Auto Transport Tips For The First Timer

July 8th, 2010  |  Published in Auto Insurance

So, you want to have your car transported a specific location huh? And this is your first time? You must be tentative because youve never done this before and you dont want anything to go wrong, especially due to the significant investment your car has been. Transporting your automobile doesnt have to be a nightmare. A thorough understanding of how it works will help you ease your mind of the problems that may result of such.

1. Trailers

There are many transport trailer options, the most popular among these types is the open carrier transport. The open carrier transport, aside from being popular, is the least expensive mode of transporting automobiles. Usually, your automobile will be transported on haulers like the ones used to deliver new cars. These trailers have a capacity of eight to ten cars. They are around 80 feet long and 14 feet high. With their immense size they are limited to traveling on major roads that are free of possible obstacles such as trees and such. They are also limited to traveling on roads that can support its weight. These trailers cannot maneuver easily on tight turns.

This is a good way to transport automobiles – the only downside is that your car may not be that well protected against the elements, dust, and wear and tear usually associated with highway travel.

2. Enclosed Trailer Transport

This is by far the most expensive option but all that cost is worth it because your car will likely be in better shape than if it were transported via an open transport carrier. This type of transport is the best for rare, exotic, or expensive cars. Automobiles to be displayed during car shows are usually traveled using this type of transport. It provides the safest, most secure method of auto transport.

3. Self-Transport

There are other people who prefer to transport their vehicles themselves. This is the riskiest way to transport your vehicle, especially if you are unskilled in such operations. Usually this is performed by renting a trailer and driving the trailer yourself.

If you do choose this type of transport, you may want to learn more about the trailer and its operation. You should ask the owner for instruction and hints on operating such an automobile.

- Always discuss your automobile with the transport service before you agree to the terms
- Make sure the service knows what your car looks like, its dimensions, and possible problems that may be encountered when delivering
- Make sure everything is understood before closing the deal

4. Be aware of the pick up time and transport time

Pick up time is the amount of time it takes from receipt of the order to transport until your automobile is loaded unto the trailer. This time is usually 2 and 10 days. Transport services appreciate a three day allowance to find a trailer and assign your car to that trailer.

Transit time will take about 8-10 days. This depends on the destination and route taken. These trailers will usually carry about ten automobiles at the same time. And as me makes the necessary stops to deliver each automobile, he could use up a lot of time. So, it would do well to be patient during these times.

There are also deals such as guaranteed delivery and express service. These deals will make sure your car gets delivered earlier, but will cost much more. If money is no question, then by all means use every method possible to keep your automobile safe and secure.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Auto Transport Is Easy And Safe

July 1st, 2010  |  Published in Auto Insurance

There are a variety of reasons why you may have to may have to use an auto transport service to ship your car or truck, van or SUV, when driving it from place to place just isnt practical or possible. Lucky, there are likewise a variety of ways which you can go about doing the transporting, based on your budget, or the urgency with which you need your car to arrive.

If you currently own a car and are in the process of moving, the most annoying thing to have to consider is how youll get your vehicle or vehicles from your current residence to your next one. You may be moving a great distance, or even overseas, and yet you dont have the opportunity or time to move your car by yourself. Of course, you need your car at your new home, and you need it there as soon as possible, so youll have to consult an automobile transporter to ship your car from A to B. Most transport companies, whether they ship your car by train or by truck, have fully computerized shipping services, so that you can track the status and position of your car in transit, just in case youre the worrying type.

But before you send your car on a cross country or international trip, youll want to make sure you have it in tip-top shape, and get a thorough record of inspection that will make note of your cars mileage, any noticeable dents scratches or nicks, any cracked glass, or other imperfections. Make sure that all is well covered and accounted for when you purchase insurance for your car, so that it will be made clear within the legal contract both you and the transport company will draft. This becomes important just in case any physical damage is done to your car during transport, so youll have proof and justification with which to hold the company accountable.

And then theres the question of whether to ship your car by train or by truck. In person, of course, youll probably be flying to your destination, but if you were traveling on the ground you might choose train travel over car travel just because its the romantic thing to do. But your car doesnt know anything about romance, so youll want to choose the fastest, easiest way to get it shipped so that you can minimize hassle. If you choose to go by train, the biggest inconvenience may be that you will have to pick up your car from the terminal they ship it to. Thats a problem if you want to get your car right to your new front door, or just wont have the time to head out and pick up your car from the lot theyve deposited it in. In this case, your best option is to go with shipping your automobile by truck, which, in most instances, can do direct shipment to a specific street address with a not unreasonable difference in price.

In case you need a specific date for delivery because you wont be able to receive your car at any other possible time, then it is important to let the auto transport company you choose know this, as there may be a holding fee at their terminal.

For shipping overseas, obviously the same kinds of inspections and precautions need to be taken to ensure you receive your car in the same shape you left it. Theres nothing worse than finding out weeks after youve received your car that theres a jagged scratch in the paint you didnt at first notice, and which you cant prove the company responsible for. So be cautious, be careful, and know just what you want from your automobile transporter.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,