Monday, March 21, 2011

How to Price Auto Shipping: More or Less

By Tom Kearns


Whether that car you need to relocate to a distant location is a classic collector's item or the family minivan, you are probably looking for an inexpensive yet secure method of transport. One of the best ways to do this is via an auto shipping company. This remarkable service saves you the time, trouble and money of driving that vehicle yourself thousands of miles. The price of gas these days is enough of a deterrent, let alone the wear and tear on you and your vehicle.

The auto shipping industry is becoming popular for those very reasons. Nonetheless, selecting from the many companies and their services, whether large or small is not without risk. You need to be aware of the companies insurance coverage, past experience, and previous performance with your type of car, particularly if it is somewhat exotic in either model or size. You will also need to find out what criteria they use to determine pricing.

Among the most obvious factors which determine the price and the first things you are likely to be asked is the brand and make of the car, the distance it is to travel and the precise pick-up and drop-off points.

Some peculiar, out of the way destinations may require out of the way services, and precise destination, rather than only the distance, is important for the service provider to know what conditions to expect along the way. A good company should inform you of any road or weather conditions which might be harmful to the vehicles transported and offer services which will suitably prevent any damage or unwanted circumstances.

If your vehicle is abnormally heavy, large, or odd-sized the cost will increase because the carrier can load fewer vehicles. Many esoteric cars, and particularly vintage, classic and collector's cars are of nonstandard dimensions, but also require unusual tender loving care, regardless of weight or size.

Obviously, whatever the car, you want it insured for its journey and your usual policy will probably not cover this. You will incur an added, but absolutely necessary cost by buying coverage from the company you select. Just like your regular insurance carrier, they will offer various coverages at various prices. You want to lean toward the expensive coverage to be absolutely safe.

If your car is not drivable, then preparations must be made to have a truck pick it up from a location you state rather than the standard terminal, and shove it or tow it to its location on the carrier. Same service is in effect when it reaches its destination. These circumstance requires a separate truck and separate service from the norm.

A fully operable vehicle is, of course, the preferred one to transport. No matter, you need to hire the auto shipping company as early as you can before the shipping date, and try for off-season if possible. The longer you hold off on deciding on a transport company, the costlier it will be for you. I'm talking here well over a month in advance. If your car's prior condition results in damage while in transit, besides the inconvenience of waiting for the car to be repaired, the final price could spiral out of sight.




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