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.

How to Transport Heavy Equipment in 2022

Transporting heavy equipment is more complicated than regular cars due to various factors, including the size, weight, and shape of these vehicles. Whether you want to transport heavy equipment to another state or a construction site around the corner, it will be a challenging, time-consuming, and expensive process. Thus, planning is essential in transporting heavy equipment and other main guidelines.

In this article, we will talk about how to transport heavy equipment safely:

Transporting Heavy Equipment vs. Cars

Shipping heavy machinery is more complicated than a regular vehicle in many aspects because of the size and weight of heavy equipment and the long steps that precede their arrival at the final destination. At first, you have to plan the transport carefully by preparing documents to check technical issues. Then comes the need to find the best way to safely load and unload the heavy equipment on the carrier after choosing the appropriate transportation method.

Methods to Transport Heavy Equipment

Unlike usual vehicle transport, heavy equipment does not have a lot of options. Land transporting is the main road for moving heavy machinery, either on transporting trucks (roll-on/roll-off) or cranes.

The same methods can be applied to overseas transport, where the large vehicle can be driven on the vessel, hauled by containers, or on a flat rack if the heavy equipment cannot be operated.

The Preparation Processes

Before even leaving point A, many procedures are required to transport heavy equipment, as many documentations, examinations, and evaluations are needed. Therefore, the key to safe heavy machinery transportation is the good pre-planning:

Conduct a Documented Risk Assessment

Transporting heavy equipment is a huge responsibility. One small detail can lead to massive consequences, so it is vital to assess all the possibilities and perform a risk evaluation by documenting the taken steps and responding to failing situations. It can be conducted by a senior manager or supervisor, who can access all relative data and control the operation.  

Provide Involved Sites and People with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

No matter how prepared you are, it can never get too safe. Therefore, protection tools for the entire team are necessary throughout the whole operation of the heavy equipment transport. In addition, PPE documentation is a risk-reducing strategy that permits the safety protocols you and your crew to adhere to. 

Take Measurements and Dimensions

The cargo cannot be offset without knowing its dimensions. The height, width, length, and weight are essential factors for transporting heavy equipment, as the DOT regulation revolves around them. Moreover, these factors play a role in deciding on the transport method and carrier. Verify and document your machinery’s measurement to avoid fines, delays, or accidents.

Check the Trailer Capacities 

Ensure the truck or vessel has what it takes to carry and hold the equipment taking into consideration their size and power. Inspecting the readiness of the trailer is also a part of the transporting operation, so examine their primary and backup tires, lights, brakes, tie-down points, and hydraulic lines. 

The Loading Processes

It is not just about placing the cargo on the ramp but finding the appropriate way to do so and keeping it secure in that placement. Therefore, there are some main points to follow to ensure reliable heavy equipment transport:

Assign Duties

Chaos is not an option when loading a large vehicle, as everything should be in place so do people. The tasks should be divided among staff members, who need to be informed about their job and standing place, avoiding misunderstandings or confusion.

Inspect the Ramp and Line It with the Machine

Keeping the ramp and trailer’s decks clean is vital in transporting heavy equipment. Any oil, dust, ice, water, or debris can compromise the hauling operation. The ramps should also be leveled with the machinery to ensure a smooth movement. 

Secure the Tie Points

After driving the heavy equipment or placing it on the trailer with a crane, all chains are securely tied down on the appropriate tie-down points and hooks. The driver’s visibility and movement should also be verified, where the heavy-duty vehicle should not form an obstacle for him to exit the vehicle or reach out tools.

Read more about Tips for Your Heavy-Duty Vehicle Transport.

The Transporting Processes

Transporting heavy equipment poses a threat to highways and other cars. Hence, driving the machinery is not only about starting the engine; different strategies to ensure a safe haul are:

Mapping the Road

The course of the transport should be well thought out, where the width of roads and the height of tunnels and bridges should be analyzed. In addition, every turn, stop, and side road should be expected. Although you might not have to do that yourself and the auto transport company will be responsible for these steps, it’s good to be aware of everything and confirm all is well planned.

Schedule Regular Inceptions

Stops stations are designed for two reasons: for the driver to rest for a while and inspect the cargo and truck. Industry safety standards recommend the following as inspection benchmarks while heavy equipment is en route:

1. Once during the first 50 miles of transport.
2. Once every 150 miles or once every 3 hours— whichever comes first for long-distance hauls.
3. Have the new driver run a full inspection at every driver change, then document that assessment in a transport log.

The Unloading Processes    

Finally, the cargo has safely reached the construction site, and it is time to deliver it on the ground. Similarly to how the machinery was loaded on the trailer, it will be unloaded:

1. Prepare the staff, site, and ramps: clear the area out and ensure that every worker is in place and ready. 
2. Free the tie chains: slowly untie all the hooks and links, and set them away.  
3. Put the equipment down: slide the equipment down on the ramps or use a crane to grab and move it with caution. 
4. Final inspections: do one more examination to ensure the heavy equipment was transported safe and sound.

Conclusion

Transporting heavy equipment is a serious manner that needs a careful selection of methods, roads, and tools. Although many hazards are related to heavy-duty vehicle transport, they could be avoided by following the guidelines.

Selecting a reliable auto-transport partner is essential to ensure transportation success. Tempus Logix has years of experience moving heavy-duty vehicles and all other types of cars, and the company handles all the necessary steps on behalf of the client.

Learn more about on Heavy Equipment Transport with Auto Shipping Brokers.

How Much does Car Shipping Cost in 2022? Everything you Need to Know

From shipping midsize cars to shipping classic and collectible vehicles, one of the first questions that a client asks is, “how much does car shipping cost?”

The answer to such a question cannot be predetermined as not all vehicles are the same; some are large, others are midsized; besides destinations differ, that is car owners may transport vehicle to California, others to Arizona etc. The car transport company has to consider many factors until it can say the final word about the quote. So, here, we’ll spotlight the top influencers on the car shipping cost.

Time of Year

Like any other business, there’ll be peak seasons when the need for the service increases dramatically. And car shipping business is no different; the peak season is summer, and the raise might reach a considerable number.

The same goes for winter, which is not a peak season, but car owners and carriers are under tremendous pressure and have many concerns about the unpredicted wind, rain, or snow. These elements will be a huge threat to the shipped cars, shipping vehicles, and drivers. So, it requires taking more care and additional precautions, which will cost the company extra money and time. The raise isn’t precisely fixed; however, it differs from one company to another.

So, if you’re not planning to spend an additional fee, it’s better to ask the company about the car shipping costs at each time of the year and transport yours at the most appropriate period for your budget and time frame.

Delivery Time

Car shipping companies are ready to meet your need for lightning-fast car transport wherever you are, whenever you want. But you have to break the bank a little. If you want the vehicle shipping company to transport your vehicle in a short time, you should be ready to pay an additional fee for that.

However, if you’re flexible regarding the delivery time and have no problems with the date and time expected by the carrier, there’ll be no additional fees.

Distance

Unlike many beliefs, the car shipping cost for long distances isn’t always high-priced; because many factors are involved. For example, if the driver can reach the required destination by taking highway routes, the per-mile cost will decrease even if it’s far.

However, the cost rises if the route is indirect and hardly accessible due to heavy traffic, narrow streets, or any hindrance.

Car Condition

Is your car operable or inoperable? A non-running car requires additional equipment and more procedures to get the job done safely. If the car roll, steer and break, then the carrier will need the help of a tow truck to get the inoperable car in and out of the shipping truck. But, if the vehicle doesn’t roll, steer, or break, a forklift is required. Using these vehicles during the shipment will highly increase the car shipping cost. You can read more about Non-Running Vehicle Shipping.

On the other hand, loading an operable car is more convenient and doesn’t require extra equipment.

Vehicle’s Size

The vehicle’s size is among the most critical factors determining the final quote for your car’s shipment.

Suppose a trailer fits seven midsize cars, and your vehicle is full-size; this will compel the carrier to haul five or fewer midsize cars, so your vehicle is adjusted safely and comfortably. The larger the automobile, the more expensive the fee.

Open Trailer vs. Enclosed Trailer

There’re two types of trailers that a company may use for car shipping.

• The first one is the open trailer which only features a bed; there are no walls or a roof; consequently, it doesn’t provide a high level of protection. The economical price of an open-air trailer is attributed to the trailer’s lightness; it doesn’t burn a lot of fuel, and it’s operable by a light-duty vehicle.

• The enclosed trailer features a bed, walls, roof, and a closed door. It protects the vehicle in transit and from any probable damage and vandalism during the trip. The car shipping cost in an enclosed trailer is expensive because of the high level of protection it guarantees. In addition, an enclosed trailer mostly doesn’t fit seven vehicles as an open trailer does. Read about When to Choose an Enclosed Auto Transport.

Terminal-to-Terminal vs. Door-to-Door Service

When it comes to car drop-off and delivery, there’re two options to select from:

Terminal-to-terminal

You have to drive the vehicle to a specific destination where it’ll be hauled and shipped. You also have to go to a pre-agreed location to pick up your vehicle when it finally arrives. The car shipping cost for this service is less expensive than the following one.

Door-to-door

This type of service is favorable if you want to save time and trouble driving to a predetermined destination that could be far or challenging to access. If you went for this type of service, a carrier would come to the most convenient location to pick up the car and drop it off right at the selected destination.

In Short

All the factors mentioned above strongly influence the final car shipping cost. However, some have more effect than others, for example, the trailer’s type, the car’s size, and time of year. Now, since you got to know what factors will raise the cost and what will lower it, you might be able to estimate an approximate fee for your car transport.

Tempus Logix offers a comprehensive set of vehicle transportation services for affordable prices. The company has successfully delivered over 30,000 vehicles across the states and has a vast network of shipping vendors and professionals that includes over 25,000 transportation contractors.

How Does Car Shipping Cost Calculator Work? Is it Accurate?

Car transportation has never been easy; many operations and factors are included in the shipping process, making it remarkably complicated. Therefore, it is pretty confusing to calculate the cost without understanding what variables will affect the shipping pricing.

Fortunately, car owners won’t have hard times identifying each variable and estimating the cost themselves. car shipping cost calculator is a great solution that can help both companies and clients save their time and effort, allowing people to find out how much they will pay for shipping service to decide whether they can afford to book the service or not.

What is a Car Shipping Cost Calculator?

It is a tool that generates shipping quotes instantly. Leading auto transport companies offer this tool for free on their websites so customers can get quotes for their vehicle’s transporting process.

All auto transporters request the same information to estimate the shipping cost. However, the estimator collects present data and predetermined values ​​to estimate how much the transporting cost will be. Therefore, it is recommended to use this tool for introductory pricing rather than a binding offer.

How Does the Car Shipping Cost Calculator Work?

Auto transport companies build car shipping cost calculators especially for their customers to use through the company website. The calculator can provide a free quote depending on specific information the customers enter about their vehicles, what type of vehicle shipping services they are looking for, and the shipping time and distance.

The cost calculators differ from one company to another. However, all of them may ask the customers to enter the following information:

• The general customer information, including name, email address, and phone number
• The vehicle pickup and delivery locations.
• Required transport type (open auto transport, enclosed auto transport)
• The vehicle information such as its type, model, year of manufacture, and operational situation.
• The predicted pickup and drop-off dates.

Car shipping cost calculator uses all details provided by the clients and presents data to generate an initial bid; and usually the company will set the price within one hour or day maximum.

The Main Factors that Affect the Shipping Cost

There are some crucial factors to evaluate when someone decides to transport their car; those are variables that will affect the final price:

The shipping method

Auto transport companies offer two shipping methods; open auto transport is an economical type of vehicle moving service; it is operated using open trailers, so the ship. Enclosed auto transport, which provides total protection, is more expensive than open trailers.

Read about When to Choose an Enclosed Auto Transport.

The vehicle type and model

The shipping price varies depending on the car model; large vehicles cost more than small ones because they weigh more and need more space to fit on the trailer; moreover, if the carrier adjusted the car by adding some large tires, it will increase the final transporting cost. 

The car’s current condition

Vehicle operating conditions is essential in calculating the auto shipping price; operable cars mean a better quote. However, if the vehicle is inoperable, the auto transport company will use specific equipment to apply the loading and unloading operations which means the car owner must pay more for this extra service.

Fluids leak and mechanical problems require more attention and special treatment during shipping. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the transport company about any current issue they need to be wary of.

Pickup and drop-off date and location

Pickup and drop-off locations play a significant role in the price estimation process; first, the carrier will determine the distance an auto transport trailer travels, the arrival time, and the fuel cost. Furthermore, driving in rural areas means going far from main routes resulting in more fuel and time consumption.

The predicted delivery time also affects the cost; the shorter the duration, the more it will add to the bill. Add to this, bad weather and holiday seasons significantly impact the shipping quote.

Other complimentary services

Auto transport companies offer many services, and the leading shipping service, such as tracking and delivery options, adds extra cost to the equation.

Is the Car Shipping Cost Calculator accurate?

It is essential to know that a cost calculator is a convenient tool to save time; it can provide an approximate price depending on the car owners’ existing values, data, and information.

Although it requires comprehensive information about the vehicle statute, shipping distance, and date, the calculated quote shouldn’t be accepted as a final price. Many unpredictable events may accrue during the shipping process, making it extremely difficult to determine the exact cost. However, the quote offered by the car shipping cost calculator is not entirely accurate, but it is pretty reliable.

Find out How Much does Car Shipping Cost in 2022.

Conclusion

When anyone looks for an auto transport service provider, they consider the cost first; they will decide whether to book the service or search a bit more for other available choices.

This reason prompted companies to think of an easy method to help their customers. Car shipping cost calculator is a great tool offered by shipping companies that generate reliable free quotes within a few hours.

If you are looking for a reasonable and affordable vehicle transport quote, visit Tempus Logix and use the cost estimator on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Car Shipping

As the number of investors in the classic cars field increases gradually, the need for transporting these vehicles is on the rise. Classic and collectible car owners might need to get their car shipped to an auto show, auction, or even a buyer, which raises many questions and concerns about auto transport companies and their services. This article will answer all the questions that might cross a client’s mind about classic car shipping.

Why Should I Ship My Classic Car?

You should ship your classic car because it’s a valuable belonging. Driving it from one place to another might reduce its value due to any damage caused by various circumstances on the road, like weather conditions, accidents, scratches, and others. Classic car maintenance isn’t easy because finding replacement parts is nearly impossible, let alone finding an expert who knows how to handle vintage vehicles professionally.

Furthermore, classic car shipping saves the owner time and energy since driving a classic car for long distances might not be that convenient.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship My Collectible Car?

There’s no fixed answer for such a question because many factors contribute to the classic car shipping cost. For example, when you contact an auto transport company to get a quote, they’ll ask about the car’s model and weight, pick-up location, delivery destination, timeframe, insurance status, etc. The shipping company will quote accordingly depending on the overall situation of the trip and the collectible car.

Some companies offer a free online car shipping cost estimator so clients can immediately calculate how much they need to pay to get their vehicle transported.

You can learn more about the Factors Affecting Car Shipping Cost.

What’s the Difference between an Enclosed and an Open Trailer. Which is better?

The difference between an enclosed and an open trailer is in the service each one provides based on its specification.

An open trailer

It’s an open-air trailer where a car will be exposed to all weather conditions, like dirt, dust, sunlight, etc. The open auto transport method is the most common due to its reasonable price and acceptable quality. Many companies recommend this kind of trailer if the delivery destination is close.

An enclosed trailer

It has four walls and a roof, in a way or another, it looks like a container on wheels, which means that nothing from the surrounding environment will be able to reach the car and cause any damage. This service is highly secure and guarantees a high level of protection. So, it’s more expensive and takes a long time to prepare, haul, and deliver the vehicle.

An enclosed trailer is the unnegotiable answer for classic car shipping. This kind of trailer guarantees the best protection to the collectible car from road hazards and harsh weather conditions that a vehicle might encounter throughout the trip.

Read about the Advantages of Enclosed Auto Transport.

Can I Ship My Inoperable Classic Car?

Yes, you can ship your inoperable classic cars. Most classic car shipping companies provide transport services for cars that don’t run. The carrier asks about the car’s state and why it doesn’t run; is it because of a flat tire, flat battery, or is it entirely wrecked, so they figure out how to handle the transportation without causing any damage to the car. But, transporting an inoperable classic car requires extra care; consequently, additional fees.

How Can I Guarantee My Classic Car’s Safety?

It’s all about hiring a trustworthy classic car shipping company. A client has to conduct comprehensive research on the selected company by reading previous clients’ reviews, checking the quality and efficiency of its equipment and vehicles, and how long they have been in the field. 

Tempus Logix is a vehicle transportation company with a massive network of over 25,000 shippers and a proven record of success delivering over 30,000 cars nationwide. The company has over 1000 reviews online from satisfied clients.

Read more about the Tips to Safely Transport Your Classic Car.

How to Prepare My Classic Car for the Shipment?

To prepare a classic car for shipment, you must follow these steps:

1. Clean the car inside out, so it becomes spotless.
2. Remove all belongings and valuable items.
3. Check out the fluids.
4. Charge the battery.
5. Document the car’s state.

How Can I Document the Car’s Condition Before the Shipment?

To document a car’s condition before shipment, take photos, and record videos of the classic vehicle to confirm its condition before shipping. The car should be clean and sportless, so all the scratches and existing damage are visible in the photos/videos.

Is My Vehicle Insured during the Shipment?

All classic car shipping companies cover the damages that might occur during the load and unload of the car. Insurances differ from one company to another. In addition, the coverage amount will be divided among all the vehicles in the trailer. So, the more the cars, the less the coverage. You should always check the insurance conditions with the carrier.

Can a Transport Company Deliver My Classic Car to My Home?

Most companies provide door-to-door service, and they pick up the car right from the client’s door and deliver it to the new owner. However, this service isn’t applicable in all cases since there’re a lot of restrictions on large trucks as they’re huge and might not be able to access residential areas and turn into narrow streets.

But this service is better than terminal-to-terminal shipping service if the car is inoperable. 

How Far in Advance should I Book a Shipper?

If it’s the first time a client is shipping their classic car, they should book the shipper two weeks in advance to have enough time to figure out their options and prepare the vehicle properly. On the other hand, suppose the owner is familiar with the classic car shipping process; 5-7 days is enough. After all, it depends on the destination and how far it is.

In Short

It’s hard to trust a classic car transport company as the risks are many and the car is precious. However, when a client gets an answer to all their questions and is well-informed about the whole process and the car shipping steps from A to Z, it might give them peace of mind and the courage to hire a trustworthy classic car shipping company.

Auto Shipping for College Students in the USA

High school is over, applications were sent, and college admissions were received. Now, it is time to move on to the next level, and with packing things, the same question arises: “should it stay, leave, or come?”.

High-value belongings such as cars need some planning to move from your hometown to the campus. Taking your auto with you to college facilitates your transportation in the new city and improves your lifestyle. In addition, it means keeping some of your old memories and sweet moments with you.

Car shipping for college students is a reasonable option because it saves time and effort and provides a safer method than driving to the new destination. Here are some tips from an auto transport company about car shipping for college students in the USA.

Why Do College Students Need Their Cars?

College students need their cars for various reasons. For example, it comes in handy to travel around a new area with a car or go for a hustle-free grocery shopping. Even better, having a car gives the student more freedom to choose where to live, as they won’t have to live on campus with a roommate.

Why Choose Auto Shipping for College Students?

Some might think a road trip to the campus could be quite an adventure before starting the semester and consider driving their vehicle rather than shipping it. But conversely, auto shipping for college students is more convenient and essential than people think:

Time

Driving your car to the campus is not as easy as you think, especially if your hometown is not close to your school. Sometimes, the trip would take days, and the weather might not suit a long journey. Shipping your car gives you more time to spend with your family and friends before you leave. You can also travel to the campus ahead and start exploring the place until your car arrives.

Safety

No one likes surprises on the way to a new life, and driving for a long distance has many. It is also safer and more secure, avoiding accidents or unpleasant malfunctions.

Flexibility

Suppose you can’t decide whether you need your car on campus or not; you can decide at any time with auto shipping. After arriving at the new place, settle down, tour around and get to know the campus well; then, if you decide you will need your car, the car shipping for college student services will cover all the details.

When to Use Auto Shipping for College Students

August is the peak season for auto shipping for college students as they prepare to move out of their parent’s homes. Therefore, it is best to consider scheduling a car shipping earlier than your arrival date to ensure that no delay will occur.

Tips for Auto Shipping for College Students

Auto shipping for college students might seem complicated if you’re doing it for the first time. Because it is a single delivery and you want it delivered to the campus on time. We present you with several tips about auto shipping for college students in the USA.

What to do before shipping a car for a college student?

After you have chosen a carrier for your car, it is time to prepare the vehicle:

1. Conduct general checkups and ensure all parts are functional, no oil leakage, and the breaks are in good shape. It protects your car from getting damaged on the road.
2. Wash the car interior and exterior as you want to receive a clean auto ready to roll, not wasting your time finding a nearby car-washing service when you receive it.
3. Empty your personal belongings of the storage compartment, door side, backseat, and trunk. Do not leave any important documents, money, jewelry, or any valuable item that can be stolen.
4. Contrary to expected, it would help if you left the gas tank only a fourth full because it is safer to transport a car without filling the tank.
5. Do not forget to fold the mirrors, secure all attached parts, and retract the antenna.

Here is a detailed Guide to Car Shipping for College Students.

How to Schedule Car Shipping for College Students?

Enquire about the approximate time of your arrival on the campus and leave a day or two for the car shipping because you do not want to add another stress factor since you’ll have enough to worry about.

Inform about the distance between your home and campus, then calculate the days needed for transporting your vehicle, as according to the DOT in the USA, car shipping drivers are not allowed to drive more than 500 miles per day.

For example, if you need to arrive on campus on August 20, the car must be received on August 21 or 22. And if the distance between home and the university is 3500 miles, then auto shipping will take approximately seven days, which means the shipping date should be August 14.

Stay in Touch with the Auto Transport Company

Keep in contact with the shipping company, so you would have an update on the time and know if anything happens, such as a delay or an accident, to have enough time to make changes to your plans.  

Conclusion

Car shipping for college students has never been easier, and nowadays, many companies offer this service on a professional level. Tempus Logix has years of experience in transporting vehicles across the states. You can check the company’s website online to learn more about car transportation services and read over 1000 reviews from satisfied customers.

Boat Transport Companies: Everything You Need to Know

Sailing is exciting, but boat transportation is not. There are a lot of times when boat owners need to transport their boats to a different port or a storage facility to keep them safe till the next sailing season.

However, thanks to boat transport companies, the process is no longer complicated, especially if you fully understand everything that has to do with it. This article will introduce boat transportation, its advantages, and some practical tips for choosing the best boat transport company.

Boat Transport Methods

Whatever the reason to transport your boat, deciding the transportation method depends on your boat size and transport requirements:

Transport the boat using its trailer

Although you can do it yourself if you have a boat-motor-trailer and a suitable vehicle to haul the load, we don’t recommend this option unless you have excellent experience shipping boats because it’s not as easy. 

Sail the boat to the new port

Sailing the boat is also an option. It actually depends on the destination and whether or not it can be reached by sailing. However, you can consider hiring a professional sailor if you’re unsure about doing it yourself.

Hire a boat transport company

Hiring the services of a boat transport company is a good option in many circumstances. Auto transport companies have the required trailers, equipment, and experience in handling such shipments.

What is a boat transport company?

Boat transport companies are responsible for transporting boats by hauling them overland. These companies have their trailers, professional drivers, and dedicated expert staff for loading and unloading processes, including picking up the boat and taking all the safety measures to deliver the boat on time. Usually, boat transport companies are familiar with available routes and knowledgeable of all boat transport regulations.

Why get a boat transport company?

Boats are often categorized as large cargo, which requires an expert to transport across the states. Although it might seem simple, the process embodies various difficulties and concerns that must be addressed for a safe and legal transport.

Auto transport companies have the knowledge, equipment, and skills in large cargo transportation and can handle it better than inexperienced individuals.

Following are the advantages of a boat transport company:

Professionalism

Boat transportation requires preparing essential documentation about safety measures and insurance policies. Besides that, special tools shall be utilized to firmly hold the boat’s position on the trailer and ensure nothing could go wrong during transportation.

Worry-Free

A boat transport company will relieve you from the burden of transportation. Choose the right service provider, and they will handle everything, from loading the boat on a suitable trailer to unloading the boat at your preferred destination. They will take the necessary precautions to ensure a smooth process from A to Z.

Insurance

Auto transport companies provide insurance policies to cover unanticipated events through the boat transport process. However, it’s important to check the insurance policy yourself and confirm what it covers and what it doesn’t cover.

Cost-Effective

Transporting a boat requires renting a boat trailer if you don’t have one, fuel, a truck that can haul the boatload, and sometimes additional taxes and fees. Meanwhile, an auto transport company could offer an affordable solution.

Tempus Logix offers a boat shipping cost calculator that can calculate the cost in a matter of seconds.

How to choose a boat transport company?

Avoid trouble by choosing a good service provider to transport your boat. Here are the fundamental criteria to consider when selecting a boat transport company:

Legal authorization

Reputable companies must be legally authorized and licensed to handle similar shipments. Usually, such documentation can be found at the bottom of the company’s website. If you can’t find it, you can ask for it straightforwardly.

Boat transport company experience

Experience sets companies apart. Look for a company with a proven record of success in boat transportation. When you talk to them, ask the following questions to verify their skills.

1. How long has the company been in the industry?
2. How many boats has the company transported?
3. Have they ever transported a boat like yours?

Insurance policy

Handling such a valuable vehicle requires having a good insurance policy. Despite hiring a professional company, never underestimate the importance of a firm insurance policy. No one knows what might happen unintentionally during the transportation. Check the procedure yourself, and negotiate the terms if you think something is not as good.

Outstanding Communication

Customer support plays a vital role in boat transportation, from answering questions to regular updates about the shipping progress. Choose a company with a responsive and reliable customer support team. Check their website and find out what channels they offer in this regard, online chat, phone calls, emails, etc.

Customer reviews

Evaluate the company’s services by checking customer reviews online. Nowadays, you can find reviews easily with a single click. Moreover, you can try contacting some of them and directly ask about their experience with the company.

Conclusion

Auto transport companies are usually available for boat transportation. Check all the details about the company to ensure you’re hiring the right service provider to transport your beloved boat.

Tempus Logix is an experienced auto transport company with years of experience, and over 30,000 delivered vehicles across the United States. The company ships all vehicles regardless of their shape or weight. Heavy-duty vehicles, cars, classic cars, sports cars, boats, motorbikes, etc.

Tips on What to Look for in Enclosed Auto Transport Companies

Have you ever tried to type “Enclosed Auto Transport Companies in my city” in your search engine? If yes, you were surprised by tons of results, making it more challenging to decide what company to hire.

Searching for a trustworthy auto transport company is challenging, especially if you are moving a classic and collectible car from one place to another. So, you must be puzzled and overwhelmed. However, we will make that job easier for you by providing the top 7 tips on what to look for in Enclosed Auto Transport Companies.

Make sure the company is registered

The auto transport industry is one of the most regulated industries, watched over by (DOT) the Department of Transport, and (FMCSA) the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Enclosed Auto Transport Companies must follow all safety and insurance regulations by FMCSA.

Once the company completes the registration process, it will be issued an MC number and DOT number to operate its work legally.

Although it seems obvious to check whether the vehicle transport company you want to deal with is registered, many people forget to confirm this before booking the service. If the company doesn’t provide you with their MC number or is “not authorized,” it is better to get them off the list and look for a registered company.

They must be insured

Selecting a registered company is essential, but it is not enough to ensure the adequate protection you seek for your car. Enclosed auto transport companies must maintain insurance to clarify what damage or accident they will cover and be responsible for.

Ask for a copy of the insurance papers and verify if it is up to date with the service provider. Ensure the transport company can file a claim on your behalf when needed; this way, you won’t be responsible for anything during the car shipping. 

Choose a company with relevant experience

Enclosed auto transport is often used to move classic and collectible cars (Read more about Advantages of Enclosed Auto Transport). Therefore, a wide experience and qualified staff are required to ensure the transported vehicle’s safety.

Experience is a critical factor when comparing different Enclosed Auto Transport Companies; it is the best way to verify if the company is eligible enough to carry the shipping task.

It is not a good idea to go for a company that doesn’t have an excellent track record of successful transport operations; since the record is proof of their accomplishments through the years.

Read other customers’ reviews

Customer reviews can reveal a lot about the service. Fortunately, people no longer need to look for someone who has hired a specific company and call them to ask about the details. Social media platforms and specialized websites can save you time and effort by presenting you with tons of reviews written by customers who have received the transport service you want to use.

Enclosed Auto Transport Companies usually reply to reviews written on their websites; you can benefit from this by looking at their responses to negative comments; if they ignore it or don’t give a proper explanation, then it is more likely that you will be treated the same way if you go for their service.

Check the payment options

Payment methods say a lot about the company; several options mean that the company does care for its customer’s satisfaction. Professional Enclosed Auto Transport Companies offer payment options such as credit cards, cashier’s checks, and debit cards. You have to be careful not to deal with service providers who only accept wire transfer methods since it is challenging to trace compared with other choices.

Look for a company that suits your needs and budget

All Enclosed Auto Transport Companies provide the leading service, shipping vehicles, and equipment from point A to B. Still, you might have noticed that each offers different prices because complementary services are not everywhere.

When looking for a reliable car shipping company, it is essential to consider the whole service package, including tracking and delivery options, e.g., door-to-door service, delivery time, and insurance. After getting enough information, you will evaluate the quotes and make the right decision.

Don’t choose a company just because the price is low; similarly, a high price doesn’t always mean the service will be better, find the correct balance between what you want and what you are willing to pay. Find out What Factors Affect Car Shipping Costs.

Too-good-to-be-true deals don’t exist

Trustworthy Enclosed Auto Transport Companies care a lot about their reputation; they will always provide the best service for the right price. Auto transport is not easy since it takes time, effort, proper vehicles, and qualified employees. Thus, auto transport companies can’t offer their services for a low price.

If a company offers to transport your vehicle for a very low price, they are not trustworthy; it may take them a long time, or they use low-quality tools and equipment.

Conclusion

Now you are aware of the basis to compare Enclosed Auto Transport Companies. It is the time to make the right decision and hire a company you can trust with your vehicle.   Tempus Logix is a vehicle transportation company with years of experience across the United States. The company has delivered over 30,000 vehicles of different types—a reliable and affordable auto-transportation company with over 1000 reviews from satisfied clients.

How to Haul Collectible Cars Across the States: Best Advice

Suppose you want to haul your classic and collectible car across the states for any reason. In that case, you have to ensure that a professional shipping company performs the hauling process. It helps avoid any risks and ensures your car will arrive at its destination undamaged and in the best condition. Considering the basic ins and outs, you can rest assured that your car shipment will go smoothly.

Pick the Best Classic Car Transport Company

Hiring a reliable classic car transport company is not an easy task. There are many aspects to consider before deciding on the perfect choice for your vehicle safety:

• Professional team specialized in collectible vehicle hauling: you can verify the company’s efficiency through their classic and collectible car transporting track record. You will get an idea whether it is a reliable classic car transport company or not.
• Insurance: all classic car transport companies should provide insurance proof, including what damage they will cover if anything happens during the transportation and what damage to cover yourself. They make this decision depending on the collectible car’s value.
• Delivery options: each company has delivery options, such as door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping.
• Other services: A reliable classic car transport company should offer you the ability to communicate with the carrier and order GPS tracking to check your car location. 

Tip: Tempus Logix is a reliable classic car transport company and an experienced service provider across the states. From shipping boats and luxury yachts to heavy-duty vehicles and collectible cars.

Choose the Best Collectible Car Transport Method

There are two methods used to transport vintage cars from one place to another; it is essential to know the difference between them so you can choose the right type for your vehicle:

• Open auto transport is the most used method to transport cars, several cars –usually 8 to 10 are secured on an open trailer. Open classic cars’ shipping cost is more economical than enclosed classic cars’ transport. But, road and weather conditions will affect the vehicle. However, the chance for even minor damage is rare, but many classic and collectible car owners don’t prefer to use this type of shipment. Another disadvantage of open trailers is that most of them don’t have a winch for inoperable cars, so it is essential to ask about such details before deciding what transport method to approve.
• Enclosed auto transport: this method of classic car shipping costs more than the latest, but it adds more protection to collectible vehicles; it carries a few vehicles. Suppose you consider your car investment and are concerned about external elements, e.g., rain and dust. In that case, we recommend going with enclosed classic cars transport to avoid any damage caused by outside debris and bad weather.

Be Aware of Shipping Price Calculations

Remember to choose the appropriate shipping service for your budget. Some companies like Tempus Logix offer instant calculations on their websites. However, there are several aspects to consider for the shipping equation.

• Transport type: as mentioned before, the transport method affects the classic car shipping cost. Enclosed transport is more expensive because it provides the perfect protection for your car.
• Vehicle model and state: shipping an operable car is cheaper than moving an inoperable one. The latter requires special tools in addition to loading and unloading your vehicle. 
• Delivery option: door-to-door transport cost isn’t the same as terminal-to-terminal; you can decide what delivery option to choose depending on your budget.
• The distance: another factor you have to consider is the distance between point A and point B; the longer the journey, the more it will cost.

Get to Know What Hauling Tools the Company Uses

There are a few things every collectible car owner should know about hauling equipment.

1. Classic car transport companies have many types of car haulers:
   1. Car hauler: is used to transporting only one car from one place to another, usually within less than 100miles; it’s perfect for inoperable cars. Some of these haulers have chains, and others are equipped with straps to prevent any damage during the shipping process.
   2. 2-3 and 4-6 car haulers: the first option isn’t for long-distance shipment, while regional transporters use 4-6 haulers. Its small size gives the driver a flexible driving ability.
   3. 7-8 and 9-8 car haulers are shipping companies’ most commonly used. The large capacity makes the classic car shipping cost more reasonable for both company and customers. It is also the best choice for long-distance journeys.
2. Winches and Cables: the most popular items in the shipping industry are winches and cables; it is crucial to check the availability of these tools with your service provider, especially if your car is inoperable.
3. Straps and Chains: transport service companies use belts and chains to keep all vehicles in place; make sure that your car won’t have any materials in contact with its frame or body.

Double-Check Your Collectible Car Insurance and Pre-Shipping Condition

Even though the shipping companies provide their insurance for your vehicle, this is not enough to ensure the car’s safety; call your insurance company to get more details. Before transporting it, take some pictures or even a video of your vehicle, and write down any significant damage or mechanical issues. Then, after the delivery, check the car carefully and report any new damage if found.

Prepare Your Car for the Trip

Now that you are ready to ship your car, a few more steps are beneficial:

• Remove any personal and valuable belongings
• Fully charge the battery
• Empty the fuel tank for less than ¼
• Check other liquids levels

Conclusion

People usually invest a considerable amount of money in their collectible vehicles, which makes its transportation process require extra attention and a lot of experience in the field. Classic car owners who want to haul their vehicles must look for reliable classic car transport companies to guarantee the safest shipment possible.

Risks of Shipping Classic Cars in the USA

Most classic car owners value their precious vehicles greatly; why wouldn’t they when it costs a fortune to buy a collectible car and take care of it! There will be a time when the owners need to transport their vehicles, and the last thing they want to happen is to find some damage when they receive them.

Auto transport companies offer professional services and insurance coverage for damage related to the shipping process. However, this article will introduce vintage vehicle owners to all the risks associated with shipping classic cars in the USA.

Booking an Unsuitable Transport Method

Auto transport companies offer two primary vehicle shipping services: open transport and enclosed transport. Each technique can be used in specific circumstances. However, the latter is the best choice for shipping classic cars since it provides complete protection to the vehicles on board. Read more about When to Choose Enclosed Auto Transport.

Cars transported via open trailers are exposed to external elements; they may get dirty in dusty weather or rainy days, and even worse, they may be at risk of actual damage due to road hazards. Anyway, if you choose this method, read about How to Protect your Classic Car While It’s on Open Trailers.

Failing to Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Company

There are many things to say about how essential it is to hire a trustworthy company to prevent potential damage.

License

The auto transport company must be licensed by the transport department and assigned an MC number to operate legally. Suppose the company isn’t licensed, or their MC number was invalid. In that case, it’s more likely the company is not trustworthy for shipping classic cars because they don’t follow the safety and insurance regulations set by FMCSA. 

The tools and equipment

The equipment used in the transporting process differs from one company to another; trailers and trucks’ models aren’t the same everywhere. Enclosed trailers are often provided with a hydraulic lift that can go down to the ground allowing horizontal load for the vehicles; the lift guarantees a safe load for all vehicles, especially the low-clearance types.

The tools used to secure vehicles can put them in danger. Sometimes, chains are used to keep the car steady, which might cause some damage, especially if it’s warped closely to the car’s body. Auto transport companies specializing in shipping classic cars use nylon straps to secure the vehicles and prevent damage. 

Auto-transport team 

A professional team is also an essential factor to consider when choosing the shipping company since they will be in direct contact with the transported vehicles; drivers, for example, play a prominent role in protecting shipped cars.

If the trailer driver is skilled enough, they will reduce the chances of an accident. Most accidents occur because of driving mistakes, like exceeding speed limits, driving too closely to others, narrow focus, and fatigue.

You can check online reviews about auto-transport companies to learn more about their teams and how professional they are. Tempus Logix has over a thousand reviews from satisfied clients across the United States. A record that’s good enough to state how professional and trustworthy the company is.

Costs 

Shipping classic cars often impose additional costs to ensure the vehicle is safe and the transportation process is risk-free. Although everyone wants that for their vehicles, whether collectible or not, the insurance and equipment might differ for classic cars.

Collectible car owners often hire an enclosed transport service that is quite expensive compared with open auto transport. However, the cost varies from one company to another because the complementary services differ, and the quality may not be the same.

Before deciding what company to go with, it is recommended to evaluate the quote and measure whether it is compatible with the provided service or not. It helps avoid paying an extra fee for shipping classic cars when it is possible to get a similar service or even a better one for the same price. 

Payment methods

As for the payment method, auto transport companies offer their clients multiple payment choices, including credit cards, cashier’s checks, and debit cards. Companies that are only allowed to pay the fees via wire transfer can’t be genuinely trusted since this method is challenging to trace compared to other available options. Hence, shipping classic cars with an untrusted company means a risk of losing the transportation money or, worse, the vehicle itself.  

The Risks Related to Improper Pre-Shipping Preparation

Not all risks are related to what others have to do with the transportation process; The classic car owner is responsible for the vehicle’s safety as much as the auto transport company. So, before shipping classic cars, there are a few things to avoid:

Keeping the personal belongings inside the car: One of the mistakes no one wants to make is forgetting to remove personal and valuable items before shipping; these belongings may get stolen or damaged during the transportation process. Moreover, the company insurance doesn’t cover this sort of damage, and therefore they won’t be responsible for it.

Shipping classic cars without documenting their current condition: Auto transport companies will only pay for proven damage due to the shipping process. The car owner must document every single detail and submit it to the company so they can compare the car’s arrival condition with recorded documents.

Conclusion

Shipping classic cars involve various types of risks. That is why the owners must be cautious when choosing a reliable company. They should prepare the vehicles the best they can before the shipping to ensure the safety of their valuable collectible cars.