The Pros and Cons of Driverless Cars
Having the convenience of giving a car some driving orders and waiting for it to fulfill them while relaxing in the driver’s or even back seat has always been pure fiction. However, nowadays, driverless cars are turning into reality.
Despite driverless cars’ enchanted convenience, people are still conflicted about their reliability and efficiency. This article highlights driverless cars’ major pros and cons so readers can weigh them in, leaving determining their worth to readers’ judgment.
Driverless Cars Pros
Driverless car manufacturers and enthusiasts have been counting endless benefits and advantages of driverless cars, from which we mention the following:
Reducing Road Accidents
Many studies, including a major one conducted by the NHTSA, show that human errors and drivers’ behavior are responsible for around 94% of road accidents. The reasons behind these accidents are primarily fatigue, intoxication, and distractions related to using the phone or eating and drinking while driving.
However, the advent of driverless cars promises to address all these issues and reduce road accidents to a minimal level. These cars have exclusively advanced driver-assist technologies that allow for higher levels of autonomy, meaning the driverless cars can overtake the entire driving task.
Their advanced systems work together for a seamless driving experience and enhance the cars’ ability to accurately map out routes and interact effectively with other vehicles and road infrastructure, minimizing chances of committing mistakes and consequently having accidents.
Plummeting Car Ownership
Driverless cars are expected to cause a plummet in car ownership rates, especially if MaaS (Mobility as a Service) is adopted. MaaS will significantly revolutionize the transportation industry, promoting ride-sharing rather than car ownership.
Furthermore, MaaS will be a practical solution for those willing to shift to the driverless mode yet cannot afford a private driverless car. It is one of the major assumptions about how driverless cars will change some aspects of our lives.
That is not to mention how replacing privately owned cars with ride-sharing by driverless cars can save people considerable costs of maintaining a car.
Improving Overall Life Quality
One of the greatest powers of driverless cars is their proven efficiency in saving time, fuel, and money.
Thanks to their smart systems, driverless cars can manage traffic congestion better than human drivers, saving fuel and reducing emissions released to the environment. This will also reduce our carbon footprint and enhance sustainability.
Moreover, driverless cars are very likely to drive themselves back home or to their designated location, which results in lots of parking spaces that can be made use of by expanding green spaces and parks.
Driverless Cars Cons
The following are some of the top disadvantages of driverless cars:
Risks of Hacking into Driverless Cars
Driverless cars completely rely on the same network protocol to communicate and coordinate with each other. While this technology accounts for a maximized driver experience, it also exposes the cars’ occupants to serious risks that threaten their personal safety.
Shared networks are usually vulnerable to hacks, raising concerns for the vehicles’ security as hackers could break into the network system and cause the car to make mistakes that could lead to a crash.
Expensive Initial Costs
Owning a smart driverless vehicle is not a viable option for many people because its prices are pretty prohibitive to the average family. Even though there are many endeavors to enhance their cost-effectiveness, they still cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The high prices of driverless cars are a major handicap that prevents people from adopting this technology and promoting its use.
Complicated Regulatory Issues
Driverless cars are expected to trigger several changes in the legal sector. However, things may become mistier as it will be hard to tell who would be held responsible if an accident occurred. The same issues will arise with insurance claims, with nobody accepting responsibility should a negative event happen with the car.
Driverless Cars and Car Shipping
Driverless cars will majorly influence various industries, and car shipping is no exception. Stakeholders have shown optimism about adopting driverless cars, promising more efficient work processes. Similar to transforming the transportation system we know today, driverless cars will change several aspects of the shipping industry, such as:
- Increasing efficiency and reducing costs: Driverless cars can operate longer hours without breaks or rest, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs and transportation time. Incorporating these vehicles into the car shipping industry will make extra express delivery possible.
- Optimizing cargo safety: Driverless cars can perceive and react to the environment around them much faster and more accurately than human drivers, potentially reducing accidents and improving overall safety. They can also communicate with each other, allowing them to enhance movements and avoid collisions.
- New business models: Driverless cars could enable new business models for car shipping, such as on-demand car delivery services or self-driving car rental services. These new models could expand the scope of the car shipping industry and create new revenue streams.
Tempus Logix is a professional car shipping company in the United States that strives to invest in the best technology for optimized and highly efficient services. The company ships all vehicles nationwide with a network of experienced and adequately insured carrier drivers.
Conclusion
The future holds many unknown secrets regarding how far driverless cars can go to improve our transportation systems and simplify commuting. Though there are some concerning disadvantages of driverless cars, they still create big opportunities for a new phase of easy and efficient road trips no matter how far the distance is.
A Year in Review: The Car Shipping Industry in 2023
The car shipping industry is bidding 2023 a final farewell on New Year’s Eve, yet in a rather special method. On this occasion, it is time to review how the industry was doing during 2023 and what major events influenced its performance.
First, this year saw significant advancements in various technological innovations with increased interest in employing these innovations in the industry. Analysts have been studying technology’s impact on car shipping, and debates have arisen on whether it will enhance work efficiency and increase revenue in return or decrease demand.
While both viewpoints seem logical, it is fair to say that part of the first theory is what is actually achieved in 2023. Artificial Intelligence has made a significant breakthrough that has raised businesses’ concerns about being replaced by this technology.
However, AI has not developed yet to the level of replacing humans, and companies started to take proactive procedures in responding to challenges posed by AI, mainly through adopting this technology and incorporating it into their work operations. By doing so, car shipping processes became more efficient for companies and easier for clients.
Another trendy topic in the car shipping industry in 2023 was the impact of the auto development on car shipping, especially autonomous vehicles. Several scenarios envision the future of car shipping when AVs take over. While AVs are sure to reshape the industry, it remains unclear whether they will replace the need for car shippers altogether.
2023 Car Shipping Statistics
In 2023, industry research shows how the car shipping industry has been performing:
- The car shipping industry has seen a decline in revenue by 4.9%, estimated at $9.9 billion as of 2023.
- Employment rates in the car shipping industry have also declined by 5.5%, with the estimated number of registered employees reaching around 38,108.
- The number of businesses in the car shipping industry grew by 5.3%, with 5,919 businesses in the United States.
The moderate market share concentration in the industry is an encouragement for many car shipping companies to enter the market. However, internal competition is fiercer than in other industries, primarily focusing on price, service quality, and reliability.
Tempus Logix in 2023
2023 was a productive year for Tempus Logix, during which the company has achieved outstanding results, including:
- Tempus Logix was celebrated as a ‘Platinum Power Broker’ in the car shipping industry.
- 94% of the company’s customers are satisfied with its services and are willing to use them again.
- The company had a low cancellation rate of only 3%.
- The company received thousands of positive reviews on various platforms, including Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
- The company set a new record for successful deliveries of over 90,000 vehicles and drove 130 million miles.
- Tempus Logix became a top-rated car shipper on the Uship Load Board.
Besides, Tempus Logix has expanded its investments in its tools for a more effective shipping process and extra convenient experience. It has improved its online AI-based cost calculator to allow customers to request an immediate quote for shipping a motorcycle, UTV, or ATV. Tempus Logix also started accepting online bookings without upfront payment by the end of this year.
Overall, 2023 was a good year for the car shipping industry, especially with the technological trends that maximized work efficiency. The industry mainly witnessed hundreds of new businesses entering the market. Current trends and data show that the following years will be promising for strong growth.
Guide For 2024 Cars and Shipping
As 2024 approaches, many are wondering about the new trends in the automotive industry, such as what new cars will be released and the easy ways to ship them across the country. This guide answers everything readers want to know about cars in 2024 and car shipping, addressing the following topics:
- Upcoming Cars in 2024
- Shipping Cars in 2024
- The Ultimate Deal on Car Shipping in 2024
- Hidden Car Shipping Secrets
Upcoming Cars in 2024
Many premium brands, like BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, etc., will introduce their new vehicle collection for 2024. The following is an overview of the most anticipated gasoline-powered cars to be released in 2024:
- 2024 Chevrolet Traverse: Chevrolet updates its SUV Traverse model for 2024, modifying its interior and exterior design. The car will hit the roads in early 2024; no pricing information is available yet.
- 2024 Toyota Compact Cruiser: Toyota will release its retro-styled SUV based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform, offering a variety of powerful gasoline and diesel engines. Expect the pricing to hover around $40,000.
- 2024 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: Chevrolet again introduces a high-performance variant of the Corvette, powered by a new 6.6-liter V8 engine and expected to produce over 800 horsepower. With its track-tuned suspension and aerodynamic upgrades, it is expected to be around $100,000.
- Maserati’s New Sedan: Maserati will release a new sedan in 2024 that will be available in gasoline and electric versions. The gasoline-powered version is expected to be powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces around 400 horsepower and costs around $100,000.
EV 2024 Models
With the constant developments in the automotive industry, the growing interest in EVs, and their ability to solve environmental issues, more electric cars will be launched in 2024. With these advancements, 2024 will be an exciting year for car enthusiasts. The following are the top 3 EVs for 2024:
- Acura ZDX: Acura plans to debut its first-ever electric SUV early in 2024. It will have a 102.0-kWh battery that provides up to 325 miles of range, besides many powerful features, and is estimated to start at around $60,000.
- Audi Q6 e-Tron: Audi will further expand its electric SUV lineup with the Q6 e-Tron, which has a 93.0-kWh battery that provides up to 315 miles of range. No pricing information about this vehicle is available yet.
- Buick Electra: Buick’s new all-electric SUV uses GM’s Ultium battery platform, roughly the same size as a Chevrolet Equinox. The car is expected to have a range of 300 miles and 340 horsepower and will hit the roads sometime in 2024.
Shipping Cars in 2024
Shipping cars in 2024 will be easy as more car shippers enter the industry and the competition intensifies. The following are the basic steps for a super easy car shipping process in 2024:
- Find a reliable car shipping company: With thousands of car shipping companies competing in the United States, it is easy to find a reliable one after doing online research. Basically, for one to evaluate the reliability of a car shipping company, one needs to find them on the Internet with an official website.
On the company’s website, customers must be able to find information about the company, like its services, address, and achievements. The website must also feature important company licenses and permit information.
- Check for the company’s reputation: The first step in the process of checking for a car shipping company’s reputation is copying its MC (Motor Carrier) number featured on its website and looking it up on the official website of the USDOT (United States Department of Transportation.)
The USDOT’s website allows customers to research the company’s history and check whether it had previous accidents or frequent complaints. Then, customers can research the company on different third-party reviewing platforms, like Trustpilot and Yelp, and read the company’s previous customers’ reviews to learn from their past experiences with the company.
It is worth noting that the company should have a fair number of reviews to make an objective judgment. Too many negative reviews form a red sign; however, how the company responds to negative reviews must also be considered.
- Talk to the company’s representative to arrange car shipping: The final basic step in the car shipping process would be talking to the car shipping company’s customer service representative after ensuring its reliability.
The company’s representative helps customers choose the shipping method that best suits their needs and their vehicle’s requirements. They also guide customers in preparing their cars for shipping while arranging the logistics.
It is important that customers accurately describe their vehicles and inform the car shipper about any special needs so that they can properly arrange for its transportation.
Preparing a Car for Shipping
To prepare a car for shipping, all customers need to do is follow these steps:
- Wash the car inside and out.
- Remove all loose items, personal belongings, and after-market accessories. If customers plan to ship some personal items inside the car, they must tell their car shipper about their intentions so that they can guide them on how to pack these items and what the maximum allowed extra weight is.
- Document the car’s condition by taking pictures of the car from different angles after washing it. The pictures must be high resolution so they can be helpful if customers need to use them as proof of the vehicle’s condition if conflicts arise.
- Be sure to turn off alarms, check for tire pressure, and ensure they are properly inflated.
- Make sure the fuel tank doesn’t have over a quarter of fuel to avoid adding extra weight to the car carrier.
- Make sure to have an extra set of keys because the carrier driver will ask for one as they need to drive the car on and off the shipping trailer during the process.
The Ultimate Deal on Car Shipping in 2024
One intriguing subject about car shipping in 2024 is making the ultimate deal on shipping a car across the country. There are different methods customers can benefit from a price cut for shipping their cars, including:
- To get the ultimate car shipping deal, clients can first assess the necessary needs for shipping their cars so that they can choose a service worth the cost. For example, clients can choose enclosed shipping if they ship a high-end, expensive car. Choosing this shipping option, despite its higher cost compared to others, is regarded as an investment in the security of the car. However, they can still lower the cost of shipping their valuable car by booking for car shipping in advance and avoiding express shipping.
- If the ultimate car shipping deal means saving money for those looking for affordable car shipping services, they can contact several car shipping companies and request a shipping quote. Then, they will have to compare the quotes given to them, keeping in mind each company’s experience level and service quality. Most car shipping companies in the United States compete on price, which makes finding affordable car shipping easier.
- Customers can also benefit from a price cut by looking for car shipping companies that offer discounts for specific groups. They can contact the company and ask whether they qualify for a discount. If they don’t, another practical option is searching for companies making special shipping offers, especially during national events and celebrations.
- Negotiation is another effective method to make a win-win car shipping deal. People with strong negotiation skills can employ this talent when shipping their cars, taking care of some simple tasks during the shipping process, or recommending the company to people they know in exchange for a lower shipping rate.
Hidden Car Shipping Secrets
Besides the recommended methods for securing the best deal on car shipping, knowing these hidden car shipping secrets can maximize customers’ chances of lowering shipping costs:
- Car shipping companies usually provide lower car shipping rates in the off-season. The decreased demand for car shipping services increases the competition among carrier drivers for filling the empty spots in their trailers.
- Car shipping brokers are usually the best at securing competitive shipping prices while maintaining good service quality. They do this through their network of carrier drivers, so the larger a broker’s network is, the more likely it is to find a customized car shipping offer.
- Professional car shipping companies usually reward returning customers with a special discount, complimentary price cut, or even a small gift.
Tempus Logix is a leading car shipping company in the United States, operating nationwide and shipping all vehicle types. The company has an extensive network of over 25,000 carrier drivers with insurance coverage of up to $1,000,000.
Conclusion
Many high-performing cars with distinctive features and powerful performance will be released early in 2024. Those waiting for the latest car model for 2024 and planning to ship their new high-end car are recommended to follow the given shipping practices for a safe shipping process and a reasonable deal.
Who Made the First Car?
One of today’s intensely controversial topics is who invented the first car ever. It is a tricky question as many argue whether those the world knows as the first car inventors are the first to create a car.
This article traces the history of vehicle manufacturing, answering the questions of who made the first car and what the first car company was. It then highlights the impact of car invention on society and the economy and how it led to the emergence of car shipping services.
The First Automobile Ever Invented
While the world celebrates Karl Benz for making the first gas-powered vehicle ever, many argue that Karl Benz was not actually the first to create a vehicle. It is believed that the concept of horseless carriages dates back to the 15th century when the genius Leonardo da Vinci created some designs for transport vehicles.
Of course, were the tools available for Leonardo at his time feasible to create a car, he would have put his conceptions into practice. However, it was only after over 200 years that the self-propelled road vehicle was recorded in France in 1769.
It actually was a three-wheeled vehicle with a steam engine that powered a military tractor for the French army, created by Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, and could move only at 2.5 mph.
The First Electric Car
Robert Anderson from Scotland created the first electric carriage between 1832 and 1839. However, the debate over who invented the first car also encompasses electric vehicles. It is believed that several inventors have been given credit for inventing the electric-powered vehicle.
In Hungary, Anyos Jedlik invented the small model car that ran on a battery. A few years later, Vermonter Thomas Davenport created the first-of-its-kind electric DC motor in the United States.
In 1865, the first battery with an extended charge was introduced by the French Gaston Plante. Then, Camille Faure was recognized for contributing to a crucial development for EV success by developing a longer-lasting battery.
The First American Car
It is believed that Edgar Duryea and his brother Frank were the first to invent a gas-powered car with a two-stroke motor in the United States in 1893. They also set up the first American car manufacturing company. Then, around 1895, George Baldwin Selden received patent no: 549,160 for introducing the combined internal combustion engine with a carriage.
What Was the First Car Company?
The first car company is another debated question as thousands of companies tried to manufacture and sell automobiles, but not all could succeed. In 1885, Karl Benz patented his three-wheeled Benz Patent Motorwagen, the first gas-powered automobile. Still, Benz’s company, Benz & Cie., initially focused on gas engines and later merged with Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft to form Daimler-Benz in 1926.
On the other hand, Panhard et Levassor stands out as the first company specifically created to manufacture and sell automobiles. It was established in France in 1889 by founders René Panhard and Émile Levassor, and it made major contributions that laid the foundation for the modern automotive industry.
The Impact of the Invention of the Car
The invention and introduction of cars to the public have dramatically transformed the world on various levels, most importantly, the social and economic levels. Besides allowing people to travel longer distances and move more conveniently, it led to the emergence and growth of various industries like fuel, plastic, rubber, and car shipping.
The Significance of the Car Shipping Industry
The vehicle shipping industry is one significant outcome of the emergence of the automobile industry, and it is directly associated with it. It has contributed to the growth of the automotive industry as well as the overall economic progress.
From the early days of automobile manufacturing, specifically after employing the mass production model, there has been a pressing need for a reliable and safe method for distributing these automobiles across the country. The car shipping industry established itself as an efficient solution and a key player in the automotive market.
The car shipping industry made vehicles accessible to broader segments of society by arranging safe and reliable transportation of vehicles from manufacturers to dealerships and consumers. Over the years, the industry has significantly changed and advanced its methods and equipment, much like the automotive industry vastly did.
Here are some statistics on the contributions of the car shipping industry to the American economy and growth:
- The market size of the car shipping industry in the United States is estimated to be 9.9 billion dollars in 2023, according to market research reports.
- The same reports show that the car shipping industry in the US has around 38,108 employees.
- The car shipping industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 4.9% over the past five years.
- Around 4,848 car shipping businesses operate in the United States.
- Millions of cars are shipped across the United States every year, and around 75% of new cars and light trucks purchased in the United States are transported.
Tempus Logix is a professional and experienced vehicle shipping company that operates in the United States and offers brokerage services. The company works with an extensive network of car carriers that are adequately insured and can transport any vehicle type nationwide.
Conclusion
The automotive industry has undergone several distinct phases; each was critical to shaping the automotive manufacturing market we know today.
The beginnings of the vehicle industry were marked by various individuals and companies competing to create the first self-propelled vehicle and engrave their names in history.
However, only a few prominent figures could claim the title of the first vehicle inventor and are remembered to this day as they could build on other’s works and inventions innovatively.
Tempus Logix Is One of the Best in the Industry
Based on the company’s data, Tempus Logix prides itself on being among the best car shipping companies in the industry. Besides its long history of successful stories with clients, Tempus Logix is found to meet all the criteria that make for a reliable service provider.
The company has been offering car shipping services for over eight years, during which time it expanded its carrier network to ship any vehicle type nationwide. It also enhanced its work practices by keeping track of the latest trends in the industry and investing in the most efficient tools.
Tempus Logix reached several milestones throughout its lifetime, from earning an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and other popular third-party reviewing platforms to reaching out to more loyal customers. The company is now a top car shipper on the uShip load board, trusted by thousands of clients with a seamless shipping experience.
Most significantly, the company appears to be performing highly efficiently after analyzing yearly and monthly work performance and comparing it to the international standards of car shipping. Tempus Logix also meets all factors accounted for when evaluating the professionalism of a car shipping company, mainly:
- Tempus Logix is officially licensed and bonded with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety and Administration and the United States Department of Transportation.
- The company features its licenses, permits, and MC numbers on its official website to boost its accountability and build client trust.
- The company has a proven track record of safe and successful delivery of over 90,000 vehicles of different types.
- The company offers a wide range of services and options that cover the demand for various car transport facilities.
- The company collaborates with more than 25,000 experienced and skilled carrier drivers, with insurance coverage of up to $1,000,000.
Upon this great news, Tempus Logix’s CEO expresses his thoughts on how far the company has gone as he commented on this new advancement in the company’s history:
‘Throughout over eight years of hard work and dedication, Tempus Logix’s team has been doing its best to take clients’ experience with car shipping to an unprecedented level of convenience, which is a major concern for the company. Now, words cannot describe our gratefulness for what the company has come to. It is time for the company’s devoted team to reap the harvest of its commitment to execute its vision for providing individuals and businesses with better car shipping services. Thankfully, Tempus Logix is among the leading companies in the car shipping industry. It is even recognized as the best by the testimony of thousands of valuable clients whom we helped relocate their cars without hassle.’
CEO of Tempus Logix, United States
Tempus Logix Latest Add-ons
Tempus Logix’s success has resulted from the company’s endless efforts to maximize car shipping convenience and efficiency for clients. Over 8+ years, Tempus Logix has offered its clients with these incentives:
- Cutting-edge cost calculator based on AI innovative technology: Tempus Logix has heavily invested in a powerful AI-based online cost calculator that allows clients to obtain instant cost estimations for shipping their cars or motorbikes nationwide. It doesn’t require sharing private information and is free of charge.
- Online booking without any upfront payment: Tempus Logix started to accept online booking without making an upfront payment, simplifying the online booking process for clients and making it more convenient.
- Excellent customer support: Tempus Logix has highly skilled and qualified customer service agents ready to answer clients’ answers, solve their problems, and follow up with them throughout the shipping process.
Overall, Tempus Logix has always prioritized customer satisfaction and strived to maximize its shipping experience, which entitled it to be among the top car shippers in the country. Hard work always pays off, and the company continues to enhance its services and keep its word of making shipping cars smoother than ever.
Self-Driving Cars: Has the Future Already Come?
Millions of US dollars have been invested in developing intelligent automotive vehicles that can undertake the entire driving task without the involvement of a human driver. However, we cannot say that self-driving cars could make it to full self-driving capabilities up to this time, though many have already been released with staggering ADASs.
Many believe it could take years to start seeing AVs with full self-driving capabilities dominating the country’s roads, and many believe it to be a matter of ‘when’ rather than of ‘if.’
This article addresses several critical questions about self-driving cars, including those that gauge their safety, capabilities, benefits, and potential risks. It also introduces the best self-driving cars of 2023 and highlights the best method for shipping these sensitive cars.
Are Self-Driving Cars Safe?
While there is still a feeling of uncertainty about the effectiveness and safety of self-driving cars, AV manufacturers always stress that self-driving cars can be way safer than traditional vehicles. They assume self-driving cars will put an end to human-made errors that studies have proved to be the major contributor to most fatal road accidents.
Driverless cars rely on advanced technology and smart systems that enable them to react to current driving conditions and even predict upcoming situations, which humans can never do. Still, concerns about the reliability of this technology persist and how likely AV systems are prone to mess up.
How Do Self-Driving Cars Work?
Combining existing autonomous driver assistant systems (ADAS) with extra software and sensors, self-driving cars promise an unprecedented commuting phase with maximum comfort and convenience.
Driverless cars employ sensors, actuators, complex algorithms, machine learning systems, and powerful processors to execute software and operate independently. They drive themselves through a computerized control of steering, accelerating, and braking, made possible by tying these systems together using software.
Furthermore, AV sensors, a combination of cameras, radars, and lidars, allow them to map adjacent features, spot road edges and lane markings, read signs and traffic lines, and identify pedestrians. The way these systems work together accounts for error-free driving that outperforms human drivers.
Self-Driving Cars’ Benefits and Risks
Self-driving cars deliver numerous benefits for drivers and other road users. They even benefit the environment if taken full advantage of. The major benefits autonomous vehicles bring with them are:
- Preventing human errors during driving that can lead to life-threatening accidents.
- Reducing traffic congestion through their advanced communication systems that allow them to intelligently interact with each other and the road infrastructure for smarter use of streets and efficient road occupancy.
- Reducing fuel costs and decreasing harmful greenhouse gas emissions produced into the atmosphere since they operate more efficiently than regular cars.
Aside from these benefits, autonomous vehicles still involve some potential risks, though manufacturers are working hard on developing these cars and the technology they are based on. Potential risks of self-driving cars are mainly:
- Cyberattacks and ransom risks come atop potential risks when handing over utter rein to technology and software. Potential cyberattack risks include hacking into an AV’s software, sensors, or communication systems, which can cause it to make mistakes or even crash. However, self-driving car developers certainly considered such risks and are taking measures that efficiently address such issues.
- The unpredictable future of autonomous vehicles creates some uncertainties about their social, economic, and environmental impact. They also raise concerns about future driving behaviors when these vehicles take over the country’s roads.
Best Self-Driving Cars in 2023
Though fully autonomous cars have not been officially released yet, many impressive vehicles with ADASs are running on the roads now. As for the top self-driving cars in 2023, they are:
Audi A8
Audi A8 has bolstered the brand’s reputation, being among the best self-driving cars ever released. The vehicle combines top technology and can use SAE level 3 driving assistance.
Infiniti QX50
The Infiniti QX50 is an SAE level 1 self-driving car with a ProPilot assistant system, allowing the vehicle to change its speed and keep it within the lane. It provides automatic braking, steering, and acceleration, with a feature to detect road hazards ahead of the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz EQS
The Mercedes-Benz EQS features the world’s first approved SAE level 3 driving system, Drive Pilot. The car can take over, but drivers must stay alert and responsive. It is also capable of automated parking.
Shipping Self-Driving Cars
While autonomous vehicles can drive themselves to any destination, they still need to be shipped following maximum safety standards, which only professional car shippers can provide. Shipping such valuable and sensitive cars requires considering the following:
The Car Shipper’s Expertise and Experience
Finding a car shipper with adequate experience shipping high-end cars, preferably autonomous vehicles, must be a top priority. This is to set your mind at ease, knowing they can follow the latest regulations and safety protocols and have efficient equipment and resources for shipping.
AVs’ Safety and Security
Self-driving cars have various sensors and cameras sensitive to shock and vibration. Specialized car shipping companies use dedicated containers and equipment to protect these delicate components during transport. They also have comprehensive insurance policies that cover the vehicle in case of any damage or loss.
Tempus Logix is a professional and experienced car shipping company in the United States with over eight years of shipping all vehicle types nationwide. The company has a proven track record of safely delivering 90,000+ cars.
Conclusion
Sooner or later, autonomous vehicles will dominate the streets and reshape different aspects of our lives due to the endless possibilities they create. With the constantly evolving technology, autonomous vehicles will provide even more enticing features.
Most importantly, the safest and most reliable method to ship these cars would always be hiring a professional car shipper who will help protect them from wear and tear and keep them in pristine condition.
State to State Car Shipping
John is a talented business administrator in one of the country’s prominent business consulting companies. As the company launched its plan to expand its business in the market and open new branches across the country, John was nominated to administer one of its new branches in another state.
The news came to him encouraging and promising new opportunities; however, once John started preparing for relocation, challenges for transporting his vehicle across state lines safely and timely unfolded.
Here is where he started researching reliable methods to transport cars and realized how much knowledge about state-to-state car shipping he must possess before taking this step.
So, this article came in response to John and all individuals like him facing the same trouble when relocating cars across the country, explaining state-to-state car shipping and addressing crucial shipping aspects they must consider.
Demystifying State to State Car Shipping
Hundreds of brokers, companies, and marketplaces in the United States offer a wide range of options and services for shipping cars from state to state. While each might operate differently, all aim at the same goal: facilitating car shipping for individuals and excelling in the shipping market.
The following is a breakdown of how each of these service providers work and their role in simplifying car shipping processes:
1. Car Shipping Brokers
Brokers take a significant share of the car shipping industry, almost predominating the American car shipping market. Brokers can be individuals running their businesses independently or a registered company that offers brokerage services at a reasonable fee.
They don’t usually own their fleet of car carriers but rather have connections and a good network of carrier drivers to whom they propose shipping offers and make win-win deals to all parties.
Car shipping brokers facilitate car shipping for individuals by finding a reliable and professional car shipper to ship their cars and bringing them the best shipping offer in the market.
2. Car Shipping Companies
Car shipping companies offer the same services for shipping cars from state to state. They own their shipping fleet and employ specialized shipping staff who work for the company. They may also collaborate with independent carrier drivers for such collaborations.
It is worth noting that these companies may not vastly cover clients’ different shipping needs and preferences as they can have a limited fleet and operate in restricted areas. Another area where brokers are found better than private companies is competitive prices.
Brokers usually can provide more competitive offers to people shipping their cars because of their large network of drivers. In contrast, car shipping companies don’t always have the same level of pricing flexibility.
3. Car Shipping Marketplaces
A car shipping marketplace is usually a self-service platform that allows people seeking car shipping services to find a spot for their vehicles and close shipping deals with car shippers on their own.
These marketplaces connect car owners with carrier drivers by offering a space for requesting quotes, comparing prices, and booking shipments at individuals’ own pace and convenience.
An example of a car shipping marketplace that operates in the United States is uShip, a popular and one of the largest car shipping marketplaces in the country. Over a million shipments have been completed on this platform.
The Best Practices for State-to-State Car Shipping
Regardless of the method people choose for shipping their cars, they all need to follow healthy practices that contribute to a smooth shipping experience.
Car owners must bear many considerations in mind when shipping their vehicles, like finding a reliable car shipper and doing due diligence checking for the company’s reputation and legitimacy.
However, the following are the most crucial practices to follow when shipping cars from state to state:
- Prepare a checklist of the essential factors needed in the car shipping company: The checklist will help car owners know what kind of service they are looking for and simplify researching a reliable car shipper. It can highlight the essential factors the car shipping company must have, such as experience in shipping the same vehicle type and navigating the same shipping routes, besides offering the service type they want, like open or enclosed shipping, express delivery, etc.
- Stay away from car shipping scams: During the process of researching car shipping companies, car owners are likely to find a number of options that can be reliable or scams. It is essential to remember that offers that seem too good to be true or requests like paying the entire shipping cost beforehand using untraceable paying methods are major red flags. Other significant marks that define a car shipping scam are not having an official website, clients not finding customer reviews of the company, or missing MC (Motor Carrier) and DOT numbers.
- Trace the car during shipping through the company’s tracking system: One thing that must be present on the checklist of the ideal car shipping company to ship your car is that it offers tracking services, allowing clients to stay updated about their vehicle shipment status whenever they would like to. Most car shipping companies usually offer GPS-tracking service that comes at an additional fee but allows clients to keep a trace of their vehicles throughout the process.
The Best Company for State to State Car Shipping
The best company for state-to-state car shipping would be one with long experience in the industry, and that has shipped different vehicle types across different parts of the country. After all, experienced car shippers are the best to handle the shipping logistics of any vehicle safely and conveniently.
Tempus Logix is a top-rated car shipping brokerage company on the uShip load board that operates nationwide. The company also ranks among the top car shippers on many third-party reviewing platforms and is experienced in shipping any vehicle type.
Conclusion
There is no need to fret about relocating to a new state and allowing the hassle of moving the cars to spoil the excitement of new opportunities, just like what John did.
People relocating cars from state to state primarily need to learn about car shipping, how it works, and the best shipping practices to have a smooth shipping experience.
Terminal-to-Terminal Car Transport Top Questions
When it comes to transporting a car, hiring a reliable auto transport company is crucial to ensure the safety and timely delivery of the vehicle. However, with so many service providers available in the US, choosing one can be daunting.
Asking the right questions before hiring an auto transport company is key to ensuring contracting with the right service provider. Car owners must learn about the company and its various auto shipping services before trusting it with their vehicles.
In this article, we’ll highlight the fundamental questions every car owner should ask about terminal-to-terminal auto transport services in the United States. However, before we dive into these questions, we’ll introduce the concept of terminal-to-terminal auto transport for those shipping their vehicles for the first time.
What Is a Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Transport?
Terminal-to-terminal auto shipping refers to a car transportation service where an auto shipper picks up the cars to be transported from a predetermined terminal location. This means the car owners would need to bring their cars to the terminal at the specified time for the pick-up.
Once the cars have been picked up, they are transported to the destination terminal. The auto shipper would drop off the shipped cars at the designated terminal location, and the car owners would then need to collect their vehicles from that location.
Terminal-to-terminal auto shipping is also a good option for car owners who do not require door-to-door delivery and are willing to travel to the terminal to pick up their cars.
How Does Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Transport Work?
Terminal-to-terminal auto transport ships vehicles from one terminal location to another. Car owners drive their cars to the terminal and prepare them for transport. The car remains at the terminal until the carrier is fully loaded, then transported to the destination. Next, car owners are informed when their car arrives and given a limited time to pick it up from the drop-off terminal. They must inspect the car for damage, note it on the Bill of Lading, and sign it to acknowledge its condition upon receipt.
What Are the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations?
It’s a good idea for car owners to check the locations of the terminals in advance to assess their proximity and decide whether it’s worth driving their car to and from the terminals or opting for door-to-door service. Checking the distance between the terminals and their location can help car owners determine whether the terminal-to-terminal auto transport service is a more convenient and cost-effective option for them.
What Is the Cost of Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Transport?
Car owners should always know the cost of using terminal-to-terminal auto shipping. If an auto transport company is not forthcoming about the cost, it could be a warning sign to avoid doing business with them. Dishonest companies may use deceptive practices to overcharge customers upon delivery of their vehicles.
It’s important to note that terminal-to-terminal auto transport is generally a budget-friendly service and is less expensive than the door-to-door option. However, the final cost can depend on several factors, making obtaining a fixed auto shipping cost challenging.
Car owners can use online auto shipping cost calculators to obtain an estimate or ask their service provider directly. In this regard, Tempus Logix has implemented an AI-driven auto-shipping cost calculator on the company’s website. The state-of-the-art technology provides accurate price quotes and considers various details related to auto-shipping.
Is Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Transport the Best Option for My Car?
Knowing whether terminal-to-terminal auto transport is the best fit for a car depends on several factors, such as the type of vehicle being shipped, the car owner’s schedule and budget, and whether they prioritize cost savings or need to attend to other matters while shipping their car. Like any other service, terminal-to-terminal auto transport has its advantages and drawbacks.
Here is an overview of the most significant aspects of terminal-to-terminal auto transport:
Terminal-to-terminal transport advantages
- Flexibility: Flexible pick-up and drop-off times set terminal-to-terminal auto shipping apart from other options and are particularly valuable for people with busy schedules.
- Affordability: Terminal-to-terminal auto transport is perfect for customers on tight budgets since it is an affordable option.
Terminal-to-terminal transport drawbacks
- Reduced convenience: Driving a car to and from auto transport terminals is less convenient than having it picked up and dropped off at the client’s doorstep, especially when shipping classic or vintage vehicles due to added mileage.
Nevertheless, asking the auto shipping provider these questions is crucial to obtain further details about terminal-to-terminal auto transport. All reliable auto transporters have a skilled staff to support customers around the clock.
Tempus Logix provides several auto shipping services, including terminal-to-terminal car transport. Over the past eight years, the company has moved 40,000+ vehicles of all types across the United States.
In conclusion, terminal-to-terminal auto shipping is an excellent choice for car owners who feel comfortable driving their vehicles to and from terminals. It is an affordable option that provides flexibility. If you think this method suits your car transportation needs, consider preparing some questions, including those we addressed in this article, to learn more about terminal-to-terminal auto shipping.
Benefits of Choosing a Nationwide Car Transporter
If you’re planning to move to a new city, you may need the services of an auto transport company to relocate your car. With thousands of options available, selecting any company that appears in the search results can be tempting. However, not all auto transport companies are equal, and they don’t all offer the same services. While some operate nationwide, others only work in specific regions. This raises the question: What distinguishes a nationwide car transporter from a local one?
This article aims to compare the services offered by both types of auto transport companies and highlight the advantages of choosing a nationwide auto transport company.
Local vs. Nationwide auto transport companies
Let’s compare the services of a nationwide auto transport company to those offered by a local auto transport company.
Availability
Usually, local auto transport companies are small and only serve the surrounding areas of their establishments. These companies own fewer trucks and may have smaller trucks or use tow rigs to haul the loads. Therefore, customers cannot find a carrier to move their cars anytime when using local auto transport services.
On the other hand, nationwide auto transport companies are bigger than local ones and operate nationwide. Consequently, they face fewer carrier availability issues since they have or work with a bigger network of carriers to cover larger regions and meet the customers’ needs.
Tempus Logix is a nationwide auto-shipping service provider with a vast network of over 25,000 auto-shipping carriers across the United States.
Scheduling auto shipping times
The availability of carriers is a main factor in scheduling auto-shipping times. With local auto transport companies, scheduling for vehicle pick-ups and deliveries may take longer since they have fewer operating carriers and can take fewer shipping orders.
Contrarily, auto transport companies that operate nationally ensure faster auto shipping scheduling and quicker deliveries since they have a larger set of carriers that can carry several cars at a time.
Tempus Logix provides its auto shipping service all year round with a high capacity to accept orders across the US and ensure all clients are satisfied.
Pricing
Local auto transport companies usually ship over short distances, making them affordable when customers need to transport their vehicles locally. Sometimes, shipping vehicles with local transport companies is more costly if the company uses small carriers that can haul fewer cars since they have to charge more per car to maintain a profit margin.
As to nationwide auto transport companies, auto shipping prices are lower because they use larger carriers that can load up to 12 cars simultaneously. Hence, they can charge less per hauled vehicle while making considerable profits.
Tempus Logix is a nationwide auto shipping company that offers reasonable prices and many discounts to students, returning clients, and others.
Customer service
Quality customer service is undeniably crucial for the success of any business. While local auto transport companies usually have fixed working hours, national auto transporters may provide customer service around the clock.
Furthermore, reliable national auto transporters provide different contact venues to make it easy for customers to reach them. It is also helpful since national auto transport companies cover extensive areas, thus receiving higher call volume.
Benefits of choosing nationwide auto transport companies
Having compared nationwide and local auto transport companies, we now see how national companies can provide customers with a set of benefits, including:
A wider network of carriers
Since American auto shipping companies operating nationally cover more regions, they have several carriers that can undertake large auto-shipping orders, catering to different auto-shipping requirements, including different types of trailers, open, large, or enclosed, with different specifications. In this case, carriers can handle the transportation of different car types and transport cars in different conditions.
Tempus Logix is a nationwide auto-shipping company with a huge carrier network. The company works with experienced, licensed, and insured carriers that can transport all vehicle types and provide open and enclosed shipping.
Higher insurance coverage
When we talk about an auto transport company that operates across the nation, we are talking about big numbers, including the amount of insurance coverage. The bigger the carrier, the higher its insurance coverage.
Moreover, nationwide auto transport companies ship multiple types of vehicles, including luxury and high-end cars. To legitimately haul these types of cars, auto transporters should carry sufficient insurance to cover any potential damages.
Faster services
Aside from the availability of carriers and large-scale staff, corresponding to prompt arrangements for auto shipping pick-ups and deliveries, new technological advancements are another factor that makes the services offered by national auto transporters worthy.
Nationwide auto transport companies compete to provide the best service quality. They try to adopt emerging technology that makes auto shipping faster, like providing an online AI-based auto shipping quote calculator or using AI to help find shorter routes and effective auto shipping solutions.
Ultimately, though local auto transport companies are good for local shipping, nationwide auto transporters offer more convenience for customers. From providing excellent customer service to ensuring faster pick-up and delivery times, national auto transporters put in all their effort to meet their clients’ needs.
California Auto Transport Companies
Whether relocating to California, “The Golden State,” for work, study, or planning a vacation, you should never leave your car behind. And while driving your car might not be the wisest idea since it will be a long ride and run you rugged, hiring a California auto transport company is a good bet.
By hiring a reputable and reliable auto transport company, you can enjoy your flight peacefully, without warring about your car, as it will arrive safe and sound.
But to receive the best service, you have to hire the best company. And since the auto transport field has become crowded with many companies, the question remains, “How to find the best auto transport company?”
Here’re the top seven things that prove a California auto transport company’s reliability.
Licensing and reputation
A reputable California auto transport company must be registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), which observes and regulates the auto transport company’s shipping operations. It also chooses the appropriate insurance type that each shipping company should maintain.
And even though 37 states only require a USDOT (The United States Department of Transportation) number, it would be better if the transport company had one.
A trustworthy California auto transport company’s reputation should be solid and unquestionable. To ensure that, you should visit the Better Business Bureau’s website to size up the company’s performance and make sure that it has a positive evaluation and that there are no complaints from previous clients.
Professional staff
An auto transport carrier is a massive and heavy-duty vehicle that weighs more than 3 tons, and driving it requires a long collectible experience, as it will be hauling six to nine cars for a long distance on different kinds of roads and highways. So, an amateur driver would never be able to handle such a compelling job.
Instead, the carrier driver must be experienced in driving different carriers, open and enclosed. In addition, they should know how to use securing equipment such as chains, ropes, and covers efficiently to ensure the transported cars’ safety.
Fair pricing
A trustworthy California auto transport company studies and sets its prices thoroughly to provide a high-quality and affordable service. So, you have to look for the California auto transport company that provides the fairest pricing, not the cheapest, nor the
most expensive. It’s worth mentioning that a transportation service is never cheap due to many reasons.
- The high price of the fuel carriers consume.
- The drive is exhausting, especially for long distances and poorly maintained roads.
- The high costs of maintenance carriers need regularly.
The companies that provide low-priced quotes aren’t reliable as they might offer a tempting cheap quote to possible clients to convince them to hire their services. Then, when it’s time to pay, the initial amount doubles, claiming that there were additional costs.”
Or simply, they might not have sufficient carriers and the comprehensive experience that qualifies them to handle the complicated shipping tasks.
Customer service
You must pay attention to how customer service employees deal with clients, as this observation will reveal a lot about the company’s reliability.
A respectful company that cares for its reputation and clients’ satisfaction hires the most professional and patient customer service employees. And since customer service is the first one-to-one interaction between the company and clients and heavily influences their decision, those employees should be aware of their role and represent the company well.
Top rates
The best method to get to know the company and the quality of services it provides is from clients who have been in your shoes before, previous clients. A successful California auto transport company will have crowds of positive reviews from satisfied clients and vice versa.
Insurance coverage
Shipping insurance is a real deal-breaker and one of the most influencing factors contributing to a company’s reliability. Auto transport shipping insurance is a way to guarantee your car’s safety during the shipment as they should be responsible for any damage that happens during load, unload, and while a vehicle is in transit.
Although the law obliges all shipping companies to have insurance for transported cars, the coverage levels vary. For instance, some companies’ insurances only cover specific parts of the vehicle, while others cover the whole car.
Tracking information
Many unexpected incidents might happen during the shipment; for example, a driver might need to take a different route than the initial plan, resulting in a delay in the delivery’s expected time. Clients must always be in the picture about this kind of update.
So, some California auto transport companies have supported the GPS tracking service so people can stay notified about any new event. Even the California auto transport companies that haven’t employed GPS should be able to give clients an up-to-the-minute phone call.
The bottom line
Deciding on one auto transport company among many others is a puzzling decision. However, after ensuring all the seven crucial requirements are fulfilled, you can rest assured that your car will be in safe hands.
Tempus Logix offers all kinds of auto transport services for individuals and covers all of the United States. Whether you’re looking for an enclosed trailer, an open trailer, or a carrier to ship your boat or motorbike, the company can easily handle that.