Car Shipping Insurance Coverage Top Questions

Vehicles are precious assets, and owners strive to ensure their utmost protection during auto transport. Auto shipping companies in the United States are legally required to provide basic and liability coverage for vehicles during shipping. Otherwise, auto transport would be more complicated when entrusting the car to an uninsured auto shipper.

One of the most effective ways to ensure contracting with the right auto transport company is by asking the right questions. Asking questions about the company’s experience, license, insurance coverage, and pricing can help car owners understand everything and make informed decisions.

This article will highlight the importance of auto shipping insurance coverage and address the top questions to ask an auto shipping company about their insurance coverage.

The Importance of Auto Shipping Insurance Coverage

No one would have their vehicle transported from one point to another without obtaining adequate insurance. This is simply because the car will be exposed to several elements and could be damaged in transit. So, if damage or loss occurs during shipping, the auto shipping insurance coverage compensates the owner.

Nevertheless, by emphasizing the importance of insurance coverage for vehicles in transit, we are not confirming that vehicles will undoubtedly be damaged. Actually, car damage cases while in transport are quite rare. But as the saying goes, being prepared is better than sorry. So, whenever you want to ship a vehicle with an auto shipping company, ensure it provides adequate insurance to cover your car’s needs.

Tempus Logix is a top-rated auto shipping company that ships all vehicle types across the states. In addition, we have a big network of licensed, experienced, and insured carriers, with cargo insurance reaching $1,000,000. With over eight years of experience in the auto shipping industry, Tempus Logix has moved over 45,000 vehicles across the country and has collected more than 1000 online reviews from satisfied clients.

Given that auto shipping insurance coverage is important, it is also important that car owners ask their auto shippers relevant questions about their vehicles’ coverage to obtain the right protection.

Top Questions About Auto Transport Insurance Coverage

The more questions car owners ask about the car’s insurance when transported, the more they can understand what goes into coverage. Here are the top questions car owners should ask their auto shippers about insurance coverage:

What Types of Insurance Coverage Do You Provide?

When shipping a car, knowing whether the auto shipper is a broker or carrier is crucial to determine what type of insurance must be provided. Generally, auto shipping companies provide two main types of insurance coverage: basic and additional.

The difference between the two types is mainly the amount of coverage a customer obtains, which depends on the amount of coverage the company carries. Car carriers usually provide basic coverage for transported vehicles, covering basic damages during transport, loading, and unloading.

Car owners sometimes seek more comprehensive insurance coverage, especially when shipping high-value cars long distances. In this case, purchasing additional insurance coverage can improve the cars’ security, which auto shipping brokers usually provide. Also, additional insurance coverage pays for gaps in the basic coverage that doesn’t fully cover the car’s value.

Most importantly, not all companies offer additional coverage, so it is recommended to ask the specific auto shipping company about the types of provided coverage in advance.

What Are the Company’s Policies Regarding Insurance Coverage?

Car owners need to understand what their auto shipping company is responsible for and what damage they will cover during transportation. Each auto shipping company has a dedicated policy regarding insurance coverage limitations.

However, most of the time, auto shipping companies claim responsibility for car damage during transportation caused by the driver or the company’s employees. After an official delivery and approval, the company denies responsibility for any damage found later.

Moreover, most auto shipping companies don’t cover damage caused by severe natural conditions, cars’ bad condition before shipping, or items left inside the car. So, owners should check the specific terms and conditions of insurance coverage the auto shipper provides to make the necessary arrangements.

How Do I File a Claim in Case of Loss or Damage?

Clients must be familiar with every aspect of car shipping, including what they can do if the auto shipping company damages their cars. Car owners should ask the auto shipping company about the process of filing a claim to protect their assets in case of damage.

Generally, the Bill of Lading documents the car’s condition before and after delivery. When the car reaches the new location, any new damages will be found during the inspection. Then, clients can record the found damages in the Bill of Lading and provide ample evidence of the car’s condition before and after shipping. Claims must be filed within 24 hours after damage is spotted. After documenting everything in the BOL, clients can submit a claim for damages and wait for approval to receive compensation.

Ultimately, obtaining adequate insurance coverage is crucial to protect the car during transport. Car owners should know everything related to the company’s insurance coverage policies to avoid scams and be prepared for all circumstances.

When shipping a vehicle with Tempus Logix, never hesitate to ask all the questions you have in mind about the insurance policies and coverage.

Tips for Shipping Classic Cars in Peak Season

Whether it’s an auction, an auto show, or even a vacation, shipping a classic car will need special help from an auto transport company. But what if you needed this help during the peak season when the shipping company’s schedule is busy and the fee is big-budget?

The auto shipping industry is like any other; it’s seasonal, which means that sometimes the demand is growing, and other times it’s falling. And definitely, this alteration will result in cost changes, and the fee will boost during the peak seasons.

What to do and how to get the most reasonable price? Here’s everything you need to know.

Hire a trustworthy auto transport company 

Your classic car is a precious vehicle, and it must be worth thousands of dollars. So, you shouldn’t trust any company with it. The transport company you should hire must have long years of experience in classic car shipping and a spotless track history of implementing safe and fast transport processes.

Clients’ reviews are foolproof for a company’s reliability and will tell you all you need to know about service quality and transport safety. So, read them carefully before hiring the company.

Hiring a professional auto shipping company will save you a lot of money, even if the shipping fees are higher than any unreliable one. Because a classic car needs special handling, and if anything bad happens, the maintenance and repair work will cost you a fortune.  

Consider Tempus Logix, as it has been in the auto shipping industry for a long time and has transported classic and regular cars for many clients, including individuals, companies, car collectors, multi-branch auction houses, and many others.  

Compare quotes

Whether during peak seasons or anytime in the year, classic car shipping costs differ from one company to another. So, comparing quotes will ensure you hire the best company for the most economical fee.

Request your quote by visiting a classic car shipping company’s website and using the free calculator to provide information about your vehicle and the transport method you’re after. The cost calculator is free; you will probably find it on many companies’ websites.

Ensure you get a quote from each reputable classic car shipping company and decide on the best for your budget and needs. For Tempus Logix, the calculator is an accurate one built on machine learning and AI technologies to provide instant quotes.

Book in advance

Since the auto transport industry is seasonal, the company’s schedule gets increasingly busy during specific times of the year, including summer and holidays. Logically, the increased demand will result in a shortage of carriers and drivers.

As a result, the transport fee increases consecutively. So, if you want to guarantee a place for your classic automobile on the carrier you prefer for the economical fee your budget can afford, placing the shipping order in advance would be very smart.

We recommend putting classic car shipping orders in a month before the required delivery date. Your automobile will arrive at its destination when you want without paying extra or staying on hold.

Don’t use the enclosed trailer unless you need it

Most experts advise classic car owners to ship their vehicles in enclosed trailers to keep them safe from all possible dangers. And as a matter of fact, that’s completely correct. However, you must reconsider the open trailer since you want to cut costs.

An open trailer isn’t as dangerous as it’s known, yet it could be a perfect option in specific cases. Suppose the weather is calm and there’s no pouring rain or boiling sun, and the distance from point A to point B is short; your car will arrive safe and sound without a scratch. But remember that the open trailer is only safe if the classic car shipping company is trustworthy.

Have a flexible shipping location

The pickup and delivery location can dramatically affect the classic car shipping cost. For example, if you go for the door-to-door shipping service, the carrier will pick up your classic car next to your house and drop it off in the same place. So you won’t need to drive your car to the terminal or hire someone. This shipping service is always more costly than the other, terminal-to-terminal.

On the other hand, the terminal-to-terminal shipping service requires you to drive your classic car to a prearranged location and pick it up from the same spot. Because the terminal-to-terminal shipping service doesn’t require much effort and time from the side of the shipping company, it’s affordable. So, if your classic car is operable, the terminal-to-terminal shipping service is the option that will cut you many costs.  

Look for discounts 

Some companies, including Tempus Logix, offer competitive offers and discounts for returning clients. So, if you have ever shipped your car with the company’s help, they will provide you with a generous offer that will save you serious money. In addition, if you’re a retired or active military member, senior citizen, or a college student, many auto transport companies will be happy to give you a big discount.

Conclusion 

Classic car shipping cost grows dramatically in peak season, and it may not be affordable for all owners. However, by following the suggestions mentioned above, the price will be reasonable to some extent, and your beloved vehicle will arrive at its destination safely.

Evaluating Car Shipping Companies via BBB Ratings

When choosing a service provider, the phrase “accredited by the Better Business Bureau” has a powerful effect on clients since it evokes a sense of trust and relief. The Better Business Bureau can greatly influence clients’ decisions, either encouraging or discouraging them from using the services of a specific provider.

Moreover, in an industry that is not heavily regulated, like auto transport, BBB ratings can greatly help people considering using auto transport services to examine the history and performance of their chosen auto shipper.

This article emphasizes the importance of researching and evaluating auto shipping companies. Additionally, it provides an overview of the Better Business Bureau, including how to evaluate auto shipping companies using BBB ratings.

The Importance of Researching and Evaluating Auto Shipping Companies

Seeking advice can help people determine whether the auto transport service is worth their money. However, evaluating an auto shipper before signing contracts has several benefits.

Avoiding scammers

Scammers tend to find ways to take advantage of unsuspecting clients. Although their tricks are more easily discovered nowadays, individuals unfamiliar with how to verify the authenticity of a service provider may still fall prey to them. Therefore, taking the time to perform due diligence, check, research, and evaluate an auto transport company’s services and performance can spare car owners from falling victim to deceptive auto transport companies.

Learning from Others

Researching and evaluating auto transport companies involves examining previous customers’ reviews. These reviews can reveal how an auto transporter values customer satisfaction based on the number of clients who leave positive feedback on different rating platforms. It goes without saying that customer reviews are a crucial factor that can either encourage people to use an auto transport company’s services or steer them away completely.

Choosing The Ideal Company

Clients can better understand what they’re paying for by researching and comparing the services and prices of several auto transport companies. This allows them to make a more informed decision based on each company’s quality of services, performance, and offers.

For instance, clients may discover that investing more money to hire a more professional auto transporter can ensure enhanced safety and efficiency. However, such decisions can only be made after extensive research and evaluation of different providers.

An Overview of the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau, a non-profit organization that provides business rating services, is widely recognized as a credible and reliable source of information by both businesses and consumers. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that accreditation and high ratings from the BBB contribute to auto transport companies’ trustworthiness.

Help Consumers Choose Reputable Companies

The BBB website provides extensive information about thousands of businesses and companies, including auto transport companies. BBB’s official website compiles this information from businesses, customers, and public data resources.

Moreover, the platform takes pride in its hard-working team responsible for verifying the validity of the information provided about each business. The team also conducts thorough background research on each company’s performance and reliability. As a result, customers can access information and ratings on various auto transport companies on the BBB website, compare them, and check their reliability.

Promote Marketplace Trust

The BBB primarily aims to promote honest and professional work practices and encourage companies to be self-regulated. BBB can fulfill this mission by assigning each company a letter rating based on the company’s performance and compliance with BBB’s work standards.

The BBB’s rating system considers several factors that determine the accountability of the involved businesses. The letter ratings range from A+ as the highest to F as the lowest. However, auto transport companies must abide by the strict BBB standards and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction to achieve an A+ rating.

Evaluating Auto Shipping Companies Using BBB Ratings

The Better Business Bureau is one of the most reliable rating platforms for researching auto shipping companies. Still, the platform recommends customers not solely rely on its evaluation but also look for additional resources for their peace of mind.

The BBB website contains a list of numerous auto transport companies, whether accredited or unaccredited that online users can browse through. After choosing a specific company, the website provides information that helps users learn about the reliability of the chosen company. For instance, every company’s profile demonstrates the company’s licenses, compliance with regulations and rules, years of experience, customer complaints, and customer reviews.

An Example of a BBB Accredited Auto Transport Company

Tempus Logix is the go-to auto transport company for reliable auto transport services and is accredited by BBB with an A+ rating! Additionally, the company has received an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5 on both Google and Facebook, with over 1000 online reviews from satisfied clients.

Finally, it is vital to thoroughly research different auto transport companies and evaluate the quality of their services before hiring one. Indeed, the BBB is a great website to find meticulously vetted companies and asses their performance.

How to Evaluate Auto Transport Quotes Efficiently

An auto transport quote is the biggest question mark in a car owner’s mind, especially if they’re hiring an auto transport company for the first time. An auto transport quote is calculated after considering many factors about the shipped car’s state, pick-up and delivery locations, carrier type, and others; however, even with that in mind, a car owner might not know why they got a high or a low quote.

In this article, we’re spotlighting the essential things that help a car owner understand the auto transport quote calculation process and how to get the best deal.

1.      Evaluate the company’s reliability

Before trusting an auto transport company and ordering a quote, one has to ensure that the company they’re about to deal with is trustworthy. With an increased number of online auto transport companies, it’s easy to mix a reliable company with a scam one. So, one has to get to know what makes a company eligible.

A reliable auto transport company should:

• Be licensed by the FMCSA and DOT
• Be highly experienced
• Has a wide network of carriers
• Be highly rated by previous clients
• Offer reasonable quotes

2.      Assess your car’s state 

Auto transport quotes greatly vary depending on the shipped car’s state. Shipping an inoperable vehicle, for example, always cost more than an operable one. And that’s because shipping inoperable cars require extra tools and special expertise that isn’t needed for transporting any car in a healthy state.

In addition, the size of the shipped vehicle matters; the bigger the car, the more space it will occupy on the trailer and the more the fee.

3.      Type of carrier

An auto transport quote can dramatically alter depending on the shipping carrier’s type. All auto transport companies impose high fees for utilizing an enclosed carrier, as it fits only a small number of cars, isn’t fuel efficient, is challenging to maneuver, and operate it requires additional permits.

On the other hand, an open transport trailer is a flexible carrier that fits up to eight cars at a time, is easier to maneuver, and consumes less fuel. So, one has to keep in mind that an auto transport quote is greatly affected by the type of trailer one choose.

4.      Pickup and delivery locations 

Whether it’s an open or enclosed trailer, the distance between point A and point B is the baseline of the auto transport quote. The longer the distance, the more the mileage, and the more the fee. 

However, it isn’t only the distance between pickup and drop-off locations that determine the transport quote; the auto transport service also plays a significant role. A door-to-door auto transport service requires more effort on the auto transport company’s part and additional fees and permits for accessing residential areas.

That’s why the fee increases. However, going for the terminal-to-terminal auto transport service is an affordable option that slashes the auto transport quote. 

5.      The auto transport season

Auto transport companies work under excessive stress in the peak auto transport season, the snowbirds season, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the college semester beginning. So, to be able to operate efficiently under such acute pressure and to be able to arrange with more auto transport carriers in a record time, auto transport companies increase their quotes. 

So, securing an auto transport quote outside the peak seasons is recommended if a car owner wants to transport their car for a fair price and without any extras. 

6.      Compare quotes 

The golden tip for getting the best deal from the most reputable auto transport company is to compare quotes. Car owners shouldn’t settle for the first company they find and accept the first quote they get. Rather, they should confirm the reliability of as many auto transport companies as possible and order quotes from them all. Then, compare the given quotes as well as the company’s reliability and compliance with the standards mentioned above and hire the one that prevails.

This step is crucial as auto transport quote dramatically differs from one service provider to another. So, going the extra mile and consuming a little more time ordering and comparing quotes will definitely pay off.

Well-known auto transport companies such as Tempus Logix impose very reasonable quotes, and that’s after evaluating all factors involved, from the car’s state to the pickup and delivery locations. Tempus Logix also offers very generous discounts for returning clients, college students, senior citizens, and active military members

One won’t need to wait long to get an auto transport quote from Tempus Logix, as the AI cost calculator this company integrates into its website is a sophisticated, speedy tool that generates real-time, accurate auto transport quotes for free.

The bottom line

All the factors mentioned above directly impact an auto transport quote. And learning about them in detail will help car owners determine whether or not the auto transport quote they get is fair or not. However, collaborating with a reputable, experienced, and reliable auto transport company guarantee clients the most professional service for the fairest price.

Transporting Oversized Loads: Challenges and Solutions

Shipping large or oversized loads can be daunting for many heavy-duty auto transport companies. Vehicles, machinery, or construction equipment are hefty loads that require special handling, transportation expertise, and obtaining the necessary permits since they cannot be transported using average or typical carriers.

Heavy-haul shipping companies have to overcome several challenges to become effective and reliable in the industry. This article will discuss the challenges and solutions companies face when shipping heavy-duty vehicles.

Variety of Auto Shipping Tools

Typically, all heavy-duty machinery is provided with shipping tools tailored to its requirements to avoid damage during shipping and ensure the cargo’s safety.

For example, flatbeds are ideal for transporting large and bulky items that cannot fit in a closed container, while lowboys are suitable for shipping heavy equipment that requires low clearance.

Moreover, multi-axle trailers transport heavy machinery that exceeds the legal weight limit. They can handle an extensive range of weight loads and provide better stability and balance during transit, reducing the risk of damage.

In addition to these specialized trailers, auto-shipping tools include various containers and accessories, such as crates, skids, and pallets. These tools help to secure the machinery and prevent it from shifting or moving during transit, reducing the risk of damage.

An auto shipping company must have access to all types of heavy-duty shipping tools to fulfill client requests.

Infrastructure Limitations

Some machinery can be quite large and difficult to maneuver on the road since many streets can be narrow and unaccommodated to larger vehicles or machines. Sometimes, even bridges or tunnels on the road can become quite an obstacle in shipping large machinery or vehicles. Hence, heavy-duty vehicle shipping companies plan different routes to avoid potential damages and achieve maximum efficiency while transporting different types of oversized cargo.

In order to execute successful shipping plans, a thorough understanding of all the relevant roads, highways, interstates, and local regulations is required. Auto shipping companies possess this knowledge and expertise, allowing them to plan the most efficient routes that minimize driving time and ensure the successful completion of the task.

High Auto Shipping Costs

Transporting large and heavy cargo is not easy, and it requires specialized heavy equipment transportation that can be quite expensive. These tools must also be regularly maintained to ensure their safe and efficient operation; maintaining such equipment requires skilled professionals, who may not always be readily available.

One such tool is the crane, which is crucial in lifting and moving heavy objects. To keep cranes in optimal condition, they must be checked around four times yearly. During these inspections, the electrical circuits, air conditioners, and ventilators are examined and replaced if necessary. Furthermore, the crane’s parts, such as cables and electric rooms, must be inspected to detect any signs of wear and tear or damage.

Another essential tool for moving heavy cargo is trailers. Trailers also require regular inspections to ensure their safe operation, typically twice a year. The brakes, tires, and electric wiring are carefully examined during these inspections for any potential issues. Any worn or damaged components are replaced to prevent accidents or damage during transportation.

While cost is a big issue, there is no way around paying the necessary amounts to ensure the quality of equipment used in heavy-duty shipping.

Legal and regulatory requirements

To comply with legal and regulatory obligations, shipping companies must ensure that all shipments are accompanied by necessary documentation and permits. For instance, wide loads, which are wider than 8.5 feet, may not fit on highways for road travel, while oversized loads typically exceed legal limits. Such shipments require careful handling, appropriate permits, and legal documentation, depending on their type. As a result, reputable shipping companies take steps to shield their clients from the complex legal requirements of the shipping industry.

Failing to meet these requirements can result in severe consequences, such as fines, legal penalties, and reputational damage. Therefore, shipping companies must remain vigilant and keep up-to-date with the latest regulations to ensure compliance and minimize risk.

Theft

A prevalent fear of any client is theft, as this problem isn’t limited to one industry. Heavy-duty shipping companies are always alert and looking to prevent any exploitation of the cargo while shipping. Using high-security rear door locks and air cuff locks on shipping containers is a simple yet effective example of how companies take measures to prevent easy access to their shipments.

Summary

Heavy-duty shipping companies face various issues during the shipping process. Yet, the continuous strive to improve and be the best in the industry motivates them to find solutions to the challenges that arise. Finding the best routes and modes of transport while managing all the legal, environmental, and other aspects is only a glimpse into what these shipping companies do to provide quality services and cater to their customer’s preferences.

Tempus Logix has provided all types of auto transport services for the past eight years. So far, the company has shipped over 45,000 vehicles across the United States, including heavy-duty vehicles of different types. In order to overcome different challenges, Tempus Logix partners with more than 25,000 carriers nationwide to ensure access to professional tools and trailers when needed.

Will AI Replace Human Car Shippers?

Workers in the car shipping industry carry significant burdens while doing their best to ensure a safe and efficient car shipping process. They are the cornerstone of the industry and essential to the effectiveness of all shipping processes.

However, there has recently been a buzz about AI potentials and capabilities, mainly whether AI will replace or assist human car shippers. Several considerations must be addressed when answering this question.

This article explores AI’s capabilities, uses, and types in the car shipping industry and discusses the assumption of AI replacing human car shippers.

Uses of AI in Car Shipping and its Benefits

Integrating AI tools in the car shipping processes has become more prevalent in recent years. AI can simplify tasks and maximize work efficiency in different ways, including:

Increasing Productivity through Tasks Automation

Automating tasks, especially mundane ones, can significantly increase efficiency and productivity in car shipping processes. For example, requesting car shipping quotes through AI-based cost calculators provides clients with instant results. This technology also maximizes responsiveness and allows car shipping companies to reduce distractions coming from minor tasks.

Moreover, AI can enhance other shipping practices, like inspecting cars before and after shipping and monitoring their conditions during shipping. This factor increases cargo safety and avoids disputes resulting from inadequate manual car inspections.

Predicting the Demand for Car Shipping

Car shipping companies can employ AI tools to act proactively and gain an advantage over their competitors, predicting the demand for car shipping services and market trends. Car shipping companies can use this information to appropriately prepare their staff and resources and professionally respond to market demands.

By using AI to analyze the car shipping market, companies can target and reach more clients by adapting their services to meet their expectations.

Scheduling Car Shipments

AI can plan and schedule car shipments, saving time and effort for car shipping workers. AI also ensures timely deliveries since it can accurately analyze the shipping requirements, route availability, and estimated timeframes for carriers to reach their destination. In addition, it provides some helpful tactics that will cut costs and time.

Personalizing Car Shipping Services

In a more innovative level of integrating AI in car shipping processes, AI has the potential to take car owners’ experience with car shipping to a more advanced level by providing them with personalized services.

Car shipping companies can use AI to study clients’ needs, priorities, and preferences after analyzing their shipping history to gain insightful data that will help predict the optimal shipping mode for each client distinctively.

Types of AI for Car Shipping

Different types of AI can be used to maximize car shipping processes and efficiency. Machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing are most commonly used in different industries. In the car shipping industry:

1. Machine learning can predict the demand for car shipping, identify the most efficient routes, and provide real-time data about market status.
2. Computer vision can be used for inspecting cars and monitoring their condition during shipping since it allows the software to understand and analyze images and videos.
3. Natural language processing can be used for optimizing customer service and communication with clients, as well as generating shipping operation reports and being able to read and understand human language.

Will AI Replace Human Car Shippers?

With the accelerating development of AI and the growing number of industries using it to simplify work, the primary concern for many people is whether AI will take their job positions in the future. This is an intensely debated topic in the business world these days.

However, analyses of various markets show that AI, in its current form, is still far from completely undertaking the role of humans in different fields, especially those that require human intervention, like car shipping.

Various considerations make the notion of having AI replace human car shippers inapplicable. Some of these are:

1. Regulatory challenges: The official entities regulating car shipping procedures in the United States mandate car shippers to abide by strict safety laws. Likely, legislating the use of AI in most car shipping processes to the extent that it doesn’t require human aid will not be recognized shortly.
2. Public reception: Depending on AI to handle the entire shipping process from A to Z may not resonate acceptably among car owners, who would be concerned about their cars’ safety and the reliability of AI alone in protecting them. The public’s worries would significantly impact adopting such practices in the car shipping industry.

As a result, AI is still in its initial stages, and it is not quite possible that it will be able to replace humans. Moreover, people should learn how to make the most of these intelligent tools and adapt them to their work practices. AI proves to be a magnificent assistant that can offer business operators incredible growth opportunities.

Conclusion

AI has many practical uses and benefits for the car shipping industry, including improving productivity, predicting demand for car shipping, scheduling shipments, and providing personalized services. However, AI is still far from replacing humans at work despite its significant contributions to the workplace.

Tempus Logix is a professional car shipping company that has already integrated AI into its shipping processes by investing in a cutting-edge smart calculator. Customers can easily and swiftly order car shipping quotes using the company’s AI-based calculator and filling out their shipping information.

The Impact of Auto Transport on Cars

While cars have become an essential need for every individual in the United States and worldwide, no one can go anywhere without a car, whether public or personal. So, even when one travels, many resort to auto transport services to drive themselves anywhere immediately and use their vehicle! These services, however, have different impacts on shipped cars; some are positive, and others are negative. 

So, in this article, we highlight the positive and negative impacts of auto transport services on cars and their owners. 

Positive Impacts

Having one’s car transported to their destination without any worry about the drive, routes, and stops is a great advantage that has allowed many people to enjoy their travels stress-free while keeping their cars safe and secure.

No Added Wear and Tear

While the engine won’t start, the steering wheel won’t spin, and the car’s wheels won’t touch the ground, the chances of damage, regardless of the trailer’s type, are much lower than driving it.

It’s also worth noting that long car drives can cause tire wear, undercarriage damage, and an exhausted system. In addition, the deadly accidents that tens of drivers get involved with, damaging their cars and harming themselves, aren’t there. 

Safe Through All Weather Conditions

By driving long distances, a car can never avoid the weather conditions, whether severe cold or scorching heat. Hot weather, to begin with, can be more detrimental to cars than winter. It can raise a car’s temperature, increasing the possibility of a battery failure, causing the car to burn oil quickly, and so on.

Additionally, cold weather can significantly decrease a car’s battery capacity and performance, not to mention the risks of driving in heavy rain or thick snow. All of these challenges can be mitigated by employing an auto-transport trailer. Even if it’s an open trailer and the car is exposed, the risks are more manageable than driving it on the road.

Insurance 

To get into an accident and damage one’s car, one must have collision or liability coverage, which is a minimum of $290 per year. However, not all car owners can benefit from this insurance, as those with a bad history of violations and accidents must pay a higher insurance fee.

When collaborating with a reputable auto transport company for shipping a car, auto transport insurance is automatically included in the transport deal. Nevertheless, each auto shipping company provides different insurance coverage than another, so confirming this point with the service provider is crucial before the vehicle is on the way. 

Negative Impacts

Even though auto transport services solve many problems and can be life-saving solutions in some cases, there are some negative impacts of these services on the car and its owner.

Risk of Damage

Due to its economical price and relatively safe shipping process, most car owners resort to open auto transport. However, this auto shipping option isn’t 100% safe and guaranteed under severe weather and road conditions.

For example, the car’s paint can fade due to sun exposure; extreme cold can also thicken its oil and freeze its fuel lines. In addition, if the shipping trip is long, dirt and dust can accumulate, a problem that may concern classic and luxury car owners.

High Cost

One can eliminate all the abovementioned problems by opting for the safer auto transport option, enclosed shipping. However, they will encounter a different issue. Renting an enclosed trailer is more expensive than an open one because the privacy and protection levels are higher.

The trailer is fully covered, and external conditions won’t affect a shipped car. Additionally, the enclosed trailer is smaller than the open one, accommodating fewer vehicles resulting in a higher charge.

Vandalism and Theft

During the auto transport process, trailer drivers take regular breaks to ensure the shipment’s safety. During such breaks, and in the worst scenarios, vandals can access the shipped cars—if they are in an open trailer—and cause harm to them. In addition, any personal belongings packed in the car can be stolen if not properly secured.

In fact, in some auto transport companies, it isn’t allowed to pack any personal belongings in the car, and the company doesn’t take responsibility for them. For others, it’s allowed; however, personal belongings are typically not included in the insurance coverage, so if anything is lost or damaged, it’s the client’s responsibility. As for acts of vandalism, most auto transport companies’ insurance policies cover them.

Conclusion

Even though there are some negative impacts of auto transport services, similar to anything in life, one can’t let go of them. The time, energy, and money auto transport services save are great.

Tempus Logix, a long-experienced auto transport company with a long list of shipping achievements, has shipped more than 45,000 vehicles of all types and 67 million miles safely driven.

Shipping Regular Vs. Electric Cars

When relocating from one place to another, arranging for reliable car shipping is critical to minimize relocation hassles. Indeed, car owners will have a pretty easy time preparing their cars for shipping when collaborating with the right company.

However, it is critical to indicate that shipping regular and electric vehicles are two different processes. Therefore, this article explains the process of shipping each vehicle type, highlighting the recommended methods for shipping and explaining the fundamental differences between regular and electric vehicles.

The Difference between Regular and Electric Vehicles

Although both car types, regular and electric, provide drivers with many remarkable features, they have many differences, mainly in powertrain, fuel source, performance, maintenance, and environmental impact.

However, electric cars are distinct from regular ones because they operate with batteries, which calls for taking specific precautions when shipping them across state lines.

The Process of Shipping Electric Cars

Shipping electric cars is, to some level, similar to the general car shipping process, which involves choosing the appropriate shipping method, tools, and labor and preparing the cars for shipping.

They can be shipped with open or enclosed carriers, but opting for enclosed shipping is recommended to protect them from temperature and other natural conditions that could harm their batteries.

Furthermore, electric cars’ battery pack contains hazardous materials like lithium-ion. They are flammable, can produce toxic fumes if damaged, and can set the vehicles on fire if not handled properly. Therefore, car shipping companies take extra precautions to prevent damaging the battery pack. These are mainly:

1. Properly secure the battery pack to prevent movement and damage by using the appropriate straps or tie-downs.
2. Labeling the vehicles as hazardous material ensures they are appropriately handled during shipping.
3. Charging the battery to at least 50% can help prevent it from damage, as well as emptying cars from all fluids to prevent leaks.
4. Covering the cars to protect them from external elements and keeping the battery pack cool and dry to avoid overheating.
5. Using a specialized carrier equipped to transport hazardous materials and hiring a trained driver familiar with shipping such materials.

Not all car shipping companies provide electric car shipping services since the process requires professional equipment and staff who can properly handle shipping cargo with hazardous materials.

The Process of Shipping Regular Cars

Shipping regular cars is less complicated than electric vehicles since shippers won’t be concerned about handling dangerous materials inside the cars. Regular vehicles can also be shipped with open or enclosed trailers, depending on the cars’ value and customers’ priorities and budget.

Open Car Shipping: The Ideal Option for Regular Cars

Regular cars usually don’t require special tools or labor during shipping, minimizing shipping time and costs. Most of the time, regular cars are shipped with open-air carriers for the following reasons:

1. Open car shipping is an economical option for shipping regular cars. Although cars will be exposed to road debris during shipping, that must not be concerning for these vehicles that are on the road daily because they can sustain external elements and factors.
2. This method is commonly used to ship regular cars and is more efficient because its cost matches the vehicles’ value. Indeed, open car shipping can guarantee faster delivery because of open carriers’ greater availability.

Enclosed Car Shipping: Maximizing Security for Cars of Higher Value

Enclosed car shipping is a premium service for shipping high-end cars, such as antique collectibles and more expensive cars. This method is believed to maximize security for these reasons:

1. Enclosed carriers are fully covered on sides and roofs to protect cars from potential damage from external elements, such as weather or road waste. They are designed with safety measures in mind to maximize the loads’ security.
2. Some enclosed carriers have advanced systems and equipment for seamless loading, securing, and unloading processes, such as hydraulic ramps.
3. Owners of expensive cars can have the convenience of using single-car carriers or shipping the car with only one or two other vehicles to maximize safety on the road and their peace of mind.

It is worth noting that enclosed car shipping is more expensive, and the more additional features clients choose, the higher the rates will be.

The Cost of Shipping Regular Vs. Electric Vehicles

Shipping electric cars costs more than regular ones because they need a method with higher safety features and require employing special equipment and professional staff. Moreover, electric vehicles tend to be heavier than regular cars because of the heavy weight of their batteries, which also increases shipping rates.

It is a good idea to visit the car shipping company’s website that will ship your car and use its car shipping cost calculator to obtain an accurate quote for transporting a regular or electric vehicle.

Tempus Logix is a professional, experienced car shipping company that ships all vehicle types nationwide. The company features a state-of-the-art AI-based cost calculator on its website that gives customers instant and accurate car shipping cost estimations for free.

In Conclusion

It is always in customers’ best interest to prepare themselves beforehand and know how to ship a car from A to Z, whether regular or electric, before hiring a car shipping company. Shipping regular cars and electric vehicles are two different processes, each with distinct considerations and requirements.

Driving Electric Vehicles Across the United States

With the frightening consequences of global warming, air, water, and noise pollution, fossil fuel cars are becoming less acceptable and are being replaced by an eco-friendly version, electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles impose many financial and environmental benefits, and they’re the new car trend that will replace fossil fuel cars sooner or later. However, even with their publicity and good reception by many, there are still lots of question marks on how reliable electric vehicles are and if they’re eligible for the long drives that regular fossil-fuel cars undertake without the smallest damage.

So, in this article, we will answer the question that might be roaming all EV owners, “Can I drive an electric car across the United States?”

What is an electric car?

Unlike gasoline or diesel-powered engines, an electric car uses an electric motor powered by batteries. EVs are partially or fully powered by electric power, and they come in many types:

• Battery Electric Vehicles: They only employ a battery, so there’s no fuel consumption; it’s an eco-friendly, safe, and quiet option. Charging this kind of vehicle is possible by plugging it in.
• Hybrid Electric Vehicles: They consist of an engine and a motor; fuel supplies the engine with energy. This type of electric vehicle has a low dependence on fossil fuels and is eco-friendly.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles: This type of electric vehicle supports both an onboard charger and a gasoline tank. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle emits zero emissions and is fuel efficient.

Can you drive an EV across the United States?

There’s no definite answer on whether or not an electric car can travel across the states. As mentioned above, EV types are many, and some are eligible for long drives on a single charge while others aren’t; range and charge maintenance differ from one electric vehicle to another.  

But no matter which type of electric vehicle one owns, they have to plan for the trip ahead. Many smartphone apps enable car owners for their trips by considering the drive’s length, the passengers’ number, and the luggage weight. These apps also point out available charging points along the trip. 

Tips for driving an electric car for long distances

The precautions required for driving an electric vehicle for long distances aren’t the same as operating a fossil-fuel regular one. Rather, additional proper standards are needed. Here are some:

1.      Take good care of the battery

A battery is the keystone of any electric vehicle; once it’s healthy, a car will operate safely and efficiently. So, a car owner has to take good care of their electric car’s battery, and that by:

• Regularly charge it and never leave it empty,
• Recharge the battery only to 80%,
• Park it in a warm area in cold weather, as low temperatures affect a battery’s health and might even shorten its life span,
• Cool down after a long, enthusiastic drive,
• Don’t push the engine too hard.

2.      Book a charge point

There are many electric vehicles on the road, and they will keep stopping for regular charges. So, charging points might be overcrowded. And since charging an EV’s battery from 20% to 100% takes 25 minutes minimum, the waiting time will be long. So, it’s better to book a charge point in advance; trip planning apps can be very helpful in such cases. 

3.      Watch out for the speed.

With fuel-based cars, the faster a vehicle goes, the more fuel it consumes. And with EVs, the faster a car goes, the more energy it expends. Driving at a very low speed isn’t highly recommended; one has to keep an eye on the speed meter and maintain a balance.

4.      Reduce the car’s weight

The more a car weighs, the more energy is needed to run it. Unnecessary luggage and additional weights will waste energy and compel drivers to charge their vehicles more often. 

5.      Hire a reputable and experienced auto transport company

Not everyone knows about that, but auto transport companies specialize in fossil-fuel cars; they can also transport all types of electric vehicles. So, if a car owner travels long distances using their EV, hiring an auto transport company is recommended, as it will ensure their vehicle’s safety and save them money and time. 

But car owners must remember that transporting an electric car requires more licensing, expertise, and tools than a regular car usually needs. As a result, one should look for a highly experienced and reputable company in transporting electric vehicles.

Tempus Logix is a highly professional and reputable auto transport company that has been a premium name in the industry for over eight years. It has the most seasoned team of drivers and sophisticated auto transport carriers.

The bottom line 

Driving an electric car across the states is possible by taking the proper precautions and efficiently planning for the long trip. However, if possible, the ultimate option that will save car owners trouble, money, and effort is hiring an auto transport company. By that, car owners can rest assured that their electric cars will stay safe and sound for the most affordable price.

Latest Safety Measures in Car Shipping

Every now and then, the car shipping industry regulations are updated by the official departments responsible for law enforcement in the car shipping industry in the United States.

These departments are the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the updates usually aim at encouraging the adoption of the most effective safety measures to protect carrier drivers and other road users.

The most basic regulations enforced by the mentioned parties include defining specific cargo weight and height restrictions, setting legal driving hours for drivers, and determining acceptable vehicle loading, unloading, and distributing practices.

First, the USDOT and FMCSA limit drivers working hours, allowing them to drive no more than 10 hours per day and 60 hours per week and requiring them to take a 30-minute break after every 8 hours of constant driving. This is believed to help drivers avoid driving fatigue, which may ultimately lead to road accidents.

Additionally, car shippers must abide by the rules for safe vehicle loading and unloading, including using the proper equipment, like ramps and dollies. Also, car shippers must proactively prevent vehicles from rolling and tipping during loading and unloading.

The USDOT and FMCSA also enforce car shipping regulations related to vehicle safety requirements and driver qualifications. These include setting safety standards for the vehicles to be shipped, requiring them to have safety chains that prevent them from shifting during transport, brakes to be in good working condition, and tires to have sufficient tread.

Indeed, drivers must be qualified to transport vehicles by motor carriers and be at least 21 years old with a minimum of two years of experience driving commercial vehicles. Drivers must complete a training course about safety, regulations, and vehicle operations before driving a car carrier.

The mentioned regulations are only a part of the rules USDOT and FMCSA enforce. Car shipping companies must follow the rules and maintain legal work practices to demonstrate reliability and safe work practices.

“Car shipping regulations are the cornerstone of effective, efficient, and secure shipping processes. They are key to maximizing carrier, cargo, drivers, and clients’ safety, especially in enabling discerning reliable car shipping companies from counterfeiting ones. Today, legally operating companies are clients’ go-to option because they prove their credibility and sense of accountability. At Tempus Logix, for example, we realize that following rules is critical for saving everyone’s rights. Therefore, our work operations are fully law binding, and we seek to meet every regulatory requirement issued by the official authorities.”

CEO of Tempus Logix, United States

Expectations of Releasing Additional Set of Safety Rules

Car shipping companies are expecting to have new changes with an additional set of rules and regulations for enhancing safety measures during shipping processes. These changes align with the recent innovations in vehicle manufacturing and the incorporation of technological advancements.

Indeed, some of the potentially forthcoming changes the USDOT and FMCSA are believed to be considering are mandating drivers to use electronic logging devices and video cameras in car carriers and equipping carriers with safety features.

First, imposing the use of ELDs, electronic logging devices, is meant to track drivers’ hours of service and prevent driver fatigue. Also, car carriers will require video cameras to record loading and unloading procedures and prevent accidents. Finally, using safety features, like roll bars and safety guards, will help protect vehicles and drivers in accidents.

Overall, rules and regulations in the car shipping industry change from time to time. They are primarily meant to enhance safety and create trustworthiness in the car shipping market.