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:

1. Preventing human errors during driving that can lead to life-threatening accidents.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1.  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.
2. 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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Everything about EV Shipping

The car shipping industry is seeing a surge in demand for electric vehicle (EV) shipping, as EVs are poised to become the dominant mode of transportation. Despite the growing popularity of EV shipping, many people are still unfamiliar with the procedures involved. This article answers the top questions about EV shipping you need to know before shipping your EV.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship an Electric Vehicle?

The cost of shipping a car is often the primary concern for people. However, several factors might affect the shipping costs, and electric vehicles (EVs) can incur additional costs.

Here are some of the key factors that car shippers consider when calculating EV shipping costs:

• Time of year: Shipping prices typically increase during the summer and holiday season, and decrease significantly during the rest of the year.
• Shipping method: Two standard car shipping methods are open and enclosed. Enclosed shipping is a more expensive and secure option.
• Special equipment and requirements: EV batteries are high-voltage components that must be handled and transported carefully. Auto shipping professionals use special equipment, such as battery disconnect tools and tie-downs, to disconnect and secure the battery during shipping. Therefore, additional fees may apply.

What Are the Different Ways to Ship Electric Vehicles?

Electric vehicles can be shipped in two ways: using open or enclosed carriers. Open car transport is the more common and affordable option.

• Open trailers expose vehicles to the elements, but this does not mean they will be damaged. Accidents are rare, but it is important to note that open car transport does not offer the same level of protection as enclosed car transport.
• Enclosed car shipping is the more expensive option, but it provides premium protection for high-value vehicles. Enclosed carriers are also a good choice for shipping electric vehicles, as they can help protect the battery from the elements and extreme temperatures.

What Are the Special Considerations for Shipping Electric Vehicles?

Shipping electric cars requires careful planning and execution to ensure the safety of the vehicles and their batteries.

• Staff training: Car shippers must be trained on safely handling electric vehicles, including proper loading, securing, and unloading techniques.
• Equipment: Car shipping companies may need to invest in specialized equipment to transport electric vehicles safely, such as temperature monitoring systems, charging infrastructure, and secure packaging for batteries.
• Batteries: Electric car batteries are the most sensitive component of the vehicle and require special care during shipping. Batteries must be properly secured to prevent damage from shock, vibration, and other hazards.
• Climate control: Electric car batteries are sensitive to temperature extremes. Shipping companies must control the temperature inside the container or vehicle to prevent battery damage.

Tempus Logix is a reputable car shipping company with years of experience moving all types of vehicles, and EVs are no exception. The company ranks among the top car shippers in the United States for its quality services.

Conclusion

Shipping an EV is a simple process when car shippers consider the required practices and requirements for an efficient service.

The Benefits of Insured Auto Shipping Company

When relocating to a new city or state, transporting a vehicle can be a complex and stressful process. It is essential to ensure the vehicle is safe when entrusting it to someone else. That’s where a reliable and insured auto shipping company comes in handy. They can guarantee the vehicle’s safety and give car owners peace of mind, knowing their valuable assets are secure.

This article covers why hiring an insured auto shipping company is crucial.

What is an Insured Auto Shipping Company?

An insured auto shipping company is a company that transports vehicles while also providing insurance protection to guard against any damage that may occur while being transported. These businesses specialize in moving vehicles, such as automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and boats, from one place to another.

The insurance protection offered by an insured auto shipping company ensures that the vehicle’s owner is financially protected in case of certain losses or damages to the vehicle during transit.

How Does Insurance Work for Auto Shipping?

The following are the most frequent types of insurance that auto shipping businesses provide to their clients:

Primary Insurance

Liability and collision insurance are the two main types of primary insurance that numerous auto shipping companies offer. Federal law requires liability insurance, which protects the vehicle owner and the auto shipping company from third-party claims resulting from vehicle transportation. It pays for any damage or losses the vehicle may cause to other vehicles or property during transportation. Contrarily, collision insurance pays for damage to the vehicle brought on by an accident while being transported.

Gap Insurance

Vehicles with outstanding loans are financially protected by gap insurance in case of a total loss. It fills the gap between the insurance settlement and the outstanding balance of the car loan or lease.

Comprehensive Insurance (Optional)

Several auto shipping companies offer the option of full coverage or comprehensive insurance, which is typically more expensive than primary insurance. It offers complete insurance protection for the car while it’s being transported.

How to submit a claim?

The vehicle owner is responsible for filing a claim with the auto shipping company’s insurance provider if the vehicle suffers damage or losses while being transported, together with evidence of the damage and records of the vehicle’s state both before and after transportation. According to the auto shipping company insurance, the insurance company will look into the claim and decide how much compensation should be given to the vehicle owner.

Benefits of Using an Insured Auto Shipping Company

Using an insured auto shipping company has various advantages, such as:

Protection for Vehicles

During vehicle transportation, an insured auto shipping company protects the vehicle by covering it for any loss or damage that may occur. If the vehicle is stolen or destroyed, the owner will receive compensation, ensuring protection and financial security. However, it is essential to note that the coverage level offered by different auto shipping companies can vary.

Peace of Mind

Using an insured auto shipping company lets vehicle owners feel more at ease and experience less stress and worry, knowing that their vehicle is safeguarded and insured during transportation.

Professionalism and Expertise

Insured auto shipping companies are qualified and experienced businesses with expertise in the challenges of automobile transportation. This ensures that the vehicle will be transported with care and professionalism, arriving at its destination similarly to when it was picked up. Although no one can predict what might happen on the road, insured auto transport companies have a higher chance of safe delivery.

Compliance with Industry Standards

Insured auto shipping companies must adhere to industry standards and regulations, ensuring that the vehicle is transported safely and securely per established guidelines. This provides an additional layer of security for the vehicle during transit.

How to Choose an Insured Auto Shipping Company?

It can be difficult to choose the best-insured auto shipping company, but the following considerations can help:

Evaluating Insurance Coverage

Check the terms and conditions of an auto shipping company’s insurance coverage before hiring them. Choose a company with low deductibles and adequate coverage for vehicles.

Company Reputation and Performance

Review internet reviews and ratings by examining the company’s reputation and performance history. Choose a business that has a strong reputation and a lot of good client feedback.

Viewing Testimonials and Feedback from Clients

Car owners may get a good sense of the company’s operations by reading reviews and comments from previous clients. Search for businesses that have received favorable reviews and are attentive to the needs of their clients.

Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of a vehicle during transportation requires partnering with an insured company. Before finalizing a provider, it is crucial to thoroughly research their insurance policies and limits, evaluate their reputation and history, and analyze feedback from past customers. The reassurance that the auto shipping company will handle the vehicle carefully during the transportation is a significant relief, and choosing the right one can provide that peace of mind.

Tempus Logix is an insured auto transport company with over eight years of experience and more than 45,000 shipped vehicles nationwide. Additionally, the company has more than 1000 positive online reviews from satisfied clients.

Tempus Logix Prepares for Thanksgiving

The United States observes Thanksgiving on November 23^rd this year, corresponding to the fourth Thursday of the same month. On this occasion, Tempus Logix has announced its readiness to handle the coming surge in demand for car shipping services accompanied by Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving means different things to different people. While it is a time for a break, family gathering, and joy and meal sharing for some, others observe the holiday with extra work and pressures, like the car shipping industry.

Workers in the car shipping industry have one of the busiest work times at Thanksgiving, an occasion of special significance to Americans even more than Christmas. At Thanksgiving, families reunite, and those living in different parts of the country travel between states to see their loved ones. It is a traditional norm that dates back several years.

These huge numbers of people traveling from state to state greatly increase demand for car shipping services. That explains why the holiday season is a peak time for the car shipping industry more than any time during the year.

Because of the expected forthcoming increase in demand, car shipping companies have started preparing their staff, besides other necessary shipping agendas, to meet clients’ needs best.

Tempus Logix is a top-rated car shipping company that has been in the industry for over eight years, through which it gained and enhanced its abilities to handle shipping orders at such critical times. The company’s CEO says a word regarding the coming surge in demand and how the company is prepared to handle it.

‘Before anything else, we wish all Americans a happy Thanksgiving. We wish you a great time with the family and close people. We also know what spending a peaceful and lovely Thanksgiving night with the family means for most people, especially those staying away from home for most of the year. That is why we strive to perfectly service people visiting their families at Thanksgiving. Though it is hardly possible to ship cars during this time of year due to the lack of drivers in the first place, we are working hard to arrange secure and efficient shipping trips to respond to the coming surge in demand. Our staff is fully ready to help those relocating have a smooth journey after we have reached out to our network of drivers and settled on shipping agreements with them. This Thanksgiving will be another amazing holiday where our valuable clients will have their vehicles delivered to wherever they are going inside the country without hassle.’

CEO of Tempus Logix, United States

Tempus Logix Preparations for Thanksgiving

After announcing its preparations for Thanksgiving, here is what the company has done to respond to the coming peak time:

1. Increasing working hours: Tempus Logix’s team will work extra hours to respond to clients’ orders and arrange their vehicle shipping effectively.
2. Expanding its network of carrier drivers: Tempus Logix will collaborate with new professional and insured carrier drivers to cover the lack of drivers during the holiday.
3. Training staff on necessary work skills during peak times: Tempus Logix regularly provides work-related training to enhance its staff’s abilities and productivity, especially at peak times.

Overall, people planning to have a pleasant and memorable Thanksgiving evening will have their plans fulfilled with the assistance of professional car shippers. Car shipping companies are in great readiness for the coming surge in demand after preparing for all necessary shipping logistics.  

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.

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

1. 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.
2. Affordability: Terminal-to-terminal auto transport is perfect for customers on tight budgets since it is an affordable option.

Terminal-to-terminal transport drawbacks

1. 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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Choosing the Right SUV Shipping Service Provider

SUVs, or Sports Utility Vehicles, are a type of vehicle that combines the characteristics of both passenger cars and off-road vehicles. They typically have a high ground clearance, a strong chassis, and four-wheel drive capabilities, which make them suitable for driving on rough terrains and in adverse weather conditions.

Over the last 20 years, SUVs have gained great popularity among consumers due to their versatility, spacious interiors, and perceived safety benefits. Many SUV models have advanced safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags, which have helped improve their safety ratings and appeal to families and individuals alike.

Therefore, shipping an SUV requires more planning and preparation than shipping regular cars since they are more expensive and require special handling. This article will briefly showcase SUVs’ different models and provide tips for choosing the right auto shipping company.

SUV Models and Uses

SUVs are available in various shapes and sizes and cater to different needs. However, most SUVs share several common features, such as having taller, wider, and longer dimensions and a heavier weight than regular vehicles. They offer superior practicality and spaciousness and provide extra ground clearance and a higher ride height. Nonetheless, due to their larger size and heavier weight, SUVs are less fuel-efficient, resulting in higher fuel costs and taxes.

Models of SUVs

There are numerous models of SUVs in the United States:

• Subcompact SUVs: Similar to regular or sedan cars, but larger, heavier, and come in special dimensions.
• Compact SUVs: These are bigger than compact SUVs but are more cost-effective than larger models.
• Mid-size SUVs: These are the most common type of SUVs and are used by most people. The added size and weight of mid-size SUVs make them a good option for people considering a practical family car.
• Full-size SUVs: They have the biggest shape and dimensions and are also the most expensive.

Uses of SUVs

SUVs provide extra room for hauling additional cargo. The extra space makes owning a vehicle like this ideal for weekend trips since they provide cargo space while still fitting up to seven people. Furthermore, its special features, such as sitting higher off the ground and having four-wheel driving, allow for adventurous off-road drives. These make SUVs a popular and preferred option for most people.

Selecting the Right Auto Shipping Company for SUVs

Given the value, features, and advantages of SUVs, owners of such valuable cars will prefer selecting an auto shipping company capable of providing convenient services and safe delivery while meeting the following standards:

Providing High-Quality Services

Shipping SUVs requires professionalism and special care. The auto shipping company transporting an SUV should be able to provide quality services that cater to different SUV types and varying shipping needs.

For example, most SUVs require a more efficient method of shipment, namely enclosed auto shipping. Enclosed carriers can provide optimal safety for SUVs during transport and protect them from the elements, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and other serious external dangers.

Offering Competitive Shipping Prices

Shipping an SUV could be costly, whether large or compact, since it takes up more space on the carrier or adds extra weight, preventing it from hauling another car even if there is an empty spot.

However, SUV owners can ship their large cars without breaking the bank. For instance, researching several auto shipping companies, requesting different quotes, and selecting the company with a professional reputation and competitive prices.

The growing number of auto shipping companies fuels the competition. So, car owners might encounter several reliable and reputable auto shippers offering competitive shipping quotes and discounts. Tempus Logix is a professional, well-reputed, and knowledgeable auto transport company with over eight years of experience shipping all vehicle types.

The company has successfully shipped over 45,000 vehicles, providing top-notch services at competitive prices. Online visitors can use the online calculator implemented on Tempus Logix’s website to obtain an accurate, instant, free-of-charge shipping quote.

Providing Adequate Insurance Coverage

SUVs are often valued more than other vehicles due to their additional features. This means that the insurance coverage provided by the carrier may not be sufficient to cover the full value of the SUV. In case of an accident or damage during transportation, the vehicle owner may not receive the full amount of compensation required to repair or replace their SUV.

Therefore, vehicle owners have two options: search for another auto shipper offering higher insurance coverage or purchase additional coverage from the current shipper. Regardless, SUVs must be fully protected during transport.

Verifying the Company’s Track Record in Handling SUVs

It goes without saying that the right auto shipping company for shipping SUVs should have previous experience and a track record in properly and professionally handling SUVs’ transportation.

With relevant experience in SUVs shipping, auto transport companies can provide the required equipment and carry out the shipping procedures safely and reliably.

In conclusion, SUVs come in various types and styles. While shipping requirements vary, all SUVs require special handling and high-quality auto-transport services. To choose the right auto transport company for shipping an SUV, ensure the company offers quality shipping services, competitive prices, adequate insurance coverage, and a track record of safely handling SUVs.

Using Rating Platforms to Evaluate Car Shippers

Car shipping is a thriving industry, especially in the United States, with thousands of service providers operating locally inside specific states, nationwide, and internationally. This abundance of service providers is advantageous for car owners in the sense of creating competition and offering multiple choices.

However, one drawback to the abundance of choices in car shipping companies is facing difficulties when choosing reliable car shippers from unprofessional ones or evaluating different car shipping companies to choose the most suitable one.

Therefore, this guide explains the different aspects related to evaluating car shipping companies, covering the following topics:

• Why Evaluate Car Shipping Companies?
• What is a Service Rating Platform?
• Popular Rating Platforms
• Evaluating Car Shipping Companies Using the Popular Rating Platforms

Why Evaluate Car Shipping Companies?

When answering the question ‘Why do I have to evaluate a service provider?’ people will discover numerous reasons that make this step necessary before using any service, especially car shipping.

In fact, the importance of finding a reliable, reputable, and affordable car shipping company equals that of the shipping process. Cars are among our valuable investments, and buying a service that will protect them from damage or theft during shipping is essential to avoid a significant loss.

Therefore, conducting some research before considering a specific car shipping company is vital. The following lines provide more solid reasons for evaluating car shippers through third-party rating platforms:

Plenty of Fine Options

Upon searching for ‘reliable car shipping companies to ship my car,’ customers will undoubtedly find many fine options for their car shipping requirements. This factor seems to comfort car owners, but it does not. In fact, the more options provided, the greater confusion created.

Therefore, one good idea to reduce confusion about choosing one of many good car shipping options is to research these companies on popular rating platforms and compare them against each other based on previous customers’ reviews and experiences.

Verify a Company’s Authenticity

In many circumstances, what a company says about itself and its services is not necessarily true and can be subject to the company’s viewpoint. However, service rating platforms create a reliable venue for clients to check for their desired service provider’s credibility, authenticity, and credentials.

If a client can’t find a specific company on any popular rating platform, it is a telling sign to give it up. Another scenario could be that the company always promises its clients a level of service quality that it can’t deliver, which can only be discovered by checking for previous customers’ reviews on third-party rating platforms.

What is a Service Rating Platform?

A service rating platform is a virtual place that connects service providers with customers and is primarily based on transparency. These rating platforms act as an unbiased resource that provides information about particular services and products service providers produce.

In addition, plenty of rating platforms are available online, and most are free of charge, featuring previous customers’ reviews and feedback about services of different industries. Also, some platforms specialize in specific industries, such as car shipping services.

Anyone considering hiring a car shipping company can visit one of these platforms and take a look at previous customers’ opinions on the company’s services and how likely the company will serve them as they expect.

Popular Third-Party Rating Platforms

All the process takes is looking up popular third-party rating platforms on your mobile browser to find various results. However, this guide gathers the most popular platforms clients can depend on to find information related to their car shipping company and provides a general overview of each. The most popular rating platforms are Google, Social Media Platforms, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

Google Reviews

Google provides reliable and trusted business rating services through its search results. Upon searching the company’s name on Google, the search engine will provide general information about the business, like its location and contact information. 

In addition, customers will find a bar for leaving a review about the company, where previous clients can write about their experience with hiring a specific company and rate its service quality.

Some car shipping companies that are highly rated insert their Google reviews on their websites as proof of their trustworthiness, showing how their past customers are adequately satisfied with their services.

Tempus Logix is among the top-rated car shipping companies in the industry, rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google and Facebook. Clients can view more of the company’s reviews on its website and learn how it prioritizes customer satisfaction.

Social Media Reviews

Another practical way to check for the service quality of a specific car shipping company is by finding it on different social media platforms and scanning its past clients’ reviews and comments.

Social media is a powerful tool for allowing customers to express their opinions about a service. For example, Facebook reviews enable customers to write whether they recommend a service or a business.

Trustpilot Reviews

Trustpilot’s online community aims to help build trust between businesses and clients by allowing companies to engage with customers, solve their problems, and promote their services.

Additionally, it allows customers to check a service provider’s history and experience through past clients’ feedback, based on which they make their purchase decisions. It is also worth noting that Tempus Logix is labeled as an excellent service provider on Trustpilot based on the reviews of 484 customers.

Yelp Reviews

Yelp is another popular customer review platform, allowing clients to find local businesses and read reviews from other clients. Yelp is a platform to rate and give feedback about various companies other than car shipping, including hotels, restaurants, stores, etc.

Indeed, companies can display their clients’ reviews on Yelp on their official websites through the Yelp review widget. Tempus Logix also has many positive reviews on the Yelp platform from satisfied clients, showing their appreciation for the quality service and exceptional shipping experience they had with the company.

The Better Business Bureau Reviews

The Better Business Bureau is a private non-profit organization that allows clients to research companies’ work history, experience, licensing, and reviews. It also gives them a unique feature: filing a complaint against a service provider.

This platform is prevalent in the car shipping field, with many companies using their accreditation from the BBB as a sign of accountability and reliability. Tempus Logix, for example, is an accredited business by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and many reviews from past happy clients, expressing the company’s trustworthiness.

When clients file a complaint against a service provider, companies are given a chance to respond to the complaints by following up with them on the BBB site and requesting an answer within 14 days.

If companies don’t respond to the first complaint, the Better Business Bureau sends them another notice. Then, customers are informed about the company’s response or if the company doesn’t respond at all.

Evaluating Car Shipping Companies Using the Popular Rating Platforms

Now that it is clear what the most popular third-party rating platforms are, how they work, and how they benefit customers and businesses, it is time to use this knowledge to evaluate car shipping companies.

 Customers can use some strategic approaches to determine what the given reviews about a company on a specific platform imply. After all, judging a service provider’s reliability is not always easy, barely through other people’s opinions.

Compare the Rating of a Company to the Number of Reviews

Some companies appear to be highly rated, whether on their social media accounts, Google, or other third-party rating platforms. However, their high ratings may not be subject to precise data as the company may not have many reviews that create a sufficient ground to judge its services.

A company can have positive reviews, yet they may only make a small number. This means that the given feedback tells only one part of the company’s service quality, and there could be another hidden part that is unmentioned yet.

Therefore, it is vital to consider the number of reviews to the overall rating before making a quick decision about a company.

Analyze How the Company Responds to Negative Feedback

No matter a company’s size or success, it will always be prone to negative reviews. That is because meeting everybody’s particular expectations is somewhat challenging, especially when they are above the average level.

In fact, what really matters when it comes to negative feedback on a company’s profile is how it deals with these comments. If the company ignores a client complaint, that is a bad sign, showing that the company is either bad in what the client is complaining about or, even worse, handling customers’ needs.

No one wants to hire a company with poor communication or customer service even though it provides quality car shipping services. That is because communication is vital for customers who wish to have someone address their concerns, answer their questions, and follow up with them throughout the shipping process.

Find Reviews that Address the Same Service You Consider Using

Customers can make the most out of third-party rating platforms by searching for previous customers’ reviews addressing the same services they want to use. This can help clients make more informed decisions about the specific service they have in mind.

Indeed, through previous customer reviews addressing the same service, clients can compare the experiences different customers had with the same company. Then, they can evaluate how likely their own experience will be similar to what other customers say.

For example, people considering shipping a specific vehicle type, such as an SUV from New York to New Jersey, can search for reviews on the company’s profile on any of the mentioned platforms that discuss shipping the same vehicle type from and to the exact locations. This can simply be done using the filters on the reviews page.

Final Thoughts

Third-party rating platforms make an objective and dependable tool to check companies’ reliability and service quality. Measuring a service’s effectiveness through third-party review platforms is critical to avoid handing your valuable asset, money, or time to the wrong service provider.

Tempus Logix has been a trustworthy car shipping company for over eight years. The company could earn thousands of customers’ trust, primarily concerned about customer satisfaction. Indeed, it has been recognized as an excellent service provider on various channels.