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7 Important questions to ask your car shipping company
Getting your vehicle or car shipped out to your new destination is a big hassle. Although there are hundreds of auto transport companies out there, but you need to be very sure about the company you are hiring so as to relocate you car safely and well within your budget.
Before hiring the services of an auto transport company, keep the following list of questions ready in your hand:
How will you ship my vehicle?
Generally your car or vehicle gets shipped in a train, truck, plane or boat. It will depend on where you stay and where you are moving.
How much is it the complete car shipping going to cost me?
Here again, the costs will vary, not only with different car transport companies but will also depend on the distance and mileage. You will get charged for carrier type, condition of vehicle, vehicle pick up, taxes etc. You may be charged extra for any special needs.
How long will you take to ship my car?
The time taken by the auto transport company will depend on factors like distance, mode of transport and size of the carrier.
Do I need to bring my vehicle to a specific location?
Most auto shipping companies offer door-to-door service. But if your current location is inaccessible, you may need to bring your car to a certain location.
Do I need to be at home when you pick up my vehicle?
Well, someone has to be there to sign the papers for the vehicle. You can always arrange for your family member to sign it for you.
What is bill of lading?
The bill of lading is a document that records the status of your vehicle. You need to note down any dents or scratches on the car. It is best to take some photos so you can refer back in case of any problems.
Do you have any size and weight restrictions?
The car shipping company you pick should be able to guide you on the size and weight as there could be some restrictions.
Some other points to keep in mind are to ask about the insurance and the final shipping quotes. Do not forget to negotiate any discounts.
[image by Jo@net on flickr]
What to Expect with your Car Transport Company
A car transport company may or may not be able to provide an exact pick-up and delivery time. There are many variables to take into account such as traffic, mechanical problems, and other potential delays in regard to paperwork. It is essential when dealing with a car transport company to keep such things in mind in order to be patient and ultimately have a good experience.
It is important to clarify the payment terms with the car transport company before the entire process to avoid any miscommunication. Most of these companies will require some sort of deposit based on a percentage of the total shipping. It is pretty standard to a deposit of 10-25% be required prior to shipping you vehicle. Many people will recommend that a credit card be used for the deposit in the event there are problems and you would need to dispute the charges with the car transport company.
When it comes to the actual transport of the vehicle, it is advised to ask any last minute questions with the driver. You can do a final confirmation that all the terms of the contract are correct and obtain the car transporter’s contact information.
Prior to turning over your car to the car transport company, take a look at the odometer mileage. Please keep in mind the car will be driven a little, however, in the event of major discrepancies you will have that information documented.
During the delivery from the car transport company, make sure that a company representative and you inspect the vehicle and note any damages that may have occurred. Take a look not only at the cosmetic exterior but also inspect the car’s undercarriage, the mileage, and the overall mechanical condition of the car while running.
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Importance of Auto Transport Services | 1.800.665.5022
The business of auto transport has grown tremendously over the years that it is even considered as a thriving industry in its own in many major countries around the world. The onslaught of economic development coupled with the growing demand to provide efficient services to the needs of people and entities for fast and reliable vehicle transportation ushered the growth of this type of business. If before, this business is limited to a few companies servicing the needs of clients in the auto manufacturing industry, it has now covered even the needs of individuals to efficiently transport cars from one place to another in a safe and secured manner.
One example where auto transport is needed by individuals is during car show events. Vintage cars, high-end autos, prototypes, concept cars, and futuristic autos are normally shown in the said event and this is conducted in a regular manner in many States and Cities. These cars on display are not normally brought to the event by means of driving them because it is not practical do it that way especially if it will come from a distant location. To preserve their pristine condition and to prevent any accidents that might occur if they were to be driven, owners of the said cars engage the services of a transport company to do the job for them. Their expertise in this undertaking has proven to be indispensable that they contributed a lot to the growth of even international car show events.
Large and even medium-sized car companies also use the services of auto transport companies. They are actually the ones who need this kind of service in a more regular manner. Brand new cars of whatever size and category must be transported from the factory that assembled them to the many car dealers and showrooms around the country where the cars should be displayed for public viewing and eventually for sales purposes. Being brand new, they cannot just be driven around because it will show in the car’s odometer that they were used even prior to being sold and this, in the mind of a prospective buyer is already a discouragement. Meticulous buyers even check for any signs of tire wear to make sure that what they are about to buy is really fresh from the factory and has not been used in any way. It is in this regard that many car manufacturing companies engage the services of auto transport entities especially if they need to transport cars immediately from the factory to their car outlets.
[image by dcysurfer / Dave Young on flickr]
A breakdown about Auto Transport | 1.800.665.5022
There are various different reasons why you might need to ship a vehicle. Buying a car from an online marketplace is one reason. Moving is another common reason. Reliable auto transport is important, no matter why you want to ship a vehicle.
Shipping a vehicle, or more appropriately name auto transport, is a necessity many people will need at some point. It isn’t uncommon to have a car shipped at some point. Reliability of who is conducting the auto transport is the biggest issue people face.
Auto transport is a concept that has been around for quite a while; however, it generally was not something the everyday person would have to attend to. Dealerships generally deal with the shipping of vehicles. Now that we are living in a digital age, private buyers are reaching into distant markets to purchase a vehicle. Because of this trend, many auto transport businesses are beginning to emerge and offer services to the general public.
Many people may think that shipping a vehicle will be a taking on a very daunting task. Auto transport is not the same as dropping a package in the mail with the postage attached. Shipping an auto is very different. It will require the shipper to prepare the car for shipping. Once the car is ready for transport, the carrier will picked up at a specified location and delivered to the destination within a predetermined processing time.
Auto transport is something that is going to cost more than traditional shipping items. This is a very large object that will be transported over long distances. Most companies will charge based on weight. It is just good measure to also know this weight does have set limits. It’s important to do your homework and price compare when looking for your next auto transport company.
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21 Tips to Help You Pack for a Trip | Car Shipping Companies
The following is re-posted from Travellers Point. Definitely stop by their site the next time you are planning a vacation or road trip!
We have compiled a great deal of packing tips after years of traveling and together with some members suggestions, we thought we should share them with other travelers setting out.
1. Security and Keeping Details Safe
Scan your passport, passport photos and paper tickets (if not the e type) in. Store this (in an email for e.g.) in your web based email account. You can also store the details of your emergency ‘lost card’ telephone numbers in your web based email account so you know who to contact if your credit card or ATM card is lost or stolen. This way, even if you lose everything, you have immediate access your all important information. You can even email the details page of your passport to the embassy or consulate when applying for a new one. (Tip from a member)
Also consider writing your home and destination address (and mobile number if you have one) on a self-adhesive sticky label to stick INSIDE your luggage in a visible place. If your luggage is lost and the baggage label has come off, at least the airline can still figure out whose luggage it is.
2. Split up your valuables
Split up your bank cards, cash, travelers’ cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won’t be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!).
3. Nalgene/Small Bottles
Use Nalgene/small bottles to pack toiletries and other small items. There are several sturdy and (very nearly) waterproof ones, with clear/see through ones being preferable (easier for security purposes post August 2006). You can also use small bottles to repack shampoo or lotions so that you don’t have to always carry a big bottle with you. This is especially useful if you normally take these items in your carry-on luggage, which as of early 2007 is much more restricted than before.
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4. Backpack Tips
When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack. If you are still trying to decide on the right backpack, have a look at Choosing the right Backpack on our Travel Unravelled blog.
5. Plastic Bags
It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.
6. Pack in Plastic
Pack everything in clear plastic bags (preferably zip lock), divided into items e.g. underwear, t-shirts, shorts etc. before packing in your suitcase or backpack. One plastic bag for each type of clothing. This is extremely useful in various ways. When you unpack your bag you just take out a series of bags and you can see immediately what you want. So an overnight stay somewhere just means taking 1 item out of a bag - no rummaging!! In addition, if you have to unpack at customs etc, instead of having to disgorge all your clothing etc out in front of everybody, you can calmly take maybe 5/6 bags out, the contents of which can be clearly seen by the officials. To repack then is also dead easy. Just be sure not to leave your plastic bags lying around if you are traveling in nature!
7. Clothes
Pack only what you know you will use and if you are traveling for more than three weeks, plan to wash on the road. You can cut back on the number of clothes items by packing multi-purpose clothing, for example items that can both be worn during the day and as sleepwear.
8. Split up clothes when traveling with others
When you are flying somewhere and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases/backpacks/bags etc. If one persons luggage doesn’t arrive at the destination, they’ll still have clean clothes available. Airlines generally don’t compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you.
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9. Separate Beach Bag
When packing to head to the beach consider pre-packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beach bag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if traveling with kids, this will prove a timesaver!
10. Suitcase lovers
For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily.
11. Gifts
While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you while traveling, pre-wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened. (Tip from a member)
12. Flashlights or Torches
When packing a flashlight or torch (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won’t empty the batteries. Don’t forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.
13. Diaper Bag
If you are traveling with babies, then the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. This most likely will not be the first thing to be stolen. It’s also a great to use as a waste bag (even when not traveling with a child!), especially at places that do not allow you to flush toilet paper. (Tip from a member)
14. Shoes
If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock).
15. Carry-On
Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, LA or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don’t want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days.
16. Roll Technique
Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled.
17. Traveling to warm destinations?
If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a six-pack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your ‘toiletry bag’ guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote.
18. Local Tourism Offices
The best source of information is usually local. Check out Tourism Offices to find unbiased feedback on the best accommodation to suit your needs. Exercise caution in countries where you feel the information might not be so unbiased!
19. Minimize on toiletries
Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and crush it so the middle is folded.
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20. Take solid shampoo bars and tooth powder
Solid shampoo bars and tooth powder (instead of tooth paste) can be easily located on the internet and make carry-on travel in this age of liquid restriction possible. Places like Beijing now bar all liquids in carry-on bags, and you’ll still be able to breeze through without checking. (Tip from a member)
21. Planning on carrying a lot of luggage?
While carrying a lot of luggage is not recommendable, sometimes it is necessary in the case of relocations and so on. If you have the possibility, fly via the US as airlines will allow you 64kg (two 32kg bags) instead of the 20kg in the rest of the world. Even if it is just a stopover in the US, you will be allowed to carry the extra weight. Check with your local travel agent for the details.
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