Save Money with an Auto Shipping Professional

By Tom Kearns

Most families are of the two-car variety. Even though in some large cities walking makes more sense than driving, you will probably not be able to walk everywhere you need to go and the public transportation is either nonexistent or is woefully inadequate.

When moving, driving these on your own may prove too much trouble and money, even if initially it may seem like the more convenient thing to do. Auto transport companies are designed to efficiently ship a number of vehicles at once, eliminating the need to drive each of the cars separately, preventing fuel expenses and wear, and providing a certain degree of protection from hostile elements, theft, and vandalism. Carrier companies specialize in shipping any type of civilian vehicle, providing a selection of services to ensure the best accommodation for your property.

If you are not naturally a planner, this is the time you need to change that. You need to make careful preparations based on your circumstances. Figure the cost of driving those vehicles yourself including fuel, wear and tear on the car and you (and quite possibly other drivers in other vehicles) and the cost of food and lodging on the road, especially over long distances. Compare this total with an estimate from a reliable auto shipper and you will undoubtedly hire the carrier.

The cost to you to hire a shipper depends on several factors. Chiefly the cost is made up of the distance to be travelled and the dimensions and weight of the car(s) being transported. For really long distance shipment, the professional carrier is usually the smartest and most economical method to choose.

There are several basic service types offered by standard transport companies. The "economy guide" is the cheapest of these, but the vehicle is only loaded if there is enough space in the carrier, in accordance with previous orders for the service. The more you pay, the greater priority you receive, the more likely you are to be shipped. Only if you are in financial strain or do not care to make sure the vehicle will be shipped should you favor this service.

Open transport is the next cheapest means and is transportation by an open truck, where the car, over long distances, is open to sun and hail. Closed transport is auto transport in a closed carrier which does not allow damage by sun or rain, but which is much more expensive. "Full Service" guarantees timely pick up and door-to-door delivery, but costs still more. Money is partially repaid to the client if service is unsatisfactory. Cost may be further reduced if you minimize the weight of the vehicle by removing any loose objects, tools, even seats, and by leaving the tank near empty. - 30243

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