Understanding Auto Shipping Terms & Conditions

In daily life, we are used to accepting any terms and conditions that pop out while downloading an app or visiting a website without reading a word. However, when it comes to formal contracts, every letter counts. Therefore, it is important to know what you are signing for in detail and know the meaning of all terms and conditions. In this article, we will demonstrate the terms and conditions of auto shipping contracts in general:   

Common Terminology in Auto Shipping 

While reading the auto transport terms and conditions, you might come across some words with a specific definition. Below we’ll introduce the auto shipping terminology you can use when interpreting a contract. However, remember that sometimes meanings change according to the context, and it’s a better decision to consult the auto transport company for more details:

• The shipment: the property or vehicle the company will transport.
• The shipper: this word can hold two meanings. It can either refer to the person requiring the auto shipping or the carrier responsible for the transportation. Therefore, this term should be agreed upon when signing the contract.
• The customer: the person or party requesting the transport from the auto shipping company.
• The carrier/transporter is the trucking entity physically responsible for the auto shipping and could also indicate the shipping truck itself.
• Carrier form: this refers to the documents and billing papers issued by the auto shipping company, such as shipping orders, inspection reports, and receipts.
• Broker: generally, it indicates the mediator between two parties, and in the auto shipping industry, it nearly also has the same meaning. As it is the party hired to make arrangements and agreements, it suggests auto shipping companies to clients and provides them with options and information.
• Customer’s agent: it represents a person legally authorized to sign and act on behalf of the client when they are unavailable.
• Order: the order the customer submits to the auto shipping company for the shipping service. 
• Order confirmation: it includes any written confirmation regarding the auto shipping services sent from the broker or carrier. 
• Destination: it indicates the desired drop-off point for the shipment, which the customer specifies. Both parties should approve any modification in written form. 
• Inoperable: when your vehicle can’t be driven onto a trailer and needs special equipment to load and unload it, it is called inoperable. (Read about inoperable car shipping).
• Point of Origin: it is the shipment pickup site that the customer locates.  
• BOL: this abbreviation refers to “Bill of Lading,” as it is a detailed listed receipt of the auto shipping service presented by the transporter. It also serves as a contract of all the included duties, such as the cargo condition, the pickup and drop-off points, updated reports, and additional services. It is essential to read before approving and ensure the auto shipping company is responsible for preserving your vehicle’s state.  
• COD: an abbreviation for “Collect on Delivery/ Cash-payment on Delivery.” 

Find out more terms in Auto Transport Glossary.

The Service Sections 

This section explains the auto shipping company’s transportation process and commitments toward you as a customer. Moreover, it should also estimate the time frame, pricing, and transport type. Still, as many variables interfere with the auto shipping field, these data are subject to changes the company will inform you about. 

You are contracting with two entities when transporting your vehicle through a broker.

Therefore, pay attention to the type of responsibility the broker holds, whether it ends after fulfilling your needs for the most convenient auto shipping company or continues to stay in charge of the delivery process until the shipment is successfully delivered. 

The Entities Responsibilities 

It’s important to understand each party’s role to guarantee an effective auto shipping process. Therefore, the contract informs you of all the obligations and requirements of all concerned entities. 

The Broker 

It is the broker’s job to nominate several auto shipping companies that meet the client’s needs regarding time, price, and transportation type and reach out for an agreement; they arrange the logistics of the client’s shipment.   

The Carrier 

The implementation of the arranged transport plan is their primary goal, where they are responsible for:

• Safely load, transport, and unload the shipment
• Adhere to the point of origin and destination as close as possible
• Regularly conduct inspections and reports about the shipment state 
• Issue a bill of lading upon picking up and dropping off

The Customer 

In parallel, the customer must contribute in several ways to disclaim liability and ensure a better trip for their vehicle. These responsibilities include:

• Provide accurate information and locations
• Prepare the car for shipping by fixing any malfunction and lost parts
• Perform an inspection of the vehicle before and after delivery and carefully read the bill of lading before signing
• Remove personal belongings and empty the glove pocket, trunk, and seats

Fees, payment, cancelation, and refund sections 

• The chosen payment method and deposit policy
• Consequences of canceling the reservation.
• Conditions and percentage of a refund, and how to apply for it
• Termination without compensation policy; where the auto shipping company has the right to cancel the shipment when discovering certain items in the shipment, for example, guns and weapons, anything flammable, explosives, alcohol and narcotics, live pets or plants, and anything considered illegal.

Conclusion

Ask for more details after reading the agreement, as it is your right to know and fully understand every item of the auto shipping contract. So, take your time before signing, and do not hesitate to ask questions. 

Tempus Logix has a professional team ready to walk you through the process of transporting any type of vehicle. The company arranges all required documentation and offers a detailed explanation whenever requested.

How to Buy and Resell Cars to Become a Car Reseller

The automobile industry is overgrowing; there will always be a need to buy new cars due to technological advancements and new driving trends. Whether it’s a modern car or a collectible classic, buying and selling cars never dies. Therefore more people are interested in learning how to buy and resell cars to become car resellers and start their car dealership businesses.

This business might be too risky with no guarantees to make a profit. However, some guidelines can help beginner car resellers to improve and overcome all sorts of obstacles. It is essential to be aware that starting to work in this field requires understanding the market and the application process. This article will introduce the fundamental rules for buying and reselling cars to become a car reseller.

What is a Car Reseller?

It is a business at the retail level that sells new and used cars based on a contract with the manufacturer or other car resellers. This work isn’t the best option for people who want to make quick and easy money; it requires time, knowledge, and effort to identify how to buy and resell cars smartly and make a profit. 

How to Become a Car Reseller?

Obtain a dealer license

Ensure the business operates legally by registering at the Internal Revenue Service, choosing a unique name for the work, and deciding its structures. The next step is to meet the dealer license requirements, which vary from one state to another. However, all states oblige dealers to post surety bonds as a requirement to get licensed; these bonds guarantee the dealer will follow the state laws.   

Learn about how to buy and resell cars

Getting to know the market is always a good start; it is essential to identify which cars are best-selling and their value on the market. It applies especially to used vehicles; the dealer must have deep knowledge about their prices and expected ROI.

If someone wants to learn more about how to buy and resell cars, they have to consider the following;

Where to buy the cars from?

Dealers often order cars from manufacturers or other wholesale dealers using the credit lines they arranged with them to ship these cars with the help of an auto transportation company and store them in the inventory.

Learn more about car shipping for car resellers.

However, since the inventory space is limited, car resellers face a significant challenge in deciding what models to buy. Fortunately, there is a way to overcome this problem; dealers can sell cars that don’t exist in their store by contacting other dealers, known as “dealer trade.”

Pre-purchase check

Car resellers who want to know more about how to buy and resell cars have to check the used car’s condition before making the purchasing decision by examining the whole vehicle and looking for the VIN to ensure the engine originality.

Repair costs

Used cars may need some repairs to be resold for a better price. Car dealers have to keep the repairing cost in mind when calculating the vehicle’s total cost to estimate how much profit they will earn. 

Look for a trustworthy auto transport company

The next step is to find a reliable transport partner, which will provide a lot of support for the car dealership business; auto transport companies offer car shipping services, including open auto transport, an economical and affordable method used by car resellers to transport vehicles to the buyers. 

The other shipping type is enclosed auto transport. It is more costly but ensures complete protection for the shipped vehicle making it a perfect solution for transporting luxury and collectible cars. You can learn more about the advantages of enclosed auto transport.

Since choosing an auto transport company is essential, dealerships may spend considerable time searching and comparing different companies to pick the best service provider. However, there are few factors to determine whether the company can be trusted or not:

The company must be registered

Since the auto transport industry is highly regulated, all companies must follow the safety and insurance regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; a registered company has a valid MC number as a proof that they operate their work legally, and it is easy to verify the legal condition by checking the number with the FMCSA.  

It must be reliable

A competent transport company should have a noticeable track record of accomplishments and successful transport operations and a professional team with vast experience dealing with shipping types. The company must also have all the necessary equipment to perform its activities in the best way possible.

Good reputation and high rating service

Customer review is an important indicator to evaluate the company’s service quality and how hard they work to respond to all good and bad reviews to ensure their customers’ satisfaction. 

Balance the cost with quality of service

Car Resellers need to choose the auto transport company they want to work with depending on the criteria mentioned above; it is not recommended to pick the service looking at its price. Low price services are a big no in this field because the transport process requires lots of effort, equipment, and an experienced team. No company sells these features for a low price. That doesn’t mean going for the highest price services; a dealer should make the right balance between the cost and quality.

Conclusion

Many people are curious about learning how to buy and resell cars, which isn’t an easy job to manage. Car resellers must build broad market knowledge and choose a dependable transport company to work with.

Tempus Logix has years of experience working with thousands of clients. The company transports all vehicles across the United States and has a successful record of over 30,000 delivered cars.

How Do Dealers Ship Cars to Other Dealerships in the USA?

This scenario frequently happens when a customer wants to buy a car with a specific color or trim level, the dealership may not have the exact requested car in their stock since they can keep a limited number of vehicles there.

However, it doesn’t mean that the customer won’t get the car they asked for, thanks to the internet, which linked dealers across the states allowing them to sell vehicles that don’t exist in their inventory; this process is known as “dealer trade.” 

This type of trade is popular these days; it is fast and convenient. Customers often prefer to deal with one dealership they trust rather than contacting some other dealers they aren’t familiar with. As great as it sounds, people have one primary concern about the whole process, can a dealership ship a car to another dealership? 

It is vital to start by learning more about dealerships and how they manage their work to answer their concern.

How do Dealerships Work?

All dealers understand how the industry keeps evolving constantly. Moreover, due to the last global pandemic, people’s purchasing behavior has changed. Buying vehicles online and transporting them by auto transport companies has become a new trend the dealers have to adapt to. You can learn more about

It is safe to think of car dealerships as retail stores for auto manufacturers; they order cars from the producers depending on their predictions for what vehicles will be the best sellers. They arrange credit lines with the manufacturer and use them to purchase whatever car model they want; then, they pay back those credit lines.

Getting back to the question, can a dealership ship a car to another dealership?

Dealerships do ship the cars they sell with the help of an auto transport company; these companies offer two shipping methods with plenty of complimentary services to ensure the safety of transported vehicles. Therefore, dealers need to choose a reliable auto transport company to hire to help a dealership ship a car to another dealership.    

Choosing a Car Transportation Company

This task is easier to say than to do since there are many choices, making it very difficult to pick a trustworthy vehicle shipping company. However, there are a few criteria the company must meet so a client can trust it:

• The company must be registered and have insurance coverage with the department of transport and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which means that the company has to follow all insurance and safety regulations set by FMCSA.
• Relevant experience is an essential factor to consider; the car dealer should check the company’s track record to evaluate the successful transport operations, which is an excellent indicator of the company’s efficiency (learn more about how to become a car dealer).
• Positive customer reviews mean the company is working hard to meet the needs of its clients; however, negative comments can tell a lot more about how much they genuinely care to satisfy everyone by giving a proper explanation for each incident.    

After choosing a reliable company to work with, how can a dealership ship a car to another dealership?

How do Car Dealers Coordinate the Shipping Process?

Dealers have to coordinate between the shipping company and the other party they want to ship the car to; the first thing to consider is the timing; it is crucial to find a date that works for both sides. The dealers should schedule the drop-off date, assuming the transport process may take several days, depending on the travel distance. 

Auto transport companies play a significant role in dealer trade; they can facilitate vehicle trade between dealerships and bring more business. Therefore, dealers should have a good relationship with these companies; the more they work with them, the more special treatment they’ll get; they may offer a discount or speed up the transportation process, which is a win-win for both the dealers and their customers. The trading process requires strong relationships with other dealers; taking a good time to build these relationships in advance is essential to ensure the whole process will be done smoothly. 

After knowing that the answer to “can a dealership ship a car to another dealership?” is yes, another question may arise, “will it cost more to get the car through dealer trade?”

People have to know more about transportation costs first. Auto transport companies provide a cost calculator on their websites, a free tool that can generate a shipping cost depending on basic information entered by the customers. 

Factors Affecting Car Transportation

The shipping service required

There are two primary transport methods: open auto transport and enclosed auto transport; the latter is more expensive since it provides complete protection for the shipped vehicles. Find out when to choose an enclosed auto transport.

Car model and operational condition

It can affect the cost since the larger and heavier the vehicle, the more the shipping fee; add to this, inoperable cars require special equipment for the loading process.

The distance and timing

The closer the date, the more it will add to the quote, and if the customer wants their car to be shipped as soon as possible, they have to pay for fast transportation.  

Conclusion

Many people ask, can a dealership ship a car to another dealership? The answer is yes; it is a convenient way to find the best car effortlessly. Tempus Logix has a vast network of over 25,000 shippers across the United States and can handle all types of auto transportation between car dealerships. The company has over 1000 reviews from satisfied clients and has already delivered over 30,000 vehicles.

Enclosed Car Shipping Pros and Cons

Many factors impact making the right decision when it comes to choosing a car shipping trailer. Auto transportation is about maintaining the safety and good condition of the cars, not just moving them from point A to point B. Therefore, selecting a suitable trailer plays a significant role in the operation. Understanding the enclosed car shipping pros and cons is essential for making an informed choice.

Many people consider enclosed car shipping as the best option. Nevertheless, the best does not always have to be the most convenient. Just as enclosed car shipping has many pros, it also has some cons. This article will demonstrate both the advantages and disadvantages of enclosed trailers, shedding light on the key factors to help you make the right decision.

The Difference Between Enclosed and Open Car Shipping

In open shipping, cars are driven over the trailer’s ramps and fixed with tie ropes. The loaded vehicles are exposed to outdoor elements and debris from the surrounding environment and nearby cars.

Meanwhile, enclosed shipping includes a trailer with four walls and a rooftop; it also has a hydraulic lift that facilitates the loading process. Add to that drip pans to protect cars from leakage or damage. Enclosed car shipping capacity is low compared to open shipping.

Advantages of Enclosed Car Shipping

Enclosed auto transport trailers provide many features allowing them to excel in auto transportation, representing the ideal solution to transport specific vehicles like classic and sports cars.

Safety and security

Accidents, thefts, and slip-ups could happen during car transportation. Luckily, enclosed car shipping reduces that possibility to the minimum. All doors are securely locked and hard to access, and enclosed trailers are equipped with paddles on the sides to keep the vehicle safe and sound. Moreover, the walls of enclosed car trailers are made up of rigid materials that are hard to break through.

Protection from hazards

Weather and road hazards are responsible for causing damage to cars during transportation, where rain, snow, winds, debris, and even sunlight can harm the auto’s interior and exterior. In short, with enclosed car shipping, your car will be isolated from any external or environmental factors and temperature changes.

Prevent damage while hauling

Enclosed auto transport trailers are equipped with a lift to assist in loading / unloading the vehicles. The lift increases safety measures and avoids causing any damage to the car during the transportation procedures.

Premium services

Choosing enclosed car shipping opens the doors wide to many premium services where expert drivers devote themselves to transporting your vehicle with ultimate care. For example:

• A single-vehicle enclosed trailer is an excellent option for classic cars and sports cars. Although the price would be higher, the service ensures no other vehicle will be shipped within the same trailer. Read about the tips to safely transport your classic car.
• A white-glove service will keep you updated around the clock regarding the shipment and ensure the drivers are handling the vehicle with care to every detail.

Perfect for roofless cars

Shipping sports and classic roofless cars is always a big problem for their owners. People don’t want anything to harm their valuable vehicles, no matter what the season is, roofless cars are a weak point for their owners. Therefore, enclosed car trailers are the best option regardless of weather conditions.

Read more about the advantages of enclosed auto transport.

Enclosed Car Shipping Cons

Although people prefer enclosed shipping, some clients hesitate to choose it due to its disadvantages.

Less available enclosed haulers

Not all companies can provide enclosed auto shipping. Service providers are limited, and you might need to make a reservation in advance. Moreover, if you want to transport more than eight cars through enclosed shipping, it will take more than one shipment, increasing the price and time frame of the operation. 

The price is high

Enclosed auto shipping is more expensive because of all the provided features, which provokes the need for a larger budget. It does not seem such a big problem for large corporations, but for small businesses or individuals, it could be a real obstacle.  

Low capacity

Enclosed car transport carriers are dedicated to shipping a small number of cars, where the largest possible capacity in the two-story enclosed trailer is only eight cars. For some clients, this is not enough, especially car dealers. 

Fewer inspections and fuel-efficiency

Although enclosed auto trailers carry fewer cars than open trailers, they consume more fuel due to their heavyweight. Regular vehicle inspections through enclosed shipping are not simple to manage, leading to fewer check-ups on your car and the need for additional services.

Conclusion

Enclosed car shipping offers an attractive package of vehicle transportation services. It becomes a must when shipping valuable cars like sports or classic cars, but the prices differ significantly, making clients hesitate. However, everything has a cost, and getting premium care during the transportation process requires paying extra fees. Otherwise, open car shipping trailers are ready to offer affordable transportation.

Tempus Logix offers open and enclosed trailers to handle all kinds of vehicle transportation across the United States. The company has a vast network of over 25,000 shippers and has successfully delivered over 30,000 vehicles.

Reasons Why You Need Enclosed Auto Transport Trailer in 2022

Whether you have transported your vehicle in the past or are planning to do so in the future, you will find that every auto transport company offers two main options for shipping: open auto transport trailers and enclosed auto transport trailers.

Most companies recommend using an enclosed auto transport trailer, which is more expensive and reliable. Indeed, other factors can affect the decision, such as safety, privacy, and efficiency. However, learning about shipping cars in enclosed auto transport trailers needs a detailed explanation of their advantages, and this article will demonstrate the fundamental reasons for that.

What is an Enclosed Auto Transport Trailer?

Imagine packing your car in a box and shipping it away. The enclosed transporter works similarly; it’s a big truck with one or two levels for cars and is devoted to carrying vehicles for long distances and securing them to ensure their stability along the road. 

Types of enclosed auto transport trailers

There are many kinds of enclosed car carriers, which all serve the same purpose. The most common types of enclosed auto transport trailers are:

Single-vehicle enclosed auto transport trailer

These trailers are specialized in transporting only one vehicle, mainly sport or collectible cars. They are better for short trips or fast delivery, as they carry one vehicle, they are much lighter than other types, therefore, can speed up more. Another feature is the interior design of the single-car carrier, as it has paddles on the side, providing more excellent protection.

Multi-vehicle enclosed auto transport trailer

A two-story truck that can hold several cars, but not as many as the open auto transport trailer can carry. You can use it for shipping any vehicle to distant locations, and it is also equipped with protection paddles and fixing ropes.

5 Reasons to Choose an Enclosed Auto Transport Trailer

Although an enclosed auto transport trailer is not cheap, the price comes with many advantages that make it superior to open carriers. We present to you 5 top reasons why you need an enclosed auto transport trailer in 2022:

Enclosed trailers provide more protection

Because the outer shell of the enclosed auto transport trailer provides complete protection from road hazards, debris, and outdoor elements, avoiding any damage that could occur to your valuable vehicle.

Generally, the shell of the enclosed auto transport trailers has two main types. It is either made out of rigid materials (aluminum, tin, fiberglass), which makes it a “Hard-shell trailer,” or the rigid materials are only found at the top, back, and front, while the sides are made of durable canvas, making it a “Soft-shell trailer.” Of course, if you are determined to have the most secure enclosed auto transport trailer, you probably should use a hard-shell carrier.

Ensure a safe load with enclosed carriers

Unlike an open auto transport trailer, an enclosed car transport truck offers a simple loading process, where we only need to park the carrier in front of the vehicle, and the hydraulic lift will take the car to the left. Since the enclosed trailer has walls on the side, you will not worry about the possibility of tilting the vehicle over the side.

Enjoy the privacy and security of enclosed trailers

One of the great things about enclosed auto transport trailers is that people don’t know what is inside! Some people do not like to show off their belongings for various reasons.

In addition, they are outfitted with a hydraulic lift that makes it easier to raise and drop the vehicle, providing a more secure load/unload process. It also has drip pans, which protect the cars on the bottom level from the fluids that might leak and drip from the upper-level vehicles.

Enclosed trailers are smaller and fit fewer vehicles

That means a less crowded carrier with few cargos, relieving your car from exposure to other vehicle debris. According to capacities, there are three categories:

1. One-level, one-car trailers
2. One-level, multi-car trailers
3. Multi-level, multi-car trailers

Even the last type can only hold up to 8 cars within two rows.

Enclosed trailers provide luxury for rare and expensive cars

Car collectors realize the importance of high-quality transport to maintain the vehicle’s high-end finishing and receive it in the same shape it was loaded. Enclosed trailers guarantee such service and offer additional premium services to ensure a personalized experience. You can learn more about how to safely transport your classic car.

Vehicles that are Better to Be Shipped in Enclosed Trailers

There are cases where using an enclosed auto transport carrier is an option; in other cases, it becomes a necessity:

Race and sports cars

Racers do not drive their sports cars on roads to avoid damage from hazards, weather, or accidents. Therefore, enclosed auto transport trailers are widely used in auto sports, particularly the one-level carrier, to reduce the danger to the minimum limits.

Classic, rare, and luxurious autos

No one likes a dented car door or a scratched painting, so what if it was an expansive premium automobile. You will want it to be treated with great attention and care while delivering it to your front door. The enclosed car transport trailer ensures your vehicle is delivered in tip-top shape, loaded with only a few cars. 

Vehicles with low ground clearance

Some cars are designed to be too close to the ground, where a high bump can cause severe damage, making it hard to drive and load on an open carrier. As we mentioned earlier, some enclosed transport trailers are equipped with a special lift that guarantees a smooth loading operation, preventing any bottom out.

You can read more about why to choose an enclosed auto transport.

Conclusion

Based on the reasons above, enclosed auto transport trailers are sometimes a good option, and other times the only option to maintain the car’s safety and delivery on time.

Tempus Logix has all kinds of auto transport trailers ready to serve its clients across the United States. Whether it’s an open or an enclosed trailer, that won’t be a problem. The company has years of experience shipping heavy-duty vehicles, collectible cars, luxury sports vehicles, and much more. 

Is Online Car Shipping Good or Bad?

It is almost impossible for people to imagine their lives without automobiles in today’s world. Cars have become a valuable asset for everyone, and that’s why many people are taking their vehicles wherever they go, even for vacations.

The need to transport cars from one place to another leads to the widespread use of auto transport companies which help car owners safely complete the shipping task. However, people are getting busier each year; they no longer have enough time to check everything out. Therefore, shipping companies needed to keep pace with these changes, and online car shipping services emerged to facilitate automobile transportation. Still, many car owners have doubts about whether online car shipping is good or bad.

Introduction to Online Car Shipping

Online car shipping can be defined as using an online service to arrange vehicle transportation from point A to point B; online auto shipping companies are responsible for finding a suitable trailer and organizing the whole process from picking up the car to delivering It at the final destination.

Why is It Good to Use an Online Car Shipping Service?

It’s good to use an online car shipping service for many reasons, after all, who wouldn’t like getting the job done without going anywhere. Just visit the auto transport company’s website and have everything arranged by experienced agents. Following are the advantages of online car shipping:

No need to set any plans

Suppose that someone wants to drive their car across the states; there are many things to think about. For example, which roads to take, gas spots, what hotel to stay at night, meals, and emergency plan if the vehicle has some breakdowns, and the list goes on. On the other hand, auto transport companies will take care of all the planning and ensure safe travel for all shipped cars.

Save time and effort

One of the main reasons people choose to ship cars instead of driving them themselves is time constraints because driving across the states can take a few days.

Not everyone can afford to take all this time out of their busy schedules. Moreover, all this traveling can be arduous work, especially for those not used to driving long distances. Luckily, online car shipping companies will take care of all this exhausting and time-consuming job.

Perfect protection

The shipping process includes many operations, and each of them needs its safety measures. Loading and unloading, for example, require some dedicated equipment such as a hydraulic lift to make sure that shipped vehicles won’t get any harm. In addition to that, auto transport companies often secure cars using chains, steel wire ropes, and nylon straps when necessary.

Additionally, long hours of driving may flatten the tires or even cause some engine issues, not to mention all mileage that will be added to the vehicle, making it lose some of its resale value.

Read more about how to protect your car during transport.

Cost calculator

Online car shipping websites often offer a cost calculator to provide an approximate quote depending on the customer’s information. Tempus Logix offers a free online shipping cost calculator to estimate the vehicle transportation cost.

Various payment methods

Auto transport companies offer their clients multiple payment options; they accept credit cards, cashier’s checks, and online providers like PayPal.

Online customer service

Having an online customer service team ready to help with all the shipping details can surely come in handy. They are available to respond to all questions since they have vast knowledge about the transportation process. Even if they weren’t available, sending an email is always an option; they will get back as soon as possible.

One-click service

Online Car Shipping has evolved to suit the consumer’s requirements; now, it is possible to access all services with a single click! These services include: choosing the transport method and tools, online tracking, and selecting the type of insurance that matches customers’ needs.

Does Online Car Shipping Have Any Drawbacks?

Although it has many advantages, this service isn’t completely perfect; people must be careful when booking an online transport service.

The most crucial thing to remember is that you cannot trust all auto transport companies; there are many unreliable transporters out there; therefore, choosing a trustworthy company is essential to ensure safe shipping.

A dependable company must have a valid MC number as proof that they are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They are obligated to all safety and insurance regulations needed to operate legally. Moreover, the company should have a good shipping record track and a professional, experienced team to ensure they are capable enough to proceed with a safe transport operation.

Tempus Logix has successfully transported over 30,000 vehicles across the United States, and there are over 1000 reviews from satisfied clients available online to evaluate the company’s quality of work.

Conclusion

Online car shipping is a convenient service offered by auto transport companies to save their customers’ time and effort; it has many advantages to encourage anyone to give it a try instantly. However, things such as perfect service don’t exist, and choosing a random company to hire is not wise since it can cause many unnecessary troubles. The only way to guarantee a superb service is to go with a trustworthy transport company.

Arizona Auto Transport Companies

Many people like to spend the winter in Arizona for its warm weather. No matter how they’ll get there, enjoying Arizona’s attractions isn’t possible without having a car to facilitate transportation, especially for families. Hiring an Arizona auto transport company is the only option to ensure safe car transportation. However, before deciding on a car shipping company, there are many things to consider.

Tips to keep in mind before hiring an Arizona auto transport company:

Do a cost-benefit analysis

Most clients’ main concern is the shipping cost, and it’s the first thing they ask about when they decide to ship their car to another state. People don’t like to pay much and continuously pursue the cheapest services.

However, when it comes to car shipping, very cheap services aren’t trustworthy, and they won’t be cautious while transporting cars. Additionally, their tools and vehicles aren’t efficient enough to handle such a challenging job. They have compromised many things in return for the low cost.

To find the best service and quote, a client has to look for the available Arizona auto transport companies and compare the fee they impose to the service quality they guarantee. 

People should know the benefits an auto transport company has to provide and then decide on a reliable shipping service that corresponds with a reasonable cost. Tempus Logix offers an affordable car transportation service from and to Arizona and all other states in the U.S.

Look for a cost calculator

The cost calculator is one of the most critical factors that a client has to look for on a company’s website before hiring an Arizona auto transport service.

What is a cost calculator?

It’s a free tool reliable car transport companies provide for potential clients on their website. A client has to enter information about the pick-up point and the delivery locations. In addition to some info about the car’s model, make, year, transportation type, and if it’s operable or not. Answering these questions will generate an initial cost for the service.

A company that doesn’t have a car shipping cost calculator on its website isn’t reliable. Companies that ask for a fixed fee without requiring any information might not be a good option.

Read previous clients’ reviews and testimonials

The testimonial section on an Arizona auto transport company’s website is the space that will get a client to know what this company is and how excellent the service quality they maintain.

A client can learn a lot about a company by reading reviews. It’s a beneficial and fast way to get an insight into how reliable this Arizona auto transport company is.

Check the quality of customer service

While the company’s website might have all the information that a client needs to know about the service, some clients prefer to call or send an email. A reliable auto transport company should have strong customer service where people in charge are willing to answer any question and elaborate on any vague idea patiently and efficiently. Customer service quality is another thing that tells a lot about the company’s reliability, and all clients should give it a mind. 

Look over the insurance

The federal law imposes strict policies on transport companies in the U.S and requires them to preserve car shipping insurance. So, a client has to read the insurance thoroughly and get to know the kind of damages they cover.

The terms and policies for each company’s insurance differ; some cover damages only during loading and unloading the vehicle, and some might not take responsibility for accidents. Looking over the insurance is a critical step before hiring a transport company.

Before handing the car keys to an Arizona auto transport company, what to do?

A client’s role doesn’t end by finding and hiring a trustworthy Arizona auto transport company. There are still many things to do to prepare the car for the long trip it’s about to be away on. 

Wash the car and document its pre-shipment condition

Wash the car to spot any scratches and avoid misunderstandings with the auto transportation company. After cleaning the car thoroughly, documenting the car’s condition by taking pictures and videos is a must. This step is essential to benefit from the insurance if something happens during the transportation.

Examine the tire pressure 

A car’s owner has to check the tires are adequately inflated. The tires shouldn’t look flat; at the same time, they shouldn’t be over-inflated because both states will increase the damage potential during the loading or unloading process.

Check the fuel level

Since the car will be on a trailer, it won’t burn fuel. So, there’s no need to fill the fuel tank up before the shipment as it’ll add to the vehicle’s weight and increase the fee and risks. However, there should be some fuel to start the car if the driver wants to move it from one place to another. We advise clients to fill a quarter of the tank only.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great places to visit in Arizona, and traveling there without a car will make you miss all the joy. So, book your car shipping service and enjoy your time in Arizona.

Alabama Auto Transport Companies

Alabama is the home of the three leading automobile producers, Mercedes-Benz U.S International (MBUSI), Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), and Honda Manufacturing of Alabama. So, many people might consider transporting a car to or from Alabama. If you’re one of those and still concerned about the process, here’s everything you need to know about Alabama auto transport companies. 

How to hire the best Alabama auto transport company?

Conduct research

It’ll be challenging to find a trustworthy company to haul your car from one state to another. However, this decision is vital and will determine if you will pick up your vehicle fast and safely. So, don’t immediately settle for the first Alabama auto transport company that pops into your screen. Take your time and read everything about different companies.

It would help if you obtained the company’s MC (motor carrier) number and looked for it on the FMCSA website. This step is essential to verify that the company has the permission to transport vehicles across the state, and it’ll provide you with everything you need to know about the company.

Use the car shipping cost calculator

Many Alabama auto transport companies provide a free cost calculator service for possible clients on the website. This tool helps car owners to form an initial idea about the car transport quote. It will save plenty of time and help you decide on the most convenient selection. However, you have to keep in mind the cost an online calculator generates isn’t the final fee you will pay, as many unpredictable events may occur. Yet, it’s a rough estimation.

Compare quotes

Most clients get attracted to the Alabama auto transport companies that impose a low fee for the haul, so they instantly book the service. But it’s worth noting the shipping process is costly in all aspects, starting from the fuel a truck consumes during the trip to the effort devoted by the team.

That’s why very cheap services are unreliable. However, that doesn’t mean that over-priced services are the only safe option. Many Alabama auto transport companies guarantee the best service for a manageable fee. So, you have to acquire quotes from many companies, compare the service quality to the charged price, and decide accordingly.

Tempus Logix is an affordable vehicle transportation company with years of experience shipping all types of vehicles across the states. The company has a success record of over 30,000 transported vehicles. The company’s website offers an online car shipping cost calculator to estimate car shipping costs.

The cheapest options

If you want to economize and lower the car transport costs, consider the following:

• Don’t ship your car in the peak season, summer.
• Go for an open trailer.
• Go for terminal-to-terminal service.
• Make sure you’ve hired the right Alabama auto transport company.
• Be flexible about the delivery time.

Book ASAP

After researching the available Alabama auto transport companies and finding the most suitable quote, you should wait no more. The sooner you book the service, the sooner the car arrives.

Shipping classic and luxurious cars in Alabama

Most Alabama auto transport companies provide shipping services for classic and luxurious cars. So, if you have a fancy car and want to transport it to another state, you got to follow the steps mentioned above precisely.

However, you cannot economize by going for an open trailer in that case. Enclosed trailers are the most secure option to protect expensive cars from possible damage. Because in some exceptional cases, Alabama’s humid subtropical climate might affect the car’s paint and tire. Additionally, collisions with other vehicles might result in scratches and damages that could be affordable to fix in an ordinary car, however, costs a fortune for a fancy car. Even though a little more costly, an enclosed trailer will save you money and stress.

Read more about the advantages of enclosed auto transport.

The car’s trip from a state to or from Alabama

The car’s transport trip will begin after accepting the most convenient quote to your budget and car state.

Pickup

When it comes to the car’s pickup, someone must hand the truck driver the car’s keys and sign the releasing report. The pickup location differs depending on the service you went for. For example, if you booked the door-to-door Alabama auto transport service, the trailer will pick up your car from the nearest point to your home, work, or company.

On the other hand, the Alabama auto transport company will assign two specific pickup and delivery locations if you choose the terminal-to-terminal service.

Tracking

GPS tracking has emerged recently in the auto transport industry thanks to new technology and saved car owners considerable stress. You can track your car all through the trip.

However, even if a company doesn’t provide GPS tracking, you can still have direct contact with the carrier, who will keep you posted with updates about the weather conditions, traffic, and expectant delivery time.

Delivery

Finally, when a vehicle arrives at its final destination, whether in Alabama or any other state, the company informs you that your car is on its way so you can hit the road to the terminal or home. Upon delivery, we advise all clients to inspect the vehicle inside out to make sure that no new scratch, rust, or damage has occurred during the trip.

In short

Transporting any car, no matter classic, fancy, or ordinary, isn’t dangerous nor costly if you know which Alabama auto transport company to collaborate with. By following the steps mentioned above, you’ll be able to find the most trustworthy Alabama auto transport company.

Full Guide About Transporting an Exotic Car in the US

Shipping a car can be confusing; there are many preparations to ensure the car’s safety along the road. Moreover, transporting an exotic car is way more complicated since it requires additional care and competence, given the higher quality and performance that a driver must preserve during the shipping process.

Regardless of the reason to transport the vehicle, it is not recommended to drive a supercar, especially a long-distance drive, which may cause severe damage that a car’s owner can avoid easily by hiring a professional auto transport company. 

What to Look for in an Auto Transport Company?

When considering all the money invested in buying an exotic car, it is intuitive to invest a lot of time researching to find a trustworthy auto transport company with relevant experience.

There are plenty of shipping companies, enough to give the car owners a headache while trying to figure out the best for their needs. Fortunately, an owner can make this decision quickly depending on a few critical factors in the chosen company.

1. Legal situation: The company must hold authorization from the Department of Transport (DoT) and have a valid MC number, which demonstrates compliance with the safety and insurance regulations set by FMCSA.
2. Sufficient experience: Transporting an exotic car requires specialized expertise due to its superior quality parts, stronger performance, delicate structure, and sophisticated design. Extra care and professionalism are essential for a smooth shipping operation. To ensure the company has relevant experience, check its track record, which serves as the best indicator of successful transport operations.
3. Appropriate equipment: Given the exclusivity of transporting an exotic car and the preference for using enclosed trailers for supercars, the shipping company must provide all the necessary equipment and tools to minimize damage risks and ensure the safe delivery of the vehicle to its final destination.

Why is Enclosed Auto Transport the Best Method for Transporting an Exotic Car?

Beyond the shadow of a doubt, enclosed transport is the best way to ship exotic cars for the following reasons:

• Enclosed transport offers high rates of protection and security: enclosed auto transport means utmost protection from all external elements that may damage the car paint or make it dusty. Furthermore, the small trailer will prevent the cars from shaking and moving on the road and keep them in place. 

Additionally, because exotic cars typically have lower ground clearance than standard vehicles, enclosed carriers use a hydraulic lift to ensure safe loading for low-ground clearance cars. This feature makes enclosed transport the ideal choice for this type of vehicle.

• Enclosed auto transport offers unique privacy for the shipped cars: there is no need to worry about people looking at the cars or touching them out of curiosity. Moreover, not knowing what type of vehicles are in the enclosed trailer will lessen the chances of any theft attempts.  
• The perfect solution to transport roofless exotic cars: shipping this kind of car has always been a problem since they can be harmed by external elements easily; not only the vehicle body but the furniture will be exposed to all sorts of weather conditions and road hazards. Enclosed auto transport can give these vehicle owners peace of mind as it will ensure the shipping process won’t cause any damage to their supercars.

Read more about the advantages of enclosed auto transport.

What About the Cost of Transporting an Exotic Car?

In the light of the previous details about the shipping method, it is clear that exotic cars need too much care and specialized equipment to perform the transporting task. Therefore, it will cost more than the regular shipping services depending on all other complementary services offered by the transport providers. 

How to Prepare for Transporting an Exotic Car?

Preparing the car before shipping can be equally important to all other operations; it is the first step to ensuring the vehicle will be safe during the journey.

1. Examine the car: it is necessary to check out the vehicle’s interior and exterior and take notes of all existing damage or scratches. The car owner must be aware of the exact condition to determine if any new damage occurred during shipping.
2. Empty the exotic car of personal items: Remove all personal belongings to avoid potential damage caused by the car’s movements during transit. Additionally, extra items add weight, which can increase shipping costs.
3. Get a maintenance check: Before transporting an exotic car, ensure the fuel tank is only a quarter full. Also, check the tire pressure and make sure the battery is properly charged.

Conclusion

With many factors to consider, transporting an exotic car can never be easy. However, assigning this task to a dependable company will help perform safe and secure shipping for these unique vehicles.

Tempus Logix has a professional team who’s shipped 30,000+ vehicles across the states and gained a good reputation. The company has over 1000 online reviews from satisfied clients, which says everything about the quality of work Tempus Logix provides.

Why You Should Hire an Auto Shipping Broker Instead of a Car Carrier

According to a recent survey, more than half of Americans name their vehicles based on their features, colors, and other aspects. Such detail reveals how people are attached to their cars and what it means to them. Many car owners treat their cars as a precious personal belonging, not just four wheels with an engine. For many reasons, people may need to transport their cars from one place to another, such as moving for new work, attending college, or simply buying a car from a dealer in a distant location.

Although driving the car personally is an option, that might not be the case all the; maybe it’s a collectible car, and you don’t want to drive it for a long time to avoid any unpredicted circumstances, or perhaps the distance is pretty long, and you don’t want to spend days on the road driving your car.  

In such cases, the first solution to one’s mind is to Google for a reliable vehicle transportation service provider. It’s common to search using the words “Car Transport” or “Auto Transport.” Still, the problem resides in the endless amount of results and information about car shipping that makes everything complicated, especially if it’s your first experience in automobile shipping.

These many results might confuse you slightly, but eventually, with some digging in, you will find two main types:

• Auto Shipping Brokers
• Car Carries

Your first impression is that they are the same; they are totally different. This article will help you understand more about auto-transport companies, what they do, and why you may prefer to have an auto shipping broker rather than a car carrier.

What is the Difference Between an Auto Shipping Broker and a Car Carrier?

The difference between auto shipping brokers and car carriers resides in the ownership of transportation trailers and equipment.

Car carriers own their own trucks and expert drivers and have particular routes. It could be a small business with a single truck and its driver or a nationwide company with a fleet of trailers of different types. In all cases, car carriers are the people who show up at your doorstep to take your car and transport it to the chosen destination. You may find them in different names such as car transport, auto transport, and auto hauler; they all refer to the same thing.

On the other hand, auto shipping brokers don’t have trucks and do not do car transport themselves; they are, in simple terms, “middlemen” between the client and the car carriers. You just contact them, and they carry on the whole transportation process, depending on their extensive knowledge of car carriers. They’ll use their understanding of the industry and vast network of professionals to select what works best for the client’s case and supervise everything till the vehicle arrives safely.

Read about Do Auto Shipping Brokers Transport Heavy Equipment

Why Choose an Auto Shipping Broker over a Car Carrier?

Auto transport can be stressful as your beloved car moves from one place to another, and everyone wants that to be done without a single scratch. Let’s agree that both auto shipping brokers and car carriers wish the best for you as a client and want to deliver the car without any damage.

Auto transport brokers offer this service anytime and anywhere, utilizing highly experienced car carriers and drivers to get the job done. In contrast, car carriers are limited to specific regions and predefined cost-effective routes.

Following are the reasons why auto shipping brokers are a better option than car carriers:

Higher Safety Standards While Shipping Vehicles

The first thing everyone cares about is car safety. Auto transport brokers know what they are doing; they are experts and handle different kinds of vehicles daily.

Instead of researching all car carriers yourself to find what works for your vehicle, brokers will help you find the suitable car transport company with the right haulers and safety measures such as heavy-duty straps, tie-downs, and other measures to pin your car on the haulers. They will get it delivered in one piece and in perfect condition for you.

Reach Qualified Drivers Easily and Quickly

Auto-shipping brokers build comprehensive knowledge about drivers and their skills by working with many different drivers across the States. They’ll save your time and money, and instead of hiring a car carrier you don’t know, the broker already knows who the skillful drivers are and what trailers are better for your condition.

Don’t Get Tied Down to Limited Routes and Trailers

Unlike car carrier companies, which stick with specified routes and tight schedules, the auto shaping brokers deal with many car transport companies and individuals. That made the auto shipping brokers flexible, providing their services every day, 24 hours per day. It’s on you to contact them and get them informed about where and when you need your car, and they will look up the nearest available auto transport company in your area to pick up your vehicle.

Finish the Whole Transportation Stress-Free

Hiring a car carrier company means you’ll supervise the whole process. You’ll have to ensure all aspects of the transportation like finding the suitable company, verifying its credibility, handling the insurance, tracking the routes, and others. Meanwhile, auto shipping brokers will manage the shipping from A to Z. They’ll cover everything and get your vehicle delivered to its new destination.

A Significant Customer Service

Have you met a middleman in real life? Auto-shipping brokers are the best example of that. When it comes to auto shipping brokers, you expect no less than good customer service. They will get a detailed brief of your inquiry, keep you in the loop and find you a great deal.

You will get total customer care, especially if you have your first auto transport experience and have tons of questions, as they will answer them all. Most importantly, auto shipping brokers keep various active communication channels via emails, calls, live chat, etc., to reach them anywhere and anytime.

The above applies when working with a reliable auto shipping broker. Tempus Logix is a dependable vehicle transportation brokerage company with over 30,000 delivered vehicles across the United States and 1000 reviews from satisfied clients.

All Transportation Steps Will Be Planned Ahead

With long-distance car transport, anything might happen.For example, if a car carrier transporting your vehicle breaks down or gets stuck, delivering your car on time becomes challenging. This situation may lead to delays and additional costs to find a new carrier to complete the delivery. An auto shipping broker handles these unanticipated issues, ensuring your car is transported on time.

The Best Affordable Vehicle Shipping Offer

With auto shipping brokers having that much of a network, they will try to provide the highest quality car transport service at a relatively low price. And that is to your advantage because they are pretty good when negotiating with car carriers.

Although you might have to pay a little extra fee since brokers need to be paid for their services, the amount of benefits you’ll get in one package compensates for that fee.

Save the Automobile Transportation Time

Googling a suitable car carrier is the most time-consuming and tedious task. You have to get in touch with at least a decent number of them to find the best choice, answering a list of questions from each one of them about their trailers, drivers, working regions, operating routes, etc. Auto-shipping brokers save you that time.

Auto Shipping Brokers vs. Car Carriers Comparison table

To summarize the differences between auto shipping brokers and car carriers, we put everything together in one table:

	Auto Shipping Brokers	Car Carriers
Time	Consume less time to process the whole transportation process based on their knowledge and experience working with everyone in the industry.	It might take more time because the client has to ensure many aspects of the transportation process, like the insurance and the routes.
Risks management	Can manage risks better based on their vast network of professionals in the automobile shipping industry.	Can manage risks to a certain level if it falls within their criteria of doing business.
Cost	It might cost slightly more because auto shipping brokers need to be paid. Simultaneously, brokers can sometimes negotiate offers with car carriers that would drop the price significantly.	It might cost less if the client can negotiate the prices well and knows how to get a good deal from the car carrier company.
Diversity	Although they don’t personally own any trailer, they can find any trailer that suits the client’s request.	Mostly they have a limited number of trailers for specific functionalities.
Regulations	Mainly they have a comprehensive knowledge of transportation regulations across the states.	Their knowledge is usually limited to the local regulations in some states based on their work areas.
Client knowledge	The client doesn’t have to know anything about the transportation industry.	The client needs to have a basic understanding of the industry to arrange things correctly.

The Disadvantages of Auto Shipping Brokers

With that being said, auto shipping brokers have their disadvantages. Following are the most common ones:

1. Having an additional party in the car transport process.
2. You can’t vet your carriers and drivers since the shipping broker will do that part.
3. It might result in extra fees since the auto shipping broker will pay for the work.
4. Some brokers are not licensed or legally registered, and they scam people.

Working with well-known and reputable auto shipping broker companies like Tempus Logix can minimize and eliminate those disadvantages.

Best Practices in Choosing Your Auto Shipping Broker

Now, as it has been clear that hiring an auto shipping broker instead of a car carrier is your best option for your car transport, finding the right one is essential. There are some tips to follow a pleasant and satisfying auto transport experience with full benefit from all the advantages and minimized disadvantages:

Research auto shipping brokers before choosing one

The first step in finding an auto shipping broker is researching potential vendors. Reputable brokers must have a proven record that you can check to confirm their professionalism. Also, you should be able to check the broker’s insurance and licensing details.

Read past customer reviews about the shipping broker

Reviews from previous clients can give more insight into the auto shipping brokers’ services and how they will treat your cars. You can find those reviews on their official website, social media, and other valuable websites like Google, BBB, and Yelp.

Don’t just focus on the good reviews; look for the negative ones, and check how the auto shipping broker handles the complaints. Were they answered and resolved? Or just ignored?

Discuss a realistic delivery time and date for your car transportation

Having your car shipped as soon as possible is your primary concern. Unfortunately, this can’t happen in a blink of an eye. Auto-shipping brokers can speedily deliver your vehicle but not instantly. So, when choosing an auto shipping broker, they will provide the best timing they can manage.

Have the right information about your vehicle

Before going to the quotation phase, be sure you have the full information you precisely need along with your requirements. This information includes:

1. Your car description, such as your car model, modifications, and condition.
2. The pickup location and transportation destination.
3. Special requirements like if there is any structural damage they need to be aware of.
4. Quickly check available trailers and their differences to discuss the terms better.

This information will help the auto shipping broker provide the most suitable quote for your car transport.

Cost isn’t the decision-maker

Of course, you’re looking for high-quality service with the lowest cost, but when it comes to finding the best auto shipping broker, the charge is not what you have to decide on. A low price or that rocking discount can be catastrophic and even may damage your car. Therefore, add the low cost as a reasonable criterion, not an essential criterion.

Multiple quotes

After doing those steps correctly, you will shortlist your primary auto shipping brokers. Then, you reach the final stage and contact them. As they are online, some of them have an online car shipping quote calculator that you can have instant quotes. The more quotes you have, the more options you can entertain. Compare those quotes, what you will get as a service, the price, and for how long it’s valid, and make your decision.

Conclusion

It’s understandable how vital your car is for you, and having it transported to a new location can be a delicate situation for anyone. Transport companies, car carriers, and auto shipping brokers are the leading choices.

As this article explained, there are more advantages to dealing with an auto shipping broker company. It does not just have an extra hand for your car transport, with them you grant your car safety, be confident about the driver’s experience, multiple routes to choose, have a full support customer service, and you can have the best offer with free stress and no worries of unexpected problems.

However, to find the right auto shipping broker, you need to follow some tips, as you have to do your research, find out insight through customer reviews, set the right timing, and have complete information. When it comes to the final decision, don’t make it upon the cost only and collect multiple quotes before hiring an auto shipping broker.