The Basic Steps In Shipping A Car
Shipping a car or vehicle is a very personal things to some people, like transporting a cherished family member. To others, it is just an object - simply a boat, car, RV, or motorcycle.
When you choose a Carrier for auto transport, first and foremost select based upon a comfort level that is good for you. Although price is important, other important issues surface in this all important selection process.
Insurance: Is the carrier properly insured ? License: Does the carrier possess proper licenses & permits ? Safety Record: Driving record does matter. Reputation: Is this carrier going to project a professional attitude ? Equipment: Having and maintaining a safe and modern truck is very important to the transportation process.
Your selection of Brokers that only use and utilize Carriers that meet a strict code of ethics and conduct is extremely important. Auto shipping is a serious business and only serious companies and individuals need to be involved.
Properly insured means having liability insurance as well as cargo insurance coverage, to not only cover your vehicle, but also any possible exposure to liability that may come along in the process of moving your vehicle. Most top companies today carry a minimum of $250,000.00 in cargo insurance and at least $1,000.000.00 in liability is standard.
Being licensed by and through the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is required, mandatory and very important. Having all of the state and federal permits (this includes registration with the DOT) is not only expected but absolutely necessary. A license (motor carrier authority number), a proper DOT number (also a license) and state permits (expensive and required to use their highways for transport).
The driver should have a safety record that indicates he is a careful professional. This is very important to you as the shipper, as shipping is important but getting there safely even more so.
Drivers/Carriers build reputations. Some are good and some not so good. The reputation a driver/carrier has will tell you volumes about what to expect in terms of agreement, compliance with contracts, and an ability to simply "get along" with the driver/carrier you select. Choose carefully here, if you feel uncomfortable with a driver/carrier, simply talk to another one that makes you feel better about the process. There are review sites on the web where the past performance of various transport companies can be reviewed, complete with details and stories of experiences listed by previous customers.
A successful company or driver is going to have modern well maintained equipment with which to move your vehicle. Stay away from those using "junk". For the most part the safety and reliability of a large rig will have a lot to do with it's age and visable condition. If it looks worn out it probably is. Successful Carriers pride themselves in top equipment and you will be able to tell the difference.
The nice thing about requesting quotes from brokers is that only companies selected to meet or exceed the above listed descriptions will be contacting you. After all, you safety and total satisfaction is what it is all about.
When you choose a Carrier for auto transport, first and foremost select based upon a comfort level that is good for you. Although price is important, other important issues surface in this all important selection process.
Insurance: Is the carrier properly insured ? License: Does the carrier possess proper licenses & permits ? Safety Record: Driving record does matter. Reputation: Is this carrier going to project a professional attitude ? Equipment: Having and maintaining a safe and modern truck is very important to the transportation process.
Your selection of Brokers that only use and utilize Carriers that meet a strict code of ethics and conduct is extremely important. Auto shipping is a serious business and only serious companies and individuals need to be involved.
Properly insured means having liability insurance as well as cargo insurance coverage, to not only cover your vehicle, but also any possible exposure to liability that may come along in the process of moving your vehicle. Most top companies today carry a minimum of $250,000.00 in cargo insurance and at least $1,000.000.00 in liability is standard.
Being licensed by and through the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is required, mandatory and very important. Having all of the state and federal permits (this includes registration with the DOT) is not only expected but absolutely necessary. A license (motor carrier authority number), a proper DOT number (also a license) and state permits (expensive and required to use their highways for transport).
The driver should have a safety record that indicates he is a careful professional. This is very important to you as the shipper, as shipping is important but getting there safely even more so.
Drivers/Carriers build reputations. Some are good and some not so good. The reputation a driver/carrier has will tell you volumes about what to expect in terms of agreement, compliance with contracts, and an ability to simply "get along" with the driver/carrier you select. Choose carefully here, if you feel uncomfortable with a driver/carrier, simply talk to another one that makes you feel better about the process. There are review sites on the web where the past performance of various transport companies can be reviewed, complete with details and stories of experiences listed by previous customers.
A successful company or driver is going to have modern well maintained equipment with which to move your vehicle. Stay away from those using "junk". For the most part the safety and reliability of a large rig will have a lot to do with it's age and visable condition. If it looks worn out it probably is. Successful Carriers pride themselves in top equipment and you will be able to tell the difference.
The nice thing about requesting quotes from brokers is that only companies selected to meet or exceed the above listed descriptions will be contacting you. After all, you safety and total satisfaction is what it is all about.
About the Author:
Before requesting a quote be sure and view Campbell Shahan's really great article on things you need to know at auto transport where he shares out the nice and the bad about auto shipping auto transport