Monthly Archive: July 2011

Jul
25

How Long Does It Take For My Car To Be Shipped?

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How long does it take for my car to be shipped?Just how long does it take for my car to be picked up … transported … and delivered when I use an auto transporter ?

This is a really good question as we all get anxious when our valued vehicle is not readily available.  The answer to this mystery lies in the methodology of car shipping.

First, you must understand that in most cases the time factor has more to do with how soon the car can be picked up instead of how long does it take after it is on the way ..  A google search will assist in finding a Broker/Carrier, and then check with your selected carrier to be sure you understand the time frame to insure that there are no mis-understandings.  A good suggestion here is to get in writing the times and schedules promised so that you can be assured that companies quoting your needs are acutely aware of your time requirements and needs.

Next, you need to be aware that Truckers/Carriers typically utilize a “lane” system of identifying routes from point A to point B.  The busier lanes usually have many more trucks on them than do the slower lanes.  An example might be going from Jacksonville, Florida to San Diego, California.  The truck would utilize I-10 all the way …. It’s a very fast and busy lane and you could count on rapid service.

Slower lanes would be less busy road in less busy areas of the country.

Other factors that must be considered is the speed limit, the number of scales along the route (truckers are required to stop at each one) and any construction that might slow traffic down along the way.  Most folks are aware that the Federal Government has many requirements on drivers as to how many hours per day and week they can drive.  They even couple this with mandatory “down” time between driving shifts.

Weather, season, and even things like fuel availability also share in the time needed for moving your car from its pickup spot to its final destination.

With all of the above taken into consideration …. How do you figure out the time needed for the trip …????

A good rule of thumb is to simply figure on a 350 mile per day average and most of the time it will be close.  This is a mileage and route based industry which makes it a little simpler.

When you “book” your car with the Broker/Carrier of your choice be sure and discuss this with your driver or agent.  Many of the more “cutting edge” companies can now provide live tracking to enable you to actually find out the exact location of your car at any time.

 For a “FREE” selection of quotations totally without obligation, simply go to www.best-transport-quotes.com and select from a choice of really great company’s and drivers, all competent to earn your business.

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Jul
21

What if my car is damaged during transport?

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Damaged car while transportIf you are not prepared. This can be a scary moment.  But, it doesn’t have to be.  During the time that you are screening and comparing quotes is the proper time to put this issue to rest once and for all.

Any trucker/carrier participating in auto transport is required by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) to have insurance.  But the real question is do they have it ??

You can check it out yourself online at the website for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

If you are dealing with a Carrier (Trucker) you can simply ask them to fax or email you a copy of their insurance.  If you are working with a Broker just ask the Broker and he will be glad to advise you.  This is part of the service that a Broker is always happy to provide.

 But, what do I do if my car is damaged during car shipping ?

Answer:  When the car arrives at it’s destination, do not sign the bill of lading until you (or your representative) and the driver inspect the car together.  If damage is present that was not there when the car was shipped, note it on the bill of lading before signing and get a copy.  Ask the driver for his proof of insurance (you are looking for cargo insurance not liability insurance) All you need do is file a claim with the Carrier’s Insurance Provider along with a copy of the bill of lading that shows the damage (signed by both you and the carrier) and an estimate of repairs from a body shop.

 Upon discovery of damage and while still with the driver, it is always a good idea to make a call to his insurance company and simply ask them how they would like to proceed.  They will direct you in how to file a claim with them and you will find that the insurance company will be very pleasant and helpful as they really have no reason to be otherwise.  If you can’t reach the insurance company representative it’s still not the end of the world, call your Auto Transport Broker, he can help.

Don’t forget:  Household goods being transported inside your car are not supposed to be there (by rules of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and are not covered in the driver’s insurance.

 Although kinda scary light damage is not unusual during auto transport and is handled in a rather routine manner.  You will be taken care of and your car will be fixed and guess what ????   This problem too will simply go away.

 If you request your car shipping quotes from www.best-transport-quotes.com you can rest assured that all carriers have been checked out during the quote process.  They will always be the good guys. Count on it !

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Jul
18

How Much Does It Cost To Ship My Vehicle?

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COST TO SHIP MY VEHICLE?

WOW, NOW THERE IS A LOADED QUESTION !

However, with the information available to you on the internet, we not only have answers but we can also supply good reasons for those answers.

 First you must understand the reasons for the variety in prices in the industry of shipping vehicles.  And believe me there are several.

 *  Firm costs:  Start off with the cost of a tractor/trailer rig which in today’s world can run up around $500,000.00.  Add to that insurance of about $10 – 25,000.00 per year, fuel costs of over $4.00 per gallon (these trucks will average 3 – 4 miles per gallon) maintenance, repairs, tires, and depreciation.  Don’t forget to include the cost of licensing, permitting, and paying a driver and you are starting to get the idea.  Operating an auto hauler is a very expensive proposition.

 *  Marketing costs:  OK, now you own a auto transport rig, but in order to make money you must find customers.  This typically can run several thousand dollars per month.

 In the auto transport industry you will find there are several different schools of thought on pricing auto shipments.  There are high dollar individuals who simply won’t move their truck unless properly compensated.  Also, you will find the folks who really want the volume and therefore kind of have the Walmart mentality.  They try to provide you with super low prices in order to stay very busy.

Somewhere from top to bottom and everywhere in between you will find that price that you approve of.

 The secret to first discovering the range of prices is to compare several.  After doing that, either call or wait to be called (if you provide a phone number).  You can also simply provide an email address and most will be happy to forward information in a prompt manner.

 Shipping a vehicle is one area of business where being smart really pays off.  The American Trucker has a reputation for being an independent spirit.  This translates into a wide variety of pricing for the same job when compared among several carriers.  It doesn’t mean anyone is wrong or right. It just means that there are several prices available.  So do your homework.

 Just a word about differences in business methodology.  Some brokers expect a deposit up front and some don’t.  Both are correct, they just don’t agree and that’s perfectly OK.  Most want final payment in the form of a cashier’s check or money order, and that is the norm for trucking.

 When researching prices, the best way is to simply do a google search for auto shipping quotes or auto transport prices.  You will see several opportunities to select a pricing source, so simply select one and provide them with your shipping information.

After you receive your quotes from be sure and ask the questions you may have concerning any range of topics.  If the broker you are speaking with and considering truly wants your business, he will be happy to answer your questions completely.

 Really great quote providers only recommend the “Good Guys” so understand that most of the pre-screening has in fact already been done.  A service that further enhances your auto shipping experience.

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Jul
13

Can I place household and personal items in my car when I ship it by carrier??

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shipping car with items inside
A Question about Auto Shipping …..

Can I place household and personal items in my car when I ship it by carrier ??

This question requires an answer based upon several facts and situations and many different answers are given by many different people.  Although, truthfully, there is only one real answer and it is determined by the Carriers insurance company and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (the D.O.T.).

1.  The insurance coverage that your carrier has will not cover items loaded inside your car.  This “cargo” insurance is for his cargo… not yours.  So, if that lamp you place in your car bounces around and breaks your car radio you lose, as it is not insured ..

2.  The law (in this case, a rule by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) says that no household goods may be transported inside your vehicle.  The reasons behind this are primarily due to licensing.  Your transporter/carrier is licensed to transport automobiles and vehicles, but not to transport household goods.  He would have to be licensed as a household mover to be in compliance. This would require filing the appropriate forms, obtaining the proper bonds and insurance, and paying the proper fees.

3.  Another reason not to load your vehicle with household goods when shipping by an auto transport carrier is weight.
Your auto shipper will have to cross the scales many times while in transit to your destination.  Although the common thought would be “my stuff only weighs a couple of hundred pounds” remember, your car is one of up to 10 on his truck ..  A couple of hundred pounds multiplied by 10 turns into a couple of thousand pounds.  This becomes a fuel burner and a “scales buster”.  When a carrier exceeds his allowable weight on the scales, he pays a major fine and penalty.

So, with the above listed reasons in mind, the answer to your question is emphatically no.

I know, some auto transport brokers will tell you it is OK for you to load “a few items”, “up to 100 lbs”, “not over 200 lbs” or some other figure. So, are they right ?  No, in spite of their attempts to capture your business by being agreeable. They can’t change the law.

When you are advised to break the law, the advisor quickly goes into hiding when you get caught.

Use top-notch carriers and brokers who sincerely want to do business with you in a fair, safe, and completely legal manner.

When you decide to ship your vehicle, go to websites offering quotes and fill in the information requested.  You will then receive quotes on shipping your car from several of the great trucking companies  recommended.  There is never an obligation, select the one you want, or select none.  Having seen the quotes will make you a much better shopper.

Some good advice, be safe, be smart, and pick a reputable Broker/Carrier.

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