Flexiblity on your
auto transport can save you money and aggravation if you have that luxury. Plan ahead in this business is the best way to assure that your not in flux
waiting for you car to arrive. When your flexible you will save money as the auto transporter can arrange into the schedule when a carrier is in the area. If your vehicle needs to be there by a certain date ask for
express auto transport. If not give yourself a few weeks for the car to be pick up and delivered.
One of the biggest complaints we herein the
car shipping buz is that the caller has already booked the car but it has not been picked up by the carrier yet. They get the deposit back if they are lucky and are now in search of a new
automobile transport company. As discusses in previous posts though its likely to happen again if you do not read the bill of laden or request a guaranteed pick up time, or by a certain date clause in the contract.
If you are flexible in when your auto arrives than this will not be concern to you. Remember when booking your
auto transport, leave yourself plenty of time. At least two to preferably 3 weeks. This will give the car transport company (broker or carrier plenty of time)
Deciphering International Auto Transport
A quickies post today to help differentiate two common
auto transport terms used for international car shipping. The terms commonly used are "RORO & container shipping.
RORO Shipping is roll on roll off
auto shipping. This means the
shipping vessel will have a large door and the car drives on and off like a ferry. Container transport or shipping is when the vehicle is enclosed in a container similar to what you see on trains and large 18 wheelers.
Auto transporters "window" Pick Up
Last week we discussed hot to arrange an
auto transport pick up and if you would not be there in person to meet the driver. This week we will focus on the time window auto transport companies give when booking your car transport. Many times the shipping companies will give a 5 day window for car shipping unless express auto shipping is ordered or guaranteed pick up times.
This 5 day window is to cover the
auto shipper who actually picks up the vehicle. Due to many factors such as traffic,
weather and equipment problems its common place to give this 5 days. Basically what it mean is that you will be called a few hours before the driver arrives to pick up the car for transport so you can prepare. Some drivers can give up to 1 days notice but some is only a few hours. Discuss the details with your auto transport broker or
carrier.
A common question we get often asked is about
car shipping is "what if I am now going to be there when they pick it up"? This can be solved so long as it is pre determined with the
auto transport broker or
carriers picking up the vehicle so prior arrangements can be made.
One thing that can be arranged is to have terminal to terminal or terminal to door auto transport. This is when you or someone you know acting as an agent for you can drop the car off at a lot (mostly near
airports or in larger cities). This way you can leave key and paperwork with attendant. You can also have someone else meet the driver for you at your
location. They will have to sig for you and release the vehicle to the
auto transport company for transport.
A quick post today regarding moving convertible autos. Many people often ask if
auto shipping costs are more. The answer is if you are using or choosing standard
auto transport the answer is no. If you are going to ship this car using
enclosed car transporter the answer is yes.
Also its important to note. When moving a convertible automobile on an open
car carrier -ask it be place on the top of the truck. This will prevent any "discoloring, burns or staining of the top itself, from leaking cars above.
Oil, anti freeze, power steering fluid can all cause damage to
convertible tops especially lighter colored tops.
