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.
Post-Payment Online Booking with Tempus Logix
Tempus Logix has recently announced it is now accepting online booking with a $0 upfront payment in response to customers’ growing demands.
The company has been shipping cars across the country for over eight years. During this period, it has obtained the trust of thousands of customers, with more and more people choosing Tempus Logix for proving reliability and professionalism.
Interestingly, the company has declared its primary mission since its early establishment: achieving customer satisfaction. The company has been working to achieve this goal over the past few years by delivering quality services for customers and catering to their needs in the best possible way.
The company’s primary concern is making car shipping simpler and easier than ever for individuals and businesses, and it managed to do so with the help of its professional and friendly staff.
As part of the company’s goal of simplifying car shipping processes for customers, Tempus Logix realized that allowing clients to book their service without paying for any upfront deposits would significantly impact their experience. Several reasons influenced the company to make such an important decision, including:
- Tempus Logix has always been eager to build and strengthen client trust. The company has observed that some car owners sometimes get overwhelmed about making upfront payments for different reasons. Therefore, it resolved to enhance their experience by accepting post-payment online bookings.
- Tempus Logix has found that more clients value the convenience of paying for their shipping service after booking and examining the company’s trustworthiness. This led the company to take this additional step in maximizing clients’ convenience and demonstrating its accountability.
Tempus Logix’s CEO emphasizes the company’s commitment to improving customers’ experience with car shipping services in his words upon announcing this good news:
‘After conducting detailed research and thoroughly analyzing the market and clients’ needs, Tempus Logix has concluded that many car owners prefer to have the convenience of paying after booking their car shipping service. Additionally, the company has found that accepting online bookings without upfront payment is crucial for customer retention and satisfaction. Therefore, the company started accepting post-payment online bookings since it always seeks to provide its customers with the most efficient shipping services. We believe our clients will appreciate this initiative, and we want to confirm our primary concern about making things more comfortable for them.’
CEO of Tempus Logix, USA
Online Booking with Tempus Logix
Making online booking with Tempus Logix is quite a simple and fast process, only requiring car owners to follow these steps:
- Request a shipping quote: Car owners must first request a quote for their car shipment using the company’s modern AI-based calculator featured on its website. Then, they must fill out information about their shipping order, like vehicle make and model, shipping method, and locations.
- Receiving multiple offers: After providing the required information about their car shipping, car owners will have multiple offers with different features and prices. They can evaluate each offer based on its matching their needs and budget.
- Accept an offer: Once car owners accept one of the given offers, their shipping request will be automatically submitted. At this stage, clients only have to relax and wait for the company’s agent to contact them and confirm their shipping order.
Overall, post-payment online booking is a clever idea to simplify the car shipping process for customers and encourage them to make bookings immediately. Clients are more prone to trust companies prioritizing customer satisfaction, whatever the price they pay.
How to Transport Your Golf Cart, ATV, or Jet Ski
Auto shipping is not just limited to cars and trucks. If you own a non-traditional vehicle like a golf cart, ATV, or jet ski, you might also need to transport it from one location to another. But how can you ensure safe and secure transport for these types of vehicles? This article will discuss tips and considerations for transporting different non-traditional vehicles across the United States.
Golf Cart Shipping
There are many ways to move a golf cart depending on how far the destination is. If the journey is not too lengthy, a DIY shipment can be arranged. Alternatively, utilizing the services of a shipping company is a viable option for longer distances.
Finding the right shipping company
Finding the right auto shipping company could be tricky with many service providers available. Following these steps will help narrow down the list of auto transport companies:
- Get quotes: There is a big chance you will find a wide range of prices from different auto shipping companies online. It is important to compare the prices and services offered by each company to find the best deal and ensure that your golf cart is transported safely and securely. Don’t forget to read reviews and check their credentials before making a final decision.
- Search for door-to-door service: Typically, door-to-door service is the most convenient and should be the standard offering. However, some companies may have fixed shipping routes with predetermined pick-up and drop-off points, which can often be a more economical option. Evaluating your specific needs and budget is important to determine which option fits you best.
- The company should be licensed, experienced, and insured: Before selecting a shipping company, it’s crucial to inquire about their licenses and insurance coverage for transporting golf carts. It’s also important to research the company’s online reviews to gain insight into other customers’ experiences with their shipping services. If negative ratings are found, it’s worth investigating whether the company took appropriate measures to resolve the issue. This can also provide an idea of the company’s level of customer service.
DIY options
Organizing a DIY shipping is a good idea when the person is not moving the gold cart too far, and it can be done in several ways, including:
- Pick-up truck: People can use their own, rented, or borrowed truck to transport golf carts. Using the right techniques and equipment, loading the cart on the truck will take approximately half an hour. Nylon straps and aluminum ramps are needed, and the truck’s size determines the width of the ramps.
- Trailer: It is similar to using a truck, but owners can use a trailer big enough for a golf cart instead. The trailer may already have a ramp that folds out; if not, use aluminum ramps and tie the cart with straps or other safe material. However, driving a trailer is challenging, especially for inexperienced drivers, and parking can be an issue.
ATV Shipping
Shipping an ATV may require some work to find the right shipping. Asking the right questions is important to know exactly how the process works and the time it will take. Generally, the following steps can help:
- Find a shipping company that meets your expectations
- Get quotes for ATV shipping
- Ensure the shipping contract has all the information about the insurance
- Prepare the ATV for shipping by washing and inspecting it fully, emptying the fuel tanks and clearing the lines, and moving the tank vent and fuel values to the closed position
- Choose the right trailer that is best suited for the ATV
The last thing to discuss with the auto shipping company is pick-up and drop-off dates. Communication is key in ensuring that both parties are on the same page.
Jet Ski Shipping
There are different ways to ship a jet ski, depending on various factors such as the number of jet skis being transported, the distance of the shipment, and the budget. Here are some options to consider:
- Trailer-mounted jet ski shipping: Jet skis can be shipped on a trailer like any other vehicle. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the trailer is in good shape, free of mechanical issues and that the tow bar and wheels are in good condition.
- Shipping in a container: A container can fit multiple jet skis. However, it’s important to ensure that the person responsible for loading the jet skis knows how to secure them properly to prevent damage during transport.
- Shipping in boxes: This is the most secure method for shipping a single jet ski, especially if it’s being shipped internationally. The crate is tailored to the specific dimensions of the jet ski, providing the utmost safety and security during shipping by preventing the jet ski from moving or rubbing against other items.
Conclusion
Shipping non-traditional vehicles differs from shipping cars, requiring different considerations before shipping. Ultimately, it can be a smooth process with the right preparation and knowledge.
Tempus Logix is a professional auto shipping company that provides services across the United States. Whether you need to move a motorbike, boat, jet ski, golf cart, or bulldozer, the company has the expertise to handle all types of vehicles.
With over 45,000 vehicles transported nationwide, Tempus Logix has proved to be an efficient auto transportation partner for many. Over 1000 online reviews can tell how satisfied the clients are with the company’s work.
Car Shipping: A Key Player in the Tourism Industry
On the 27th of every September, World Tourism Day is celebrated globally, a significant occasion to highlight the role car shipping plays in the tourism industry. The car shipping industry is widely considered a key player in tourism, contributing to its growth and sustainability by working on different levels.
However, it is worth taking a quick look at the history of World Tourism Day before taking the opportunity to demonstrate the car shipping industry’s contributions to supporting tourism.
The World Tourism Industry was established in 1980, coinciding with the anniversary of adopting the Statutes of the Organization in 1970. Each year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization focuses on a specific theme on this occasion.
For example, in the first year of celebrating World Tourism Day, 1980, the organization addressed tourism’s contributions to maintaining cultural heritage and promoting peace and mutual understanding. This year, the UNWTO celebrates the event under the ‘Tourism and Green Investment’ theme, highlighting the need for innovative investments that align with sustainability goals.
The car shipping industry joins in the World Tourism Day celebrations, reminding people of the vital role of tourism in supporting countries’ economies and making for an effective entertainment venue for individuals. Tempus Logix’s CEO says a word regarding this occasion and its relation to the car shipping industry:
‘World Tourism Day is the right time to highlight the significance of the tourism industry in the different aspects of life, from financial to mental and emotional wellness. Millions of people in the United States make their living by working in the tourism sector, and millions find serenity or fulfill their sense of adventure in visiting and discovering new parts of the world. In addition, it is no secret that the car shipping industry significantly impacts tourism by enhancing individuals’ and businesses’ moving experiences. World Tourism Day is a day to commemorate the contributions of the tourism industry to enhancing life quality and acknowledge its importance in sustaining communities.’
CEO of tempus Logix, United States
Car Shipping Role in Supporting the Tourism Industry
Car shipping companies support tourism practices and efficiency by enhancing individuals’ travel experiences nationally or internationally. The car shipping industry has proven its vitality in making vacationing more appealing by providing travelers with these incentives:
Maximizing Travelling experiences with the Company of Personal Vehicles
A state-cross or borders-cross journey is made more attractive, efficient, and comforting when travelers can take their cars with them to their vacationing destination. The notion of having a professional car shipper to take care of vehicles and their transportation has encouraged many people to take action or even make more tourist activities around the world. Moreover, people can ship non-traditional vehicles, like ATVs and golf carts, from one picnic site to another.
Nothing can match the convenience of navigating the streets of the destination cities with one’s car, providing the freedom and flexibility they can have in mobility.
Reliable Vehicle Transportation
Car shipping services make for a reliable and safe method to relocate cars, maximizing people’s peace of mind and convenience when traveling from one state to another. Car shipping companies’ reliability and efficiency have impacted individuals’ travel decisions and encouraged tourism activities.
Overall, World Tourism Day is a reminder of the significant role of the tourism sector in supporting economies and promoting and preserving cultural heritage. It is also an important event to highlight the significant contributions of the car shipping industry in enhancing tourism and improving individuals’ experiences by providing safe, efficient, and reliable shipping services.
Multi-Car Trailers for Car Shipping: Pros and Cons
As vehicles vary in value, size, and durability, they often have specific shipping requirements, which is why many different types of car trailers are available. To meet these requirements, auto shipping companies offer varied, customizable services with a wide selection of trailer options.
Multi-car shipping trailers account for almost ninety percent of car haulers and can haul up to nine cars simultaneously. They are considered the most efficient shipping means because they accommodate more cars per trip than any other shipping trailer.
This article will explain the difference between open and enclosed shipping, explore different types of multi-car trailers, and discuss the pros and cons of multi-car trailers for auto shipping.
Open vs. enclosed shipping
Open trailers ship vehicles completely exposed to the elements with zero physical coverage. This method is the most popular auto shipping since it is safe, widely available, very effective, and usually the most affordable.
Enclosed shipping is the opposite of open shipping since the car hauler trailers are completely enclosed. The vehicles shipped this way are fully covered and protected from the weather, the road, and all the elements. Moreover, car shippers choose this transport method when they ship valuable vehicles that must be protected during transport. Vehicles shipped in an enclosed trailer usually include vintage, antique, luxury, classic, brand new, race, and collection cars.
However, this method of transport is more expensive because the size range of enclosed trailers is more limited, and there are fewer available trailers of this type.
The Different Types of Multi-car Shipping Trailers
These shipping trailers are a highly efficient method of transporting multiple vehicles in a single trip. Compared to other car hauler trailers, they can accommodate more cars, making shipping more cost-effective. Clients can choose between open and enclosed multi-car shipping trailers based on their preferences, budget, and specific vehicle transportation requirements.
Enclosed Multi-Car Trailer
These trailers can carry up to seven vehicles at a time. They have a system of flexible PVC-coated vinyl side curtains, which makes the process of loading and unloading vehicles much faster and easier to accomplish.
One-Level, Multi-Car Trailer
One-level, multi-car trailers provide a secure and efficient method for transporting cars, with the trailers designed to hold up to three vehicles simultaneously. These trailers can be attached to various tow vehicles, such as pickup trucks or semi-trucks. They ensure the safety of the shipped vehicles against exposure to leaks since they have nothing on top of them.
Multi-Level, Multi-Car Trailer
Multi-level, multi-car trailers are designed to transport between six to eight cars per trailer with two tiers. The back of these trailers can be lowered to provide easier and more accessible loading and unloading. Similar to the one-level multi-car trailers, semi-trucks can pull these trailers. This trailer type is highly efficient and cost-effective since it allows for transporting more vehicles at once, reducing the shipping cost per vehicle.
Hotshot Trailer
Hotshot trailers can carry more than one car at once. The trailer’s versatile style enables it to fit in places where usual multi-car hauler trailers cannot. Some hotshot trailers also come in an enclosed design, making them ideal for shipping valuable vehicles. They are also perfect for shipping between two to three cars simultaneously and are usually used for shorter shipping distances.
Pros of Multi-car Trailers for Auto Shipping
These trailers have become a popular choice for auto shipping due to several advantages, including:
- Efficient means of transport: Multi-car trailers can haul up to nine vehicles at a time, making them an efficient method of transportation.
- Accommodate more vehicles: With a length of 75 to 80 feet, they can accommodate more vehicles per trip than other car trailers, reducing the overall cost of transportation.
- Cost-effective: Multi-car trailers’ auto shipping services are more cost-effective than single-car trailers, providing an affordable option for car owners.
- Efficient loading and unloading: They have efficient loading and unloading procedures, which save time and reduce the risk of damage to the vehicles being transported.
- Expert handling: Auto shipping companies commonly use multi-car trailers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation.
- Suitable for long-distance transport: Multi-car trailers are ideal for long-distance shipping, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of vehicles.
Cons of Multi-car Trailers for Auto Shipping
While multi-car trailers offer many benefits for auto shipping, there are also some potential drawbacks:
- Inconvenient pickup location: Multi-car trailers often require customers to meet at an open lot, which may not be convenient for some
- Mechanical malfunctions: They are prone to mechanical malfunctions, which may delay the delivery of the vehicles
- Safety concerns: Multi-car trailers are not as safe as single-car trailers due to the proximity of multiple cars, which increases the risk of damage during transit
- Slow delivery time: They may have a slower delivery time since they must fill several vehicles before departing
- Environmental impact: They are heavier and less environmentally friendly than lighter carriers, which may not suit eco-conscious clients
- Driver attention: The driver has to pay attention to several cars in the trailer, which might create a problem if something goes wrong during the trip. The driver has to navigate challenging terrain or weather conditions
Conclusion
In conclusion, multi-car trailers provide a cost-effective and efficient means of transporting multiple vehicles simultaneously. They offer clients the option to choose between open and enclosed trailers based on their needs and preferences.
While there are drawbacks, such as the potential for mechanical malfunctions and safety concerns, auto shipping companies commonly use multi-car trailers, ensuring their expertise in handling them and safe and efficient transportation. Overall, multi-car trailers remain popular for those seeking to transport multiple vehicles simultaneously.
Essential Tie-Down Methods for Heavy-Duty Shipping
Heavy-duty shipping requires extensive planning and preparations because of the equipment’s heavy weight and large dimension that requires special handling. Heavy-duty shippers must be proactive in the planning process and consider all factors related to safe and hassle-free transport, from having the right equipment at hand to efficiently planning accessible routes.
This guide covers several aspects of appropriate heavy-duty shipping, including the following:
- Heavy-Duty Shipping
- Essential Tie-Down Methods for Heavy-Duty Shipping
- General Heavy-Duty Shipping Tips
Heavy-Duty Shipping
It is vital to clearly introduce and explain the heavy-duty shipping process before diving deep into the practices of securing this equipment. Heavy-duty shipping entails collaborating with a professional staff of auto shippers to prepare for transporting a heavy truck, machinery, or equipment from one point to another.
The process of preparing for heavy-duty shipping is lengthy and involves a lot of details. Furthermore, this service is meant to ship farming, manufacturing, construction, and other equipment between different worksites or from dealers to owners. Heavy-duty equipment includes bulldozers, tractors, hoes, hoists, etc.
How to Ship Heavy-Duty Equipment?
This is quite a broad question since the heavy-duty shipping process consists of several stages. In fact, it is a complicated process that takes time, attention, and accuracy. However, provided in the following are major takeaways to know about heavy-duty shipping:
Know the Heavy-Duty Specifications
The first step in shipping heavy-duty equipment is checking for its exact weight, size, length, and width information. Knowing accurate information about heavy-duty equipment is crucial to properly arranging for its shipment and preparing the right tools.
Heavy-duty owners or shippers can find this information in the equipment manufacturer manual, which contains everything related to the specific equipment. It details heavy-duty equipment, from its dimensions and other characteristics to helpful guidelines on safely operating and managing the equipment, preparing it for shipping, and handling it during transport.
Choose the Right Trailer Type
Several types of trailers ship different vehicles and meet each’s specific needs. Flatbed, lowboy, and drop-deck trailers are most commonly used for heavy-duty shipping. Flatbeds are sideless trailers allowing easy and smooth vehicles loading and unloading. They can be used to ship different vehicle types, especially heavy-duty equipment.
On the other hand, lowboys acquired this name because they sit low on the ground and are effective for shipping taller equipment. Lowboys allow shippers to transport tall, heavy equipment easily and save on the costs of bringing the required shipping permits.
Finally, drop-deck or step-deck trailers are primarily known for their flexibility since they allow auto shippers to control the trailer height depending on the load’s requirements. Drop-deck trailers are also perfect for shipping tall and heavy equipment.
Obtain the Required Shipping Permits
Heavy-duty shippers must apply for and obtain permits for overweight or over-height loads. The permit is issued by the official facilities regulating auto shipping in the United States, the state’s Department of Transportation, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety and Administration. It also ensures a safe heavy-duty shipping process and minimizes fatal road accident risks.
Essential Tie-Down Methods for Heavy-Duty Shipping
Now the general aspect of heavy-duty shipping is made clearer. It is time to explain how heavy-duty shippers secure the loads and their essential tie-down methods. As suggested earlier, heavy-duty shippers can refer to the manufacturer manual to find helpful information and guidelines for proper load securement.
They can find step-by-step instructions about loading, securing, and unloading the equipment from and to the shipping trailer, in addition to important information like the required tie-downs, required securing tools’ weight capacity, and the Working Load Limit rate.
Above all, the following are the basic tie-down methods for heavy-duty shipping:
Number of Tie-Downs
The USDOT dictates how many tie-downs heavy-duty shippers must use to secure their loads safely. Heavy-duty equipment must be secured using a minimum of four tie-downs, each with a Working Load Limit of at least 5000 pounds.
Still, the general cargo securement requirements indicate that the total Working Load Limit of all the tie-downs must be equal to half the loads’ weight, which means using more tie-downs can be required.
In addition, heavy-duty shippers must attach tie-downs to the front and rear of the equipment at a 45-degree angle. Then, tie-downs must be connected to specifically designed mounting points on the trailer. Moreover, heavy-duty shippers must use additional tie-downs to secure the equipment’s accessories, such as hydraulic booms and shovels.
Inspecting Tie-Downs
Heavy-duty shippers must inspect the tie-downs they will use before everything else. Tie-downs must be in good working condition, enabling them to properly hold the equipment throughout the entire transport journey.
In addition, shippers of heavy machinery must regularly check for signs of abrasion, damage, and wear-and-tear on all the tie-downs they intend to use.
Conducting a thorough inspection of the trailer and equipment tie-down points helps ensure the load will be tightly secured. It eliminates the risks of the equipment unfastening, loosening, and shifting while in transit.
Proper Load Securement to the Tie-Downs
Heavy loads must be tightly secured to tie-downs by attaching them using strong hooks, claps, or ties that will not unfasten during transportation. Then, heavy-duty shippers must secure the equipment using chains or steel strapping, both of which can keep the machinery perfectly secured.
Indeed, shippers of heavy loads sometimes use edge protection to eliminate the risks of having the tie-downs cut by the equipment components. Chocks, wedges, and cradles are also used to secure the machinery’s wheels and prevent it from moving around.
Finally, heavy-duty machinery’s parking brake must be applied on the equipment as required by the USDOT regulations before leaving it.
Securing the Equipment’s Accessories
The equipment’s accessories must also be properly secured, following the USDOT’s load securement requirements. The equipment accessory must be prevented from loosening or unfastening during transport.
Additionally, the equipment attachments must all be lowered and safely secured before transportation by pulling back and strapping retractable parts, locking the equipment’s doors and tailgate, and securing other components that can become loose.
General Heavy-Duty Shipping Tips
Other recommended practices and tips remain while shipping heavy-duty machinery in addition to the previously mentioned instructions. Here are our top three tips for maximized safety during heavy-duty shipping:
- Always comply with the USDOT regulations and recommendations: Following rules are for the security of heavy-duty shippers and their loads, primarily designed to encourage safe shipping practices and save road users from potential risks on the road. The USDOT rules have a major contribution to reducing accidents and minimizing losses.
- Test the equipment’s safety before making the real journey: Heavy-duty shippers are recommended to make a test drive during which they can ensure that the loads are evenly distributed, tightly secured against shifting and rolling, and the trailer is manageable and easy to maneuver.
- Regularly inspect loads’ securement: It is a sound practice to make regular stops during heavy-duty shipping and check for load security. Regular load inspection allows drivers to spot changes in the securing tools and fix them before leading to a serious accident.
After all, collaborating with a professional and expert auto transport company to arrange heavy-duty shipping is the best way to maximize load safety and avoid breaking the law.
Tempus Logix is a professional, reputable, and experienced car shipping company that provides shipping services for heavy-duty equipment. The company’s seasoned team can properly arrange the shipment of your heavy equipment from A to Z with the least hassle.
Conclusion
Handling heavy-duty shipping requires a lot of expertise, professionalism, and skill to ensure equipment safety during transportation. Professional auto shippers follow the USDOT regulations regarding load securement and know how to use the right equipment without damaging the machinery, making the process goes smoothly.
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.