Are you planning to move across the country or overseas? Or perhaps you’re a buyer who just bought a vehicle from another state and want it shipped to your shop. Whatever the case may be, there’s a good chance car transportation or auto logistics are on your mind.
- Convenience and Time-Saving From Driving and Seating in Traffic
- Cost-Effective Shipping
- Professional Handling and Care
- Safety and Security
- Flexible Shipping Options
- No Wear and Tear
- Door-to-Door or Terminal-to-Terminal
- Fast and Reliable
Overall, there are many benefits to using a professional auto logistics company to handle your car transportation needs. From peace of mind and convenience to cost-effectiveness and safety, there are plenty of reasons to trust AutoHauler.com experts with your asset. However, before you entrust your car to a shipping broker, there are a few things you should know to ensure your shipping experience is nothing shy of hassle-free, stress-free, and above all, successful.
CAR TRANSPORTATION – AT A GLANCE
Car transportation, also known as auto logistics, is the process of transporting vehicles from one place to another. This can involve shipping cars, trucks, or any other type of vehicle. The primary goal of car transportation is to ensure that vehicles are moved from one location to another safely and securely. That said, there are different methods used for car transportation, depending on the distance between the pickup and delivery locations, the type of vehicle being transported, and the urgency of the delivery.
- Open Car Shipping: One of the most common methods of car transportation is open car shipping. This method involves loading the vehicle onto an open carrier truck that can transport multiple cars simultaneously. These trucks are typically designed with two levels, allowing them to transport more vehicles in a single trip.
- Enclosed Car Shipping: If you are transporting a high-value vehicle, enclosed car shipping is recommended. This method involves placing the vehicle inside an enclosed trailer, providing a layer of protection from mother nature's elements like rain, snow, and wind.
- Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping: Terminal-to-terminal shipping is suitable for those who can drop off and pick up their vehicles from specific locations. This method involves transporting the car to a terminal, where it is held until it can be picked up.
- Door-to-Door Shipping: This method of shipping is the most convenient and popular when it comes to car transportation. This method involves a carrier truck picking up the vehicle directly from the owner's address and delivering it to the desired destination. Door-to-door shipping is typically the most convenient option when possible and saves you a whole lot of time and effort. If there is a route with weight restriction for heavy trucks. Most of the time you can meet the truck at the nearest shopping center or truck stop for safely loading and unloading your car.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE SHIPPING A CAR
Shipping a car involves a lot of moving parts that require attention and preparation. The good news is that by understanding the process ahead of time, you can avoid potential issues, kick unwanted surprises, and ultimately ensure a smooth relocation.
1. Research Auto Logistics Companies
Choosing a reputable auto logistics company can be the difference between a successful car shipment and a total disaster. Start by reviewing the company's reputation, online reviews, and ask for referrals from people in your circle (friends, family, and colleagues) who may have used car shipping services before. Keep in mind to never make your choice solely on price; reputation and quality are staple factors that hold the most assurance in the long run.
During this process, also keep a pulse on insurance coverage and optional extra coverage. This ensures protection against any damage or losses inflicted on cars during transit.
2. Understand Car Shipping Types and Costs
Shipping a vehicle can be done either through an open carrier or an enclosed one. An open carrier is the most common and less expensive option, leaving your car exposed to the elements during shipment. An enclosed carrier is a bit more expensive but provides much more protection from road elements and harsh weather conditions. Other expenses to be mindful of are things like pickup and delivery, taxes, fuel charges, and oversized/weighted vehicle fees. The season and distance are also factors that come into play during the quoting process.
Pro Tip: Before pickup, make sure your gas tank is ¼ filled.
3. Collect Documentation
Before shipping your car, make sure to have all the necessary documents readily available for presentation upon pickup. These documents usually include bill of lading, this can be provided by autohauler or sometimes the driver (possibility of title or registration copy), insurance information (policy number), driver’s license, and full contact details for both the sender and receiver.
4. Prepare Your Car For Shipment
Prior to pick up, take steps to protect your car by cleaning it inside and out and taking pictures of its current condition for documentation. Better yet, take a walk-around video of your car for a 360-degree approach. Also, take the initiative to check the tire pressure and fluid levels, disable alarm systems, inspect for issues, store away toll transponder as it will get charged at the toll house, remove any personal belongings, your personal belongings are not covered by cargo insurance, also, remember to give a spare key to the driver for loading and unloading the vehicle. These are a few necessary things to prepare for car transportation.
5. Paperwork To Know
During the loading process, you'll need to sign a Bill of Lading, which is essentially the contract between you and the shipment company stating car condition and responsibility for delivering your vehicle safely while in transit. Ensure all paperwork is filled out accurately with the correct information, such as your contact information, pickup/destination addresses, make/model/year/condition of the vehicle, along with any special requests or instructions for delivery.
RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION, EVERY TIME
When it comes to car shipping, it pays to be well-informed. By doing your research, selecting the right shipping method, and preparing your car properly, you can avoid potential issues and enjoy a hassle-free, stress-free shipping experience. Overall, no matter what your goals are for auto logistics, know that there are reputable services out there that can help you get your car to where it needs to be. Here at AutoHauler, that is goal.
In summary, your car is a valuable asset and it deserves the best care and attention. As long as you do your due diligence and go with a reliable shipping service that operates on the highest standards of assurance and integrity, you can be confident your vehicle will arrive exactly as it left. Get your custom quote and schedule a pickup at AutoHauler.com today.
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