Dealerships and Auto Transportation
Cars are an integral feature of most people’s lives, and thus, the majority of Americans have gone through the process of purchasing a car through dealerships. As a result, we’ve all probably spent more time than we’d like at local dealerships or doing online research for finding a car that best meets our needs.
Nonetheless, there are also several steps between purchasing a vehicle and receiving it at the desired destination. Therefore, we would like to shed light on the behind-the-scenes of the process.
The Bond Between the Two
Firstly, it is worth mentioning that running a car dealership necessitates careful planning and specific preparations. There are several factors to consider, such as the dealership’s location, the state of the local market, startup and operational costs, etc. In addition, car dealers must consider their local market, whether to sell used cars in addition to new ones, what startup costs they will face, and how to develop a fully functioning business (learn about how to become a car reseller / dealer.
Considering all the aspects of the process, dealers need a reliable partner for systematically shipping the cars from the manufacturer’s factory or the initial location of the previous car owner.
For some, the fact that manufacturers transport so many automobiles may appear ironic. Given that the vehicle’s function is mainly to provide transportation, companies annually transport millions of cars to dealer lots through auto transport companies.
Why Dealerships Transport
If the companies instead drove to the corresponding dealership, consumers would also perceive new cars as being used. As a result, regardless of the vehicle’s origin or location of the assembly plant, the automobiles should be shipped to the dealers’ location. To present the scale of the number of shipments to the dealerships, we can note the number of currently operating new car dealer businesses in the United States. In 2021, the number of new car dealership businesses in the US was 17,726.
Used automobiles are transported across the country by car dealers as well. According to statistics, the figures of sales of used cars in the US are around 40 million. Franchise and independent dealers sold approximately 66.6 % of the used cars. Moreover, the interested parties are often obliged to transport the used vehicles through multiple trip stops. The owners ship them firstly to auctions or wholesale operations before the dealer receives the car.
Read also – can a dealership ship a car to another dealership
Avoidance of Public Transportation
Consumer behavior has also changed over time, particularly during the pandemic. Even though car sales, in general, were down, as was every other industry. They were higher among 18–35-year-olds in the summer of 2020, owing to the fear of contracting the virus in public transportation or maintaining social distance in rideshares.
Previously, millennials living in cities would prefer to rent and use public transportation. However, after pandemics and numerous lockdowns, they have begun to purchase their cars, thus creating a more secure means of transportation for themselves. This change in perspective has indirectly increased the number of transactional activities for both dealerships and auto transport companies. As a result, auto transport companies and dealerships are making further partnerships to make the whole process for the clients more flexible.
Car Buyers Receive their Cars
The same goes for the process of getting the car after the customers purchase it. They have two options: organize the shipment themselves through an auto transport company or ask a dealer to arrange it for them. Individual preferences are usually taken into account when making a decision. It is common practice in the dealership industry to form partnerships with certain auto transport companies to coordinate shipping for each area. In many cases, this will simplify the process for customers. They would not be required to find the auto transport company and arrange the entire process themselves.
The Qualities that Make an Auto Transport Company Great
Choosing a great auto transport company is exhausting and time-consuming, especially if you are looking for the best of the best. We understand your worries and concerns regarding your vehicle safety and the reliability of the car shipping company. So, we made up a list of top qualities that you should pay attention to while selecting the company that will transport your car.
Fair Price
Unfortunately, the car shipping market is full of service providers that do not behave very honestly with their customers in terms of costs. A good car transportation company is transparent; they provide all prices at once and have no other hidden bills. And if prices change because of unexpected and unforeseen circumstances, they should inform you about them as soon as possible and with clear explanations.
Shipping Insurance
A respectable auto transport company exclusively works with carriers who offer insurance that covers a wide range of factors of automobile shipment. It guarantees that the shipping is secure and the vehicle is completely safe. When you place an order, they should have registered insurance coverage of their carriers that you may get and review at any time.
Customer Reviews
Getting a verified customer review nowadays may seem a little tricky as there are a lot of fake review generators on the Internet. Many car shipping companies use these deceptive techniques to gain a good reputation. However, by conducting proper research, it becomes clear which reviews are from real users. Ensure to rely only on a proven track record. Learn more about How Important Are Reviews in Auto Transport.
Professional Team
To make a great staff, a car service company would hire only professionals with certificates. The employees should have the manner to treat you in a way which will make you happy and satisfied after all. They should care for your vehicle as you would.
Variety of Shipping Types
Of course, you are not going to require all of the shipping types at once. However, considering car service companies with a rich number of services to offer – speaks about their volume of work and professionalism in different options of car shipping.
Delivery Timelines
Look for an auto transportation company that offers acceptable delivery timelines and follows the tracking process to ensure timeliness. Most of the car service providers will offer a timeline with a few extra days. It is better to have a little late and happy delivery than early promised but prolonged shipping followed by excuses.
Review the Website
The website is the first impression the visitor gets about the company. If there are obvious spelling mistakes, errors, or the design looks as old as in the 90’s you would hardly get a great picture of it. An ideal website should have clear-cut content, specifications of the pricing models, shipping details, registration numbers, auto shipping calculator, etc.
Car Shipping Tracking
Whenever needed, you should be able to get information from your car-shipping company about the whereabouts of your vehicle. You can do this by contacting your service provider. Many of them also include a pre-determined chronology or timeframe that provides information on the vehicle’s location and delivery status while in transit. For example, Tempus Logix always provides its customers ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival). In addition, we give 24 hours’ notice of the vehicle’s arrival and then with another notice 2 to 4 hours before the actual delivery.
Excellent Customer Service
You should be able to contact your vehicle shipping company any time you have a question or need some explanations. The customer service should have extended hours and be patient with all your questions, giving you detailed information about your shipment.
Please, keep these qualities in mind while making your selection. Choose the company that not only offers the services you want, but you would also trust your vehicle for them to move. Make sure that you choose the right car shipping company, such as Tempus Logix.
Tempus Logix Auto transport, how it works (818) 665-2090
Ask for an instant quote from our website. https://TempusLogix.com/ A short video about car transport, we also ship motorcycles, heavy equipment and boats. As one of the biggest car shipping companies in the USA market, we want to make your shipping experience better.
Costly Mistakes People Make When Shipping Their Vehicle
Shipping a car from one place to another has some nuances any vehicle owner should know before preparing their vehicle for transport. No one wants to make any mistakes while applying for a car transport service. Nevertheless, there are some common mistakes to be aware of and a vehicle-shipping checklist to look through thoroughly.
Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for Vehicle Shipping
- Choosing a wrong car shipping company
The initial research of car transport service providers is the number one guarantee of having safe and secure car shipping. You will especially need high-level safety for classic car shipping and expensive motorcycle transport. Apply to only registered shipping companies. Search for online reviews and read them attentively. - Leaving personal items in the vehicle
If you leave any of your personal belongings in the car, the shipping company will not be responsible for them. Even if you have shipping insurance, your stolen or damaged items won’t be covered. To escape situations like this, avoid loading your vehicle with any other stuff. Most of the vehicle transport companies will even thoroughly examine the car to forbid any side-items. - Skipping the car preparation
Before handing over your car to the vehicle shipping company, make sure to take pictures carefully. Photograph every scratch and mark to have proof about your car’s condition. If you find anything new while collecting your vehicle, you will have the pictures to prove its damages. Besides, supervise the process and be present during the car moving. - Lack of required documents
Naturally, you will waste both your time and your driver’s if you do not have the needed documents ready in your hands. You will get the complete list of required documents from your car shipping company. Usually, it includes your photo identification, valid license, passport or ID, vehicle registration, car insurance, etc. - Lack of insurance documents
One of the common mistakes car owners usually make. No matter the price of your vehicle – whether it is cheap or expensive – always make sure to have auto transport insurance coverage. This way you will guarantee that you will not get into financial troubles if anything happens to your car during the transport. - Asking for a precise delivery date
It is difficult to predict the exact time of delivery. Anything can happen during the shipping, especially if the distance is long. No one can predict traffic issues or weather changes, so providing you with an accurate delivery date is tricky enough. Expect to have a 1 to 6–business day window. Meanwhile, you can keep in touch with your shipping company to ensure that everything goes well and receive updates on the delivery status. - Believing in unrealistic vehicle shipping quotes
Low costs for car shipping may seem attractive, but they can be tricky. There are some standard market rates, so be aware of too low vehicle shipping quotes. Even if you have a low upfront quote, the shipping company may ask you to pay the rest for delivering your vehicle to the desired location. - Delaying the scheduling of your shipment
There are many car-shipping companies. However, because the demand is high, you may find it hard to schedule the shipment on your desired date. Make at least a month’s notice to the vehicle transport company to ensure that there are still some free spots left.
Tips to Avoid These Mistakes:
- Research the companies thoroughly
- Unload your car fully
- Take pictures of your car
- Prepare the needed documents beforehand
- Check the insurance papers
- Stay realistic with the vehicle shipping dates and quotes
- Schedule the car shipping date beforehand
How to Ship a Vintage Motorcycle
Vintage bikes are beautiful and majestic for bike enthusiasts, but they can also be fragile and high maintenance. As a result, they require appropriate special care and attention to detail during both storage and transportation.
There are a variety of reasons why people ship their motorcycles, but the most prevalent is
relocation. Because they have a lot of stuff to take care of during the relocation, hiring a
motorcycle shipping company is the best option. Consider how much preparation you will need to undertake if you are planning to relocate. You will not have much time to get out on your bike and ride to your new place.
Delivering motorcycles to buyers or sellers, taking them on vacation, and attending motorcycle events and rallies are possible reasons as well. Those who own luxury or vintage motorcycles would also do this to avoid adding miles to the odometer. Vintage motorcycles are already old, so they require special care. If you fail to ship your old motorcycle appropriately, you will end up finding expensive bike parts – not to mention that they are hard to find now.
Whatever the reason, there are numerous factors to consider before shipping your prized
motorcycles to a new location.
Preparation Steps for Shipping Vintage Motorcycle
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for transporting bikes. Though, if you want your vintage or classic motorcycles to arrive safely and securely, you should use an enclosed transportation carrier. This way, you can prevent your bike from damaging while driving through narrow streets and turns or while driving during bad weather in winter.
Read more about Types of Trailer Used for Shipping Vehicles.
Before loading your classic motorcycle onto a truck, take the following steps to ease your
motorcycle shipping experience:
- Remove all accessories such as hard-shell cases and side bags. be prepared with all documents.
- Drain all of the fluids (keep in mind that a wooden crate is easily flammable).
- If at all possible, unplug or remove the battery.
- Wash the motorcycle.
Costs to Ship a Vintage Vehicle
Below are some of the factors that may influence the total cost of your motorcycle shipment.
Open transportation carriers are cheaper, but if you want safe shipping, look for an enclosed truck that offers more protection against the elements. In both cases, special safeguards in the trailer will secure your bike. The difference is that the enclosed auto transport also provides maximum defense against any damages thanks to enclosed sides and a roof. Hiring an enclosed truck does not mean paying for the entire truck. Note that there can be no remaining space due to other loaded vehicles. Hence, other vehicle owners will also cover the truck cost.
Rates vary a lot throughout the year. Because some transportation companies assess the
insurance costs by weight, the weight and size of your bike can affect the cost of shipping.
Lightweight, easy-to-manage motorcycles are less expensive than bulky Harley-Davidsons are. It means that you should expect to pay an additional fee to ship large motorcycles. What is the reason for this? Keep in mind that shipping large bikes will necessitate the use of oversized crates, tie-downs, and other specialized packing materials to ensure their safety and condition. You can get an instant motorcycle shipping quote by using our instant quote calculator.
Some full-service shipping companies provide their clients with affordable deals as long as their pickup point is within a range. It means the closer the distance, the cheaper it is and vice versa. The proximity of the pickup and drop-off location to major highways is also another consideration. Generally, shipping a motorcycle within a city is less expensive than moving the bike to a rural or remote place, especially for door-to-door service.
Common Myths About Car Shipping
Many people consider shipping their vehicles, though they are often hesitant due to certain misconceptions about the auto transport industry. Those who relocate across the country or plan to purchase a motor vehicle from afar may also have questions and preconceived notions about how car shipping works. Therefore, we are going to shed light on the most common myths about car shipping.
Car Shipping Service
Many car owners worry that car shipping services are costly, but it is often far less expensive and time-consuming than driving it to the desired destination.
In addition, a cross-country road trip is difficult, especially if you are traveling with children or pets. Shipping your vehicle with an auto transport company ensures that it arrives at its destination while you continue to work. You can coordinate your relocation and complete other tasks on your to-do list simultaneously.
Long drives that last several days can be pricey in terms of added expenditures. Gas, food, overnight accommodations, and vehicle wear and tear may rapidly add up. Thus, collaborating with a reputable and dedicated car transport broker will make the shipping / moving process convenient and stress-free.
Car Shipping Quotes
A common stereotype is that the car shipping quote is decided by the distance traveled. While the length you need your vehicle moved affects the overall cost, it is only one of many factors considered. Many other factors are also taken into account when determining your quote. Other key aspects to consider when estimating how much you should pay the car shipping company are vehicle size, accessibility of the end location, shipment method, and date flexibility.
Please keep in mind that specific requirements, such as shipping your car to a rural, less accessible location or requiring a pick-up date, will result in a higher cost. Additional arrangements would be needed in these cases.
Motorcycle Shipping Services
Moving motorcycles and other smaller vehicles into and out of trailers raises the risk of an accident. However, reputable transport companies take every precaution to avoid such damage. Providing cover for the motorcycle to be used while the bike is in the trailer can be beneficial, especially if the material is something other than cloth.
Our motorcycle shipping service is specially designed to protect your bike from damage during transport.
Enclosed Auto Transport
While enclosed auto transport isn’t the cheapest option, there’s a common misconception that it’s better to ship enclosed if you’re concerned about damage. Enclosed shipping is popular among people who need to move luxury, antique, rare, or extremely valuable vehicles because it protects them from the weather elements and prying eyes. Although enclosed shipping has advantages, open-air carriers also provide all the protection cars will require en route. It can protect your vehicle from unwanted car fluids leaking onto it, or it can keep debris from scratching the paint or cracking a window. Notably, 90 % of the auto transport companies use open-air carriers and have a high scratch-free record.
Classic Car Transport
Classic cars and vintage vehicles are a connection to the past of automobile design and manufacturing. The task of safely shipping these vehicles is a legitimate concern for classic and vintage car owners. Nevertheless, many of the same principles that apply to hauling modern cars align to classics.
During classic car transport greater attention to detail is required. Shipping companies have guidelines and methods that help them successfully transport a classic car from one location to another.
Some people also believe that classic cars that are being restored and are inoperable cannot be shipped. Most auto transport companies can ship any vehicle or truck that can roll and steer, even if it cannot run. Besides, please note that shipping an inoperable car can be more expensive because haulers may need special equipment or training to load and unload them.
How Do You Transport A Car Safely?
Nowadays, people often are faced with occasions when they need to either move by themselves or buy/move a vehicle from another state and even country. Thus, vehicular transportation plays a vital role in our ever-changing lives.
Naturally, the most crucial aspect is safety. There are several options to choose for auto transportation method. Motor vehicles can now be transported from one destination to another either by road, sea, air, or rail. When it comes to completing the journey safely, each method of shipment has its own set of obstacles. It is also worth noting that the most common way of transportation is by road. As a result, most reputable auto transport companies specialize in road transportation using various types of trailers and transporting techniques.
The aim is for auto transport companies to be the ones to take care of the safety concerns, not the customers who have paid for the service. Therefore, we recommend that you entrust the transportation of your vehicle to the professionals in the field. Nevertheless, if you prefer to drive your car to relocate it, we have some helpful recommendations for you as well in our other posts.
Technical and Practical Preparations
The last thing you want is for your car to arrive at its destination and not function properly. In the best-case scenario, you should take it to a qualified mechanic to give it a complete once-over and tune-up to know whether it is in top shape before the long journey.
The automobiles develop problems when kept in terminal yards or parking lots for a comparatively long period. It would be beneficial to make sure everything is in working order before the transportation, as it gives you the best chance of having a perfectly working car when it arrives at your destination.
Furthermore, carriers prefer that you leave the car with a quarter tank of gas. It will provide enough gas for the car to get from the trailer to its new home without stopping at a gas station. It also helps ensure that enough gas is available to load and unload the car from the trailer. A quarter tank of gas also helps the car shipping company reduce the payload on the truck because it doesn’t add extra weight to the trailer.
We also recommend informing the auto transport company ahead of time if your vehicle has any problems. Some of the vehicle issues that can put both your car and the driver at risk are electrical problems, leakage and brake issues, mechanical malfunctions, and so on.
Additionally, we suggest washing the exterior of your car to check for scratches and dent damage. Remove any crucial documents, such as your driver’s license or insurance information. Always check the seat pockets and underneath all of the seats.
The Process of Loading the Car
Road freight is a popular mode of transport. And it is critical to understand that there is a specific procedure for loading automobiles onto the trailer, which is usually a double-decker.
The most important thing to remember when relocating your car is to do it as safely as possible. No one wants their vehicle thrown off balance. The auto industry should prioritize efficiency and safety over speed. When you use a professional freight mover, you can be confident that your vehicle will arrive in good condition. Our network of drivers makes every effort to transport your car in the same condition as when it was shipped. We’ll keep track of your vehicle throughout its journey and ensure it’s on the most efficient route possible.
Common Challenges Associated with Motorcycle Transport
If you are shipping for the first time, it’s not easy to entrust your prized motorcycle to a company you are unfamiliar with, whether you want it for a local move or to get delivered to another state. Additionally, anxiety may exacerbate when you become more familiar with challenges and common mistakes that arise when shipping your motorcycle.
However, you may relieve the stress of having your motorcycle shipped across the country by having a reliable vehicle transport company, like Tempus Logix, do it for you. Of course, it’s pretty difficult to anticipate all potential issues accompanying the motorbike transport process. Still, here we have made up a list of the most common difficulties you may encounter during it.
Delayed Delivery
Failure to deliver the motor vehicle on schedule is one of the most prevalent issues with transport companies. However, falling behind on agreed delivery time is not necessarily a carrier’s fault since various factors, such as extreme weather, traffic jams, or accidents, may come in the way. Depending on the cause, the delay might be from hours to days to weeks, but the shipper should contact the customer to detail the issue and make some form of compensation. Examples of it can be a discount for the next shipment or lowered expense for the current transaction.
Considering a Suitable Motorcycle Transport
With so many transport companies nationwide offering motorcycle shipping, an internet search may rapidly become overwhelming. Plus, it’s also possible to misinterpret the information and decide on the wrong company. For instance, when it comes to motorbike transport, the first question you should ask yourself is if the company you’re considering is a shipper or a brokerage organization. Working with a broker may save you the time and effort of calling multiple shippers and comparing prices to locate the best choice for you. A reputable broker will go through your preferred options, head for answers to all your queries, and help you decide on the shipper. The process happens faster when having brokers do the service because they virtually have an unlimited network of drivers, conversely to shippers with their trucks.
Study Pick-Up and Delivery Options
A broker may also assist you to consider whether you need door-to-door delivery or transportation between distribution centers, whether you need an open or enclosed trailer or when to choose pick-up and delivery dates. When shipping your bike, one of the most significant decisions you’ll have to make is whether to choose an open car shipping or enclosed auto transport. Whereas an open carrier exposes your motorcycle to external dangers, an enclosed trailer gives peace of mind and adds more protection against the weather and road debris. If the distance carried by a driver is relatively short, an open trailer may be fine, but over long distances, an enclosed trailer may be a better option for motorcycles.
Mistakes to Avoid During a Motorbike Shipping
Failure to Provide Necessary Documentation: When you arrange to transport your motorbike, the shipping company will likely require mandatory documentation, such as vehicle registration. Thus, if you don’t want to delay the shipping process, we strongly advise having the necessary documentation right at hand. At the pick-up location, the carrier will check your motorbike for any existing damage or scratches. You may observe the driver inspecting it for both of you to mentally record the condition before it gets into/onto the trailer. Also, make sure everything reflects on the final report, BOL. This document is proof of your motorcycle’s initial condition.
Insurance: Having an insurance policy when shipping your motorcycle is not legally required. According to the US Department of Transportation, carriers are responsible for having liability insurance. However, this only applies to the actual carrier companies and not the brokers that organize the logistics. Also, be informed that personal belongings left in the car are not subject to insurance coverage. Check with the auto transport company to know what is covered and what is not. Please make sure the insurance amount is proportional to the cost of the motor vehicle. Not all companies can handle the expensive load.
Considering Motorcycle Shipping Cost: Companies that advertise inexpensive rates for moving your motorcycle may sound attractive, but you should know what you’re getting for your money. The cheapest alternatives aren’t necessarily the best; in fact, they might occasionally indicate inferior quality. Open transport, for example, might save money on shipping, but it’s not always the best solution for keeping your two-wheeler safe. Before making any motorcycle transport arrangements, consider the distance between drop-off and pick-up locations, the number of stops along the trip, and other variables impacting safety at the expense of a low price.
How Can I Protect My Car During Transport?
Moving to a new city or purchasing a vehicle online can be an adventure akin to riding a roller coaster. Conveniently, car shipping companies can easily transport your vehicle to the majority of desired destinations. Still, transporting a car necessitates not only a financial investment but also an emotional commitment. Thus, people are sometimes reluctant to ship their prized automobiles due to the slight likelihood of physical damage.
Auto transport companies have the experience and methods to keep the vehicle in good condition and free of additional miles, scratches, and tear when hauling. An essential factor is also the procedure of selecting the car transport company which will have the qualifications to handle each step of the shipping process.
Even though the auto transportation company bears the heavier burden, we can give you a few pointers and suggestions on how to get your vehicle ready for transport.
Immobilization for Safety Measures
Firstly, many customers are worried about their car moving side-to-side and even being turned vertically during road bumps when shipped. Therefore, immobilization is one of the best ways to secure a vehicle. The transporting companies often use a series of tie-down ratchets or wheel straps as a security measure once the vehicle loads onto the trailer. Regarding the technique, most car haulers use two in the front and two in the back.
It is significant to protect the vehicle’s stress points and sensitive areas during transportation. When it comes to transporting automobiles, experts at reputable companies know which sections need special protection and how to do it regardless of the size or shape of the vehicle on hand.
The car’s model and type are also naturally a reason for specific placements and instructions. While shipping luxurious or vintage vehicles, shipping companies ensure that they do not place extra weight on the latter. On the other hand, large vehicles like military trucks require stronger straps and larger ratchets to withstand the extra pressure.
Though, we would suggest not to go overboard as well. For example, some potential customers are worried about road debris flying up and hitting their vehicles. If the traffic in front of the carrier truck kicks up a pebble, it will fly into the front of the rig. The front end of the shipped truck is vulnerable to road debris, not the vehicles on the carrier behind it.
As a result of their doubts, some customers ask for a car cover because they are worried about damage caused by road debris. However, there is no reliable way to keep a vehicle covered while in transit. Attempting to strap a cover to the automobile will almost certainly result in the very damage that a customer is trying to avoid. Some external factors like the force of the wind in transit may lift off some of the cover’s corners or cause a strap to become loose and flap against the vehicle.
Securing the Exterior and the Interior of the Car
You’ll want to make sure that all of the exterior parts of your car are well-protected during shipping. As a result, if you have any removable parts, you should secure them or remove them entirely from your car. Items that are easily removable and attached with tape, bubble wrap, coverings. Consider retracting antennas and folding them in side-view mirrors. Please, keep in mind to clean the interior of the vehicle as well. During the long journey of transportation, the car can easily get jostled due to bumpy roads. To avoid unnecessary hassle after the shipment, remove all the weakly secured accessories such as air fresheners, spare change, pen, cables, etc. Removing these items will help avoid damage to the car or the items being lost or broken along the journey.
Tips for Winter Auto Shipping
Winter isn’t a popular time to ship a car for many people, but sometimes you have to get that car to its destination, and going for an auto transport service is the best option. Of course, it may take somewhat longer than driving it yourself, but it will be far safer. Operating in harsh road conditions caused by cold weather is hardly challenging for professional truck drivers. So you can be confident that your automobile will arrive at its drop-off location irrespective of the weather. Whatever your reason for transporting a car in the wintertime, if you follow these winter auto shipping tips, you can expect your vehicle to arrive in the same condition as when you left it with the carrier.
Plan Ahead
When shipping a car, it’s usually a good idea to prepare ahead of time, as unexpected delays are a possibility, especially in the winter. Scheduling the winter shipment in advance is critical to improving your chances of receiving the needed delivery dates. At Tempus Logix, we strongly recommend planning your auto transport at least a month before shipping your car.
Be Prepared for Widely Varied Shipping Prices
The shipping season, together with the vehicle’s weight, size, and type, may also affect auto shipping prices. In general, the coldest months of the year are the most affordable for shipping a vehicle. It all boils down to supply and demand as fewer people ship vehicles in wintertime; so, vendors need to lower their rates to attract customers. That’s specifically applicable in rural regions where some of these carriers shut down for a cold season. Plus, fuel prices often go down in the winter before skyrocketing in the summer when people are more prone to travel.
Use Enclosed Auto Transport Option
When shipping your automobile in the winter, one of the most important considerations to make is whether to choose an enclosed or open trailer. Even though it may cost a little more, enclosed auto transport is frequently a better alternative during a cold season because it entirely protects your automobile from adverse weather. Additionally, if you go for an enclosed auto carrier, you won’t have to worry about making any special winter preparations to protect your car on road transport.
Choose Your Car Transport Company Carefully
Picking up a reliable auto transport company amongst so many options is quite overwhelming. Dealing with the issue becomes even more exacerbated in the wintertime when harsh weather conditions can considerably obstruct delivery. The excellent news is that Tempus Logix can help you ship your car securely and efficiently, regardless of weather conditions. In addition, we only work with certified carriers, assuring the safety of your vehicle and the reliability of the service. To learn more, obtain a free quote, and don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email.
Prepare Your Car for a Winter Road Trip
- Lubricate the door and trunk locks, don’t forget hinges and latches. To protect the rubber seals on the doors from freezing, use a weather-strip spray or a similar substance. Make sure all the doors and hatches are perfectly closed if you don’t want any water or snow coming in. You can also place a pack of moisture absorbers in your vehicle, just in case.
- Check your antifreeze levels before transporting your automobile in the winter. Your engine might freeze if you don’t have enough antifreeze, leaving you stranded. An imprinted scale on the side of the tank should display the maximum and minimum levels of antifreeze in your car engine. Take a peek at the current level, and if it’s close to or below the lowest level, you should add some.
- Before shipping, double-check your car battery as it’s more likely to become sluggish at cold temperatures, thus providing insufficient power to start the engine and run the car. So unless your car battery is brand new, get it checked and inspect the terminals for tightness and corrosion.
- Check whether all of your car windows shut tightly. In the case of a convertible car, make sure the top is secure in place. Checking window seals is especially important when deciding on open-air transport since your vehicle is less protected from weather elements like hail, rain, snow, dust, etc.
