The Evolution of Automobile Trucks

Nowadays, automobile transportation companies offer their services nationwide. Different types of trucks and trailers are used to move multiple vehicles at once from one place to another.

How did all of this start? And what led humans to invent automobile trucks? This article will answer these two questions and provide thorough information about the history of the automobile transportation industry.

Before Trucks were Invented

The majority of freight was done by trains before automobiles were invented. Despite being a good and robust method to transport shipments, trains had some issues with delivering outside city centers.

Due to the limitation of railway networks, shipping by trains lacked flexibility. Moreover, at some point in the past, horse-drawn vehicles were used to complete the freight journey and deliver shipments to their final destinations.

The Invention of the First Truck

So, what was the first truck in history?

In the late 1890s, automobiles were a great innovation. They were new and exciting for people, and orders significantly increased over a short period of time. However, there was a critical problem in delivering cars to their end buyers.

There was no efficient way to transport the cars safely to their buyers with zero mileage and no wear. Multiple factors would affect the car’s delivery before it arrives at its final destination.

For every problem, there is a solution, and that problem has led to the creation of an outstanding solution — the first semi-truck. Alexander Winton came up with a solution by modifying a flatbed to allow carrying a car on top of the engine. This first truck could only transport one car and needed the help of three people to carry the loading and unloading operations. Although not the perfect solution, but a viable one at some point in time. Read about Pros and Cons of Flatbed Trucking.

The Mack Trucks

Mack Trucks were founded in 1900 in Brooklyn, New York. The company produced its first truck with basic capabilities. The vehicle was different since it had an automatic starter. It gained its reputation during the first world war when the British government bought the Mack Truck to supply its soldiers with the necessary equipment. Trucks were also used to equip the first lines with troops. It became a famous company in 1920 and was known as a dependable vehicle manufacturer.  

Semi-trailer 1914

August Fruehauf invented semi-trailers in 1914. He originates them to transport large cargo and boats. The semi-trailers were more flexible than full trailers; they could be coupled and uncoupled easily.

It was also a great solution to replace the power unit without disturbing the cargo. Those trailers have become very popular, and they were used widely by many business owners to transport equipment and goods across the United States. Fruehauf Trailers are still in the industry today; they are one of the largest trailer sellers in the United States.

The Evolution of Semi-Trucks

There were three main improved semi-trucks between 1934 and 1942, starting with Navistar’s first tandem axle with the six-wheel truck. There was a mechanical advance during that period with door-to-door delivery.

The following company that joined the American truck manufacturer field was Peterbilt. It was established in 1939, and it specializes in heavy-duty production. In April of the same year, Peterbilt released its first truck, offered diesel or gasoline engines, and provided trucks with an all-steel cab.

The third evolution that happened to semi-trucks during this period was made by Freightliner Trucks company; it produced the first all-aluminum cab truck as part of the company launch and established a distribution network, especially for their product line.

The Present

In 1930, the transportation industry gained immense popularity. It became necessary to find a suitable way to transport goods since rail shipping needed a lot of time and cost a fortune; that was when the Auto-shipping industry was born. Later on, this industry kept growing until a big hit in the 1980s. The railroad transport was replaced considerably with trucks and car trailers.

These days, shipping companies benefit from advanced transportation technology with modern trucks equipped with several tools to facilitate and secure transportation. Trucks are made of quality materials, provided with a flatbed that can be unloaded on the ground and sometimes with a hydraulic lift to load the cars on the board.

Transport services, in general, have developed a lot in the past few years; companies offer custom transportation services, insurance coverage, and the ability to locate the shipment on the route. All these features have ensured extra protection for the best price.

Tempus Logix

Talking about the evolution timeline without mentioning Tempus Logix is impossible. The nationwide vehicle transportation company has already delivered over 30,000 vehicles to satisfied clients with over 1000 reviews available online.

The company offers trailers for various purposes, from shipping a motorbike or a car, to valuable collectibles and heavy-duty vehicles. No matter what kind of automobile it is, Tempus Logix can handle its transportation.

Conclusion

Automobile Trucks had a long journey to become what they are these days, you can see hundreds of trucks every day, but that wasn’t the case before. When people started ordering cars, the need to deliver their vehicles across the United States led to the creation of trucks and trailers. The industry keeps growing year after another, and now it is an essential part of the United States economy.

Should You Sell or Ship Your Car When Moving to Another State?

Moving to another state is a massive step and requires a lot of preparation and planning. You will need to empty your house, get rid of unnecessary items, hire a removal company to move the furniture, and a lot more.

One of the most complex challenges you’ll face is deciding whether to ship or sell your car when moving. Your car is a beloved and personal belonging, making this decision particularly difficult. To help you make a rational choice, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of both options.

What is Your Vehicle’s Condition?

The first step before deciding to keep your car or sell it is to examine its current condition thoroughly. Seeking a professional help of an experienced mechanic would be helpful because they will give you a clear idea of the car’s state and advise you on the best procedure.

If your car has many issues and needs a lot of maintenance, some money in the pocket would be better than risking to fix it. In addition, sometimes maintenance work might take a long time, delaying your scheduled move date. You need to remember that the car’s value will be depreciated since you’ve been driving for a considerable time and will need a lot of repair work.

On the other hand, if your car is in a good state and fixing its current minor problems is affordable, maybe it should accompany you while moving to another state. That way, you won’t lose its value, and all you need to consider is the shipping costs which can be affordable if you choose the right car transport company.

Car Shipping Pros and Cons

Pros

Affordability

Compared to selling your current car and purchasing a new one, shipping it with the help of an auto transport company is a very affordable option. You can save more by choosing the open carrier instead of the enclosed one. Furthermore, many shipping companies offer special discounts for relocators.

Convenience

Being in a new state means that everything is new to you; restaurants, malls, markets, hospitals, and roadways. So, having your car with you there will help you get to know the place better by roaming the roads and highways whenever you feel like it.

Cons

Potential late delivery

Most auto transport companies schedule a specific time for the car’s delivery and promise to stick to it. But the truth is that some circumstances might result in delivery delays, such as weather, route changes, or poor planning. As a result, your car might arrive many days after you arrive in the state.

Lack of dependable auto transport companies

The auto transport field is very crowded. And unreliable companies are many. So, it will be hard to distinguish a suitable transport company from an untrustworthy one. You will need to conduct comprehensive research online, read reviews by previous clients, and meet with probable service providers until you can finally decide. It will be a very time-consuming process.

Read about How to Choose an Auto Transport Company.

Car Selling Pros and Cons

Pros

Upgrade your car

Purchasing a new car is more costly than shipping your old car. However, selling a car with mechanical problems is better than paying all the repair costs and shipping fees. You can use the money as a prepayment to get a new car that fits your current needs and preferences.

Peace of mind

Unlike many beliefs, shipping a car is not an easy task. You will need to find a dependable auto transport company, prepare your car for shipping, schedule a pickup, and track your car throughout the trip; It’s a lot of stress. On the other hand, selling your car will save you all that trouble and get peace of mind and some money in your pocket.

Cons

Huge budget

Even though the money you will get from selling your car might be good, it’s never enough to purchase a brand-new vehicle. Instead, you will need to set a huge budget for the new car, which will cost an arm and leg since you already spent a fortune renting the new home and hiring a removal company.

Finding a new car

One of the last things you will want to do when you arrive at your new home is going shopping for a new car. You already have a lot to handle, and this additional burden will be overwhelming. Finding an appropriate car that’s suitable for your budget and preferences will not be easy; it might take weeks or even months. So, you will spend all this time calling an Uber or taking a bus.

The bottom line

Deciding whether to sell or ship your car when moving won’t be an easy call. By examining the advantages and disadvantages of both options and assessing your car’s current state, you can make the most sensible decision. The golden advice is to take your time, not rush things, and ensure that your budget can afford the options you choose.

Tempus Logix can make things easier for you via its online auto transport cost calculator. Visit the company’s website and use the AI-based cost calculator to accurately calculate the shipping cost from point A to point B.

Reasons Why You May Need Auto Transport Services for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Heavy-duty vehicles are the construction industry workhorses, and every construction site has tons of these vehicles for various purposes like cement mixers, mobile cranes, tractors, refuse trucks, and others. With over 33,000 lbs (15,000 kg), these vehicles are not easy to transport from one site to another. Moreover, sites could be in different states with thousands of miles in between.

Heavy-duty vehicle transportation companies are automobile shipping professionals responsible for moving these vehicles from one location to another. They have the required equipment, experienced teams, and proper trailers to do the job efficiently.

This article will introduce the top reasons why owners may need to hire the services of heavy-duty vehicle transportation companies.

1. Hiring a Professional Saves Valuable Time and Effort

The first benefit of hiring a vehicle transportation company is the time and effort you would save. Moving a heavy-duty vehicle is not an easy process, and organizing things on your own requires a detailed plan. It includes choosing the transport method, setting a date to put the plan into action, coordinating with multiple people, contacting the driver, and doing the math for all the costs.

It also requires reviewing the local state regulations about moving such vehicles and checking insurance policies to cover the process. However, automobile transportation companies will plan everything for you in the best way possible. Just think how easy it would be for a company with over 30,000 delivered vehicles to ship one more vehicle for you.

What About Hiring a Shipping Trailer and Driver?

Instead of hiring the services of an auto transportation company, some people would consider arranging things on their own. They would search for a proper trailer and driver and put things straightforwardly.

Although the process sounds simple, there are many difficulties tied to it. Finding a good driver, a proper trailer, safety equipment, insurance policy, etc. Companies usually cover everything and provide a comprehensive set of services, from picking up the heavy-duty trailer to the final moments of delivery.

2. Driving a Heavy-Duty Vehicle is not Always an Option

Driving the vehicle to a new construction site is not always available. Sometimes the distance is close, and local regulations allow driving such vehicles on the roads. On the contrary, local traffic regulations in some states prevent driving heavy-duty vehicles on roads or highways. Therefore, the only option is to use a professional service to transport these vehicles to the new sites. Whether allowed or not, it’s time-consuming and not easy to drive such a vehicle for long distances. Transportation is always preferred.

3. Experts Know What They’re Doing and Have What It Takes

Automobile transportation companies have considerable experience in the field. They have the necessary equipment and well-trained professional teams to get the job done. You can ask for recommendations about what type of vehicle transportation method is best for your heavy-duty vehicle. Furthermore, they’ll offer to assist in preparing the vehicle before shipping to avoid any potential damage.

Read about Tips to Prepare Your Heavy-Duty Vehicle for Transportation.

These companies can estimate the full cost of the transportation process, including all other aspects besides shipping costs. Most drivers have been trained and undertaken additional driving courses to get the required skills to handle the truck trailer throughout the journey. Some websites offer an online free car shipping cost estimator utilizing a few basic inputs about the vehicle, like its weight, height, etc., to calculate the approximate shipping cost.

4. Dedicated Transportation Processes and Equipment

The transportation trailer is the most critical factor when it comes to shipping heavy-duty vehicles. These vehicles are significant in size, weight, height, and shape. For example, it’s not easy to ship a bulldozer using the same trailer that ships a small car.

Read about How to Ship a Bulldozer.

Automobile transportation companies own trucks and trailers of different sizes and capacities. No matter what heavy-duty vehicle you want to ship, you can always rely on these companies to find the best transportation method.

5. An Insurance Policy that Really Works

While it is pretty challenging to determine what option is suitable for your vehicle, finding an available trailer with a trustworthy driver is problematic. It is better to hand the whole process to a responsible company and rest assured everything is under control.

One of the most critical advantages of hiring an auto transport company is insurance. It usually covers damage if it occurs during the transportation process. Therefore, there is no need to worry about your vehicle’s safety because the transportation company covers it all.

Follow these steps to organize the insurance process with transportation companies:

1. Check the vehicle’s condition before the shipment, and take as many photos and videos as possible to cover all the sides and current damages. It helps to verify the current status of the heavy-duty vehicle before transportation.
2. Write down all the details and share the photos/videos and the written documentation with the shipping company.
3. Companies will take responsibility for any damage to your vehicle after reaching its destination.

Tip: check the insurance policy and what circumstances and damages it covers. If you think it needs to be updated, contact the company and request some edits.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider if you want to transport a heavy-duty vehicle so you can decide whether to transport it by yourself or hire an auto transport service. Shipping companies will help save your time and effort; they will reduce transportation costs, offer transport insurance and allow you to get the best professional advice.

What is the Fastest Car Shipping Company?

Auto transport companies face a severe challenge in providing fast, safe, affordable shipping services. However, because auto shipping is quite time-consuming and requires a lot of planning and preparations, car owners must wait for days, if not weeks, to receive their delivered vehicles. Therefore, people are trying to find the fastest car shipping company to hire.

While the searching process may be complicated, some factors affect the transportation speed and help determine the best service provider to deal with.

The Company’s Reliability and Operational Size

Conducting background checks for the company is a must before looking for further details about the service.

• Legal situation: the company must have an authorized MC number to operate legally, following safety and insurance regulations set by FMCSA.
• Extensive experience: it is essential to verify if the company has considerable expertise by checking its track record, which is the easiest way to know how many successful transport operations they have accomplished.
• Equipment availability: They should maintain all necessary equipment, tools, and experienced staff to efficiently carry out the transportation process.

After confirming whether or not the company is trustworthy, it is time to evaluate its shipping speed mainly through customer reviews that reflect the company’s reputation in the industry. The fastest car shipping company runs large operations with a network covering an entire area, guaranteeing accurate pickup and drop-off dates.

Tempus Logix offers affordable and timely car auto shipping services across the United States. The company has collected over a thousand online reviews from satisfied clients and transported more than 30,000 vehicles across the United States.

Precise Shipping Details

The fastest car shipping company must provide accurate details about car owners’ responsibilities and what they should expect when they book a specific shipping service. If there is any missing piece of information, it may lead to an unavoidable delay. Thus, the auto transport company will also ask for all information related to:

• The wanted service type
• Pickup and drop-off locations
• What transport method to use
• Car model and operational status

Pick up and Drop off Locations

Auto transport companies give significant importance to location since it plays an essential role in deciding the best transportation option. If the car owner wants to choose door-to-door transportation, they may need to wait longer to get their car picked up. The more circuitous route the carrier takes, the longer the process will be.

In addition, shipping a car from rural areas or narrow streets makes it more difficult – if not impossible – for transport trailers to reach the loading point. Therefore, in this case, the fastest car shipping company will advise their customers to change locations.

Transporting Method

Auto-shipping companies use open and enclosed trailers for transportation. Open car transport is easier to find and more economical since open carriers’ capacity is more extensive than enclosed ones so that it can load more cars simultaneously.

However, this advantage won’t do any favors when shipping processes are speeding up. More vehicles on board mean the carrier will have to stop more often to drop off these cars on the way. Therefore, enclosed car transport is the best choice, and the car shipping company offers guarantees faster transportation.

Paperwork

Paperwork is an important indicator determining the experience difference between the fastest car shipping company and others. The Department of Transport sets many regulations to organize auto transport industry operations.

For shipping companies to move cars, they have to do some paperwork. If the company isn’t experienced enough and can’t prepare the necessary legal documents, the shipped cars may get sent back while trying to pass the state borders. This can result in delivery delays and additional storage fees.

Service Booking Date

Transport carriers can load a limited number of vehicles. If the trailer is all booked up, the car owner may have to wait for another carrier which needs a longer time to reach the pickup location, increasing both transporting time and cost.

Therefore, the service booking date is essential; the sooner the service is booked compared to the expected delivery date, the better since it helps avoid potential scheduling issues and ensures faster shipping.

Other Factors that Affect the Shipping Speed

Distance: the longer the distance, the more time it will take for the shipped cars to be delivered; even with booking a fast transportation service such as same-day car shipping, the distance will still be an issue because auto transport regulations allow the trailer driver to travel about 500 miles a day.

However, some companies may offer a team driver option which means two drivers will drive the trailer alternatingly to speed up the shipping process. 

Season: the shipping season impacts transport process speed; during summer, there will be a lot of trailer roads making pickup operations faster and easier. However, in winter, the transport cost tends to be lower than in other seasons, but the process may take longer than expected due to bad weather conditions.

Conclusion

Finding the fastest car shipping company requires a lot of research and comprehensive knowledge of all factors affecting transportation speed. However, many service providers are available to handle shipping your vehicle, and all you need to do is look for a reliable auto transport company.

How to Choose the Best Construction Equipment Hauling Company in the US?

Construction equipment hauling is one of the most challenging types of transportation. That is why hauling companies must have the necessary tools, skills, and technology to handle all documentation and paperwork to ensure a legal and efficient shipping process.

The large size of construction equipment and heavy-duty vehicles sometimes makes it a challenge to move them from one point to another. Moreover, the road conditions and available routes might not always be in the transporter’s favor.

To choose the best construction equipment hauling company, you have to contemplate the following essential factors:

Company Legitimacy

It is essential to confirm whether the construction equipment hauling company is licensed or not since dealing with unlicensed auto shipping companies is illegal. Although some unlicensed auto shipping companies would offer competitive prices, their services can’t be trusted and might be a scam.

Verifying the legitimacy of an auto transport company can be accomplished by checking their MC number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.

Auto transport companies often offer their USDOT and MC numbers on their website for customers to view and verify. Don’t trust companies that refuse or hesitate to give their legal information; it means they have some legal issues they don’t want potential customers to know about.

Relevant Experience

Experience is essential in construction equipment hauling; regardless of the distance the vehicle will travel, the loading, securing, and planning for the shipping process will be the same.

Moving heavy equipment can never be easy; without appropriate planning and deep knowledge about each state’s transport regulations, the chances of facing legal risk will be higher, especially for oversized cargo, since DOT safety regulations apply to all types of shipped items with additional rules for heavy vehicles. Moreover, heavy equipment requires special care to be loaded and secured correctly to prevent accidents, protect the vehicle from damage, and ensure the safety of other vehicles on the road.

Construction Equipment Hauling Suitable Carriers

The best auto transport company must be able to haul all equipment no matter the shape, size, and weight. Thus, they should have a wide selection of shipping trailers, including:

Flatbed Trailers: The most commonly used trailer with 48-53 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 8.5-foot load height, it can haul loads up to 48,000 pounds. Read about Pros and Cons of Flatbed Trucking.

Step Deck Trailers: This kind of trailer is used to haul loads more than 8.5 feet in height up to 11 feet and a maximum weight of 48,000 pounds.

Removable Gooseneck Trailers RGN: specialized RGN trailers can transport cargo with 150,000 pounds or more, which makes them suitable for shipping many types of heavy construction equipment.

Feedback on the Auto Transport Company’s Profile

Another essential thing to check when choosing the best construction equipment hauling company is customer reviews posted on the company’s website, Google reviews, and other social media platforms. This feedback will help to get more information about past transport performance and to what extent the customers were satisfied with the service they received.

Looking into comments will also give a clear perception of the service provider’s communication and customer care; no one wants to collaborate with a company that won’t keep them updated with the shipment progress or ignore addressing their concerns.

Tempus Logix has over 1000 online reviews from satisfied clients with a 4.9/5 rating on Google, Facebook, and BBB. The company offers all kinds of auto transport services, from small cars to heavy-duty vehicles.

Construction Equipment Hauling Cost

Shipping heavy equipment involves big risks due to its massive size; even the tiniest mistake can lead to disastrous accidents. This danger associated with construction equipment shipping results in higher transporting costs. Besides the increased risk, heavy equipment transport costs depend on several factors, including:

The equipment size: shipped vehicle dimensions have a significant effect on transporting cost; larger cargo requires special trailers and legal permits; it may also mean that trailer drivers can’t drive on specific routes that don’t fit such oversized loads, which will increase the price.

Pickup and drop-off locations: the further the pickup location is, the more fuel and time it requires to pick up the equipment. Crowded routes will also add more to the shipping bill, and transporting in a busy city will increase the fee per mile.

Timing: urgent shipping results in more charges because the auto transport company will have to prioritize the client’s request and might ship the vehicle alone, even if the shipping trailer can hold more vehicles.

Insurance: auto transport companies have to offer insurance of at least the minimum amount requested by the federal law to be allowed to operate legally; they will add insurance cost to the estimation quote.

Remember that comparing auto shipping companies based on the service fee is not recommended. You have to find the perfect balance of quality and cost to ensure your vehicle is in safe hands. After all, shipping construction equipment requires special skills, tools, trailers, and lots of expertise.

Conclusion

Construction equipment hauling is a difficult task that requires a lot of planning and preparation; choosing the best company is the key to guaranteeing safe and secure shipping.

Florida Auto Transport Companies

The warm weather, fascinating beaches, and diverse cultures in Florida have made it an excellent landmark for people around the US. Some might hit the road there to spend a vacation, attend an event, or even relocate to Florida for good.

But since a car is one of our most cherished belongings, we will always be concerned about it without a fixed plan in mind. Should our automobile be our transportation means and companion throughout the trip, or should we request professional help to get the job done? Hiring a Florida auto transport company is the wisest call when:

When You Are Relocating

Just like relocating to a new home in Florida requires you to hire a house removals company to ship your furniture and belongings safely and quickly. The same goes for your car because driving won’t be the wisest option since the trip will be long, and you would have no idea about what you might encounter on the road.

Your car might get damaged, find no mechanic to fix it, or even run out of fuel. So, by hiring a Florida auto transport company, you will guarantee that your car will arrive at the new settlement safe and sound without bothering about driving. 

When You Go for a Vacation

Florida is one of the most stunning states to spend a vacation in. There are many attractions to visit and so many activities to do. You wouldn’t be able to fight the temptation to visit Universal Studios, Magic Kingdom, Florida Aquarium, and many more.

The Florida auto transport company you hired will ensure that your car arrives in Florida as soon as your plane, train, or bus do, so you pick it up and start your trip immediately. 

When You Purchase a Car from Florida Online

Purchasing cars online has become increasingly popular these days. But when you finally find the vehicle of your dreams and it’s in Florida, which may be states away from you, you have to consider a Florida auto transport company.

A Florida auto transport company will save you the trouble of traveling to the state. They will get you your new car without weary. 

It’s worth noting that many frauds online try to sell damaged cars using fake pictures. But a Florida auto transport company might help you by ensuring the vehicle you are about to purchase is worth the trouble. You can provide the carrier driver with many details about the car, so they would inspect it and make sure that the seller isn’t playing you.

Read more about How to Buy a Car out of State and Have it Shipped to You.

When You Have a Classic Car

Dealing with classic cars is always a source of stress for their owners; any wrong move might result in enormous damage that cannot be fixed, especially since mechanics who know how to fix this kind of old car are few, let alone rare replacement parts. So, no matter how good your classic car might look, don’t risk driving it for long distances. Instead, many Florida auto transport companies have long years of experience in shipping classic cars and will deliver them with the utmost consideration and attention.

So, if you’re interested in attending the next classic auto show in Florida, hiring a Florida auto transport company is the safe bet.

Read about How to Transport Your Classic Car to the Next Auto Show.

How to Find a Reliable Florida Auto Transport Company?

Now that you know when you should use the help of an auto transport company, it’s equally important to understand how to select the trustworthy company that will load and unload your car safely. 

Search online

Now that it’s the internet age, there’s no need to roam the city looking for a reliable auto transport company. Google will supply you with an extensive list of choices to select from. But you must be careful and ensure the FMCSA licenses the company. In addition, it would help if you read previous clients’ reviews to get an insight into how the transport company deals with its customers and how efficient its service is.

Expand your choices 

There are many trustworthy auto transport companies online that some people might rush and hire the first company that pops up on their screens. However, that shouldn’t be the case. You have to find many companies, request quotes, contact the customer care representatives for further details, then settle for the company that best matches your budget and preferences.

Ask about anything that occupies your mind

It is okay to be increasingly curious about the shipping process; your car is on the line, and you as a client have the right to get all the information you need. So, do not waver in asking questions about anything that might seem unclear. For example, request a further explanation on the process of hauling the car to the trailer, the tools, and what kind of trailers they drive. 

Conclusion

Hiring an auto transport company to ship your car to a distant destination is always a wise decision. You will save yourself the trouble of driving and worrying about your car’s safety, the road, fuel, and accommodation. But, ensure that you are dealing with the right auto transport company.

Tempus Logix has been shipping all types of cars across the states; Florida is no exception. The company has already shipped over 30,000 vehicles to various locations across the country, and your vehicle might be the next one on the transportation list.

Expert Tips From a Trailer Driver About Shipping Cars in Different Seasons

The automotive transportation industry, like many others, is greatly affected by seasonal changes, which means the time of year has a significant impact on the activities of car shipping operations and their cost. Low and high shipping seasons are influenced by several factors, including demand, weather, road conditions, and traffic fluctuations. 

Although it’s hard for some people to change auto shipping dates according to weather conditions or seasons, others don’t mind waiting if that would save some transportation costs.

The following are some essential tips about shipping cars in different seasons.

Find a Trustworthy Auto Transport Company

The golden rule to ensure successful and safe vehicle shipping all the time is to choose a reliable, legitimate, and qualified carrier to handle the shipping process regardless of the season. 

Shipping cars is complicated; each part of the process requires careful planning, suitable equipment, and extensive experience to accomplish efficiently.

Researching companies online might be helpful and time-saving. Even though Google will provide an extensive list of options, a client shouldn’t go for any company without thorough searching. Instead, they must read previous clients’ reviews, use the MC number to verify the company’s credibility, and contact customer service.

Use a Suitable Transport Method

Choosing the best transportation type depends significantly on the weather conditions. Open trailers are a great choice to ship vehicles in summer or spring; however, it is probably not a good option in winter.

Winter weather fluctuations pose a great threat to the shipped cars. Rain, snow, and small rocks that may be formed from the sand used in ice-melting will add more risks of harming the vehicle shipped with open car transport method. Therefore, enclosed car transport is preferred in this situation since it provides complete protection against all external elements.

Book the Service Early in High-Demand Seasons

• January: There is a noticeable discrepancy in demand starting from January when many people return home after a holiday. That’s why the year’s first two weeks are hectic for auto transport service providers. Scheduling the shipment a few weeks earlier is recommended when deciding to ship a vehicle during the first half of the month. Waiting for the second half of January is also an option to avoid the high-demand restrictions.
• Spring and summer: there will be a slight decrease in demand during February, which will start rising gradually in the following three months until the end of May. When June begins, the demand for shipping cars will increase significantly because college students must transport their vehicles home early in June and ship them back to campus in August.
• The fall season: the best time to ship a car is during the fall, with nice weather, moderate temperature, and stable shipping rate resulting in quicker service and economical cost.  
• December: since people celebrate Thanksgiving in December; it’s one of the busiest months to ship a car. Many people travel back home to stay with their families, and the same goes for trailer drivers. This factor makes December one of the ill-advised seasons to transport a car.

Learn More About How the Season Can Affect the Shipping Cost

The transporting season influences the cost in various ways, including:

• General weather conditions: bad weather can prompt car owners to choose enclosed auto transport over open auto transport to guarantee high protection rates against outdoor elements, which increases the cost.  Moreover, during winter, snow storms will cause some roads to be closed, preventing access to some parts of the country. As a result, the shipping processes slow down, resulting in high fees.

• Demand rates: busy shipping seasons are characterized by high demand rates, with a decrease in daily shipments on certain occasions, driving the transportation cost up. 

Shipping Car Preparations Regardless of the Seasons

• Remove all personal belongings: valuable items left inside the shipped vehicle will be subjected to considerable shaking while in transit for several days. Consequently, not only the items will be damaged, but the car’s interior as well.
• Document the pre-shipping status: inspecting the car carefully by looking for any existing damage or scratches is a crucial step. A car’s owner must document its state and take pictures if necessary. This process will help car owners notice new damage during shipping and prove it wasn’t there before.
• Fill the car’s radiator fluid to prevent the cooling system from freezing in the winter and overheating in the summer.
• Check the battery, especially in winter. A car’s owner should fully charge the battery, and the terminals must be tight without any corrosion.

Conclusion

The preparations for shipping a car aren’t the same all year long. Therefore, car owners must know all differences and how the chosen auto transport company usually deals with these circumstances. Tempus Logix is ready to handle all auto transport requests across the US. No matter what season or time of the year, the company has a team of agents ready to take orders and organize the full process using appropriate trailers, equipment, and experienced drivers. Moreover, you can try the online cost calculator on the company’s website to estimate the shipping cost during a specific time of the year.

How to Evaluate Auto Transport Companies to Choose One

The automotive transportation industry is so competitive that finding a good service provider is much more complex than one might imagine. To find a trustworthy and qualified one, it’s essential to evaluate auto transport companies thoroughly.

Fortunately, people can rely on a few factors to evaluate auto transport companies. However, a considerable amount of research is needed, so car owners must be prepared to spend a significant time comparing different companies to choose the best.

The Company’s License Status

Checking the licensing information is an essential step in evaluating auto transport companies before booking their services:

1. It is illegal to work with unlicensed companies
2. Checking the legal information will help to know precisely what license the car transport company has
3. To ensure the auto transport company follows the safety and insurance regulations set by the FMCSA

To verify the company’s legal situation, look for their USDOT and MC numbers on their website. Check the MC number on the FMCSA website, and don’t trust companies with “not authorized” results.

Insurance Coverage

Cars are very cherished by their owners, and they want to keep them protected while in transit. A car carrier’s insurance policy usually covers damages when the vehicle is loaded, while the vehicle is in transit, and when the car is unloaded.

As for other damages caused by poor pre-charging condition of the vehicle, fluid leakage, and loose items, the company will not take any responsibility for it.

Moreover, to evaluate auto transport companies, it is always a good idea to check whether or not the company has liability insurance and get all the insurance coverage details to guarantee the shipped car’s safety.

The Company’s Reputation in the Industry

Research the potential auto transport company. A successful carrier will have a good reputation among auto shipping experts, customers, and even their competitors in the industry.

The research will provide car owners with all the crucial details about the history of the carrier’s operations, what qualifications they have, and what others think about their services.

Many websites specialize in reviewing the performance of auto transport companies. Moreover, the companies often provide a dedicated section on their websites for customers to share their feedback about the service. 

Tempus Logix is an auto transport company with long years of experience transporting all types of vehicles across the United States. The company showcases customer feedback on its website from Facebook, Google Reviews, and BBB. In addition to comments, clients have left on the company’s website directly. Over 1000 online reviews from satisfied clients set Tempus Logix apart from competitors.

Carrier Options and professional workers

Another important factor in evaluating auto transport companies is researching the available trailers. In general, there are two shipping options, open car transport, in which the shipped vehicles will be loaded on open carriers with no sides, so the cars will be exposed to external factors, and enclosed car transport, which provides utmost protection.

A reliable company must have enough carriers with different capacities to transport all types of vehicles efficiently and cover all their operable areas making their shipping services available all the time. Moreover, qualified and knowledgeable employees are a huge competitive advantage because they will be in direct contact with clients. 

Car Shipping Cost

Cost is a critical evaluating element for everyone, but going for the cheapest service provider is the last thing one might want to do. Car shipping is a complicated process that requires careful planning. It can’t be offered for a low price making too-good-to-be-true deals very suspicious. Therefore, it is inaccurate to evaluate auto transport companies based solely on the cost. 

But to get an insight into the vehicle transportation costs, you can use the car shipping cost estimator. It’s a free calculator that estimates prices depending on the shipping details entered by car owners, such as vehicle size, pickup, and drop-off locations during the shipping season. 

Tracking System

Most car owners get increasingly worried about their car’s trip, where it is, the estimated time for its arrival, and what the driver encounters throughout the journey. Many auto transport companies provide a GPS service so clients can keep up with all the updates concerning the shipment. On the other hand, many companies don’t have this advanced service; instead, they provide clients with the carrier driver’s number to stay up-to-date.

Cancellation Policy

Auto transport companies understand car owners may have to cancel their reservations for several reasons. Therefore, checking if the company has a proper cancellation policy is essential.

The policy must include a specific method to submit the cancellation request and a free-of-charge cancellation period. It should also determine how much the customers have to pay, if any, and the refund duration. 

Conclusion

With many auto transport companies in the market, finding a reliable one is challenging. However, car owners can evaluate auto transport companies to choose a suitable service provider based on the above factors.

Take your time when looking for a trustworthy auto transport company, and don’t rush to make decisions based on prices only. Although pricing is very important, it’s not the only factor to consider.

Money-Saving Tips When Auto Shipping in the US

When deciding on auto shipping in the US, one of the first asked questions will be, “how much should I pay to transport my vehicle?” 

There is no definitive answer to this question since auto shipping in the US costs depends on many aspects, several of which are out of the client’s control. But there are still many things a car owner might do to reduce a car’s shipping cost.

Choose Terminal-to-Terminal Transport

Door-to-door transport is more convenient, but it is more expensive than terminal-to-terminal. If a client goes to the door-to-door service, a driver will pick up their car and deliver it to a specific station where other vehicles are being stored and waiting to be taken by their owners. 

On the other hand, the terminal-to-terminal service is more economical. Because the trailer driver won’t have to pick up every car separately, which helps save time and other resources when auto shipping in the US.

Car owners must research a nearby terminal and drive their cars there, where the auto transport company will take care of the rest. To make the most of this economical service, car owners should pick up their car as soon as it arrives at its last destination. Any delay will increase the cost since the storage costs are high. 

Flexible Pickup and Drop-Off Dates

Even though most auto transport companies will let the vehicle owners choose pickup and delivery dates that suit their schedule, this option will cost more. Therefore, being flexible about the delivery date can save a great deal of money.

By that, the company will easily arrange pickup and drop-off dates on their schedule or get the car shipped on one of the not-too-busy days. In addition, they may also offer a discount, minimizing the overall shipping cost. 

Select an Open Transport Trailer

Auto shipping in the US is implemented using open or enclosed auto transport; each method has features. Enclosed trailers provide the utmost protection against all external factors, and it fits a humble number of cars, and the shipping cost will be more expensive. So, clients should only consider enclosed trailers if their cars are luxury, classical, or newly painted.

On the other hand, open trailers are widely available, more affordable, and most favored among customers. An open trailer doesn’t provide complete protection to shipped cars, but it’s the wisest call for short trips and ordinary cars.

Shipping Time

If the vehicle shipping is not urgent, it is recommended to wait till the offseason to get it transported. The auto transport industry is greatly affected by seasonal changes; therefore, the time of year significantly impacts auto shipping in the US.

Shipping processes continue throughout the year, but a few months see high demand for auto shipping in the US, especially in summer, which drives up the overall cost. So, to cut the auto shipping cost, car owners should always avoid shipping their vehicles during peak seasons.

Find a Reliable Auto Transport Company

Everyone wants to get an auto shipping service for a low price. Still, owners should remember that transportation requires serious planning, paperwork, extensive experience, and many resources. So, trustworthy companies can’t offer their services at a very low price. 

For a client to ensure the company is trustworthy, it’s essential to review multiple companies and confirm they meet all criteria:

• A qualified company will provide its authorized MC number to prove its legitimacy.
• A dependable auto transport company provides a free cost calculator on its website. This free tool will help clients get an insight into the company’s shipping prices without trouble calling or visiting their office.
• A trusted company has a good reputation in the market. It also has positive reviews from past clients.

Other Auto Shipping in the US Costs to Consider

Vehicles operable condition: transporting an inoperable car requires special equipment to perform successful loading and unloading operations, adding extra cost to the bill. The same goes for vehicles that have some mechanical malfunctions or fluid leaks. If the car owners decide to ship their cars without repairing them first, they will have to pay more to cover the additional transportation precautions.

Some people think of insurance as a factor that increases the shipping cost, but that is not the case. Insurance aims to protect their precious vehicles from damage that may occur due to unforeseen events. Thus, spending a bit more to get good insurance will help to save a lot of money if something unfortunate happens.

Conclusion

The factors that play an important role in determining the cost of auto shipping in the US depend on customers’ preferences. Therefore, car owners can use the listed above money-saving tips to lower their transportation costs. The most important rule is to not become obsessed with finding a less expensive auto transport service because once you start focusing only on the price, you will ignore the quality and end up with a bad service provider.

Contact Tempus Logix for an affordable instant auto transportation price offer. The company’s team is always ready to offer best-in-class services using suitable trailers and reasonably priced equipment. You can also question agents about various shipping costs and factors to fully understand the process and its costs.

Enclosed Auto Transport: Answers to Many Questions You Might Have

Deciding to ship your car by an enclosed trailer is always a smart choice. You will guarantee that your automobile will be protected and secured against all external elements. However, even with all its advantages, many car owners have concerns about enclosed auto transport. Addressing these concerns is crucial, especially if you have questions about this shipping method. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to answer your FAQs about enclosed auto transport.

What is the difference between open auto transport and enclosed auto transport? 

Auto transport companies offer two main options to transport vehicles. Understanding the difference between these shipping methods is essential so you can decide which one best suits your needs.

• Open Auto Transport: this shipping method is more popular and commonly used since the cost is quite economical. However, open auto transport doesn’t provide high levels of protection for shipped vehicles, so they will be exposed to all external elements and bad weather conditions. 
• Enclosed Auto Transport: shipped cars will be transported in fully enclosed trailers protecting them from all external factors, including road hazards and weather conditions. As a result, car owners don’t need to worry about their vehicle safety.  

How Much Does Enclosed Auto Transport Cost? 

An enclosed trailer will add more to your transporting fee than an open trailer. Still, the shipping method is not the only factor affecting the overall cost. Other factors include:

• The vehicle size: enclosed trailers come in many shapes, each with a different capacity. Some can fit eight cars, and others can fit less. So, the bigger your vehicle is, the more space it will reserve on the trailer resulting in more shipping costs.
• The vehicle condition: shipping an operable car is not the same as transporting inoperable ones. The latter requires special equipment and tools to get it loaded safely on the trailer. 
• The distance: it is obvious that vehicle transportation costs increase the longer the travel distance is since it greatly affects the arrival time and fuel consumption.

When Should I Use Enclosed Auto Transport? 

If you want to ship a brand new or classic car

Classic cars require the utmost care and attention. So, it is recommended to go with enclosed trailers to prevent any damage due to external factors.

Read about the Tips on Classic Car Transport.

If you have a newly painted car

The paint job may have cost you a lot, so you don’t want to risk the paint getting damaged while in transit.

If you want to ship the car in bad weather

Weather is uncontrollable; you might need to move your car on dusty or rainy days. The transporting process may take more than a few days, and there’s no chance you would predict exactly how the weather conditions will turn out during shipping, and an enclosed trailer is the safe bet. 

If you drive a low ground clearance car

If your car’s ground clearance is low, it requires a hydraulic lift to operate safely. Moreover, when loading this type of vehicle on an open trailer, it will be affected by speed bumps as if you are driving it on the roads. 

How Many Cars Can Fit in an Enclosed Car Trailer?

Enclosed trailers come in several capacities; one-level one-car enclosed trailers were designed to transport one unique vehicle for short distances. On the other hand, bigger trailers can load up to 8 cars for long distances depending on shipped vehicle sizes.

Why Do I Need to Use Enclosed Auto Transport?

There are several reasons why enclosed trailers can be helpful for you:

• High protection rates: hard-shell and soft-shell trailers provide full protection to shipped cars against external factors. The carrier’s small size will maintain transported vehicles in place and prevent them from shaking while in transit.
• More privacy: when using enclosed trailers, your car won’t be exposed to all people in the street to look at or even touch. Therefore, if you are uncomfortable with your unique vehicle being seen, you should hire an enclosed auto transport service. 

How Long Does Enclosed Car Transport Take?

Enclosed Auto Transport is a good choice if you want to speed up your car’s process. However, the transit time depends on multiple elements such as:

• Shipping distance 
• Road conditions 
• Pickup and drop-off locations
• Time of year

Is Enclosed Transport Worth It? 

The answer depends on what method suits your needs. If you are interested in getting the utmost protection for your car and want it delivered in the very same pre-shipping condition, then without a doubt, enclosed auto transport is worth the investment.

Conclusion

Enclosed auto transport service is the greatest option if you want to transport your expensive car. Even though this service will be more costly than open transport, the high level of security that this carrier provides is worth the investment. 

Tempus Logix offers enclosed auto transport services via many enclosed trailers across the United States. The company can provide all enclosed trailers of different sizes and functionalities to match the client’s demands.