Top Auto Shipping Tips for Snowbirds

Living in the Northern states in the winter might become overwhelming sometimes. Freezing temperatures, unstoppable rain, and heavy snow aren’t things that most people enjoy.

However, many people can’t bear the hard winter and plan a winter vacation in some warm place. But no matter where their destination is, having transportation means is a must. So, if you’re preparing for your winter vacation and planning to ship your car, here are all the tips you must consider.

Who are snowbirds?

Snowbird is a term that refers to a group of people who leave their state in the freezing North and temporarily move to another. Some snowbirds only take a break from the winter for a month or a couple of weeks; however, others spend the whole winter season away and get back after summer kicks in.

Do snowbirds need a car?

Your snowbird vacation might last from a month to four; this period isn’t short. So, you will need to find a transportation method. Even though renting a car might seem reasonable, having your own vehicle will grant you so much convenience. In addition, it’s more affordable than the options mentioned above. However, there are many things you have to consider before shipping your car to the next destination. 

Top auto shipping tips for snowbirds

●       Book in advance

Many snowbirds are in the United States, and you’re not the only one. So, the auto transport companies’ schedule gets increasingly busy in winter, and sometimes you may not get lucky to find a free carrier ready to pick up and deliver the car during your vacation. So, to ensure your car will arrive at your trip’s destination punctually, placing the shipping order at least two weeks in advance is a must.

●       Prepare your car

The journey your car is about to undertake is long and risky. So, there are many things you have to do to guarantee your car arrives at your destination safe and sound. For example, you must empty your gas tank and only leave ¼ full. This step is vital if you want to cut the shipping cost, as the vehicle’s weight is an essential thing auto transport companies consider before offering you the final quote. The heavier the car, the more the shipping cost. 

In addition, you have to ensure that your car is working properly and the battery is fully charged. Remember that the carrier driver might need to drive your vehicle and move it from one place to another. So, it must be working properly. You must also check the tire pressure and ensure they aren’t overinflated or underinflated.

Remember that you should also prepare a set of keys to hand to the carrier before the shipment in case of an emergency. 

●       Remove all personal items

During your car’s journey, a carrier will need to stop regularly to take a break or check the cars, which might give a chance to thieves to try their luck and sneak into shipped cars. So, you have to empty your car of all personal items and car accessories. Remember that the insurance auto transport companies pay out only covers damages caused by the driver or the carrier; anything other than that, whether it was caused by the weather, road debris, or a thief, is on you.

●       Consider a car shipping container

Suppose you’re escaping to one of the US’s fascinating islands; the auto transport company must transport your car on a ship’s back. But in this case, the company will give you the option to choose between the utmost protective shipping service, “car container,” or the regular shipping service, “RORO.”

If your budget is generous, take our word and go for a car container. A car container is a steel box that protects the shipped car and keeps it from weather conditions.

A container won’t only protect your car completely, but it will have enough space where you can fit your items and some of your bags. Remember that the container is large, and no matter how big your car is, there will be space to put a bag or two.

●       Hire a reputable auto transport company

All the preparations and precautions you make will be wasted for nothing if you hire a bad auto transport company, as your car might get seriously damaged and ruin your vacation. 

A professional company is key to a successful transport process. So, take your time looking for companies and ensuring they’re trustworthy by looking at their track history and clients’ feedback.

Tempus Logix is one of the most professional car transport companies and has handled some of the most challenging car transports efficiently and successfully. Our cost calculator is free. Please provide us with some information about your car; the quote will be ready in a minute in your mailbox. 

The bottom line

The snowbird vacation might take weeks or even months, and having your car with you will save you a lot of headaches. Ensure you follow the tips we gathered for you, and your car shipment will be safe and stress-free.

The Complete Guide to Buying a Car on Edmunds

Looking to buy your next car without the stress? Buying a car on Edmunds is a game-changer for modern car shoppers. This platform brings together expert reviews, real-world pricing, and powerful tools to make the car-buying process smooth and informed. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned shopper, Edmunds gives you the confidence to find the perfect vehicle at the right price. Let’s explore how buying a car on Edmunds can transform your car shopping experience.

What is Edmunds?

Edmunds is a trusted online resource for car buyers and enthusiasts. It provides in-depth reviews, pricing tools, and expert advice to help you navigate the car-buying process. Whether you’re looking for a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, Edmunds offers the tools and insights needed to make confident decisions. Buying a car on Edmunds ensures that you have access to the latest market data and expert reviews.

Step 1: Define Your Needs and Budget

Before diving into the options, outline your priorities:

Type of Vehicle: Do you need a sedan, SUV, truck, or hybrid?

Features: Consider safety features, fuel efficiency, and technology preferences.

Budget: Decide on your total budget, including taxes, fees, and insurance. Use Edmunds’ affordability calculator to estimate what you can afford.

Step 2: Research Vehicles

Edmunds offers extensive research tools:

Expert Reviews and Ratings: Read professional reviews to understand a car’s performance, reliability, and features.

Consumer Reviews: Gain insights from real owners about their experiences.

Comparison Tools: Use the side-by-side comparison feature to evaluate different models based on specifications, pricing, and reviews. Buying a car on Edmunds becomes much easier with these resources.

Step 3: Check Market Pricing

Edmunds’ True Market Value (TMV) tool helps you understand the average price others are paying for the same car in your area. This information can be invaluable during negotiations and ensures that buying a car on Edmunds is both transparent and fair.

Step 4: Explore Incentives and Deals

Search for manufacturer incentives, rebates, and special offers. Edmunds frequently updates this information to ensure you don’t miss any discounts.

Step 5: Find Local Inventory

Use Edmunds’ inventory tool to search for new, used, or certified pre-owned cars available at dealerships near you. Filter results by price, features, and location to narrow your options.

Step 6: Read the Vehicle History (For Used Cars)

If you’re considering a used car, Edmunds provides access to CARFAX or AutoCheck reports to review the vehicle’s history. This includes accident records, service history, and ownership details.

Step 7: Calculate Financing Options

Edmunds’ loan and lease calculators can help you estimate monthly payments based on the price, interest rate, and loan term. Compare financing offers from lenders to find the best deal.

Step 8: Schedule a Test Drive

Once you’ve found a car that matches your needs, contact the dealership through Edmunds to schedule a test drive. Use this opportunity to ensure the car feels right for you.

Step 9: Negotiate with Confidence

Armed with the TMV pricing and knowledge from Edmunds, you’re prepared to negotiate effectively. Be clear about your budget and use the information to justify your offer.

Step 10: Finalize the Deal

Review all paperwork carefully, including the purchase agreement, loan terms, and any added fees. Edmunds offers tips on avoiding common dealership pitfalls and ensuring a smooth transaction. Buying a car on Edmunds helps you navigate this process with ease.

Step 11: Post-Purchase Tips

After buying your car, Edmunds provides resources for maintaining your vehicle and tracking its value over time. Stay informed about recalls and recommended service schedules.

Shipping Your Purchased Car with Tempus Logix

Once you’ve purchased your car, arranging for its transportation is often a critical next step. Tempus Logix specializes in reliable and efficient vehicle shipping services to make this process hassle-free. Whether you need to transport your car across the country or just a few states away, Tempus Logix ensures a seamless experience.

Enclosed and Open Transport Options: Choose between enclosed shipping for added protection or open transport for affordability.

Professional Drivers: Tempus Logix employs highly experienced drivers to ensure your car’s safety and timely delivery.

Door-to-Door Service: Enjoy the convenience of pickup and delivery directly at your chosen locations.

Tempus Logix ensures your vehicle is transported with care and professionalism. The customer support team is always ready to answer questions and guide you through the shipping process. Visit the website to explore the cost calculator for an instant quote, or call 818 942-7030 for a personalized estimate.

Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: How to Make the Best Choice

Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping – what are their differences. When you want to ask for a quote for your car transportation, it is better to know more about the transportation types. First, let’s get familiar with the types of trailers used in car shipping:

Open Multi-Car Hauler

The most common type of trailer is an open multi-car hauler. It takes up to 9 cars on a single trailer. When transporting a car on an open trailer, you should consider the fact that the car is exposed to various weather conditions as sun, rain, winds, etc. during the auto shipping. If it gets damaged in any way during transportation, there is an option to file an insurance claim to the carrier’s insurance company.

Enclosed Multi-Car Hauler

There are 2 types of enclosed trailers. There is a soft-sided enclosed trailer and a hard-sided enclosed trailer. When not specified by the customer, we are looking for the fastest way of shipping the car.

When you want to ship a vehicle, one of the most important choices is the transportation type of your car. It depends on a couple of factors.

• Personal preference
• Price of the car which is being shipped
• Ground clearance of the vehicle
• The urgency of the shipment

No matter if your car is an exotic McLaren or a casual Camry, you can choose to ship your car with an enclosed trailer.

Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping – which one to choose?

Expensive cars are strongly advised to be shipped with a hard-sided enclosed trailer and the cars which have very low ground clearance should be shipped with an enclosed trailer which has a lift-gate. The ramps of the open trailer may damage the car, as they are not long enough and do not usually support vehicles with low ground clearance.

If you want to ship your car ASAP and it can be hauled with an open trailer, it is the best choice of the two. Most of the drivers have an open trailer and finding an enclosed car hauler requires more time and thus the car transport quote is also higher for the enclosed auto transportation.

And you might want to go with a cheap car shipping company. But if you decide to go with us, to ensure the safety of your car delivery, the car carrier we choose will be determined very carefully.
As we’ve been working with the best car shipping companies and know who to trust, we’ll make sure that the vehicle shipping you have is the very best. Car shipping has never been so easy. Just ask for a car shipping quote and we will take care of everything.

NOTE: No matter which transportation type you choose, the vehicle will be covered by the insurance of the auto transport company during the car shipping services. While trucking a car the transport companies with enclosed haulers usually have better insurance as they usually ship luxury cars.

What does the cargo insurance cover during my car shipment?

There is a small possibility of dangerous and unpredictable events occurring when trucking a car. The vehicle can possibly be damaged during transportation. Cargo insurance is designed specifically for the compensation of damages and losses that occur during vehicle transportation.
In our auto transport quotes, we are offering free cargo insurance that will cover any and all damages caused by external environmental hazards, weather, road debris, etc.
Simply, you will have the possibility to file a claim on the car carrier who transported your vehicle. Our experts will help you out in that stressful and difficult situation and give you valuable advice which will really help to file a claim. To avoid any headaches, we strongly recommend not to accept deliveries during the night time or, if you have no choice or can’t wait, arrange the delivery in a well-illuminated place, where you can fully inspect your vehicle. Take a look at the Bill of Lading (BOL) and compare the existing damage and the damage mentioned in the BOL. If you think that there’s damage done to your vehicle during the transportation, kindly mention the damage in the BOL, ask for a copy, graciously smile and sign it. 
For the next step, just inform us as soon as possible about the existing damage. Our professional staff will provide you with all the information you need to be able to reach out to the correct person and file a claim.
In case of damage which is below the deductible amount, please contact and let us know about it. We will do our best to reach out to the carrier and get reimbursement directly from him.
But if you were in a hurry, we’re unable to notice the damage or just simply didn’t notice it, please contact us immediately after noticing it. Our specialists will collect all the information that you need and show you the right direction. Get some advice from our experts if your vehicle has been damaged during transportation and you are planning to file a claim.
Before reaching out to the insurance agent, get 3 estimates from 3 different body shops. It will save a lot of time and energy for the future. Every insurance company will require those estimates to make a decision regarding your claim. Acquire a few pictures of the car and the existing damages on the car before it is picked up to be able to prove that the damage was done during the transportation.
Be quick in the process. Never delay something that you can do now. Follow up the process personally to free yourself up from the headaches.

When will you need expedited transportation and why?

You are moving and need to have your car picked up on a certain date?

Already booked with an auto transport company that is not able to guarantee a tight time window or an exact date?

We have an option for you. Expedited shipment is exactly what you are looking for. 

Here are some notices for you if you need to have your car(s) moved on a certain date:

1. Enclosed car transport is the one that we are unable to guarantee an exact date for.  

Our market specialists can guarantee a pick-up during a really short time frame, but, unfortunately, enclosed trailers are something rare and there can simply be no drivers with enclosed trailers in the area on a certain date.

2. If you need your vehicle picked up on the same day of booking, make sure to contact us early in the morning or a day before for us to have some time to work on the shipment and arrange a carrier as soon as possible. So, anyway, the earlier you confirm the booking, the more chances we have to accommodate you.

3. The price to expedite the shipment will be more than the average price. The price raises a little bit to offer more money and to interest more drivers for your shipment. Sometimes they are driving hundreds of miles deadhead for the bounty.

Our professional staff will do their best to schedule the pick-up at the most convenient date and time for you.

Your patience and trust are very appreciated in this situation.

Transportation of Luxury Cars

The transportation of luxury cars is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail, trust in the shipping company, and careful planning. Luxury cars are not just vehicles; they are prized possessions that deserve the utmost care during transport. This chapter is for the ones who know the real price of their beloved vehicle. When shipping a luxury vehicle, it is essential to know all the ropes about the shipment process and the company which is in charge of everything. Here are seven simple tips to guide you through the toughest process of having your car shipped from one state to another.

Tip 1. Find a car shipping company you can trust

Congratulations! You have found one who has experience in auto shipping. Trucking a car is what we’ve been doing for a long time now. Let’s jump to the next one! For more information on finding trustworthy car shipping companies, visit Transport Reviews.

Tip 2. Thoroughly inspect your vehicle

You need to know the vehicle like the back of your hand. During the shipment process, especially in the case of luxury models, every single detail is important. The company, as well as the driver, needs to be informed about all the oddities of your vehicle so it is taken proper care of.

Tip 3.  Choose the type of auto transportation: Enclosed or Open trailer

As simple as ABC: Ask for enclosed vehicle transport. It is not a secret that enclosed trailers maintain better safety for the vehicles which are being shipped. In this case, our company will choose the type of enclosed trailer that is more suitable for the exact model of your vehicle by choosing between the trailers of various car movers.

Tip 4. Let us know the most convenient schedule for the shipment

It is more than appreciated when you tell us the availability of the vehicle. The time and date of the pickup and delivery are more than important. When the exact information is provided you won’t even notice how the car was picked up or delivered to your location (in a good way, that is). You should especially be there for vehicle delivery to inspect the car for yourself.

Tip 5. Get a quote for the car shipping

When all the details are provided our automatic car shipping calculator will give you an estimate of how much the shipment is going to cost. In other words a vehicle shipping quote.
You might ask yourself “How much can the moving of my car really cost?”

After our professional bidding team reviews it you will be given an exact price of transportation. Car shipping rates may vary, that’s why we don’t advise booking your vehicle transport months in advance. As soon as you accept the car transport quote leave the rest to us. We work with a big network of car moving companies and will get you the best auto transport services.  Ship your car with us and we’ll give you the car shipping services your car deserves.

Tip 6. Make sure to provide the contact information of pick-up and delivery locations

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand that information about your vehicle shipping matters nowadays. As the connection is maintained by phone or email by the company as well as the auto carrier, they surely need to have the phone numbers and emails of those who can be contacted regarding the shipment to make your vehicle’s shipping goes as smoothly as possible.

Tip 7.  Sit back and relax

With all of this said, the shipment of your vehicle is in safe hands. When you know the price of your vehicle, we do too! We know the cost to transport your car, and our auto transport services will leave you satisfied! We always provide insurance information on the auto shipping companies per our customers’ requests.

Final Thoughts

By following these seven tips for the transportation of luxury cars, you can ensure a seamless and stress-free shipping experience. The transportation of luxury cars requires careful planning and attention to detail. Remember, transportation of luxury cars is our specialty, and we are committed to delivering the highest quality service. Trust us with the transportation of luxury cars, and we will handle your vehicle with the utmost care and professionalism. For additional tips on luxury car care, visit Luxury Cars.

Trailer Types for Heavy Equipment Transport

If you need to transport your car, you should find out what trailer will suit your needs. Trailers are the extra carrier vehicles you must have seen attached to the truck while driving on the highway. A trailer has wheels but no engine which means that it has to be attached to a vehicle that has an engine to be functional. There are many types of trailers, each having a different load capacity and a different purpose.

• RGN trailers: RGN or removable gooseneck trailers are great for carrying long and tall freight. The front detaches, allowing the trailer to be lowered to the ground to create a ramp. For this reason, loads are typically driven onto the trailer, like trucks and other motorized equipment.
• Semi-Trailers and Drop Decks: Flat top semi-trailers vary from 12 to 14.5 meters long. This makes them ideal to transport large, long, wide or awkwardly shaped freight.
• Tray Trucks: Tray trucks are small to medium-sized trucks often with drop-side rails for loading ease. These are generally used in business delivery projects, warehousing, steel transportation and transportation of structural items. These trucks’ carrying capacity ranges from 1.7 to 9 tons of weight and are up to 23 feet in length.
• Tilt Tray Trucks: Tilt tray trucks are basically customized configurations of large tray trucks topped with a specialized flat platform which can be tilted for manageable use. These are often used to carry and move excavators, rollers, tractors, and 20ft containers
• Hot Shots / Non-Stop Urgent Delivery: We’re unique when it comes to your urgent transportation needs. Our direct / non-stop offering is perfect for clients who need immediate delivery. This service is operated by two or more drivers and so if you have an urgent freight that needs this is the best transport service for you.
• Boat Trailer: A boat trailer is a trailer designed to launch, retrieve, carry and sometimes store boats.
• Pilot Cars: We offer pilot cars to assist with oversize loads in accordance with NHVR requirements.

Now that you know the types of trailers, you would know which one is suitable for the load you are transporting on it.

How Soon will My Vehicle Arrive?

The dates of vehicle pickup and delivery depend on a variety of factors.

When you are trucking a car coast-to-coast, it will take 7-10 days after the pickup for the car to be delivered. The car carriers are allowed to drive approximately 500 miles a day. There might be some delays because of weather conditions, possible problems with the truck, daily log reset, etc.

If you are working with a broker company, they will need a timeframe before the pickup to contract with a reliable and professional carrier company to transport your vehicle safely and on time. During the timeframe before the pickup, the car should be available. The broker will need a timeframe that will be mentioned when providing a shipping quote. In our case, the timeframe is 1-7 days starting the first available date. It does not mean that we need exactly 7 days for the pickup. It may be picked up on the first day of availability. It can take 7 days only in some rare cases when we do not have a driver on the route of the shipment.

We start working on the shipment starting the date specified by the customer. When booking with us please make sure to specify the first available date taking into consideration a 7-day time-frame.

For Trucking a Car, Tempus Logix Delivers the Best Communication to Its Customers

Every day in Tempus Logix, when we answer phone calls and read quotes, emails, text messages, and comments, we take in everything communicated to us by the people who want to move their cars or heavy equipment. After all, we understand that this communication comes from a person and not just another number. Every individual that chooses us to transport their property matters to us from the first sentence spoken or written.

To facilitate auto transportation, we make communication easy for our customers. It is hard enough as it is for people to find a trusted company, calculate the transportation cost, and keep their worries at ease until their hauled cars reach their destinations. By addressing our customers’ inquiries, we simplify the complexity of auto transport for them. That is why we emphasize effective communication on our part. Our dealings make transporting a car smooth and easy for our customers.

The trained professionals in Tempus Logix are there to improve the experience of people wanting to move their cars, transport boats, tractors, or any other heavy equipment.  When a customer reaches us, we do not like keeping them waiting. We do our checks and clarifications thoroughly and swiftly. We pay close attention to our clients’ expectations and spot the best solutions for them with the main goal in mind: shipping the car or heavy equipment safely, at affordable prices, and ASAP. We are our customers’ ally in vehicle transport.

We build lasting relationships with our customers because we want them to always have a friend on standby to make auto transport happen without the usual hustle and bustle. Our approach is proactive; our communication is honest; and, the information we deliver is accurate and purposeful.

We work for our customers from 6 am to 9 pm PST (15 hours a day) with one purpose and only one purpose in mind: Customer Satisfaction. In our service, there are no short cuts, no ignoring of issues, and, definitely, no sweeping things under the rug.  

How does car transport work?

In today’s fast-paced world, auto transport services have become more than just a luxury—they are now a time and money-saving option for traveling long distances. However, despite their benefits, many car owners have limited knowledge about how car transport works.

In this article, we’ll explore the various services offered by auto transport companies and explain the steps car owners must follow when shipping their vehicles. We’ll cover the following:

• Research Available Auto Shipping Options
• Request an Auto Shipping Quote
• Review The Insurance Policy
• Prepare the Car for Shipping
• Sign the Bill of Lading

Research Available Auto Shipping Options

Car owners have many options for shipping their vehicles across the United States, including choosing the auto transport company, the carrier’s type, and the pickup and delivery service. However, to be able to select meticulously, one has to be introduced to the different options.

Auto transport company

When it comes to the auto transport company, a car owner must be extremely careful, as this decision will influence the whole auto transport experience. The best auto transport company to hire has the following features:

1. Registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
2. Has USDOT and MC numbers publicly available online
3. Experienced in auto shipping with several years in the industry
4. Offers reasonable quotes close to the average market price
5. Reviewed by many clients online positively

Tempus Logix is among the industry’s top-rated auto transport companies; it meets all the above standards and is ready to meet clients’ needs year-round in the United States. The company has over 1000 online reviews from satisfied clients and has already shipped over 45,000 vehicles of all types across the country.

Carrier type

An enclosed trailer is a fully enclosed transport vehicle used to haul vehicles, protecting them from weather and theft. Those who want a higher level of safety for their car and don’t want to expose it to the minimum harm go for the enclosed carrier; however, this carrier comes for a higher fee.

An open trailer is a transport trailer with no sides or roof, allowing for easy loading and unloading of vehicles but offering no protection from weather or theft. It is a good, affordable option for those seeking a reasonable safety level.

Pickup and delivery services

Clients have two options for transporting their vehicles: terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door:

• Terminal-to-terminal: it involves driving the vehicle to a designated terminal for pickup and receiving it at a terminal in the destination. This option is more affordable but less convenient.
• Door-to-door: it involves the carrier picking up and delivering the vehicle directly from the client’s pre-agreed address, providing a more convenient and secure option. However, this option is more costly.

Request an Auto Shipping Quote

Once car owners decide on the auto shipping carrier and the pickup and delivery services, it’s time to contact auto shipping companies and request quotes. It’s recommended to reach out to several service providers and compare their price offers before deciding. However, car owners shouldn’t be after the cheapest service and overlook its quality.

It’s worth mentioning that many auto transport companies implement auto shipping cost calculators on their websites. These online tools are free to use and instant in providing auto shipping cost estimates.

What sets Tempus Logix apart is the advanced AI-based auto shipping cost calculator on the company’s website. It offers accurate and instant quotes based on real-time online data processing for auto shipping conditions.

Review The Insurance Policy

Before signing an agreement with an auto shipping company, car owners should carefully review the insurance policy provided by the chosen service provider. The insurance policy should offer sufficient coverage to protect the vehicle during transit.

Clients should pay attention to the types of damages covered, coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions or conditions stated in the policy. Negotiating the insurance terms is fine when something doesn’t seem right.

Prepare the Car for Shipping

Car owners play an important role in ensuring the success of the auto transport process. Follow these instructions to prepare the car the right way:

1. Thoroughly wash the exterior and clean the interior of the car. It helps document the vehicle’s condition before shipping
2. Remove all personal items from the car, including loose objects, electronic devices, and valuables
3. Carefully inspect your car for any damages, such as scratches, dents, or dings
4. Document damages by taking clear photos or videos from different angles. It provides evidence of the car’s pre-shipping condition
5. Check for leaks and mechanical issues
6. Keep the fuel tank at approximately a quarter full to minimize the vehicle’s weight during transport
7. Ensure that all tires are properly inflated
8. Disable the alarm system to prevent unnecessary activation during transport

Sign the Bill of Lading 

When the car is delivered, the carrier driver and the client must observe the car’s exterior looking for any new damage. If any dent, scratch, or ding caused by the driver or carrier’s inefficiency is found, the auto transport company takes full responsibility and compensates the car owner financially.

However, the car owner must be attentive and not get triggered away to sign the Bill of Lading until they carry out a full inspection, as soon as the bill is signed, the client is abandoning any right to claim insurance.

Conclusion

Placing an auto transport order for the first time might be challenging, especially with the increased number of service providers in the US. That’s why getting to know the process in detail and who to place the trust in will ease things.