage may occur to your car. This is why it is important to choose a company that carries the proper insurance. You also want to make sure to inspect your car before and after transport to make sure there was no damage made to it. If there was, make sure to bring it to the driver’s attention. Auto transporting companies know their business and are equipped to handle these situations. Remember, when asking the cost to ship a car, cheaper is not always better. Make sure your chosen auto transport company carries insurance and can cover damage to your car if it should happen.

8. Will anybody drive my car during the transport?

   The only times your car may be driven is when it is loaded and unloaded onto the trailer. Occasionally, the truck driver may need to move your car to another area of the truck to make room for another car to be transported.

9. Does my car get dropped off at my home, or do I need to pick it up somewhere?

   Many car shipping companies offer door-to-door service and terminal-to-terminal service. Door-to-door service typically costs more. When getting quotes on car shipping rates, you may want to consider getting prices for both services.

10. How much does it cost to ship a car?

    After reading all the questions and answers listed here, you will see that determining a price to ship your car involves several different factors. What car shipping company you choose, what service you choose, how you want your car shipped, and where you want your car shipped are just a few of the many factors that determine the costs involved in shipping your car. It is always best to get multiple quotes from different car shipping companies to determine exactly how much to ship a car.

Transport by Amtrak 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 one destination to another. If you’ve never shipped a vehicle before, it may sound complicated or too involved; the fact of the matter, though, is that shipping a car by train is quick, efficient and budget-friendly.

For many individuals, the easiest and quickest way to ship their car is through the use of an Amtrak auto transport. Many folks out there have to move their car for one reason or another, and they are uncomfortable just giving the car to a shipping company to handle the process. These folks would rather ride along with their car while it is being shipped, and that is where the auto train process comes in quite handy. So, how do you ship a car via auto train if that’s what you want to do? The first step is to research and choose a solid company to handle the shipping for you, since there are quite a few different options in this industry.

Compare Amtrak Auto Train With Other Auto Transport Companies

For most people, the car shipping industry is somewhat unknown because they don’t have any reason to research it until the time comes that they are actually moving their own car. The nice thing is that you can compare different auto train shipping providers quickly and efficiently right online. There are competing auto transport companies out there, and one of the primary ways that they market to customers is through the use of their online quotes. These companies can let you know how much it is going to cost for you and your family to travel right alongside as they ship your car on an Amtrak auto train.

There are some large auto train companies out there, and some that are a little bit less known. Finding the right company requires consumers to check out all of the specifications and make sure that their vehicle qualifies to ride on the auto train.

What Cars Can Ride on an Auto Train?

As you look into the process of shipping a car via auto train, you will find that they do limit space to some extent. Because of the fact that each train will have only a certain amount of room for cars, they ask that vehicles not be too tall and have some ground clearance. In addition, these auto train companies typically want their cars to be less than 65 inches in length, while SUVs, vans, and trucks can be as tall as 90 inches with Amtrak car shipping. If you happen to have needs that exceed these restrictions, then your search for a company will be a little bit more difficult and you might have to pay something extra to make it happen.

Riding Alongside Your Car

One of the best things about shipping a car by auto train is that you get to be with it the entire time. They put the car on a train and you ride on that same train, or on one that is right behind it. This means that, unlike traditional shipping methods, you don’t have to worry about where your car might be, and you don’t have to put up with delays associated with standard shipping. When you get to your new destination, the car will be right there waiting on you, which is quite valuable for people as they complete the moving process.

Ultimately, Amtrak auto train offers another very viable option for people who want to move their car a long distance. Whether you are trying to move up or down one coast or you are moving across the country, there are auto train options to take care of your needs. For car shipping quotes or auto train quotes, fill out the form at the top of the page to get your free quotes now!

Why Use An Auto Train Service?

Even if an auto train isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to car moving, it’s important to realize that there are many excellent reasons for using one. The most common reason people choose 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 Amtrak 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 just be 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 Amtrak auto shipping 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 Amtrak 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 Amtrak auto train shipping quotes now- just fill out the form at the top of the page!

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 a car shipping company to ask the following questions:

1. 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 and easily destroyed if improperly secured, all states have licensing laws regarding auto shippers. An unlicensed company is sure to be trouble, as is a transporter which has lost and regained their license!
2. How much will the auto mover charge?
   The cost of auto moving 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, an auto move 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.
3. 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 open transportation trailer, while vintage and collectible cars, generally, should not use open auto moving services. Ask your car transport company what sort of trailers they can offer.
4. 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 to hire car transport companies who will treat your car with the same sort of care that they would treat their own vehicle.
5. What sort of insurance does this auto mover carry?
   A licensed auto mover is 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 auto transport.  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 car shipping quote from a reputable, licensed, bonded, and insured auto mover!

]]> http://www.carshippingquote.com/auto-mover/feed/ 0 http://www.carshippingquote.com/auto-transporters-secrets/ http://www.carshippingquote.com/auto-transporters-secrets/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:19:30 +0000 admin http://www.carshippingquote.com/?p=508 Home > Car Shipping Guide > Auto Transporters Secrets

There are auto transporters secrets that you should be aware of before you begin shopping around. They help you better understand how the car shipping industry really works.

Auto Transporters: Brokers

One of the biggest secrets among auto transporters is that many broker out their shipments. With some companies, the shipping company that you choose may not be the ones that actually ship your vehicle. If the company that you choose is not going where you need it to, they will post the job on the load board. Most transporters share one universal load board that has all of the vehicles that need shipping, along with the details of the shipment. Any auto transport companies can view it and, should they be going that way, take the vehicle. This enables a car to be transported as quickly as possible, at the lowest possible rate.

That being the most important of auto transporters secrets, the most surprising of these secrets would be that there are several companies that actually do not have any trucks of their own – these are typically called brokers. Conversely, there are shippers that will not accept any work that they can’t complete with their own trucks. Whether you choose a broker, or an auto transporter, make sure that the company who will be moving your car are fully licensed, bonded, and insured when you are receiving quotes.

Low Quotes and Major Destinations

The lowest quote is not always the best rate to choose. Should your auto transporters post your job because they can’t accommodate you, another company may not pick up your vehicle if the quoted price is too low. This particular secret could affect how long it will take your vehicle to arrive. Be sure to compare car transport services as well as prices before choosing an auto transporter.

Shipping to and from major cities will greatly increase your chances of having auto transporters available to transport quickly. Not to mention, there may be a discount for moving a car along a commonly travelled route. However, not every auto transporter will advertise this discount up front, so ask for it if necessary.

Transporting your vehicle is important, so uncover all the secrets before you decide.  Get started with a free car shipping quote from licensed, bonded, insured auto transporters and don’t let secrets cost you time or money.

]]> http://www.carshippingquote.com/auto-transporters-secrets/feed/ 0 http://www.carshippingquote.com/how-car-transporter-quotes-are-determined/ http://www.carshippingquote.com/how-car-transporter-quotes-are-determined/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:43:59 +0000 admin http://www.carshippingquote.com/?p=493 Home > Auto Transport Quotes > How Car Transporter Quotes Are Determined

Hiring a reputable car transporter is as easy as filling out the quote form and supplying the transport company with basic vehicle facts. More often than not, consumers hesitate to even consider shipping a car for fear of the costs involved; in some cases, this leads to the hasty sale of a vehicle rather than having it transported. The latter could turn out to be by far the more cost effective decision. Learning how car shipping quotes are determined is the first step to becoming an informed consumer who makes savvy fiscal decisions when the need for an automobile transport arises.

Auto Transport Quotes are Based on Origin and Destination

Car transporting agencies charge by the mile. It is less expensive to ship a vehicle from Colorado to California, than it is to ship it from Colorado to New York. This component of the overall car shipping costs helps the agency to defray the expenses of fuel, labor required to load and unload the vehicle multiple times, permit filings and fees associated with using one or more public transport providers, and insurance requirements.

Type of Vehicle

This option allows you to enter the general description of the type of car you need to have shipped. A small car will cost less to ship than a large SUV, and an RV or other large item will have a similar effect on making your auto transport more costly.

Year, Make and Model

You must provide this information to the companies you request quotes from, as it allows them to accurately anticipate the transport needs of your car. If you’ve purchased a classic or luxury car online and are having it shipped back to your home, or if you are moving and need your car to be taken care of on its journey, the auto transport company you’re using must know what kind of car they are transporting. This can impact not only the method by which the car is shipped, but also the transporter’s insurance policy. Your own car insurance may also be impacted depending on what kind of year, make and model of car you are getting transport quotes for.

Condition of Your Vehicle

This is a simple question with only two answers: running and non-running, but the implication is significant. A running car is far easier to load when car moving, while a non-running car will require your auto transport company to use additional equipment.

Special Handling Requirements

A car transporter must charge more for transporting a virtually priceless luxury automobile than a run of the mill daily driver. While transporting agencies take great care with each and every vehicle that is entrusted to them, there are specific rules that must be followed when transporting a collector car. The transporter’s insurer requires specific shipping methods to diminish the risk of any accident or minor scratch to the vehicle, which serves to greatly increase the overall shipping and handling labor costs. This expense is passed on to the consumer.

Sometimes, it is also the original shipper who will require the transporting agency to observe a number of rules; this is true if the shipper is a car dealership that seeks to ensure the arrival of a perfect car at the consumer’s destination.

At times, it is also the consumer, who either increases or decreases the car transporter quote. For example, a consumer who specifies that a car may not be driven by personnel, but may only be transported with the help of a tow vehicle or by crane while in a crate, increases the expense of the overall transport.

Size and Weight of the Vehicle

Another deciding factor in determining car transporter quotes is the size and weight of the vehicle that is being shipped. Smaller cars take up less room on a conveyance, and, thus, more of them may be shipped. This, in turn, allows the vehicle transporting agency to do more business and drives down the price for the consumer. The same is true for the weight. The lighter the car is, the more vehicles the transporter may include in the delivery. On the flipside, big and heavy vehicles greatly reduce the number of cars which may be shipped overall; therefore, they are more expensive to ship.

Decreasing a Car Transporter Quote

A consumer may decrease the cost of transport if he or she is a member of a vehicle club and encourages members to utilize the same vehicle transporting agency. This may be apropos for an event to which members like to bring their personal vehicles, necessitating the services of a reputable car transporter.

Ready to find your ideal car transporter? Fill out the form at the top of the page to receive a free car shipping quote from licensed, bonded, and insured car transporters!

]]> http://www.carshippingquote.com/how-car-transporter-quotes-are-determined/feed/ 0 http://www.carshippingquote.com/how-to-ship-a-car/ http://www.carshippingquote.com/how-to-ship-a-car/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:19:18 +0000 admin http://www.carshippingquote.com/?p=479 Home > Car Shipping Guide > How to Ship a Car

When planning to how to ship a car, the first thing to consider is destination, and the cost usually depends on the distance it will have to travel. It will cost about 60% more to protect your vehicle by shipping it in an enclosed truck rather than an open truck, and this is definitely recommended for a new or high-end model. Your vehicle will be safer on the whole and it will certainly be protected from the elements.

You may want to ship a car in the winter, because rates may be lower then, and, if you send one north in April or May from Arizona or Florida, you may get a better rate from carriers who drop off cars for “snowbirds” that move south for the winter and want to prepare for a return trip.

All auto transport companies are required to carry insurance, but you will also want to check how much coverage your personal insurance offers in order to avoid any problems if the vehicle is damaged in transit. Read the policy with care, find out if there is a deductible, and request a copy for yourself.

Finding a Company to Ship a Car

The amount of people arranging to ship a car has increased because about 75% of the automobiles sold on eBay are interstate transactions. When you purchase a car online, a number of consumer-oriented auto shippers are ready to help you transport it from some distance location. To get free quotes to ship a car from licensed, bonded, and insured car shippers, fill out the form above.

Speak with several car shipping companies. Personal referrals are always a great way to start. Once you’ve narrowed your list down to three or so top picks, look for information on these companies with the Better Business Bureau. Describe the car you want to ship, the starting and stopping points, and when you plan to move it. Set up the move two weeks before the scheduled date (or earlier if possible) and find out the company’s preferred method of payment.

On moving day, the carrier will complete a bill of lading that includes a report on your car’s condition at that time. If there is a transfer en-route when you ship car, such as to an airline, train, or another mover, make sure the bill of lading reflects each movement. Check that times are specific and for a backup plan in case any one element is late to a destination point during the car shipment. More than one shipper will complicate your car shipping process, but it is not a deal breaker. You should also receive an estimate of the arrival date of your vehicle.

Preparing to Ship a Car

Depending upon which company you use to ship your car, you will have different drop-off options for how to ship a car. In determining how to ship a car, remember that a car carrier is approximately 75 feet long, and, if adequate parking space is a concern, the most practical step to take may involve meeting your mover at a local parking lot. Before they ship a car, movers make certain that their car carriers are full, and they work with transport brokers to fill any empty slots they may have. Cars are generally carried between major hubs, and they are sometimes held at a terminal. Most of the car shippers on CarShippingQuote.com offer door to door service in addition to terminal to terminal service, so be sure to discuss the differences with the company that you chose to ship your car.

When deciding how to ship a car, you can work with a shipper or broker to find a carrier slot for you. You will have to weigh your options, because a broker may negotiate a low price for you with the carrier, but things should go smoothly regardless of the method you use. In either case, you will always have the contact information for your auto mover that you need.

Always keep a spare set of keys available for yourself, just in case something goes wrong and the keys are lost in transport. This is an important thing that many people don’t account for, but it burns them later on.

One thing to remember when you ship your car is that one of the major determinants of the cost is how much the vehicle weighs. This means that you should remove anything heavy in the car, including the spare tire. Many people recommend having less than half a tank of fuel in the vehicle, because that helps to keep the weight down. This will bring your costs down considerably. In addition, you will want to remove valuables from the car before shipping. If it’s being hauled on the road, you never know when someone might try to break in and take your items.

Finally, make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Before you move a car, make sure all its fluids are topped off, the battery is charged, and all the tires are well inflated. Note if your car is leaking any sort of fluid. The car shippers needs to know this to avoid placing your car above any others. If you can fix any of these leaks before the car moves, obviously, that is preferable.

]]> http://www.carshippingquote.com/how-to-ship-a-car/feed/ 0