Car Relocation

Car relocation services play a vital role in helping consumers and automakers transport cars from one location to another. Automobile manufacturers use car transporters to move brand new cars from manufacturing plants to dealers and distributors around the country. Consumers, meanwhile, use car relocation services for point to point transportation of their cars, trucks, minivans, SUVs and recreational vehicles.

Regional and National Services

Car relocation services operate on a national and a regional basis. National carriers transport cars throughout the country. You can use them to have your car picked up regardless of where in the country you live, and have it shipped to any destination within the mainland U.S., or to overseas locations such as Hawaii or Puerto Rico. Regional carriers, meanwhile, specialize in offering services within their specific region or state. Many regional car relocation services have partnerships with national carriers. That means you can use a regional carrier to transport your vehicle from coast-to-coast as well.

Modern Fleets, Professional Drivers, Sophisticated Tracking

Most of the major car relocation companies have large fleets of car hauling trucks, professional, highly skilled drivers, and sophisticated tracking and fleet management systems for transporting cars safely and cost-effectively to their destinations. All of the larger companies these days maintain websites from where you can quickly obtain quotes and book your transportation. Many companies support real-time vehicle tracking capabilities that allow you to quickly determine where exactly your car is at any given time during transportation.

Options for Transporting Cars

Car transporters that specialize in moving passenger vehicles typically offer a few standard options for transporting cars. All registered auto shipping companies haul vehicles in trailers that are approved for use by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Some of these trailers are open and uncovered, while others are enclosed trailers. You can choose the kind of trailer that you want for shipping your vehicle. However, keep in mind that enclosed trailers are a costlier option, and are really only needed if you have a luxury vehicle or a vintage automobile that you want transported.

Car relocation companies can pick up and deliver your car at your front door so long as your home is accessible by a large car-carrying trailer. If you want to save some money on shipping costs, you can choose to drive your car to the shipping company’s terminal and have it picked up and shipped from there. Often, the shipping price quoted by car haulers is for door-to-door service, so make sure to inquire about terminal-to-terminal shipping options if you want a lower quote.

Factors that Affect Shipping Costs

Car transportation costs depend on a number of factors.

• The shipping origin and destination have a big impact on cost. Generally, car transporters will charge you more to ship your car from or to a small city or town compared to a big city.
• Bigger cars take up more space on car hauling trailers. Therefore, car transporters charge more to ship a big car compared to a small vehicle.
• As a rule of thumb, the greater the shipping distance, the higher the shipping costs. Coast-to-coast shipping can cost between $850 and $950, while regional shipping costs typically range from $400 to $550.
• Car transporters require at least one week’s advance notice. Expedited shipping will usually be available, but at a higher cost.

Until relatively recently, automobile makers were the predominant users of car transportation services. However, with a growing number of people buying vehicles online, an increasing number of consumers have also begun relying heavily on car relocation services for their vehicle transportation needs.

Auto Transport Brokers

Auto transport brokers play a vital role in the vehicle shipping industry. They act as middlemen between consumers and auto shipping firms. They specialize in helping consumers find companies that can transport their vehicles for them. Auto transport brokers work with multiple carriers and can usually arrange to have your vehicle transported to wherever you want it shipped for a better deal than you would have been able to negotiate on your own.

The Difference Between a Carrier and a Broker

The main difference between auto transport brokers and auto transporters is that the latter own and manage their own trucks, while brokers typically do not own any vehicles. Their role is to act on your behalf, and quickly find a carrier in your local area that is able and willing to transport your vehicle as per your requirements.

How Transport Brokers Work

Auto transport brokers will have a list of all the reputable auto transporters in your area and will have information about their rates, the regions these companies service and truck availability. Importantly, they also have inside information on any discounts, specials or last minute deals that an auto transporter might be offering at a particular time.

Most reputable auto transport brokers will able to get you instant quotes from multiple car transport companies in your area. Many have websites where you can submit your requirements, which they then use to automatically match you up with four or five companies in you area. Shipping companies do not require you to go through a broker. You can work directly with them if you want.

The Benefits of Using an Auto Transport Broker

However, there are several benefits in using an auto transport broker to make your vehicle transportation arrangements:

• Auto transport brokers work with multiple carriers. So, if one carrier is fully booked at the time you want your vehicle shipped, they quickly know where to find another company that does have availability. As a result, your car will be picked-up and shipped sooner than if you were to go shopping for availability one carrier at a time.
• Brokers can get you better deals. Auto transporters rely on brokers to find them customers. Most auto transport firms do not have extensive marketing staff or budgets. Instead, they work through brokers to advertise their services, their availability and their rates. Because brokers get them the most business, auto transporters usually also give them the best rates. As a result, you are likely to get a better deal by working with a broker than by negotiating directly with a carrier.
• You are much more likely to find a reliable car transporter by working with a broker. Reputable brokers only work with transporters that are fully licensed, bonded and insured. The price you get from a broker will typically include insurance coverage, which means that, if your vehicle gets damaged during transit, you will not have to worry about repair costs.
• Brokers offer a single point of contact, not just for making reservations, but also for tracking the progress of your shipment and for handling complaints and other issues. Brokers eliminate the need for you to have to deal with carriers directly.

Auto transport brokers play a vital role for transport companies and for consumers, and they greatly help reduce the work involved in transporting your vehicle from one point to another.

Motorcycle Trailers

Motorcycle trailers come in two forms. One kind of trailer is used for point-to-point transportation of motorbikes. They are designed to be pulled behind a tow vehicle and can be used to haul one or more motorcycles. The other kind of trailer is designed to carry cargo and be hauled behind a motorbike. These kinds of motorcycle trailers are small and lightweight, and usually capable of carrying loads of between 150 and 200 pounds.

Enclosed Motorcycle Haulers

Motorcycle trailers that are designed to transport bikes are single-axle vehicles that can be either open trailers or enclosed trailers. Two-bike enclosed trailers usually are about 5 feet long and 8 feet wide (5’x8’) and have an interior height of about 5 feet. Such carriers are usually made from either aluminum or steel, and are typically rated to carry between 400 to 600lbs. They can be used to transport either dirt bikes or standard motorcycles. Most enclosed motorbike carriers come equipped with heavy-duty plywood floors and walls, and have a spring assisted ramp door for easy loading and unloading of the bike. It is also common for most such trailers to come equipped with heavy duty safety chains and wheel chocks for securing the bike in place while it is being transported.

Open Motorcycle Carriers

Open motorcycle trailers typically are designed to transport one or two motorbikes. Most are low-profile, single-axle vehicles featuring lightweight aluminum frames and fold out loading ramps. Some open trailers do not have loading ramps, instead, the whole trailer can be lowered to the ground to allow the bike to be loaded or unloaded. Most open trailers include tie down channels, wheel chocks and safety chains for securing the bike during transit.

Where to Find a Motorcycle Trailer

Many motorbike enthusiasts own their own motorcycle trailers, which they use to transport their bikes to rallies, bike shows and to vacation destinations. If you don’t own one, you can easily rent an enclosed or open trailer from major moving and auto transport companies as well as from bike shops for as little as $30 a day. If you are renting a motorcycle trailer, make sure to invest in wheel chocks to prevent your bike from damage during transit. You can purchase an open motorcycle trailer at prices starting around $850, while you can get an enclosed one at prices near $1600. A motorcycle trailer is relatively easy to tow. However, care must be taken to hitch the trailer properly to the tow vehicle and not to overload the trailer.

Cargo Trailers

Motorcycle trailers that are designed to be towed behind bikes, meanwhile, serve a very different function. These kinds of trailers are used by motorcycle enthusiasts to haul cargo and equipment. Usually, such trailers are small and lightweight, and have recommended weight limits of about 150 pounds of so. In most cases, the trailers are not a whole lot wider than the bike. They are available in a variety of different shapes, and can be customized to match the color of the bike that will be towing it. You can buy a brand-new 4-foot all-metal trailer for around $1,500. The key factor you need to pay attention to when choosing such trailers is the usable space within such trailers, and the ease with which you can load and unload cargo from them.

Motorcycle trailers serve a useful function regardless of the manner in which they are being used, so consider equipping yourself with one when you need a motorcycle shipping method or need to carry some additional cargo on your next bike trip.

How to Ship a Car

If you are wondering how to ship a car to or from another location, you are not alone. Many people have little idea of how car transportation companies operate. People often tend to avoid using professional auto hauling services because they assume it will be a costly and complex undertaking to do so. The reality is that car shipping is usually cheaper and less complicated than you imagine, if you know how to ship a car.

Shipping Options

Learning how to ship a car is not very complicated. Auto haulers around the country offer more or less the same standard set of options for shipping your vehicle. Almost all companies, for instance, will use either an enclosed carrier, or an open carrier to ship your car. An open carrier is a good choice and is the most commonly used option for shipping cars in the U.S. However, they offer less protection for your vehicle during transit than covered, enclosed carriers. Enclosed carriers are a great option for expensive cars. Keep in mind, though, that the cost to ship your car in an enclosed carrier will be significantly higher than the cost to ship your car in an open carrier.

Pick-Up and Delivery Options

Another thing you need to know about how to ship a car are your pickup and delivery options. Car transporters can move your vehicle for you regardless of where you want it picked up from or delivered. Most transporters will give you a door-to-door service option, under which they will pick up your car from the front door and drop it off there at its destination.

A second option they offer is called terminal-to-terminal shipping. With this option, the hauling company will pick up and drop off your car at its shipping terminal. You will be responsible for bringing your car to the terminal and taking delivery of it from there as well. If you live far away, the costs involved in driving to and from the shipping terminal could quickly negate any economic benefits of this option.

Other Facts About Car Shipping

If you are unsure about how to ship a car, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with these additional facts about car shipping as well.

• Big cars cost substantially more to ship than small ones.
• The distance your car is shipped has a direct bearing on costs. Generally, the further away your destination is, the higher price you will pay for shipping.
• It costs less to ship a car between major cities than it does to ship a car between smaller towns and cities.
• Shipping companies prefer that you book your transportation at least seven days in advance of your intended shipping date.

Choosing the Right Auto Hauler

Importantly, knowing how to ship a car means knowing how to pick the right vendor. As a consumer, you will find numerous vendors willing to ship your car for you. Choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging. When selecting a vendor, always ensure the company is properly licensed, registered and bonded. Ensure that the vendor has the insurance coverage needed for interstate car transportation. Ask for customer testimonials, and speak with a few of them about their experiences with the transportation company.

It pays to know how to ship a car because it is very likely that you will need to transport your car some day if you need to move out of state.

Ship My Car

If you are relocating to a new place, or just purchased a car online, one question you are likely going to find yourself asking is ‘how do I ship my car?’ Most of us are accustomed to hiring moving professionals to haul our furniture and other belongings when we move to a new home or city. However, when it comes to transporting our car, many of us tend to assume that the best option is to personally drive it to its new location. The reality is that professional auto shipping services are not quite as expensive as you imagine. Many companies these days can haul your car from and to any location in the country for about the same amount as it would cost you for a do-it-yourself relocation.

Here are the answers to some of the questions you probably have if you have never shipped a car before.

How Do I Find Someone to Ship My Car?

The Internet has made it extremely simple to search for and select car haulers who can transport your car regardless of where you live or where you want it transported. Most auto transport companies in your area will be willing to give you a free online quote if you tell them where you want your car picked up, where you want it shipped to and how soon you want it to be transported. Many online quote comparison sites allow you to receive and to compare free quotes from multiple vendors.

What Options Do I Have to Ship My Car?

Auto haulers will give you the option of shipping your car in an open carrier or an enclosed carrier. An open carrier is a large uncovered truck meant to carry between 10 and 12 cars. An enclosed carrier is a fully covered truck designed to transport between two and fours cars at a time. Open carriers are a cheaper option, but enclosed carriers offer better protection against road grime and inclement weather during transit. Car transporters typically also will offer you a choice between door-to-door service and terminal-to-terminal shipping services.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship My Car

The answer to that depends on several factors. The location from where you ship your car has an impact on price. Generally, it is cheaper to ship a car between major cities than it is to ship it between smaller towns. Similarly, the longer the distance you want your car transported, the greater will be your cost. The options you choose can also determine how much you pay for shipping. For instance, open car carriers are cheaper than enclosed carriers. Similarly, terminal-to-terminal service is more economical than door-to-door service.

Do I Need Insurance Coverage to Ship My Car?

Yes, it is a good idea to have insurance coverage during transit. You car is an important asset. Before you entrust it to an auto hauler, make sure the company is properly licensed and registered to operate a car transportation service. Ensure that the company is fully insured and can cover the cost of repairs in the rare event that your car gets damaged during transit. You can also see if your insurance company would be willing to provide additional protection to cover damages during transit.

How Long Will It Take to Ship My Car

That depends on where you are shipping it from and where you want it to go. Coast-to-coast shipping can take up to 14 days. Transport companies usually wait until their carriers have a full load before their trucks are dispatched. This means that, sometimes, your car might have to wait a couple of days at the shipping company’s terminal before it is shipped. Generally, it is a good idea to book your transportation at least one week in advance of your intended shipping date.

Next time you catch yourself wondering ‘how do I ship my car,’ remember it is not quite as complicated or as expensive a task as you might have imagined.

Gooseneck Trailers

Gooseneck trailers are typically used to haul certain specific types of cargo, such as race cars, race horses and other livestock. They are often also used by individuals to ship cars, heavy equipment and machinery. A gooseneck trailer’s name is derived from its shape. Such trailers typically have a neck-like protrusion in the front that goes over the rear axle of the vehicle that is pulling it. Goosenecks are considered ideal for hauling heavy loads.

Benefits of a Gooseneck Trailer

Gooseneck trailers are more stable than other types of trailers because the front-end of the trailer almost always goes over the rear axle of the vehicle that is towing it. Often, such trailers are towed by flatbed trucks. In these cases, the front of the trailer is attached to a gooseneck hitch that is installed on the truck bed just above the rear axle. This type of an assembly makes gooseneck trailers somewhat easier and more secure to tow compared to other types of trailers. Goosenecks, for instance, have a much tighter turning radius compared to trailers that are attached to the rear of the towing vehicle. The manner in which a gooseneck trailer is secured to the towing vehicle also allows for heavier loads to be towed.

Goosenecks Come in Different Configurations

If you are looking for a gooseneck trailer to haul livestock, a car or other cargo, you will have plenty of options to choose from. Gooseneck trailers come in a variety of lengths and widths, and can either be open car hauler trailers or fully enclosed trailers. A typical, enclosed car or livestock trailer will have dimensions ranging from 20’ to 40’ in length, a width of around 9 feet, and a height of about 7 feet. Many enclosed trailers have a power-assisted rear ramp for easy loading and unloading. Some trailers may also have a curbside camper door for added convenience.

Goosenecks also are available as flatbeds and as open trailers for carrying equipment and cars. A typical open, gooseneck two-car trailer, for instance, has a rigid frame featuring aluminum floor runners that are at least 22 inches wide, an open center and slide-in loading ramps for loading and unloading. Trailers that are used to tow machinery or equipment, such as landscape utilities, will usually feature side and rear fenders, a fixed front deck and a tilting rear deck. Some goosenecks are designed to be easily detachable, while others have more permanent installations.

Factors to Consider When Using a Gooseneck Trailer

Gooseneck trailers are often easier to tow and are more stable than other types of bumper-attached trailers. However, if you are planning on using one, there are some things you need to keep in mind.

• Goosenecks are harder to install than other types of trailers. A gooseneck hitch needs to be physically installed in the truck bed of the towing vehicle. Often, the truck bed will need to be removed to install the hitch frame. In most cases, you will also need to drill a hole in your truck bed to install the trailer hitch.
• A gooseneck trailer is somewhat irregularly shaped. That means you need to be careful about the weight of the load you plan on towing. Your truck or towing vehicle needs to be able to handle the load, or else your vehicle could be damaged.
• Gooseneck trailers are somewhat harder to rent compared to other kinds of trailers. Many auto transport companies and auto rental firms do not rent these trailers. You can, however, easily purchase a new or a used one at prices starting at just over $2,500. Even if you find a company that offers gooseneck rentals, your towing vehicle needs to have a hitch in order to tow the trailer.

Gooseneck trailers are an ideal choice in a wide variety of situations so long as you are willing to put in a little extra work upfront to install the trailer to your towing vehicle.

Car Shippers

Car shippers are companies that specialize in transporting cars from one location to another. Most such companies own fleets of large trucks that are designed to safely haul multiple cars at a time to different destinations within the country. Several auto transport companies also offer car transportation services to overseas destinations as well. If you are looking to transport your car to a new location for any reason, chances are high that a professional car shipping company would be able to get it to your destination for about the same price that it would cost you to drive it there yourself.

Options Offered by Car Shippers

Car shippers typically transport cars in large open carriers or specialized enclosed carriers. Open car carriers are uncovered vehicles that are equipped to securely transport up to 10 cars at a time. Most open carriers feature two decks as well as special restraints and harnesses that are designed to hold cars securely in place during transit. Some car shipping firms use uncovered goose-necked carriers to transport cars as well, though in such cases the number of cars that can be transported at the same time is usually restricted to four or five.

Enclosed Shipping

Enclosed carriers are another commonly used mode of car transportation by car shippers. This is an option that is typically used to transport luxury cars and other expensive vehicles, such as antiques and classic cars. With this option, cars are shipped in enclosed trucks, which provide better protection against weather and debris during transit. Unlike open carriers, enclosed carriers are capable of carrying only about two to four cars at a time, and are, therefore, a more expensive option for consumers.

Door-to-Door and Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

Car shippers typically give consumers a choice between door-to-door service and terminal-to-terminal shipping. With the former option, the shipping company’s truck will come to your front door to pick up and drop off your car. With terminal-to-terminal shipping, you will be required to drop off and pick up your car from the shipping company’s terminal. Both options have their advantages. For instance, door-to-door shipping is very convenient, but terminal-to-terminal shipping is cheaper.

Car transporters haul cars to and from any destination within the United States. Most of the major companies use large modern fleets of trucks as well as sophisticated GPS tracking and fleet management systems to transport cars in a cost-effective and secure manner around the country. Reputable carriers usually are licensed for interstate transportation services and will carry the insurance protection needed to cover repair costs in case a car gets damaged during transportation.

Overseas Shipping

In addition to domestic shipping, many car shippers also offer the option to ship cars overseas to Hawaii and to other international destinations. Typically, such companies will pick up your car from your home or nearby location and transport it to the nearest port city, from which it will be loaded on to large transportation ships. In some cases the cars will be shipped on Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) carriers. This is a mode of shipping in which your car will be driven on board the ship in the same manner in which it will be transported and driven off the ship at the destination port. More overseas shipping options include lifting the vehicle aboard the ship on lift gates or via cranes. Some car shippers also transport cars in closed containers.

How to Choose a Car Shipping Company

Choosing an auto shipping company for your needs can be difficult given the sheer number of car shippers that are available out there, and the wide range of choices they offer.

Military Car Shipping Services

If you used your military pay to buy a muscle car and need to ship it home from a military base, investigate military car shipping services.

At first glance, it would seem that after you go through the relocation experience often enough, the hassle and stress of moving simply melts away, and you naturally become an old pro. While experience certainly makes a move a much easier process to deal with, transitions are tough on everyone, and can cause even the toughest customers and most seasoned travelers to break a sweat. Few people travel more often, or on less advance notice, than the men and women in the armed forces, but even they often need a helping hand taking care of the basics of military car shipping.

Getting The Best Deal On Military Car Shipping Services

* Competition can be your best friend. Few people have plenty of extra money just lying around, waiting for the time when duty calls, and moving can be accomplished without petty concerns such as budgetary restrictions and getting the best deal. Most military car shipping services understand and appreciate the sacrifice our country’s men and women make in fighting for our freedom, and few will turn up the chance to help someone held in such great esteem. If you’ve done your homework and find that you prefer the service and the personal attention of one company, but their prices are 15% higher than their competition, don’t be afraid to simply tell the company this flat-out. Once the military car shipping service knows you’d prefer their business, they’re often going to be instantly inspired to become flexible with what they can offer you.

* Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Similarly, negotiating is an underused skill in American society, simply because, in most cases, it doesn’t always get you far. Customers assume that the bottom line is the bottom line, and businesses often present the bottom line with a “take it or leave it” attitude, trusting that many will choose convenience over saving a little extra. However, when it comes to military car shipping services, a different attitude often applies. Most services typically offer discounted car shipping rates to active members of the armed forces, usually between 10 and 15% off the normal cost to ship a car. If throwing in an additional 5% discount is all it’s going to take to secure your business, which can lead to huge word-of-mouth marketing, there’s no doubt it’s a worthwhile investment for the company.

* Ask for references.When it comes to military car shipping, you’re hardly the only one that’s ever had to handle the issue, and you’re likely to come across a co-worker who’s had a positive experience with a national chain, or even a small company located in your city. It never hurts to ask, because you’ll usually end up with some valuable information.