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.

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.

How to Get a Car as a College Student?

Buying a car in college is a life-changing step that can be both exciting and challenging because college students will have to face two significant issues: unlimited car options and financial constraints. 

Most college students want their car on campus to enjoy fast and convenient travel, especially those far from school. Therefore, it is necessary to plan the purchase carefully and gather as much information as possible to get a decent car on the road without draining their pockets.

Buying Car Costs

College students must determine how much they will pay to get the car. It is worth noting that the expenses of purchasing a car go beyond the car’s price to include:

Car insurance

Buying a car comes with additional expenses, and since college students already have rent and tuition fees to pay, it is recommended to look for affordable insurance. Auto insurance companies offer two main insurance discounts for college students:

Good Student Discount

This discount is for students 25 years of age or younger with a GPA of 3.0 or higher that they must maintain for their studies.

Resident student auto insurance

This insurance plan provides full-time college students who study 100 miles from home discounted quotes with a clean driving history.

On and off-campus parking

Students must pay a large fee of up to a few hundred dollars per semester if they want to park their cars near the dorms and classroom buildings. Off-campus parking is not much cheaper, though. 

Maintenance costs and gas usage 

Cars need repairs regularly, mainly used vehicles with high mileage. To calculate the sufficient maintenance cost, a student has to check out the average car’s repair cost and remember to save a few hundred dollars for emergency maintenance.

In addition, college students must ensure they buy an economical car, so they don’t suffer the enormous financial implications of increased gas prices.

Buying the Right Car

Some college students may consider buying a used car to cut costs, unaware of how much money it will cost them to carry out all the repair work. Therefore, students should consider the following tips to ensure they get the most out of their budget:

Start the search online

After determining the budget and choosing the type of car to buy, the next step is to search for different models. Then, a buyer has to get expert advice about the potential car and read plenty of online reviews from previous or current owners of the same car model. Buying decisions should be based on the available knowledge a buyer can get by researching online.

Inspect the car

A buyer must check the car’s interior, exterior, and underneath. They should also ensure that all electronic devices are operating correctly and seek mechanical assistance to assess the overall operable condition of the vehicle.

Driving test

After the examination, a student has to drive the car and pay attention to the sound of its operation, brakes, turns, and smooth stops. 

Ask for a vehicle report (Carfax)

If the driving test ends well, asking the car dealer for a vehicle report is necessary. The information includes the history of the vehicle’s repair and maintenance so the buyer can know whether the car has had any accidents before.

Get the car delivered

After making the purchase decision, it is time to get it delivered to its new home. College students might not have enough time and experience to drive their vehicles safely, mainly when discussing long-distance trips.

Therefore, the wisest decision is to hire a reliable auto transport company to carry out the process efficiently.  However, finding a trustworthy service provider is not an easy task; there are a few things to consider before booking the transport service:

Only work with licensed companies

A client has to check the company’s website for their MC and USDOT numbers and check them on the FMCSA website to ensure the company is registered and operating legally.

Relevant experience

The company must have all the necessary equipment and a professional team to carry out safe transportation. Verifying an auto transport company’s experience can be done quickly by checking their track record and customer reviews.

Car shipping discounts for students

Some shipping companies offer a student discount as they believe being in school is a huge responsibility, and college students already have enough to worry about. So, a student has to inquire about the discounts to get the best price possible.

Read our Guide to Car Shipping for College Students

Go for open auto transport

There are two main shipping options to choose from, open trailer and enclosed trailer. The latter provides the utmost protection for shipped vehicles but costs more than open auto transport. Therefore, college students who want to save money should book an open trailer which is the best way to ship daily-drive cars since it is more available and affordable.

Read about Open vs. Enclosed Vehicle Shipping.

Conclusion

Having a car while in college will make life easier for students; however, they should take their time and think wisely before purchasing. Following the steps and tips mentioned above will guarantee that students get the best car that corresponds to their budget.

No matter what school you go to when you place an order for a new car, you can always call Tempus Logix to ensure your vehicle is delivered to your new destination easily and affordably.

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.

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.