Vehicle Shipping 101 From Haulingdepot.com

A sensible approach to choosing Car Shippers, Auto Transport Services and Vehicle Shipping Companies.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Flexiblity on auto transport delivery.

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.

Monday, May 22, 2006

Car Shipping Woes

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)

Thursday, May 18, 2006

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.

Monday, May 15, 2006

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.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Not going to be there when truck arrives for transport?

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.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Car Transport = shipping convertible

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.