Shipping A Car - Important Decisions You Have To Take Into Account |
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Johan Stevenson
19 July 2012
Personal effects and household items go inside moving boxes. Couches and mattresses are protected with especially-made covers. Your kitchen dishes and China sets are kept in double-wall storage containers. All these boxes go into the rental trucks for transport. Your money and jewelry will be stored in a safety vault, or go with your hand-carried items. All the possessions and belongings that you're taking with you to your new home are now accounted for. Meanwhile, what about your car?
You may drive the car yourself - which may be a difficult task, as your busy schedule, moving day errands and possibly stressful situation may not be the best conditions for you to go ahead with long distance driving. Fuel costs and fringe expenses such as lodging for overnight breaks and may only add up to your expenses. Given these circumstances, shipping a car with the help of auto transport companies may be your best option.
To maximize the services of car shipping, there are basic decisions you need to consider that will help you get quality services at the most reasonable prices.
Door-to-door delivery or terminal pickup? Having the car picked up from your location and delivered to another destination may be the most convenient way, but this will depend on your schedule. To receive or claim the car, you need to be there during the scheduled date of delivery, which will usually have no exact time of arrival since long-distance, big-wheel transport can be easily held up by factors such as route difficulties or road blockage. If you feel that you won't be able to commit to staying and waiting in one place during the estimated time of arrival, then terminal pickup and delivery is the best choice for you, since most facilities will allow you to select your claim date according to your most convenient and available time.
Open or enclosed carrier? The choice largely depends on the type of your vehicle. The most reliable auto shipment companies can assure you their drivers and delivery crews will take the safest and fastest route to your destination and handle your vehicle in a professional manner, and so everyday vans or sedans can be transported easily and securely with open carriers. For luxury type, exotic or classic vehicles, the best choice would be enclosed carriers. This may mean additional costs, but the added protection from road and weather conditions is worth the investment.
Auto shipping broker or direct company contract? Contacting a company directly allows you to handle all details hands-on and helps you to clearly define your needs and raise all questions you need to ask regarding shipping a car. Meanwhile, if you are pressed for time and need insider information, getting the assistance of a broker, through a small fee or commission, can help you trim down your options and get the best possible discounts in the market.