Auto Transport and Auto Shipping Blog

People are confused as to which auto transport company should they choose. There are various transport companies in the market. You can find various auto transport companies with the help of telephone directory or through internet. Before choosing a auto shipping company find out what services do they offer? Transporting a vehicle takes exceptional skills, tools and insurance, and your household mover may or may not be the best choice for transporting your car. When selecting a car transport company, take advice from your family and friends.

The first thing you have to see when looking for an auto transporter is do proper investigation so that you can avoid major problems in the long run. See to it that they are registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). Verify that their DOT or MC numbers are valid, check that the auto carrier specially credentialed to transport motor vehicles like auto shipping, car shipping etc. Make sure that carriers provide cargo insurance. Find out company’s experience with preceding customers. Do contact Better Business Bureau to see whether any complaints are filed against them. Make an effort to get suggestions from past customers, or call someone in a connected field like your car sales representatives for a well versed opinion about car shipping or any auto transport. Find out company’s exact policies and procedures. What are the pick up and delivery procedures?

One should pay attention to the company’s efficiency in delivering vehicles on schedule which was pre-decided and agreed. Auto Transport companies do tell people the date of delivery. The date provided by them is just an estimated delivery date and not an accurate date. These companies may have some mechanical or other problems which may cause hindrance in the delivery date.

Safety is another thing which should be given topmost importance when selecting a shipping company. Make sure they provide insurance so that you can file a claim in case of robbery or due to unanticipated damage. Most of the auto transportation companies provide open and enclosed shipping service. Shipping your vehicle through enclosed truck will be more expensive when compared to open truck. If a client chooses open carrier service, it can cause damage to its vehicle due to certain elements like heat and rain. If certain clients have luxury vehicles it would be better if they choose closed truck as it can lessen damage to the vehicle. Many companies offer door to door delivery service also. They will drop your vehicle at the nearby pick up point.

A new generation of smart, customer-focused transport companies are making nationwide auto transport more convenient, safe and affordable than ever before. By leveraging the power and convenience of the internet, and by combining both short-distance truck and long-distance rail service options, they also offer the flexibility to use the shipping mode that best meets your price and timing requirements.

Crisp, user-friendly web sites allow used car dealers, and fleet managers to obtain an instant price quote and estimated transit time for door-to-door pickup and delivery anywhere in the United States. Most sites include a convenient pull-down menu featuring frequently-asked questions, as well as downloadable information about shipping tips, terms and conditions. Registered users can also track shipments online. Depending on location, timing, and destination, cars can be transported by truck and/or rail service.

Choosing a quality auto transport company with strong financial backing and industry experience ensures door to door pickup and delivery of your vehicles will be managed by a reputable, licensed and fully-insured service carrier. Your vehicles will be picked up by an auto transporter using a multi-car tractor trailer and transported directly to destination for expedited delivery, or to a terminal to be loaded on a rail carrier for standard delivery. A cost-effective terminal to terminal option may also be available. In that case you’ll be required to drop-off and pickup vehicles at the given truck or rail terminal.

Shipping by rail is affordable and becoming more popular as it gets easier to do. Rail transport is also considered more environmentally-friendly than trucking. In fact, railroads now move a ton of freight nearly 457 miles for each gallon of diesel fuel used.  If being transported by rail, your vehicle will be loaded onto a modern multi-level rail car, some of which can hold up to three times more vehicles than a truck. Automotive rail cars are fully enclosed and the vehicles are securely fastened using straps and tire chocks to prevent damage in-transit.

How do you know which auto transport provider to use?

Start with a reputable auto transport company. Find a transporter that is listed with the Better Business Bureau and is financially strong. They should be licensed with the FMCSA [http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/pkg_menu.prc_menu] as a broker or auto carrier.
Look for an auto transporter that offers the flexibility of combining both truck rail service options. With rising fuel prices, shipping by rail can help significantly reduce your overall shipping cost.
Visit the auto transporter’s web site. Does it include easy-to-use online tools to obtain an instant price quote and estimated transit time? Can you access frequently-asked questions and additional information about shipping tips, terms and conditions? Does it also offer the ability to track shipments online?
Work only with an auto transport company who uses reputable, licensed and fully-insured trucking and rail service providers.
If working with an environmentally responsible company is important to you, look for auto transport providers who are SmartWaysm Certified. http://www.epa.gov/smartway/transport/partner-list/index.htm].
Ask how the auto transporter will work with you to quickly and equitably resolve any claim, if damage occurs to your vehicle.
Thoroughly inspect your vehicle prior to pickup. Carefully inspect the exterior and interior, as well as all fluid levels, operating systems and lights. Note any pre-existing scratches, dents, dings or other problems so you can determine if there was a change in vehicle condition as a result of transportation. Remember to also disarm any safety alarms and remove all personal items from the vehicle.

Make your final selection of an auto shipping company based on which one offers the most convenient, affordable and flexible solution that best meets your price and timing requirements.

What is Auto Transport?
Auto transport means transporting of vehicles from one location to an additional. Instead of us driving ourselves to the location, we can transport it by means of auto transport. It is expense powerful and much less traumatic when in comparison to flying across the region and traveling to the location. Car transport is really useful to the military personnel as they reside throughout the country for which they require to transport their cars to the desired location. Auto transport is also known as as Car shipping or Automobile shipping.

Sorts of auto transport:

Available AUTO TRANSPORT:
Wide open vehicle transport means open up to the components. Available vans are individuals which transport new cars to the dealership to be sold. Available carriers are expense successful when in comparison to closed auto carrier. Additionally open car transport is the industry normal, practically 95% of all the vans transporting cars are open up vans. Open up carrier is quite simple to locate. This can carry 10 cars at a time as there are 10-car haulers. Available transport is at times not secure due to the climatic ailments but this is really uncommon to take place. The vast majority of the cars are transported to their desired destination without a scrape on them.

Contained AUTO TRANSPORT:
A Contained auto transporter indicates closed to all factors. Enclosed carriers are really secure to transport cars as these are not prone to unforeseen climatic circumstances. This is why trapped transport is pricey when in contrast to open carrier. Enclosed trucks are closed for the safety of cars. Contained carrier transports 2-three cars at a time. This transport assures total safety of the cars becoming transported. If you want to transport higher luxury car then it is far better to opt for trapped automobile transport.

Fatal TO Deadly AUTO TRANSPORT:

Deadly to Deadly transport signifies transporting the car or truck on particular date and time. Terminals are advantageous to those folks who want to assemble their automobile on a precise date. This variety of car transport gives that as soon as the car is shipped from one deadly to yet another, wherever it will offer with storage facility for the car till the owner collects it. We can also hire a neighborhood towing company if we are unable to gather the car from the critical. Fatal is situated in metropolitan region, which serves as a transportation heart for a specified region. Shippers can transport from these places at a low charge mostly since the routes are founded and there is a large targeted traffic.

Doorway TO Gate AUTO TRANSPORT
Door to doorway delivery provides that the carrier will gather and provide to the front door of the customer. This saves time and energy of the clients. Front door to doorway transport is worthwhile when in comparison to other varieties as it is not only easy but also economical. Therefore front door to doorway delivery makes far more sense when the logistics of the alternatives are as opposed. At present bulk of the transport firms avails gate to front door delivery, as this is very demanded both in the national and the international industry. Car shipping or auto shipping is adhering by the buyers, in turn opting for doorway to front door delivery.

In this busy world people does not have time for some of their common work. They need some source to carry out the work. The toughest thing the people find is auto transportation of the vehicle from one place to other. People find many difficulties in transporting their vehicle. They want their vehicles to be reached safely without any damages. To overcome this problem auto transportation companies were started to transport the vehicle from one place to other place without any damages and provides safety for your vehicle. Precautionary measures of auto shipping: When you decided to transport your vehicle choose the company which best suits you. And check whether your car is filled with one fourth of the petrol only. When you transport your car, prepare a list and give details regarding the conditions of the car. So in future if there is any damage after transportation you can claim using the bill. Put an agreement with respective company and try to clear all your doubts. Do not believe on any oral promises maintain a paper agreement.Dont keep any personal materials in the car since auto transport companies are not responsible for your personal belongings. Company of your choice: You have decided to transport your car .Select a company which offers you an affordable price and satisfy all your requirements. Consider the company reputation and see when it is started. Also check the company has the license to transport the vehicles in the nation and also gives you the insurance option. See whether the company has the option to deliver your vehicles in your locality. Since many companies does not transport the vehicles to the locality where you are. Search the companies in the internet using list of keywords. Auto transport insurance the important factor of auto transporting: So you have decided to transport your vehicle. If any accidents occur during transporting of the vehicles be sure that you are protected from the loss. In order to protect your car from the loss, you should be aware of the auto insurance. Every auto transporting company has the insurance coverage. Check whether the whole car is covered under the insurance policy not only certain parts. Check the legal policy of the company. After your car is transported check the car fully if any damages occur get the sign from the driver in the bill .Auto insurance does not cover any of your personal belongings inside the car. Methods of auto transporting: The two methods of auto transporting are open and enclosed auto transporting. Open auto transporting method is mostly preferred by the companies since they can transport many vehicles at a time. The vehicles are transported in open air and this method is the common method preferred by the dealers also. The problems existing in open transport are it is subjected to risk due to environmental factors and the road conditions. The other type of transporting is enclosed auto transport. In this method the car is transported in a close auto carrier and only two to four can be transmitted at a time .this is a costly method but ensures you the more safety. It protects your car from environmental hazards and also prevents your car from scratches.

A

Autorack

A specially designed multi-level rail car used to transport automobiles. Autoracks have two or three decks, can carry up to 20 vehicles and have metal side panels and end doors to protect automobiles while in transit.  Bi-level or double-deck Autoracks usually transport trucks and large SUV’s, while tri-level or triple deck Autoracks usually transport passenger cars. A dedicated train with 70 Autoracks is capable of transporting more than 1,000 vehicles at one time.

Auto Transport

Moving or shipping automobiles as freight. Auto shippers are strongly encouraged to seek out reputable, fully-insured, financially strong car haulers. A new generation of smart, customer-focused auto transport companies are making nationwide auto transport more convenient and affordable than ever before.

B

Backhaul

Refers to the car hauler’s opportunity to pick up a second load of vehicles close to the destination where they delivered their first load; i.e., returning to the origin of the first load.  A to B, then B to A.

Bi-Level Rail Car

A type of rail car used for auto shipping, called a bi-level because it has two decks, an upper and a lower. Bi-level capacity is between 8 – 12 vehicles. They are often used to transport vans, pickups and SUVs, or passenger vehicles that have radio antennas or higher profiles that exclude them from fitting on a tri-level rail car.

C

Car Hauler/Carrier

A company which provides auto transport service; the physical transport of a vehicle.

Car Carrier / Auto Transport Equipment

A specially constructed semi-trailer (unpowered unit) usually capable of transporting up to 9 vehicles. Some include hydraulically operated ramps. Some vehicles are backed onto the trailer while others are driven nose first to help maximize space or meet overhang requirements. Each vehicle is firmly blocked and tied down to help protect it during transit. Large vehicles are usually transported on the upper level of multi-deck transport trailers.

D

Delivery Network

A complex system of connected trucks, railroads and ships used to transport cars. Car haulers with access to all modes of auto transport have a powerful delivery network that provides efficient auto shipping to meet their customers’ time and cost requirements.

E

Enclosed Auto Transport

Auto transport using a fully enclosed van, semi trailer or rail car, usually with metal sides and a top. Enclosed auto transport offers increased protection against weather, road debris and other hazards especially over long distances. Enclosed truck transport is a premium service which usually costs more than standard open auto transport. Enclosed rail transport is standard and often costs less than open truck transport when moving cars more than 500 miles.

F

Freight Forwarder

One who assembles small shipments of vehicles into one large consolidated shipment which is then tendered to an auto carrier. Upon reaching destination, the shipment is separated into small shipments and delivered.

I

Intermodal/Multimodal

The process of shipping a vehicle using more than one mode of auto transport. Offered by only a few select car haulers, intermodal auto transport integrates both short-distance truck transport and long-distance rail service options.

L

Local Move

A term used to describe auto transport from pickup to delivery by a single auto carrier, usually within a radius of 200 miles from origin to destination.

M

Modifications

Changes or additions to a vehicle from its original state, such as spoilers, roof racks, 4 x 4 lift kits, running boards, camper cabs, etc. Modifications can affect a vehicle’s overall dimensions and weight, which may require a different mode of auto transportation or additional fees.

O

Origin

The location where transport of a vehicle starts, or originates. Car haulers need both the origin and destination of a shipment to provide an accurate auto transport quote.

P

Pick Up and Transit Time

Pick up and transit times may vary based on the auto transport company you choose. Auto transport usually averages between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on pick-up and delivery locations, availability of the vehicles, shipping capacity, and distance. Most car haulers also offer expedited service at an additional fee.

R

Ramp

Another word for an intermodal terminal. Ramps were originally structures, permanent or temporary, from which trailers or machinery are driven onto or off of a railroad flatcar.

S

Shipper

The person for whom the car hauler agrees to move vehicles to a specified destination and at a specified price. Also called “Consignor”.

T

Terminal

A facility provided by a railroad or car hauling company at an intermediate point in its network for the handling of freight; and for the breaking up, making up, forwarding and servicing loads, and interchanging with other carriers. Also referred to as a “ramp” when referencing a rail terminal.

Tie-downs

Straps or chains that a car hauler uses to secure a vehicle on a tow truck or multi-level car carrier. Many car haulers are switching to straps to minimize damage in transit.

V

Vehicle Size Classifications

Vehicle size classes are a way of classifying automobiles to estimate auto transport fees prior shipment. Passenger cars are generally classified as vehicles from 0-60″ in height, or as mini-compact, sub-compact, compact, mid-size or large cars based on their industry standard interior volume index measured in cubic feet. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost to transport it.

W

Wheel Straps

Reinforced straps used in an auto rail car which go over the wheels and secure the vehicle to the floor to minimize transportation damage.

It can be an overwhelming experience to choose the right kind of auto Transport Company; you can start choosing your auto transport company through yellow pages and even through the internet. Internet these days has become one of the most reliable sources for searching any kind of material which you might require. You can get information from pin to paper for the availability of any product. Hence it can act as a valuable source for searching the auto transport company. You can always gain an advice from your household transporter for the auto transportation. As a well known fact running an auto Transport Company requires the necessary skills and experience. Running an auto transport company also requires contacts with the insurance company and some special equipment. Incase you are searching an auto transport company you can even enquire among your friends and relatives, they can always act as a valuable guide for the purpose of searching an auto transport company further incase the auto transport company is selected by your friends and relatives then there is no need for screening the company also as the information you have obtained is from a near and dear source and they are the ones who have had the experience of working with these companies and you can also have an insight about the quality of service.

However when you are searching for auto shipping company then you will have to look in for the following qualities:

The company must possess a proper transport authorityIt has always essential that you do conduct a small amount of research before you select the auto transport company as this can save a lot of time. This research is particularly relevant with the auto carrier companies as this is an important criterion that you get your vehicle transported through a transport company which has been registered with the transport authorities and they do possess an active MC and USDOT numbers. However the registration criterion is an exception for the forwarders and the brokers. These forwarders require only MC number. It is essential that you search the company’s credentials for their company name and USDOT number; the carrier must have the necessary credentials for the transportation of the vehicles.

Insurance and liability In addition to the registration the companies must possess liability and provisions for cargo insurance. It is quite obvious that the amount of insurance coverage vary from company to company. It is essential that you enquire the coverage amount of insurance before finalizing the auto transporter companies. Ensure that the insurance coverage is equal to the worth of your car it is also essential that you enquire on the limits of insurance and even ask for additional insurance.

References and records There are a number of ways in which you can ensure the authenticity of the auto transport company. Enquire with someone in the related field like a car salesman; also ensure that you check with business bureau for any complaints that are being filed against the company.

Auto transport is not merely the shipping of vehicles but involves a great deal of responsibility in delivering the vehicles safely. The individuals rely on auto transport companies to ensure a safe and trouble free shipping of their prized vehicles. The owners of the vehicles couldn’t even stand a single scratch or any minute damages that will occur anywhere; inside or outside their car.  The auto transport companies usually employ workers who are well trained to handle expensive possessions delicately.

The vehicle shipping is usually done in two ways; enclosed and open method. In open auto shipping, the vehicle would be carried in open trailers with about 10 to 15 cars at a time. Many cars will be put on the trailer which usually takes only main roads. However, the open auto carrier transport system is prone to risks during the transport. The vehicles are exposed to damages during the trial in roads and bad climatic conditions also affect the vehicles. Still, if you opt for the cheapest means, open transport would be the better choice.

On the other hand if more care should be given to the vehicle, enclosed transport is better as it is free from dust and road hazards. In enclosed transport your vehicle would be carried safe and protected. Usually people who own expensive vehicles like vintage, sports or classic cars opt for an enclosed auto transporter. You don’t have to worry about the safety of your car since hydraulic lifts are used to load the car into the container. So there wouldn’t be any hitch during loading and unloading. In lift loading the vehicle won’t be subjected to metal components like hooks or chains. Yet another benefit of this type of loading is that the vehicle level would be maintained and this would reduce the risk of damage to the undercarriage of the vehicle. In enclosed auto transport system, the car wouldn’t be prone to vibrations as most of the companies provide excellent suspension facilities. The tires are also kept in place by tying soft straps around them.

Before selecting an auto transport company, you should get a clear idea on the amount of insurance coverage offered by the car shipping company. Most of the companies carry the insurance required to cover any damage that occurs to the vehicles which they are transporting. You must seek information on the registration details of the company. Also ask the company to provide insurance certificate before you sign the contract. You must also find about all the coverage limits of the insurance contract. Make sure that whatever assurances the company gives are collected in written format than oral promises.

The car should be emptied of all personal belongings and documents prior to handing over the key as the company’s insurance won’t cover the objects inside the car. When you leave your car with the auto transport company, a representative would make a clear note of the present condition of the car with every minor detail. This report would be handed over to you for further clarification during delivery. In any case if you have any complaints with the dealings of the company, you must file it as soon as possible for taking actions.

There are quite a lot of issues which an auto transport company has to take into account while they transmit your car from source to destination. In-house issues consist of logistical or managerial related problems which are completely under the power of the auto transporter. Such reasons take account of mechanical liability in the fleet of the auto shipping transports, or possibly the truck drivers are down with an outbreak. Exterior factors are away from the control of the auto transport. Some factors like snowfall, high temperature, rainfall, and storm are not in the control of transporting company. All car transporting companies has to make sure that the car or any vehicle is delivered undamaged and quickly. You can take delivery of your vehicle through terminal or it will be delivered at your door step which is also known as door to door transport. While in case of terminal transportation vehicle will be delivered at a particular spot or a terminal. Here you be responsible to come and pick up your car.

How to make sure on the safety of your car while in shipment

A customer will usually lose sleep thinking on the tangible protection and general security of the car when it is in transportation. Never assume that if you give a signed check along with the valid papers your vehicle will reach securely to your destination. Always be in contact with the shipment company to know the details of your car when the transit process has started.

Before handing over your car to any auto shipping company do retain certain information on its process. Make sure that the shipping company has an insurance coverage for your automobile. So that you can claim for the damages if any occurs. Secondly make sure of the fact that the automobile shipper has a car tracking method. If any trouble takes place during the shipment you should come to know about it. Several automobile shipping companies have soft-sided trailers for added security. They do recognize that you don’t want your car to arrive in condition with lot of scratches and damages all over. So the most essential thing is the safety and security of your car.

Auto Transport is trouble-free and protected

There are a variety of reasons to opt an auto carrier services to transport your automobile. You will require your car at your new residence, and you require it there immediately. So for this purpose you have to consult a transport company for shipment of your car or any vehicle from one distant place to another. One of the key issues is that it is complicated to personally drive your car from one place to another which is at a high distant. And it becomes impossible to drive when you are moving to overseas. As it very annoying and stressful task for a person to drive all the way his car to the new destination. Thus people choose transports facility for shipment process of their vehicle.

Auto Transport takes concern of shipping your automobile from one place to another place in a safe and secure manner. It is vital that the company you opt must render quality service and be cost-effective. It’s excellent to go away with the qualified company and it is also required to ensure that the company is registered with the U.S. Department of transportation and a USDOT and a MC number is allocated to them. The plans of the insurance will differ from company to company so it is advisable to get the quotes of some of the auto shipping companies before you choose to go with the one you feel is appropriate.

Conversing with your friends, relatives, surfing the net and personally checking with some shipping companies will confer you a clear cut picture and would help you to find the best auto transport company. It is our duty to choose safety equipment in auto transport as the safety feature is very imperative. Only qualified and experts persons can handle such a responsibility. There are two types of auto transport accessible: covered and the other which is open.

In Covered transportation the container shipping the motor vehicle is covered and gives additional protection to the means of transportation. While it is costly when compared with the open auto transport, it protects your automobile from the weather conditions and also from road vulnerability.

Availing ramp gates will be the best choice for the long wheelbase vehicles and cranes for the automobile that are inoperable. You can notice a range of trailers like two-car non-stacking enclosed auto carrier, six-car enclosed trailers, and four-car enclosed trailers. For over sized cars there is an option for multi car trailers are available

Open auto transport the name points out; that it is a trailer shipping the automobile in open environment (i.e.) it is opened to the sky and exposed to the weather conditions. It is economical when compared with the covered transport. It is better to provide all the details of the automobile which is being shipped. Their length and weight details to so that it can be shipped properly. This is to make certain that the weight is in the legal terms for loads to be passed. Have a gaze at the insurance coverage that is presented. Always go with the better insurance coverage that takes care of any smash up caused by the transporting company while shipping your vehicle.

Always go with the corporation which has high level of reputation and perfect certificate from the public as they knew the skill of adding your name in their directory of happy clients. A good shipping company will always accept the burden of transporting your vehicle with care and attention. They must have a skillful group of qualified drivers who can handle your precious automobile in various climatic conditions and environments. You are spending your funds and time, have a passion to get a high-quality service since you and your vehicle know that you deserve for that.

Auto Transport takes care of transporting your vehicle from one place to another in a safe and secure manner. It is important that the company you choose should render quality service and be economical. It’s good to go in for an experienced company and it is also necessary to check if the company is registered with the U.S. Department of transportation and a USDOT and a MC number is given to them. The insurance coverage and service charges will differ from company to company and it is better to obtain quotes with some shipping companies before you decide to go with one.

Discussing with your friends, browsing and checking with some auto shipping companies will give a clear picture and help you to find the best auto transport company. It is our responsibility to choose safety equipment in auto transport as the safety aspect is very important. Only experts can handle such a responsibility. There are two types of auto transport available: Covered auto transport and Open auto transport.

Covered auto transport: The container carrying the vehicle is covered and gives added protection to the vehicle. Though it is expensive when compared to an open auto carrier, it protects your vehicle from the climatic conditions and also from road hazards. You can avail ramp gates for long wheelbase vehicles and winches for the vehicles that are inoperable. You can see a variety of trailers likes six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Multi car trailers are available for over sized cars.

Open auto transport: As the name indicates, the container carrying the vehicle is open to the sky and can be affected by the weather conditions. It is cheaper when compared to covered auto transport. It is good to provide the details of the vehicle’s length and weight so that it can be transported properly. This is to ensure that the weight is within the legal specifications for loads to be carried. Have an eye on the insurance coverage that is offered. Always go for a better insurance plan that takes care of any damage caused by the shipping company while relocating your vehicle.

Always go for a company with high grade of reputation and flawless certificate from the public because they know the art of adding your name in their list of happy clients. A good transport company always accepts the burden of shifting your vehicle with care and attention. They must have a skilled batch of professional drivers who can handle your valuable vehicle in various climates and environments. You are investing your money and time, have a passion to get a good service because you know that you and your vehicle deserve that.