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Basics Steps In Shipping A Car


by Campbell Shahan


The meaning in shipping a vehicle means different things to different people. To some it is a very personal thing like transporting a cherished family member. To others, it is just an object - a car, a boat, an RV or a motorcycle.

Although price is important, other important issues surface when the all important selection process of choosing a Carrier for auto transport is begun. First and foremost you must select based upon a comfort level that is good for you.

Insurance: Is the carrier properly insured ? License: Does the carrier possess proper licenses & permits ? Safety Record: Driving record does matter. Reputation: Is this carrier going to project a professional attitude ? Equipment: Having and maintaining a safe and modern truck is very important to the transportation process.

Utilizing only Carriers that meet a strict code of ethics and conduct is vital, therefore your selection of Brokers that only use these types is very important. Shipping cars and vehicles is a very serious business and only companies and individuals that are very serious need to be involved.

The definition of properly insured means having cargo insurance as well as liability coverage that not only covers your vehicle, but also any exposure that may come along in the process of moving your vehicle. In today's world, most of the top companies carry a minimum of $1,000,000.00 in liability as well as at least $250.000.00 in cargo insurance as a standard.

Being properly licensed is not only mandatory but very important. Licensing through the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) as well as having all of the state and federal permits (which includes registration with the DOT) is not only required but is necessary. The minimum required will be FMCSA licensing, DOT Registration, and state permitting to utilize each states highways for transport.

Getting your vehicle there safely is very urgent, so a safety record indicating that your driver is a careful profession is critically important to you as a shipper.

All drivers/carriers build reputations and some are good, while others not so good. A driver/carriers reputation will certainly provide you volumes in terms of what to expect in regards to agreement, compliance with your contract, and the simple task of just getting along with you. Be careful here if you feel a bit uncomfortable. You might want to simply talk with another driver/carrier that makes you feel better about the entire process. You can find many review sites on the internet where you can review the performance and reputations of various transport companies. They are even complete with details and accounts of experiences listed by previous customers.

Don't select a company or driver that uses worn out equipment, and if it looks worn out it probably is. Successful companies and drivers are not going to use "junk". In order to provide safety and reliability successful carriers pride themselves in top equipment and you will be able to tell the difference.

By contacting brokers when you are requesting quotes, you can be assured that only carriers that meet the above descriptions will be contacting you. Your total satisfaction and safety is really what this is all about.




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