Auto Transport & Car Shipping News

Driving yourself or choosing an auto transport company is completely up to you. However, many people choose to use the convenient services of a car shipping company to help them save valuable time, money and wear and tear on their vehicles. You should make a decision based on your personal preference and requirements.

Choosing auto transport companies to move your car is fast, simple and safe way to transfer your vehicle from point A to pint B. The car transport company helps you fill out the necessary paper work, go over the insurance information and then pick an experienced driver to deliver your car to your destination within few days or a week depending the mileage.

Driving your car yourself to your destination might be a trip and exciting, but, after long hours on the road and putting extra miles on your car, it becomes tedious unpleasant experience. You will also waste precious time ad spending extra money on food, gas, lodging and other expenses. Using the services of auto transport companies will to keep you hassle free and will allow you to go about your daily activities. If you are traveling to a new destination – we recommend you use a GPS system to help you navigate the unknown roads and territory.

Auto transport companies offer a great service to help you save time and money. By choosing a reliable car shipping company than driving your car yourself you’ll save on wear and tear on your car.

Discover how to get your car ready for auto transport. Many people choose moving their cars cross country, because it protects your car from wear and tear on the road.. Here is a quick checklist of the things you will need to do prior to your car’s pickup date.

Get insurance coverage. The first thing you will need to do to get your car ready for auto transport is to call your car insurance company and see if your policy covers your car during transport. If it does, be sure to find out what and how much the policy covers, and what your deductible will be. Many reputable carriers offer insurance, while others don’t. You may also have to upgrade to a more expensive package in order to get insurance. As with your car insurance agent, it is important to ask exactly what is covered, how high the coverage goes, and whether you will need to pay for anything out of pocket if a claim arises.

Perform a mechanical inspection. Ready auto transport company will ask that you do a mechanical inspection before putting it on carrier. Making your car ready for auto transport is essential for a successful move. Having an automobile that is ready to be transported and functional will help the driver safe time and will speed up his move. Leaking engine oil can drip onto other cars if yours is on top, causing stains and damaging paints the cars that are loaded on the bottom. Make sure you let the driver know about any special instructions or problems the car has before getting it ready to ship. If your car has mechanical problems, or is not ready for auto transport - don’t worry. Cars that don’t run or have leaks can still be shipped or can be picked up at a later date.

Perform a visual inspection. It is also a good idea to do a visual inspect of the exterior and interior of your car and document any damage before getting your car ready to be loaded on the carrier for transport. Take digital pictures of the front, sides, rear, and interior of your car, being especially careful to photograph any damage such as dents or scrapes. These pictures will serve as evidence if there is ever a disagreement about whether or not certain damage happened in transit.

Remove any and all valuables from the car. We always advice our customers to remove any valuables before getting your car ready for auto transport. If you have an expensive detachable stereo in your car, you might consider removing it before transport, as well as any additional components, such as CD changers, amplifiers, and subwoofers, antennas and even your E-Z pass tags.

As you can see, there is not a lot to do to get ready for auto transport. However, it is still vital that you do these things before your car is shipped. Ready auto transport drivers will do everything within their power to ensure a smooth transport of your vehicle from the very beginning to your delivery destination.

It has come to our attention that there has been a number of scam auto transport and car shipping websites popping up all over the internet. Some of the most common ripoffs are fake car transport companies pretending to be licensed and insured. All auto transporters must be authorized by USDOT, and have a bond to operate. If the company does not have a motor carrier (MC) authority or hides their credentials, they are not legally authorized to do business as an auto transport carrier. Other complaints include consumers submitting their information to sites that offer instant multiple rates – 8 to 10 quotes with one form. Most of the time these lead generating sites will capture your contact details and will sell your information to several companies. Always read their privacy policy and terms of service. If the site does not clearly state how they will use your information, most likely they do not care about your privacy and will do whatever they want with your contact data. Here are some tips on identifying a scam auto transport website and avoid getting ripped-off:

1.      We strongly DO NOT recommend using a company that asks you to wire money. Reputable auto transporters will either accept credit cards, PayPal, checks or some other form of e-commerce method. Legit car shippers will never require wire transfer payments.

2.      Check out their MC number. If their Motor Carrier authority number is not clearly shown on their website or is hidden, it’s a clear sign that they are hiding something. To check the credentials of a car transport company, search by their name, MC or USDOT number at FMCSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER).

3.      Look for a phone number listed for the site and call it. Most of the reputable auto transport companies use toll free or local numbers to allow customers to reach them. Fake sites often list either a non-working phone number or no number at all. Also look out for a physical address or the location where the company is located. Check them out on Google or Yahoo maps to verify if this address actually exists. Bogus sites generally do not list any mailing address.

4.      Do a Google search on the name of the auto transport company. Legit and reputable carriers will return many results that reference the actual company. Fly by or phony sites will have very few listings – unless they are brand new or just opened for business

5.      Ask for references to see if you can contact their previous customers. Legitimate car shippers will be able to provide you with references you can call or email to see how their service was.

Following these steps will help you avoid an auto transport scam and a car shipping rip-off. It will also provide you with helpful tips and assure you that the carrier you have chosen, will get your car to its destination undamaged and on time.

If you feel that an auto transport company has not treated you fairly, if you have been scammed or if your vehicle suffered loss or damage as a result of a carrier - you can file a complaint. It is always recommended that you first try to work it out with the company. If you do not hear from them within a reasonable time, or if you are not satisfied with the carrier’s action, you may file a complaint against the auto transport company directly with the USDOT. Send your correspondence to:

U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590

Auto transport industry is run by 90% by the brokers! The majority of auto transport companies don’t own car trailers. They don’t have the staff or budget to market themselves to the public or the customer service team to provide support to their clients. They typically rely on word of mouth or local advertising to get the business. Carriers deeply rely on the brokers to fill up their trucks and keep them moving.

Auto transport brokers have access to hundreds of transporters and can generally accommodate you on any location you may need to get your car picked up or delivered to. Working with a reputable broker may help you get a better price or find a company you wouldn’t otherwise find on your own. The broker may also provide you with a more competitive price quote and offer you better support. Many of the drivers are one man operations or are under-staffed to provide you with quality customer service.  

How the auto transport industry works?
When you get a quote from different companies/brokers – they all compete for your business. But the reality is you are actually bidding for the drivers to move your car. If your quote is too low, you car will not be picked or it may take few weeks for the delivery.

Here is an example on how this works: let’s say the route is (NJ to FL). There is usually 20-40 cars waiting to be picked up on the dispatch board which is used by all truckers in the industry. They are all priced from high to low. The drivers will be more attracted to loads that are paying more. So if you picked the lowest quote and there are 10 cars all quoted higher on the list, your car will be sitting at your driveway for awhile. Your load will be the last to get picked up, or you simply may never get a driver assigned while a dishonest broker promises you the world and takes your money.

How to get the right auto transport quote?
In the industry where money talks - your budget will determine the price to get your vehicle picked up and delivered. Choosing the lowest car transport rates is not always recommended. We constantly hear complaints from consumers who first dealt with low balled quotes and than went with a higher quote – got their vehicles picked up with 2-4 business days.

Search Google for “auto transport quotes”, “car transport rates”, or “car shipping quotes” and checkout various auto transport company websites. Get quotes from individual companies, or comparison sites and compare rates. You can check the company’s track record on sites like Transport Reviews.

Ship Any Car, LLC has been helping customers transport cars for over 6 years. They are rated  5 star auto transport company on Transport Reviews.

Auto transport industry saw a lot of changes for the year 2009. From GM reorganizing their brand, to worst new vehicle sales in the United States history since 1972. Drivers found their trucks to be standing half way empty as they struggled to put together their loads. The industry saw a turn around when the Obama administration introduced “Cash for Clunkers” program when consumers finally started buying new cars and trading in their old gas guzzlers.   

2010 will be another competitive year for the drivers in the auto transport industry. There will be more demand for shipping overseas. If you will be dealing with the ports, local dealerships and assembly plants - expect to get freight and more business from these sources.

Next year will also bring competition from smaller independent drivers and new companies entering the auto transport industry. Be prepared to compete and offer aggressive load pricing from internet rivals like Uship as more drivers will use such boards to fill the trucks for their local routes.

Fuel should continue to rise as the recovery deepens and demand for energy increases. Truck finance will be a task to get loans - as more banks continue to be fiscally conservative .

In conclusion, I think it is going to be another tough year in this industry.  The key to survival will be finding different niches in local markets and routes that are not covered by many drivers.

Auto shipping may seem like an enormous undertaking, especially if you have never considered the prospect.  However, if you follow a few simple tips and methods, you’ll find that it is much simpler than it seems.

The first thing should be to thoroughly wash your vehicle.  This should be done even if you intend to ship it via open trailer transport.  Cleaning the exterior of your vehicle prior to shipping helps you identify any damage (paint chips, scratches, dents, etc) when the vehicle arrives at your new location.

If your vehicle is equipped with an antitheft system, ensure that it is disabled.  This prevents untoward hassles during transport for the shipping company.  In addition, you should make sure that your fuel tank is only between 1/4 and 1/8 full.  This helps reduce the weight of the vehicle. The more your vehicle weighs, the more it costs to ship it.

If you have exterior parts that may be damaged or come loose during transport, it is an excellent idea to remove or secure these.  The list of items that fall into this category is extensive, but can include spoilers (large wing spoilers, especially), ground effects, front air dams and much more.  If your side view mirrors can be folded, do so.  You may also consider removing the antenna. Also, make sure to remove your EZ Pass tags from your car since you do not want to be charged for all the tolls.

A few other items apply during vehicle preparation for shipping.  For instance, ensure that the battery is fully charged.  If the battery dies during transport, you may incur extra charges and hassle.  Additionally, ensure that all tires are properly inflated and that all your fluids are topped off (brake fluid, antifreeze, transmission fluid, etc).

Finally, make sure that you notate (in writing) any specific items of note before shipping, such as exterior condition, engine performance and other vital details.  Maintain these records for the future to help you check for new damage to the vehicle, or inordinate operation on delivery.  Make sure that you provide a copy of the list to the shipping company, as well.  You may also want to have a representative of the company present during your “walk around.”

Now that your vehicle is properly prepped, it’s time to consider shipping methods.  Several options exist, though the one you ultimately choose will be dictated by your budget, the type of vehicle you are shipping and the location to which you are shipping it.

Open trailer shipping is one of the most affordable and popular ways to ship a vehicle.  This method finds your car loaded onto a trailer without enclosed sides or a closed top.  While your car will certainly accrue road dust during the trip, the money saved will more than pay to have it washed.

Another option is to use a closed trailer for your shipping needs.  This is the best option for shipping restored classics and expensive cars, as well as vintage vehicles in original condition.  By using an enclosed trailer, you keep your vehicle safe from the elements, direct sunlight, sand and other corrosive forces.  Of course, this option is more expensive than using an open trailer.

Besides the type of transport method chosen, the largest factor in determining the cost involved will be the distance traveled.  The longer the distance, the higher the transportation charges will be. In addition, other factors may add to the overall cost, such as traveling through heavily congested areas.

Locating a viable car transport service will require that you do a bit of homework first. Several criteria must be judged, prior to making your choice.  The two most important factors to research are the company’s reputation for service and their history of accidents/damages to customer vehicles.

Additionally, you should never be afraid to question the company in-depth about their practices, policies and procedures.  Speak with the driver of the transport vehicle, if possible.  This will allow you to gauge their knowledge and professionalism.  Finally, speak with the company and get their price in writing.  This helps you avoid additional surprises when you pick up your vehicle in your new location.

Credible vehicle shipping and transportation companies are the only options that you should consider.  Choosing a company without a good record of accomplishment can leave you with more than just a bad taste in your mouth.  Avoid potential costly and damaging situations by making the right choice from the start.

Auto transport is a job best left to the experts.  Only experienced auto transporters should be chosen, in order to ensure that your vehicle arrives in the same condition in which it left.  That said, auto shipping provides convenience, peace of mind and many other benefits, as well.  To help ensure that you have the best auto shipping experience possible, here are the most commonly asked questions and their associated answers.

Question: How long will it take to deliver my car to my new destination?

 Answer: Transporting your car can take between 3 to 5 days depending on the destination. Coast-to-coast shipping usually takes about 7-10 days.

Question: What is the standard method of transport for my vehicle?

Answer: The standard method of transport is a 10-car capacity open carrier trailer.

Question: Will there be a specific pickup date for my vehicle?

Answer: You tell us your preferred pick up date and we’ll get our drivers to load your vehicle. We will call you and notify you before pickup and upon delivery.   

Question: What happens if my vehicle arrives damaged from transport?

Answer: Your first step should be to note the damage at the time you pick up the vehicle.  Note this damage on the “bill of lading,” which is used as the driver’s inspection of the vehicle at pickup.

Question: Should I book my transport in advance?

Answer: You should arrange for transport at least two weeks in advance, though a longer notice is also beneficial.  

Question: Is a deposit required to secure service?

Answer: We require a $200 deposit for all reservation.

Question: Do you have any terminals or a place I can drop my car off?

Answer: No. We offer a door-to-door auto transport service. We do not use terminals or drop off locations.

After getting several car moving quotes and  emails/phone calls – do you go with the cheapest quote? Many consumers decide on a cheaper company which may not always be the right choice. They might provide you with lowest quote but that does not guarantee fast pick and delivery. Drivers no longer want to deliver for $0.45 per mile due to fuel increase… therefore are asking for more money per load. Resulting in longer pickup times compared to higher priced quotes. Ask the carrier how long for pickup of your vehicle.  Turnaround time can be anywhere from the same day to a week or more. If you are in a rush to get your vehicle delivered to your door, I would not recommend going with a lower priced quote. Before choosing a carrier, make sure to also check out their licensing and BBB reports.

For this month, Florida to California remains the most popular interstate route for auto transport. Here are the remaining 4 routes for this month:

2: California to Texas

3: New York to Florida

4. California to New Jersey

5: Arizona to Florida

This month many carriers had to raise their prices as fuel gets more expensive. Drivers are also being more selective with their routes and the type of cars they pickup. Rising oil prices has also forced many transporters to make fewer profits as they made in the past.