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.

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.

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.

Using Red Flags in Heavy-Duty Vehicle Transportation

The auto transport company is responsible for delivering the vehicles safely and soundly through numerous procedures. Furthermore, they are in charge of the safety of other cars and utilities on the road. Therefore, many additional measures are applied to ensure that heavy-duty vehicles arrive at their destination without hustling.

One of those necessary actions is overhanging a red flag on the carrier in certain situations, presenting a significant sign of possible threats due to its load. Although it’s good to know why transporters use all those red flags and warning signs, you don’t need to worry about any of that when you hire a reliable auto transport company to handle shipping your heavy-duty vehicle.

More details about the importance and uses of red flags in heavy-duty vehicle shipping are discussed in the article below:

Why Heavy-Duty Vehicle Transportation Requires Using Red Flags

You might have noticed a red flag hanging from a trailer carrying a heavy-duty vehicle on the highway, which represents a warning, but what for? Usually, red flags in heavy-duty vehicle transportation are used as indicators that the cargo is protruded from the carrier; this is compatible with many purposes:

Public Safety

Heavy-duty vehicle transportation might present a danger to other vehicles on the road, which calls for increasing the safety distance behind the transporter. It is crucial to raise a warning sign to other drivers through the red flags to be cautious when approaching the transporter.

Cargo Protection

Red flags in heavy-duty vehicle transportation help drivers keep their cargo safe while moving on curved, iced, and bumpy roads, showing them the end of their shipment over the mirrors to avoid accidents.

Regulations and Laws   

The need for red flags in heavy-duty vehicle transportation is not optional. The Department of Transportation in different states imposes hanging them on the overloaded trailers along with other regulations. Therefore, drivers use red flags whenever necessary to avoid breaking the law and getting fined.

When Heavy-Duty Vehicle Transportation Uses Red Flags

As we mentioned earlier, red flags in heavy-duty vehicle transportation are used when a trailer is carrying a projecting heavy-duty vehicle, but this also applies to all commercial motor vehicles that are loading a projected freight.

Whether the projection is from the back of the carrier or over the sides, as long as it exceeds 4 feet, it requires hanging at least three indicators. On the other hand, if the freight is less than 2 feet wide, one indicator is enough.

How to Use Red Flags in Heavy-Duty Vehicle Transportation

As the law enforces, all types of trailers carrying heavy-duty vehicles projecting more than 4 feet should mark it with red flags. The warning signs are required to indicate the maximum hanging point, in addition to another two signs on the rear of the vehicle.

If the heavy-duty vehicle extends on either side of the trailer’s rear by 4 feet, there must be red flags on the longest points to warn other drivers. In regards to the size of the markers, they need to be at least 18 inches square, clean, and in good condition.  

Other Safety Requirements for Reputed Cargo

Red flags are not the only procedure required in heavy-duty vehicle transportation, as various requirements ensure the safety of the operation and alert other vehicles on the road.

“Oversized/wide load” banners

Warning signs for heavy-duty vehicle transportation include a big banner with “OVERSIZED LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” in bold writing on the front and back rear of the carrier. Different states require different banner sizes, but overall, the banner should be 7 feet wide, 18 inches high, with 12 inches font size. As for the banner’s color, the background should be reflective yellow with black letters on top, and it should also be high enough so that other drivers can see it. 

Night Lights for heavy-duty vehicle transportation

Red flags are very noticeable in the daylight, but their visibility is doubtable when the carrier moves overnight. Hence, warning lights are required for shipment at night or in case of reduced visibility, such as foggy weather, rain, or tunnels.

The light could be either amber on the front and sides or red on the rear and rear overhangs. Moreover, the lights should be visible from 500 feet away. The locations of the lights are similar to the red flags. Some states may require flashing, rotating, or strobe lights on the top of the heavy-duty vehicle.

Conclusion

While the safety requirements for heavy-duty vehicle transportation are very alike in different states, it is essential to read and enquire about the specific regulations regarding red flags, banners, lights, and other procedures for overhanging cargo.

When transporting a heavy-duty vehicle, the safety of the surrounding drivers, the shipment, and the carrier becomes the transporter’s responsibility. However, choosing a reliable heavy-duty auto transport company is a must to ensure complete protection for the vehicle.

Tempus Logix has shipped over 30,000 vehicles across the United States, including many heavy-duty vehicles of all types, shapes, sizes, and conditions. The company has a professional team covering all aspects of the business and can easily handle auto-transport shipping.

Things You Wish You Knew Before Moving Out of State For College

Moving out of state for college is a life-changing event, and it requires comprehensive planning and preparations to run like clockwork. You will be experiencing a whole new independence level. So, it is important to have a clear idea about how to get ready for this hectic new chapter in your life. Listed below are essential tips you should know before moving out for college: 

Get to Know Your New Neighborhood in Advance

The first step before moving to a new state is doing enough research to find out all the essential information about the destination city. Make sure to choose a safe neighborhood by checking the crime rates there; you also have to pay attention to weather differences; low temperatures require more investment in winter clothes.

After arriving, take some time to familiarize yourself with the campus and its surroundings, including grocery stores, coffee shops, entertainment centers, and nearby towns to spend your weekends. One more thing to verify is whether or not you will need to bring your car along when moving out of state for college.

Establish A Routine

Once in college, your schedule will be tight between classes, work, studying, and sparing some time to socialize and have fun. So, if you fail to establish a routine, things may get chaotic to the point you won’t be able to accomplish even the most basic tasks. Therefore, organizing a schedule will help you maintain a good balance in your life and keep on track with all of your responsibilities.

The established routine should include setting well-ordered study times, a weekly to-do list, and some activities to entertain yourself. However, failing to follow up with the planned schedule all the time is not a big deal. The routine is there to help you get back on track whenever things get messy.

Ship Your Car

Since you’ll need your car almost all the time while in the new state for various purposes like attending courses and hanging out with friends, leaving it behind might not be the best decision. So, you will have two options: driving your car to the new settlement or hiring an auto transport company. 

However, moving out of state for college is already a stress overload. So, why not save the trouble? Here are the main two reasons why transporting your car is way better than driving:

• Shipping is safer than driving: long-distance driving is extremely tiring, especially for non-professionals, resulting in a higher likelihood of getting into an accident due to fatigue. In addition, your car might get damaged due to road hazards, uneven streets, and many others.
• Shipping is cheaper than driving: many people think transporting their cars will cost more than driving them. So they turn to that option without even thinking. But actually, hiring an auto transport company to carry out the shipping when moving out of state for college is more economical. 

Read more about Why You Should Ship Your Car to College.

Think about booking hotel rooms along the way, the time you will spend driving, and fuel consumption. Furthermore, your car will be affected by the long ride, especially the wheels.

How to choose the best auto transport company?

Finding a trustworthy shipping company is not accessible due to the vast number of transport providers. These are the significant factors to consider before making your decision:

• Go for a registered company with a valid MC number. Unlicensed companies aren’t trustworthy, and it is illegal to deal with them; contact the transport department to verify companies’ legal information or check their MC number using the FMCSA website. 
• The company must have all necessary equipment and experienced staff to implement a safe transport process for both shipping methods, enclosed and open. Read about Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping.
• The company must offer insurance covering all damage that may occur while in transit; ask for more details about the insurance and what type of damage the company will be responsible for.  
• Check customer reviews to evaluate the company’s reliability; reading about transport experiences shared by people who received the exact service you want to book can tell a lot about what to expect from the service provider. 

Tempus Logix is an auto transport company licensed and bonded with FMCSA and USDOT. The company has delivered more than 30,000 vehicles across the US and has over 1000 online reviews from satisfied clients who entrusted their cars to its shipping services.

Don’t Pack Your Things Randomly

You surely want to take all necessary things before moving out of state for college, but before starting to pack randomly, you might want to consider:

• Things you will need: start with organizing the essential things in boxes first, including clothes, bedding, and toiletries.
• Things you don’t need but would like to take along: after packing all prior belongings, and if there is still space to ship more, you can choose a few things you love but will not use after moving out of state for college. Remember that everything will have to be unpacked and organized again, so pick your items wisely.

Conclusion

Moving out of state can be fun or stressful, depending on how you plan and prepare for it. Don’t forget to start planning early to avoid chaotic last minutes. Enjoy the new experience!

Long Distance Boat Transportation Costs and Preparations

Whether a transport company will move your boat across the town or interstate, boat transportation is more complicated than shipping any other type of vehicle. It requires considerable planning and preparations to perform the safest shipping process.

But luckily, auto transport companies are fully aware of boat owners’ concerns about transporting their boats to a distant location. Therefore, they pay careful attention to all details involved in each boat transportation operation to guarantee customer satisfaction for a reasonable price. 

How to Find the Best Auto Transport Company for Long-Distance Boat Transportation?

Boat shipping can never be easy; it requires a lot of planning and extensive expertise. It is essential to look for a proper auto transport company to carry out the transporting process successfully. Moreover, not every shipping company offers boat transport services, and not all have the experience and equipment to perform long-distance boat shipping.

Criteria to look for in a trustworthy shipping company

• The company must be licensed and have the appropriate permits from the Department of Transportation (DOT); regulated service providers often share their MC number on their website or provide it to the customers to check on their legal situation. You should never trust an auto transport company if it doesn’t provide an accurate \ authorized number.
• They should have professional connections with local marinas and must keep updated with local laws.
• The company should have relevant experience in boat shipping and all the necessary tools and equipment to ensure a safe long-distance boat transportation process.

Read more about Boat Transport Companies.

How Much Does Long-Distance Boat Transportation Cost?

The shipping cost differs from one shipping company to another, and it also differs within the same company depending on several factors, including:

Boat Dimensions

One of the most essential factors that affect the shipping cost is the boat measures; to be able to calculate an estimation quote, auto transport companies ask for these boat measurements:

• The boat length: the vessel’s overall length is the total length from the bow tip in a straight line to the vessel’s rear, excluding any attachments such as handles, rudders and outboard motors, and motor brackets.
• The boat height: is measured from the keel’s bottom to the highest non-removable part of the vessel. The maximum bridge clearance in the USA is about 13 feet 6 inches. Boats with a height that exceeds this height limit while loaded on a trailer need special routing and handling. Therefore the boat height measuring must be accurate.
• The boat width: the overall width is measured at the widest point from one side of the vessel to the other, including all attachments. If the boat width is greater than 8 feet 6 inches, it is considered a big boat and requires a permit to be transported across the states.

Distance

Another part of the quote equation is how far the boat will travel; shorter trips cost less than long-distance shipping orders. However, a short distance is not necessarily cheaper since it increases per mile travel costs. 

The Season

Boat shipping is a seasonal service; the demands for the service increase during spring and summer. Therefore, transportation prices rise from April to August. The best time to ship a boat is in winter and autumn because the federal highways are always working, so the route can be shorter, and the whole transporting process will be more economical.

The Transporting Method

Transporting a boat using enclosed trailers will cost more than open trailers since the first provides complete protection against external factors. In addition, the open trailer can fit more boats than the enclosed one.

Read about when to choose enclosed auto transport.

Long Distance Boat Transportation Preparations

Auto transport companies aren’t the only party responsible for the shipped boat safety; the vessel owner is also accountable for properly preparing their boat before sending it to its next destination, following these steps:

• Remove all personal belongings and secure loose items tightly to prevent possible damage while in transit. Because leaving some personal items will increase the boat’s overall weight, auto transport companies’ insurance doesn’t cover any loss in items left in the vessel.
• Drain water from the boat’s water system and air conditioners. Then, disconnect the batteries and secure them carefully before locking the cabin and taping all windows to prevent any possible harm during shipping.
• Documenting the boat’s pre-shipping condition is essential to guarantee that the company will be responsible for any new damage that may accrue along the journey. Start by cleaning the boat and writing down any existing scratches or damage and take pictures if necessary, then submit the document to the service provider. When the vessel reaches its new destination, inspect it carefully before signing the delivery papers.

Conclusion

To accomplish successful long-distance boat transportation, the auto transport company and the vessel owners’ efforts should meet to ensure a safe and secure journey to the boat.

Tempus Logix offers affordable boat transportation services across the United States. The company can provide the required trailer with trained staff and shipping equipment to ensure smooth and fast transportation. The company’s services are not limited to transporting boats but extend to include all types of vehicles like cars, collectible vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, motorcycles, boats, and yachts.

How To Choose The Best Motorcycle Transportation Company in the US?

Finding the best motorcycle transportation company can be quite challenging, considering the large number of shipping companies offering motorcycle transportation services. Therefore, people may get confused, and it may cause them to misidentify the qualified service providers.

A reliable motorcycle transportation company can help avoid all common shipping incidents. Although motorcycles are small compared to other vehicles, they need special equipment to hold them in place during transportation. They also require a trained staff to handle loading and unloading processes efficiently. Therefore, choosing a well-reputed auto transport company results in stress-free motorcycle transportation.

How to Choose The Best Motorcycle Transportation Company?

Remember that choosing the right company is not easy and requires a bit of research. However, here are a few essential factors to confirm before making the final decision:

Go for a licensed auto transport company

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must authorize all shipping companies to operate legally, following all safety regulations set by the FMCSA, which will submit companies with an MC number to prove their legitimacy.

Auto transport companies often post their MC and USDOT numbers on their website for people to check and verify or provide them when asked. If the company can’t provide those numbers, they are more likely undependable, and it is better not to deal with them.   

Choose a company with relevant motorcycle shipping experience

Best motorcycle transportation companies must be able to prove their adequacy with a track record fueled by successful motorcycle shipping processes. It is important to note that a company’s capability to move a particular type of motorcycle doesn’t mean they are qualified enough to transport all others.

Some companies may be able to ship regular motorcycles. However, they might not have enough experience to move the luxury type, which requires more care and special equipment to implement the shipping task smoothly.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to check whether the company has accomplished shipping a similar motorcycle model successfully or not before deciding to book its services.

The best motorcycle transportation company must have the equipment to handle the shipping process. Although motorcycles are shipped with regular open or enclosed trailers, many other tools are required to hold the vehicle in place and prevent potential damage during transportation.

Moreover, the best motorcycle transportation company must have enough trailers to cover its whole operation territory; so clients can easily schedule a fast shipping order.

Read about Open vs. Enclosed Vehicle Shipping.

Transporting cost and shipping cost calculator

Many people make one of the most common mistakes thinking that booking a low-cost service means they got a good deal, which is far from the truth. While booking the most expensive service can’t guarantee the best transportation experience, going for a cheap one isn’t the most brilliant move either.

Shipping cost is influenced by several factors, including the motorcycle model, shipping method, and distance. As a result, the transport prices vary from one company to another and even within the same company for different moving requests.

Due to these significant cost differences between companies, it will be quite challenging to collect cost-related information to compare and choose the best offer. However, luckily the best motorcycle transportation company provides a motorcycle shipping cost calculator tool on their website to help customers get a free transportation quote in no time. 

Tempus Logix offers an online transportation cost calculator to help clients find out the approximate shipping charges based on their entered parameters. The company is known for its affordable transportation quotes and professional services covering all types of cars, from motorcycles to heavy-duty vehicles. All trailers are available with the required safety tools and trained staff.

Remarkable customer service

A trustworthy motorcycle shipper will always value customers’ time and satisfaction by providing the best customer service possible. They will ensure everyone can reach the customer service personnel to answer all questions, share information, and help provide the right solution. While some auto transport companies offer 24/7 customer service to keep clients updated whenever needed, others provide limited support service.

Review the customer’s feedback online to find out about the service quality and what other people have said about the company’s transportation services. Another recommended approach is reading negative comments and how the company replied back to address people’s complaints. Although it’s impossible to find a company with only positive comments, handling negative comments professionally is a good sign of a trustworthy company.

Insurance

Companies that refuse to provide insurance on the pretext that all their previous deliveries were successful can’t be trusted. The professional auto transport company will employ all its capabilities and experience to ensure a high protection rate during shipping.

However, they will still offer insurance coverage to allow motorcycle owners to ease their minds about their bikes’ safety. Remember that you can negotiate the insurance terms with the auto transport company to reach a mutual agreement.

Conclusion

After deciding to transport a motorcycle, the first step is to look for the best motorcycle transport company. You have to ensure the selected company adheres to the US regulations in the auto transport industry and can provide all required trailers, equipment, and staff to handle the transportation process from A to Z.

The Ultimate Guide to Transporting a Backhoe in 2022

Transporting a backhoe is a challenging task. This enormous construction machinery requires considerable planning, suitable transport equipment, and strict compliance with federal and local regulations to implement safe and legal shipping. 

Therefore, many backhoe owners rely on auto transport companies to move their heavy equipment even if the shipping distance isn’t long because even short travels require the same preparation and resources. As a result, it is significant for owners to know all details about the process of transporting a backhoe and how to find the most reliable company qualified for such a complex job. 

Hiring a Professional Auto Transport Company

Since there are a massive number of companies that offer heavy equipment transporting services, finding the best would be challenging. Here are the most crucial things to look for in a transport company:

1. The company must be licensed and has an authorized MC number. This number is a deal breaker. And if a company doesn’t provide it or has one, a client should look for another. 

Why is an MC number significant?

It can help customers check the company’s legal situation and know whether they are a common carrier, contract carrier, or broker.

2. Oversized cargo needs special permits to transport legally across the state, and each state has criteria for granting these permits. So, the company must know about heavy local and federal vehicle shipping regulations.
3. Pertinent experience is also a critical factor in comparing service providers; transporting a Backhoe requires proper planning and high loading, securing, and driving skills.

Trailers Used in Heavy Equipment Transportation:

Choosing a suitable shipping trailer is somewhat confusing, especially for someone who ships a backhoe for the first time.  Here are the trailers used for transporting a backhoe:

• Flatbed Trailers: this type of trailer is excellent for small-sized backhoes. This carrier can haul loads with a maximum of 48,000 pounds weight, and its cost is less expensive than other types of trailers. Read about the Pros and Cons of Flatbed Trucking.
• Step Deck Trailers: this carrier can carry loads up to 48,000 pounds like flatbed trailers. The only difference is that step deck trailers can be used to transport equipment of more than 8.5 feet height without exceeding the height limits. 
• Removable Gooseneck Trailers (RGN): RNG trailers have various designs with vast capacities that can exceed 150,000 pounds for specialized trailers. 

Loading and Securing a Backhoe:

To choose the right heavy-duty hauler for transporting a backhoe and implementing an appropriate loading operation, auto transport companies often follow these procedures:

• Determine the backhoe dimensions: information about the heavy equipment’s weight, height, width, and length is essential for the transport company. They will determine the trailer type to be used accordingly. 
• Inspect the truck trailer: before loading heavy equipment on the trailer, the auto transport company’s team will ensure the truck and trailer tire condition is adequate to handle a heavy load without getting damaged. Add to this; a large backhoe can limit the truck’s braking abilities, so the team must check the operating braking condition.
• Load and secure the backhoe: the backhoe must be loaded slowly with utmost care to ensure that most heavy equipment weight is distributed towards the trailer front. Securing the load is equally essential. They should start with applying the backhoe parking brake. This step is critical to ensure the load won’t run off the trailer. In addition, they should use tie-downs and chains to keep the equipment in place while in transit.

Transporting a Backhoe Preparation:

Finding a trustworthy car transport company plays a significant role in the shipping process’s success. Still, safe backhoe transport begins with pre-shipping and proper preparations to ensure the heavy equipment readiness for the move.

• Remove all loose parts or secure them tightly to prevent damage to the backhoe or the shipping team.
• Drain all fluids such as fuel and other liquids to the level required to operate to minimize the leaking risk, which may harm the shipped equipment.
• Cover all vulnerable parts that may get dirtied or damaged during transportation. Remember that shipping heavy equipment on open trailers exposes it to all external factors.
• After the loading operation, don’t forget to disconnect the battery to prevent charge drain.

The Cost of Transporting a Backhoe:

Transporting cost varies depending on several factors such as:

• The heavy equipment dimension: larger equipment consumes more fuel, and drivers often have to take longer routes because oversized loads can’t fit on all roads. Moreover, oversized permits are required to ship cargo exceeding the weight and length limits legally.  
• Pickup and drop-off location: The cost to transport the backhoe increases with the distance between the two locations. Additionally, picking up the load from a rural area far from the main roads increases the travel distance, resulting in higher shipping costs.

Conclusion

There are many things to learn about shipping heavy equipment properly. However, hiring a professional auto transport company can help achieve successful and safe travel.

Tempus Logix is a professional auto transport company specializing in vehicles. Whether it’s a huge backhoe or a tiny car, the company has the suitable trailers to handle the transportation smoothly and affordably.

How Secure are Cars on Truck Trailers?

When planning to transport your car using an auto transport service, it’s natural to be concerned about car safety on truck trailers during the transportation process. The operations of loading, moving, and unloading involve various risks that need to be mitigated to ensure your car arrives in pristine condition. Many people are unsure about what to check to ensure their cars will have a safe trip. They are also unaware of the procedures that shipping companies must follow to provide the best truck transport service.

Understanding the elements that guarantee a safe transportation journey can provide peace of mind. This article will detail the transportation process and explain how transport companies maintain car safety on truck trailers. Various factors, including the condition of the truck trailer, the expertise of the drivers, the use of appropriate safety measures, and compliance with industry regulations, all play a critical role in ensuring a secure and efficient transport experience.

By learning about these aspects, you can be more confident in the safety of your vehicle during transport.

Professional Drivers are Essential

The most critical security factor is the truck drivers. They are the ones to lead, control, and determine whether the safety system will operate correctly or not. A skillful driver means fewer chances of an accident and more efficient service. Tempus Logix contracts with thousands of experienced truck drivers nationwide to ensure the best truck transport service for clients.

Driver error is the most crucial cause of transportation accidents. The errors involve driving too fast or too close to other vehicles on the road and loading / unloading mistakes. All of which could lead to damaging your valuable car.

Basic guidelines for truck trailer drivers

Adjust their driving to the type of vehicle they are operating

Dealing with small cars is not the same as dealing with trucks; they have different sizes and features. The car trailers are longer, heavier, and less flexible. Best truck trailer drivers have adjusted their driving habits to all of these features to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Have an excellent physical condition

The physical condition is essential in choosing a trailer driver; the trip duration with few rest stops puts the drivers under tremendous physical and mental strain. A reliable truck transport company should carefully choose the drivers to meet the physical requirements for such a position.

Know everything about transportation regulations

Truck trailer drivers must know about the country’s transportation and shipping regulations, especially if they have to move from one state to another to deliver the cars.

Each Truck Trailer Has Its Safety Measure

Open Auto Transport

This type of service involves loading the cars on open carriers, which leaves the vehicles exposed to dust, rain, and other environmental changes. It doesn’t mean they will harm your vehicle during the transportation process, but no one can control the weather or other surrounding factors.

While accidents or damage are uncommon, the potential still exists. Open auto carriers provide front and back protection for vehicles, keeping them secure using chains or other methods.

Enclosed Auto Transport

This is the most secure way to transport vehicles. It’s often used by classic car owners who value their vehicles’ safety. It’s quite an expensive service that ensures complete protection from all sides.

Enclosed transportation involves shipping cars in box-like trailers that protect them from damage. These truck trailers often feature double-decking and come equipped with drip pans to prevent fluid transmission from higher-level cars to lower-level ones.

Read more about Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping.

How Do the Truck Trailers Stay Stable?

The trailers are made of two main parts. The first is the trailer box, which is made of solid and durable materials. The second part is the tongue, an extension of the box directly connected to the truck. The tongue weight is the primary key to ensuring trailer stability, which prevents the trailer from swaying and returns it to equilibrium status.

Due to the way the best truck trailers are made, even if some accident happens, the cars won’t fall off in most cases. It requires a heavy crush to cause real damage. Therefore, truck trailers are designed to provide the highest protection to the vehicles it transports.

Read about Types of Auto Transport Carriers.

Safe Loading and Unloading Operations

Truck trailers are provided with all necessary equipment to make the loading and unloading process secure and safe.

Some types of open carrier beds lower to the ground, allowing for a safe and easy load for all vehicles. Moreover, enclosed trailers often come equipped with a hydraulic lift, ensuring a secure horizontal load for the cars.

Once the vehicle is lifted into the truck trailer, a team of transport professionals stabilizes it using chains and steel wire ropes. For clients seeking complete safety, drivers can replace these chains with straps. This provides additional protection and prevents any possible damage to the car body and wheels.

Insurance

Most reliable truck transport companies have an insurance system to cover all sorts of damage related to the shipping process. Even if the chances of this occurring are meager, no one can tell what will happen in the future.

A little more care won’t harm. However, there is one condition to benefit from the insurance offered by transportation companies. The car owners must write down or record all details about their vehicle’s status before handing the keys to the staff.

Conclusion

Many people are concerned about whether their cars are secure on reliable truck transport trailers or not. The answer is yes, car safety on truck trailers is well-maintained, making vehicle transportation with truck trailers safe and secure.

These trailers have a unique design to maintain their stability on the roads, well-trained drivers adapted to drive heavy-duty vehicles and oversized trailers, different levels of protection from external factors, safe loading/unloading procedures, and insurance to cover any damage.

If you’re too worried about shipping your valuable car, you can save time and pick a professional, reputable company to handle the process on your behalf. Tempus Logix has over 30,000 delivered vehicles in its portfolio across the US, and that’s enough to prove how trustworthy the company is.

Truck Transportation 101: Everything You Need to Know

Truck transportation can be challenging due to its immense size and the experience required to ship these heavy-duty vehicles. Therefore, the first thing you need to think of is to find a trustworthy auto transport company that can handle the challenge. 

Although you will assign the shipping process to a reliable transport provider, it is still essential to understand all the details of this process. This knowledge allows you to evaluate the service you will receive and avoid any risks related to your part of the preparations.

The Client’s Responsibilities

Finding an authentic transport company

Choosing the right company is critical to successful truck transportation; keep in mind that by making the correct decision, you will have peace of mind while your truck is in transit. A suitable company must meet the following criteria:

• They must have a valid MC number (Motor Carrier Number); since the Department of Transport regulates the auto transport industry, all auto transport companies must be licensed by (DoT) to operate legally.

If the company doesn’t have an authorized MC number, there is no doubt it is a deceitful company. Legitimate companies will always provide customers with their MC number when requested; they may also make it available on their website for everyone to see.

•  Check if the company offers an insurance plan. Auto transport companies may provide the insurance service separately. However, don’t go with a company that won’t insure your truck during shipping; make sure the insurance coverage is real and legal.
• Truck transportation requires an experienced team and comprehensive resources. You must perform a background check and look into the company’s experience through its successful delivery track record.

Preparing your truck for transport

Auto transport companies will ask you to prepare the truck before handing it to them; these preparations can help minimize many shipping risks.

• Check for any leaks: existing leaks require extra attention and special precautions to ensure safe truck transportation. Therefore, telling your transport provider about them is essential.
• Document your truck condition: even though auto transport companies offer insurance coverage, the truck owner has to inspect their truck’s interior and exterior condition and write down all details, including existing scratches and minor damages.
• Remove all personal belongings: the items may damage the truck’s interior. Another reason to take all personal items out is the weight they add to your load, increasing the cost of transportation.

The Auto Transport Company’s Responsibilities

Pick the suitable equipment for your truck transportation

Trucks come in different sizes and shapes, and choosing the best trailer type is indispensable to successful transportation. Trailers’ options include:

• Flatbed trailers: this type of trailer is widely used; it is found anywhere on the roads; flatbed trailers are opened to the air with no protection for shipped vehicles. It has two main advantages; the easy loading process thanks to its stable bed and various capacities, making it an excellent tool for transporting numerous types of trucks. Read about the pros and cons of flatbed trucking.
• Removable Gooseneck trailers: this type is often used in large truck transportation that can’t be loaded on flatbed trailers, but because of its huge size, drivers can’t drive it on narrow roads. Therefore, auto transport companies will need to plan the travel routes using main streets only, which means the distance will be longer, resulting in extra costs.
• Drop deck trailers: also called step deck trailers, allow an easy loading for trucks because their bed can drop down to the ground. After loading, the bed backside will be locked upwards to add more protection to the shipped trucks. 

Read more about the types of trailers and trucks used for shipping cars.

Examine the truck capacity

To guarantee safe truck transportation, auto transport companies will ensure the shipping equipment is fully prepared to load a truck on the trailer.

• Examine the brakes: it is known that heavy shipping equipment can burden the braking abilities. Auto transport companies always check the brakes and ensure it’s in the best operational condition. 
• Evaluate both the truck and trailer tires: trucks are considered heavy loads, and if the tires aren’t in the best condition, it may cause a negative impact or even some damage.
• Verifying the ramp readiness: ramps play a significant role in the loading process. A suitable ramp will ensure a secure load for the truck; that is why inspecting the ramp strength is important to determine its ability to support the loading perfectly. 

Conclusion

While choosing a trustworthy transport company is essential, accurate preparations can be equally important to guarantee successful truck transportation.  Although hiring a professional auto transport company means you don’t have to worry about most of the above, reviewing everything yourself is still recommended to ensure your truck will be shipped safely.

Tempus Logix transports all types of heavy-duty vehicles of different sizes. The company can offer many trailer types according to the transportation requirements to guarantee a suitable process in a timely manner. No matter where your heavy-duty vehicle is and where you want it dropped off, professional agents will organize the process by following local and national regulations and keeping you informed about every step.