Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping
Before asking for a quote from a vehicle transportation company, most people have to think twice about whether they can trust them or not. There will be a lot of questions running through their minds, many of which are addressed in the FAQs about Car Shipping.
But mostly, they refer to the FAQs about Car Shipping to ask the most important questions, such as:
- Is my vehicle insured during transportation?
- When is the vehicle going to be picked-up?
- When will my car delivery take place?
- Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?
- Can I track my vehicle online?
- Why isn’t the car assigned/picked-up/delivered yet?
- How does trucking a car work?
- What’s a reasonable cost to ship a car?
- Can I ship my car across the country?
- Can I ship a truck?
- How do I request auto transport quotes?
- Is a cheap car shipping safe?
Well, we are here to answer your questions, and we are surely going to get you the right transportation with the right car transport company that your vehicle needs.
Answers to Car Shipping FAQs
Is my vehicle insured during transportation?
Tempus Logix is a brokerage company. We work with a big network of car carriers, and of course fully insured ones. We will not give your vehicle to non-trusted car movers; we always make sure that they are insured and up for the duty.
When is the vehicle going to be picked-up?
After you ask for a quote and book with us, we start searching for the perfect car moving company with an available driver for your vehicle in the pick-up area. When it is assigned, we will give you an estimated date and time for the pickup. The driver will call to give you prior notice or to give you an open window.
When will my vehicle be delivered?
When you place an order, you will receive an estimated date between the pick-up and delivery. This will give you a window to prepare yourself to receive your vehicle. We put estimated dates because it depends on the distance, traffic, weather conditions, etc. It may be possible to deliver your car faster than estimated sometimes.
Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?
Of course, you can ship car and belongings together, but the weight should be less than 100 LBs, and be below the window level, or in the trunk. In case of there being more than 100lbs, the car moving company might charge a dollar for each pound.
Can I track my vehicle online?
Live tracking isn’t available yet, but we will inform you as soon as there is any update about the shipment. Feel free to call us at any time you like to get updates. And of course, the assigned driver will communicate with you as well.
Why isn’t my car assigned/picked-up/delivered yet?
Sometimes the car shipping process has some delays in its duration, some problems with the car haulers’ truck and sometimes some changes with their schedule. So, in that case, we will call you to see if you agree with this situation. If not, mostly we are obligated to cancel with that specific car shipping service provider and start looking for a new one to assure the quick transportation of your car(s).
How does trucking a car work?
Usually, if the car is operable it’s easily driven onto the trailer by the driver and secured to ensure stability during the shipping process.
What’s a reasonable cost to ship a car?
It really depends on what car you’re shipping, what type of transportation type will you be choosing and how long will the trip be. As transport companies charge more if your shipment’s pickup or delivery location is harder to reach. But auto transport services, in general, don’t seem to vary in cost that much.
Can I ship my car across the country?
Yes. As long as you stay within the US. We can easily ship your car to another state. Even when it’s from one coast to another. Cross country car transport is what most of the auto transport companies that we work with are used to at this point.
Can I ship a truck?
If by shipping a “truck” you mean pickup trucks, vans, or even any other big vehicles. Considering the fact that we also have a pretty big experience shipping heavy equipment and such, we can confidently say yes.
How do I request auto transport quotes?
You can easily request one by just calling us, requesting a quote through our website, email, text or even the chat we have available right when you go to our website. You can even request different types of quotes, say one for open car transport and one for enclosed car transport, to see which one you like best.
Is a cheap car shipping safe?
It really depends on how valuable the car is and how much you want to spend. But if we were to advise you on how much is considered too cheap, go for the company whose quote is not a “steal”. As auto transportation service is not the expense you want to save a lot off of.
We Care for Our Customers’ Spending during Their Vehicle Transportation
Let’s face it: every business revolves around making money. The finances have a direct impact on the overall delivery of service. If you pay more, it is highly likely that you will get a better service.
In Tempus Logix, we do not let this pattern dictate our service delivery. Our goal is to do business with our clients on a regular basis. So when you ask for a car shipping quote from our website, we provide a quote that is perfectly balanced for being affordable and still keeping the professional service (quick delivery, professional driver and constant communication and on-time updates). We are not money-hungry. Our philosophy is that if we do fair business and have customer satisfaction, then that is a win-win situation for both parties involved.
On a platform, shipping prices fluctuate. Sometimes they go high and sometimes they go low because of many field related factors of shipment of cars and heavy equipment. Tempus Logix never aims for the high end of the shipping price because we understand the value of money from the perspective of our customers.
Yes, we are a broker company, but our agents do not earn their money from commissions only. They have a fixed salary; therefore, by having this payment system in Tempus Logix, ripping off extra money from customers’ pockets does not drive the broker’s motivation in deal-making. They care for the clients’ economy and desire to have them save money while doing business with Tempus Logix. Customer satisfaction is our main priority.
We conduct our business with this distinguished approach. We make our modest income by providing a trusted, consistent, and constant service to our customers. We are always with them and we love to see them satisfied. And when there are times when it happens that our clients are not satisfied, we do our best to address the issues causing their dissatisfaction.
The Early History of Car Transportation
Alexander Winton, an inventor, and automaker designed the first known semi-truck (a car hauler) in 1898 because he wanted to transport and deliver cars to his customers without the wear and tear from long miles of driving.
A year later, although Winton was successful at selling his new invention, it did not continue proving itself the best choice of auto transport in the following years. It was capable of transporting only one car in one fell swoop, but the upsurge of the auto industry necessitated better alternatives for cars and heavy equipment transportation.
In 1914, August Charles Fruehauf, a blacksmith shop owner at the time (later the founder of Fruehauf Trailer Company), received an order from a lumber manufacturer to make a carrier that can be attached to his Ford to transport his boat from one location to another. The lumber merchant was so satisfied with the heavy equipment transporter that he ordered more to move his lumber as well. Four years later, success ensued, and Fruehauf established his company, naming his merchandise semi-trailer.
Necessity is the mother of invention. Having these great ideas exposed made it possible for other individuals to work out the problems that came with the original creations and improve them as time passed. One of these individuals was John C. Endebrock and another one, George Cassens.
John Endebrock made a trailer that only one person could attach and detach to the back of Ford. His creation later evolved into a modern-day fifth wheel. He founded the Trailmobile Company.
Just like A. Winton, George Cassens, a car salesman, needed to ship cars to his customers without running miles into his commodity. His invention was a type of trailer that could haul four cars by a 2-ton Dodge truck of his day.
Learn more about the Evolution of Automobile Trucks
Is It Safe to Ship a Car?
To answer this question, almost all the articles on the web say that it depends on what company you choose to do the transporting; customers should do their research to mark their checklist in terms of safety. Then, they also say that the transportation type, that is an enclosed vehicle transport or open transport type, would also affect the risk factors and costs.
However, it also happens that some companies in their articles falsely claim that it is safer to transport vehicles with companies that own their trailers, and not with the ones who contract the shipment, such as broker companies. The truth of the matter is that no one company in the States has that many personal trucks to meet the demand for car transportation. So, the very same companies who make these erroneous claims turn into semi-broker companies themselves because they cannot process all the orders on time. Had this not been the case, then there would have been one big company doing all the transporting. Naturally, with no choice, it forces companies to outsource either way.
Tempus Logix has done thousands of cars and heavy equipment transport nationally with no issues. Our secret is not a secret at all. The key to our success lies in the relationship with our carriers. When we are processing an order and coordinating the pickup, we do not just assign the job to any given carrier on the board to transfer our customers’ valuable property just because we can make some money. We consider all the variables, even the drivers’ personalities. Having done this many heavy equipment and car shipments, we got to know the people whom we trust. Besides, we take other things into account as well. For instance, there is a carrier who transported a car safely, but was rude to our customer and our customer did not like the whole experience. The next time when we are about to do business with the same driver, we think twice because we consider all the feedback from our patrons. Nevertheless, we know many excellent and responsible drivers whose professionalism makes it possible for us to trust the transit of our customers’ property in a safe and timely manner.
Tempus Logix is a company comprised of people with values and understanding. It is not a system where it does things mechanically. Our specialists care for every car or heavy equipment transported as they would have cared for their own most valuable property.
So, is it safe to ship a car? We cannot speak for others, but with Tempus Logix, we guarantee safe and secure car shipment.
Shipping Heavy Equipment
To transport heavy equipment, you take the same steps with Tempus Logix as you would take when transporting a car. It all starts with a quote. Get a quote with the help of our heavy equipment calculator. Our professional representatives will get back to you with the best quote in the market. Our coordinating team of experts, remarkably experienced by years, makes the process of shipping heavy equipment seamless. Our knowledge of Federal Highway Administration’s regulations relating to heavy equipment transportation will be at your disposal upon contacting us. Understanding the process may seem complicated, but with Tempus Logix, it is not. Our company does not discriminate against weight for heavy equipment loads, as long as we can keep it legal, we got it covered.
We will help you with all the steps necessary for transporting your heavy equipment. These include but not limited to:
- We will assist in categorizing the type of heavy equipment, which may need special oversize permits from your state.
- We will find the most professional driver with a top-notch trailer that can safely and timely transport it.
- We will guide you on how to prepare it for the pick-up and drop-off.
- We will map the routes that meet the regulations and has the best climatic conditions for it to move through smoothly.
Just as we are at our customers’ side throughout the process of transporting a car, we will be there all the way through for you to relocate the heavy equipment. And if you are returning patron, then you know how well we do when it comes to transporting heavy equipment and cars.
The Cheapest Season to Ship a Car
When you got to do the moving, you got to do it regardless of it being cheaper at different seasons. The car or heavy equipment needs its relocation, then sometimes that’s all it is relevant. Ok, maybe price and timeframe are always pertinent enough as well for you to pick one company over the other. Before we talk about seasons that make auto transport prices cheaper, allow us to say how Tempus Logix makes the prices at its lowest at all times.
Please consider this approach. To find out whether the price and timeframe are right, you may do multiple quotes with different companies and choose the one that best fits your budget.
We say this with confidence: Tempus Logix offers the most competitive prices for the current market for trucking a car. Not only because we do not go for the high end of a bid, but also because we offer many discounts at different times. It makes it possible for us to say confidently that Tempus Logix offers leading prices for cars or heavy equipment shipping, and the best timeframe in which it happens. To check this, one only needs to do those multiple quotes with different companies to see it for themselves. Everything written here pertains to 365 days in a year. Meaning, prices, and timeframes’ inherent fluctuations, which yield a model price for all the companies, do not affect our standard approach to make it at its lowest. Even at that lowest cost, we keep the highest quality and fastest delivery.
With this said, let us now explore the seasons for cheap car transport.
The first important thing that you may wonder as a customer is how much the price shows its difference during seasons. If the difference is not much, why should anyone wait 2-3 months for the price to drop to move one’s car?
Well, it is about a 10-40% difference in price just considering shipment among various seasons, without factoring in the other conditions mentioned in What Is Cheapest Way to Ship a car.
Auto Transport Seasons
In the auto transport business, seasons are classified not by winter, spring, summer, fall, but by its separate terms:
The season of:
Winter Visitors snowbird season (people who migrate from brisker north to warmer south during early winter (around November) and back again before early summer (around May)). Because of this migration from north to south (vice versa), prices may be higher, but not for the opposite direction from west to east (VV).
The Hottest Months relative to the states: The prices tend to be higher because the demand for auto transport increases, so does the price.
The Coldest Months relative to the states: The prices tend to drop because the demand decreases; thus, the cost becomes cheaper.
To summarize, if you are moving a car or heavy equipment from North to South (VV), the best price that you might get would be either before the snowbird migration or after it. The price for the hottest months compared to the two seasons mentioned is somewhat higher but not always, especially with Tempus Logix with its great discounts. For the coldest months, prices decrease. However, sometimes it may increase even more than any other season due to adverse climatic conditions that cause route closures.
Take away
Tempus Logix is always at your service, no matter if it is sunny days, snowy days, or any other days. We will get you the best price possible in the auto transport business throughout its seasons.
How to Ship a Motorcycle Across the Country, Step by Step
Riding your motorcycle on your own might not be the best option if you are moving a long distance away. Arrange tried-and-true and affordable motorcycle transport with Tempus Logix and trust your vehicle journey to us. Be sure that Tempus Logix expert motorcycle transport services will let you stay satisfied with the successful process of fast and safe delivery. Our well-trained and well-equipped professionals know what’s best in how to move your two-wheeler regardless of its size. The main steps for shipping your motorcycle are as follows:
- Step 1: Decide the type of trailer you want to haul your motorcycle
Referring to the shipping options, considering several factors will help you decide right whether to transport your vehicle inside an enclosed trailer or an open one. Although the delivery with an open trailer is sufficiently safe, the extra protection to the process will serve you better if your vehicle is new or expensive. Here the right choice is implementing the delivery with an enclosed trailer. / Open Auto Transport, Enclosed Auto Transport/ - Step 2: Find quotes
Search for reputable shipping companies online to find the right service for you. Do not hesitate to request several quotes for shipment to evaluate the cost of shipping offers. - Step 3: Document the condition of your motorcycle
Prepare your vehicle for shipping. Take photos of your motorcycle (the factual appearance) at the pick-up location, and implement an inspection to note damages (if any). Clean your vehicle and check the tire pressure, fluids and battery to avoid leaks. Remove all accessories and loose items from it and store them safely. - Step 4: Additional insurance
Most shipping companies include insurance coverage, but it would be better to consider
purchasing additional coverage if your motorcycle is especially expensive. - Step 5: Receive your motorcycle
After proceeding with the shipment of your vehicle, wait for the delivery phase. Once it occurs, thoroughly inspect the motorcycle for any damage. Immediately file an accurate insurance claim if you need it.
How to Choose a Motorcycle Shipping Company
To get the best deal on motorcycle shipping is to select the right organization competent to
implement an accurate delivery. A reliable car shipper operates transparently with its customers and is always ready to clarify how it works and what it costs. Make sure the company you deal with has a tracking system. First, this will allow you to keep in contact with dispatchers of the company and get clarifications to the queries relating to your order. Secondly, you may track the exact locations of your vehicle within the framework of the delivery process. Look for well-experienced companies in the market. As a properly licensed company, Tempus Logix provides professional transport services and guarantees high-quality one for delivering vehicles in full safety and at optimal costs. Once you need to ship your motorcycle within the country territory, find it essential to get the right hauling or transport solution for your vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost You to Ship a Motorcycle Across the Country
Shipping costs vary from company to company rendering vehicle transport services. The average cost to ship a motorcycle type of vehicle within the United States is around $X in the industry.
This amount is subject to changes depending on such factors as the distance, the shipping way (enclosed shipping / open trailer shipping), and the delivery option chosen (Door-to-Door or Terminal-to-Terminal).
How to Transport Your Classic Car across the Country
The century dictates that when working with best-in-class items, we follow the best-practiced patterns to get the job done like no other. When the time comes to ship classic, luxury, and exotic cars, contact the transport company with the appropriate portfolio of handling such transactions.
For arranging safe and speedy transport, you need to undertake several steps. First, research and contact a reputable car shipping company. Getting quotes from shippers is the next step, but you should abstain from making your decision based only on the lowest price offered. Note that the cost to ship a classic car depends on many factors, such as the distance (from a pickup site to drop-off site), auto model, and transport service (open vs. enclosed transport). The most productive way to size up a transport company is to research its safety records and insurance status.
Tempus Logix possesses the right tools, knowledge, and experience to work with premium clients. We are used to rendering luxury and antique car transportation services to our high-end customers regularly. Therefore, the Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Tesla Model, or any other top luxury cars entrusted to us are in safe hands. Whatever destination your classic car needs to reach within the United States, we will get it there in the same conditional state you handed it over to us.
Tips to Know for Your Classic Car Transport
1. Select the right vehicle transport service and avoid booking at the last minute. It will help you eliminate the stress and save time.
2. As soon as you have booked transportation for your classic car, you will need to prepare it for the pickup. Such preparation includes but is not limited to removing attachments, disabling alarms, testing your emergency brake, washing your car, and so on.
3. Another noteworthy thing to consider is to choose adequate insurance coverage for your classic car. You may get familiar with the auto transport company’s insurance policy to find out what it covers and what it doesn’t, in the case of an accident. If necessary, arrange additional insurance coverage as here you deal with a top-of-the-line car that requires special care. Ask every question you might have and have everything clarified for you.
Top Advantages of Using an Auto Transport Company
The idea that you will not have to worry over trip planning is one of the bases worth considering for choosing auto transport services when moving to a new place.
In general, moving to a new location requires specific preparation. One of the most contradictory questions about moving is whether to drive or ship the car. Shipping a car includes many advantages if you choose the right company for providing you with auto transport services. It is a bit tricky but an essential point to start.
Our goal at Tempus Logix is ensuring a smooth and safe but at the same affordable and high-quality transportation for your vehicle. First, you need to understand that you pay not only for the shipment but also for the advantages.
The key auto transport service benefits include but not limited to the following:
- First, when dealing with the right professionals, you will not have to worry about the transport process. Timing also matters so you will not have to spend long hours on the road. You order and then get your car at the exact location preferred. In other words, you will enjoy a stress-free experience from the vehicle moving aspect.
- The car will maintain its natural look, and no component thereof, including the wheels, will not be damaged or otherwise worn out.
- If you deal with a long-distance, you will avoid putting any additional miles on it if you ship the car.
- There will be no obstacle or a risk thereof causing any damage to your car.
- No weather condition, irrespective of season specifics, may affect your route.
- The lines of communication are open 24/7 throughout the whole transport process. Therefore you can easily track and control when your car is on its way to the final destination.
- The service provided by a professional transport company includes documentation. So you may see that there are no hidden fees.
- You will not have to not worry about insurance coverage because the industry itself requires carrier companies to care about it.
- The door-to-door convenience is what attracts the most.
- You will get affordable auto transport rates and discounts if you hire the most suitable company.
There are many other advantages if you go deeper into it. However, for holding peace in mind when shipping the car, it would be better to contact and hire a highly reputable and respectful transportation company like Tempus Logix. The services offered by others are not enough. There should be a proven solid experience to render the best approach to your case. Thus, researching and finding a trustworthy company plays a huge role in experiencing the advantages of your choice.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car
When moving to a new place, you probably evaluate the pros and cons of shipping the car and driving it on your own. Herein, the shipping option prevails in many aspects. Hiring a professional auto transport service is a very convenient way to get your car to the new location if the distance is too long. However, you should be aware of mistakes that you need to avoid to take advantage of your shipping transaction.
- Avoid dealing with transport companies which do not have a good reputation. It is one of the factors you should consider because the way you start depends on how it proceeds. Many transport companies offer cheap and seemingly affordable packages. However, it is better considering their corporate profile before dealing with their services.
- Do not pay too much. It means that it is reasonable to consider the best way of shipment for your particular vehicle. For instance, if you ship a cheap car, there is no need to pay much to transport it on such a trailer that may cost too much.
- Do not underestimate the factors such as weather conditions, the distance, and the preferred convenience format for your car shipment. In particular, the weather may affect your car shipping. It is a factor that, in its turn, may affect the price of the shipment. Rates can be higher at specific times of the year.
- Do not ignore gathering the correct documents. For proceeding with the shipment of your vehicle, most auto transport companies may require to provide certain types of documents.
- Do not underestimate the importance of insurance coverage, as well. Under the applicable legislative requirements, it is mandatory to provide their customers with proper insurance coverage. Usually, when shipping the car, one of the primary questions arising in mind is the safety and the appropriate protection of the vehicle during the shipping process.
Although this is not the complete list, however, if you follow these tips, you can benefit from your car shipping experience.