Auto Transport Prices 101

Getting numerous auto transport, car shipping or motorcycle shipping quotes? Overwhelmed by it? Don't know where to start? Read below to learn more about auto transport & motorcycle shipping quotes and rates and what do they mean for you.

Factors Considered to Determine Car Shipping Prices

• Distance Between Origin and Destination
• Type of Vehicle
• Desired Carrier (Open or Enclosed)
• Specific Locations
• Operability of Vehicle
• Lead time
• Availability of Car Shipping Carriers
• Number of Cars You Want to Relocate
• Scheduling Flexibility 
• Pickup and Delivery Preferences 
• Time of the Year
• Auto Transport Company Reputation
• Current Gas Prices

Based of the above factors car shipping prices can fluctuate and vary.

There are plenty of delivery options that the car transport company will offer you, options like enclosed carrier, open carrier, door to door, terminal to terminal, etc. Depending upon this delivery option car shipping prices can also change. In case you are looking for a quick pickup or delivery of your car then also some of the car transport companies can ask for a higher pay.

Once you decide to ship your car the first and foremost thing that you need to do is ask the car movers about payment. There are two fees associated with the car transport: The broker's fee (widely known in the industry as "deposit") and the Carrrier's fee (mostly known as COD). Most auto transport brokers charge their deposit on a credit card you provide and the remaining balance is paid directly to the carrier upon delivery, in the form of cash, cashier's check or money orders. Some brokers allow you to use your credit card to pay the full amount for shipping your car, and then turn around and take care of carrier payment themselves. Whomever you may choose, make sure that, as King of the Road does, no fees are charged until your vehicle is actually picked up and on it's way. Really, why would you pay a company anything until they provide the services they were hired for? If any car movers you have been talking to is asking for money upfront, or can't tell you when your vehicle will be shipped, our recommendation is to look elsewhere. Never pay anything upfront. we can't stress that enough.


www.kingoftheroadtransport.com 

What to expect from your car movers

What to Expect From Your Car Movers

Auto transport and car shipping companies are rarely able to provide specific pick-up and delivery times. Unforeseen problems like traffic or breakdowns can cause potential delays. Patience and preparation are essential and will make sure both you and your car movers have a positive experience.

Clarify all payment terms before signing anything. Most auto transport companies will require you to place a deposit, around $150 to $250, before shipping. King of the Road does not charge anything until you vehicle is actually picked up and on its way.

Confirm the terms of your contract and make sure your driver has your correct contact information.

The Delivery

At the delivery point, the driver should inspect the vehicle and note any damage on a form called Bill of Lading (BOL). Make sure you review this with the driver and you agree with what's written.

Any remaining balance will be due upon delivery, usually payable in cash or cashier’s check only. It is highly unlikely that an auto transport company will accept a personal check or credit card at the delivery point.

After the Vehicle Shipping Service

In the unlikely event that your car has arrived with new damages, you must follow the following steps:

Make sure the damages are noted on the BOL, demand a copy and notify you broker immediately. Then your broker should give advise and guide you throught the insurance claim (although, in most cases, damages are covered by the auto transport carrier "out-of-pocket", as it prevents the isurance premiums to go up). King of the Road offers extended gap protection (Afta Plan). Click here to learn more.

For most car shippers, once the car is delivered the vehicle shipping process is completed. Many times you car shipping broker will ask you to write a review on some review site dedicated to the auto transport industry. Please take the time to share your positive feedback as it helps the companies identify the areas they need work at and lets other potential clients how well (or bad) the broker and carrier did. Check out our reviews here.

www.kingoftheroadtransport.com 

About Auto Transport Trucks and Drivers

About Auto Transport Trucks and Drivers

Besides actually transporting your vehicle from point A to point B, your car shipper deals with a lot of other responsibilities, like keeping in touch with all parties, perform inspection reports etc. Loading and unloading your vehicle is also the car mover's responsibility. This is a challenging task the driver will have to perform. Just like a Tetris game or a puzzle, the car mover will have to plan -a lot of times on the go- for all pieces to fit perfectly, analyze all pickups and deliveries and decide which position each vehicle will occupy on the rig. He needs to take into consideration locations, times, vehicle size, scheduling and other factors. 

Most large auto transport and car shipping trucks carry 8-10 vehicles. The cabin can support up to 3 vehicles on top and the rest of the vehicles are placed on the double-deck trailer using hydraulic ramps. These ramps can be lowered or raised to properly and safely load, fit, transport and unload all vehicles in an organized pattern. Obviously, the first vehicle loaded cannot be the first car delivered, or the entire trailer would have to be unloaded in order to get to it, then loaded again.

Some cars are loaded backwards and others are driven straight onto the truck, to properly maximize the available space while meeting overhead clearance, maximum allowed weight and, of course, this should be done in a logistically smart way. Please be patient with the driver during loading and unloading, he wants to do it safely, fast and carry on with his day just as much as you do. Depending on the drivers experience, vehicle type and condition, location or weather, loading or unloading a single small or midsize car from an auto transport truck could take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours.

Typically, the car mover will pick up and deliver right at your driveway or front door. However, this is not always possible. Due to certain factors such as weight or size restrictions in your neighborhood, sharp-cornered streets, low hanging branches, residential areas or cul-de-sacs, the driver may ask you to meet him in a nearby location, likely one with a lot of open space and light (maybe a supermarket or department store parking lot nearby) so the loading/unloading of your vehicle can be done in the safest manner. This is completely common and unavoidable. Most honest brokers would warn you of these possible scenarios.

www.kingoftheroadtransport.com