The Cost Factors of Shipping Your Car

Now one of the first questions that people always ask about our services is the cost. There are many factors that affect the prices of transporting vehicles. The first thing to consider is there are two main ways to ship a car – Open Car Transport and Enclosed Exotic Car Transport. There is a clear difference between their prices, and we’ll discuss them later.

In general, here are the main considerations when it comes to shipping costs.

• Vehicle size and type – the size of your vehicle is one of the biggest factors that dictate pricing. It determines how much space is needed in the carrier and how much weight will it add. The bigger vehicles generally cost more to transport. Compact cars, for example, are cheaper to haul than SUVs or minivans.
• Transport distance – basically, the farther the destination, the more expensive it is to transport your car. The increase in price is brought on by toll fees, gas charges, man hours especially for overnight trips, and other charges for leaving the state. Deliveries to hard-to-reach areas cost more than those to major metropolitan places too.
• Seasons – there’s usually a spike in bookings during summer. This means prices also go up. During winter, prices drop too.

Open Car Transport is cheaper than Enclosed Transport. Compared to its alternative, open carriers are two-level trailer trucks that can usually transport more vehicles. This means the operational cost of every Enclosed Car Transport trip is more expensive.

Of course, the added security of enclosed carriers is also a consideration. Although vehicles are already very safe when they are transported via open carriers, enclosed trucks offer that extra protection from the weather and other external elements.

The Shipment Process

The shipment process also raises some mostly logistical questions. We will be there to help you through the whole course, from pick up to delivery.

After booking with us and setting a schedule, our team of experienced professionals will get the car at the appointed time and place. Before strapping it in, we meticulously survey the vehicle to mark down every little scratch and dent and note them down.

We then share the report with you to get your approval of our assessment. This is very important, and we will not proceed with the shipment until this step is complete. This document will serve as protection for both you and us.

We don’t take a deposit of the payment. If you’re paying by credit card, you will be charged when the car is successfully delivered and the service is complete.

During transit, your car is safely secured to the carrier with the help of strong straps that don’t harm the paint job. We keep tabs on the trips our carriers make to ensure we know what’s happening with your car at all times.

Drivers deliver cars between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM seven days a week. They will contact you to set up a two to four-hour delivery window. They’ll call you within an hour of their arrival.

Upon delivery of your car to its destination, we visit the report again to make sure no damage was taken during the transportation. You or your representative must be present to further check the vehicle. Once cleared, the shipment is completed.

In extremely rare cases where damage is believed to be taken during transit, all our carriers have insurance coverage amounting to at least $100,000. We will help you with your claim, as we have been doing for our clients since 1994.

The Preparations on Your End

Some preparations should be made on your end to ensure that your car is delivered in the best condition it can be.

Thoroughly cleaning your car is always a good idea. Before shipping it is an absolute must – both its exterior and interior.

If you plan on going for the open trailer service, a good coat of wax at the car wash can help as an added layer of protection. Keep in mind that in transit, your vehicle will be exposed to road debris, dust, and the elements, so getting it fully detailed is not recommended. We suggest you do the detailing after shipment so you can make the most of its sparkling condition.

You can check for preexisting scratches and dents on your own, so you already have an idea when we do our assessment. While you’re at it, you can also look at your car’s tire pressure, hoses for leaks, and whether the alarm is disabled. This is also the best time to note down quirks of your car that will allow us to transport it better.

Leaving only about a quarter of your gas tank filled will lessen the weight of the car during shipment while still having enough for on and off-loading.

Carriers usually allow up to 50 lbs of personal items in the trunk during shipment, but these items are not covered by transport insurance. We don’t recommend shipping anything valuable or breakable. If the weight of the items exceeds 50 lbs, the driver may either charge you with an additional fee, or simply ask you to leave the items. Plants, liquids, and firearms cannot be shipped in vehicles across state lines. These items will be confiscated by the Department of Transportation.

The All American Trucking and Transport Edge

If you’re planning on shipping your vehicle from California to any part of the US, we are the best choice. All our delivery dates are guaranteed, and we never require a deposit. We stay in touch with all our drivers throughout their trips. Most of all, we always treat your car like our own and take the highest level of care when handling them.

Give us a call to learn more. You can also check out our other services.

The post The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Shipping Your Car appeared first on Moveauto.

High-Mile Hazard No. 1: Unpredictable Expenses

There’s something magical about the idea of driving a long distance. You imagine cruising down a long stretch of road in a picturesque countryside, your favorite tunes blasting from the speakers. But you might want to save that road trip fantasy for a time when you’re not going to whimper whenever you stop to refill the tank. Don’t forget — those painful gas prices are on top of the other significant expenses of a long drive, including stopping for meals, staying at hotels, and taking time off work. Keep in mind, too, that cars do break down sometimes, and it’s rarely convenient.

If you’ll be driving your car on a long road trip, be sure you’ve got emergency roadside assistance (like AAA insurance). Knowing how to handle common problems, like changing a flat tire and jumping a dead battery, can come in handy, too. Here are 11 more skills that can help. Before you go, stop by an auto parts store for serpentine belts, coolant, and motor oil. These are all relatively inexpensive, easy to throw in the trunk, and could keep you from being stranded on the side of the road in the event of a common break.

The post High-Mile Hazards: Planning for the Big Move appeared first on Moveauto.

The truth is that 95% of the vehicles we ship are for everyday reasons and regular people like yourself who’ve worked out that the minimal cost and maximum convenience of vehicle transport makes shipping a car not only cost-effective but a stress-free, resource-saving alternative to driving cross-country.

Here are the top 5 reasons our customers ship their vehicles.

Vehicle Transport Reason #1: Job Relocation

More than 50% of our auto transports are scheduled due to a job relocation or cross-country move. Last year, an estimated 14-23 million Americans relocated thanks to remote work opportunities. So, if you’re offered your dream job across the country, and want to start immediately, you might not want to spend several days driving a packed car 1,200+ miles, not to mention gas, food, and lodging expenses. Many of our clients also have multiple vehicles, so driving isn’t an option.

You probably agree that moving is its own special brand of hell, but the average American still moves 11.6 times in their lifetime. In 2021, nearly 28 million people moved, and it’s estimated that more than 30 million will move at least once in the next 12 months. So, whether our customers relocate for a job, a change of scenery, or some other reason, shipping their vehicle makes the whole miserable process just a little bit easier.

Vehicle Transport Reason #2: College-Bound

Heading off to college is a big milestone—for students and parents. From filling out those ever-intimidating FAFSA forms and applying for student loans to dorm and roommate assignments, class schedules, and a new city and campus to navigate, packing up your sometimes-reliable car for a daunting road trip is just piling it on.

The thought of their 18-year-old stranded on a lone stretch of highway late at night or involved in an accident in a crowded, unfamiliar city is enough for many of our clients to rely on moveauto to transport their college student’s vehicle to and from campus each school year for extra peace of mind. Getting settled on time and avoiding the potential for their belongings to get stolen or damaged (in the event of an accident) means students generally prefer auto transport, as well.

Vehicle Transport Reason #3: Retirement

The pandemic forced up to 3 million Americans to retire earlier than planned, according to Bloomberg.com, raising the percentage of adults 55 and over who’ve retired to an all-time high of 50% (Pew Research Center). For many, retirement is also an ideal time to move—to a smaller home and a warmer climate with a lower cost of living. Nearly 20% of respondents to the United Van Lines 2021 Annual National Movers Study named retirement as a reason to move, an increase of 7% since 2015. Retirees are almost 3X as likely to move to a different state than all other movers. Married couples make up the majority (77%) of retirement moves, so they’re more likely to have more than one car. Driving all day for several consecutive days in a packed car isn’t something most seniors want to do, and with more disposable income than their younger counterparts, they’re more likely to hire a moving company and ship their vehicles to their new home.

Vehicle Transport Reason #4: Inheriting or Gifting

Nearly 40% of Americans are gifted their first car. More than 30% of those are hand-me-downs from a parent or older sibling, with just under 8% receiving a new(er) car. Regardless of the make, model, or year, gifting a car is a great way to help a family member or close friend and get your old car off your hands when you’re ready for a new one. But, unless you live down the street or across town from the giftee, it can become a bit of a hassle. You want it out of your driveway but that requires you to either drive it to its new owner and get a ride (or flight) back home or wait until the new owner can come pick it up. Our fourth most popular reason for auto transport is clients who elect to avoid the hassles altogether by shipping a gifted car to its new owner. Not only does this save time and free up garage space faster but it avoids putting empty miles on what’s likely an older car and saves the giftee the inconvenience, as well.

Vehicle Transport Reason #5: Purchasing a Car

If you bought a car online in the last two years, you’re in good company. Nearly 30% of U.S. new car sales are completed online, according to an ABC News article. That’s up from just 2% purchased online prior to the pandemic. By 2030, the majority of vehicles will be sold online, according to a KPMG Global Automotive Executive Survey. And 75% of respondents to the same survey predict that four in 10 vehicles will be sold directly by automakers. Now that more consumers are avoiding the dealership experience altogether, it makes sense to have the car that you purchased online delivered.

One of the benefits of purchasing a car online is that you can shop outside of your local area. And rather than paying for a one-way flight, Uber-ing out to the seller’s location, and driving all the way home, many of our clients prefer to avoid the hassle and have their new car shipped directly to their home.

Whatever your reason, you can find out exactly what it will cost to transport your vehicle here.

The post Go, Cars. Go! 5 Real-Life Vehicle Transport Scenarios appeared first on Moveauto.

If you’re thinking about making a road trip of similar distance, whether cross-country or down the East Coast, it pays to consider the costs (and prepare for any potential trouble) you’ll encounter along the way.

Fuel Economy and the Cost of Gas

As beloved as that brand-new Wagon Queen Family Truckster was, let’s assume you’re driving something a little less Partridge family. We’ll use a 2012 Honda Accord, for its best-in-class fuel economy (28 mpg assumes mostly highway miles). Be sure to plug in the actual mileage of your vehicle when you do the math, because mileage varies significantly among models.

In ’84, gas was $0.92 a gallon (wow). Today, a gallon of gas will set you back about $4.61 (taking the average between the cost of gas in New York and in California). The distance from New York to Los Angeles is 2,789 miles. If our Accord gets 28 miles per gallon, we’ll need about 100 gallons of gas (2789 miles / 28 mpg = 99.6 gallons of gas). 100 gallons of gas times our average of $4.61/gallons gives us a trip gas total of $459.16 (as opposed to the $92 it would have cost in 1984).

Travel Costs and Incidentals

Suppose you’ll be driving at an average speed of 65 miles per hour on this trip. That’s nearly 43 hours of driving. If you’re going it alone, it’s safe to assume you’ll not be driving straight through. But let’s say you plan to be on the road for nine hours a day. Presuming you’ll arrive at your destination on the fifth night, you’ll need a hotel for four consecutive nights. The average cost of a hotel room is $200/night, bringing your hotel room total to $800.

Eating on the road for five days will run you about $40/day per person. Since the average road trip includes four people, let’s guess you’ll be traveling with at least one other person. That brings your meal budget to no less than $400.

The Griswolds took a few side trips along the way, stopping to see the world’s second-largest ball of twine (yep, it’s a real thing) in Cawker City, Kansas. They also spent a few seconds at the Grand Canyon (best not to linger, the hotels and food will cost 3x-4x more there), and paid a visit to Cousin Eddie. Be sure to add additional mileage and cash for souvenir t-shirts to your budget (a visit with cousin Eddie will only cost you a bit of pride).

So far, you’ve spent $459.16 on gas, $480 on hotel rooms, $400 on food, and another $150 or so on side trips, for a total of about $1,490.

The Best-Laid Plans…

This total assumes that nothing goes wrong with your car during the trip. Even if this were true, it’s worth considering the wear and tear of putting 2,800 miles on your car (tires, oil, brakes, wipers, etc.). Let’s assume a minimal cost of $100 for wear and tear as well as normal depreciation at 10¢ per mile. That’s an additional $380 (now you’re at $1,870).

What are the chances that something could go wrong? According to car insurance statistics, road trips in 2021 alone resulted in:

• 30% of cars sustaining damage or repairs costing less than $1k
• 30% of cars sustaining damage that cost more than $1k
• Nearly two in 10 drivers getting lost
• 15% suffering a single-car accident
• 14% suffering an accident with another car

The potential for issues increases exponentially the longer you’re on the road. So if you’re traveling eight hours a day for five consecutive days, there’s a decent chance that you’ll experience a flat tire, a mechanical failure, a fender bender, or simply get lost for a few hours.

Even though Clark’s Truckster was brand new, it suffered a few mishaps. In St. Louis, they “lost” all four hubcaps ($50 each at Auto Zone) and risked crime and road rage along the way.

And in Monument Valley, Utah, Clark got lost, crashed the car, and had to pay $500 for a tow and four new (old, bald) tires. While you might not be as accident-prone as Clark, it’s easy enough to bend a rim hitting a bad pothole or an animal along the way.

Time is Money

We’ve covered nearly all the potential costs and looked at a variety of possible scenarios, but the one thing we’ve not assigned a value to is your time.

A road trip down the East Coast can be an amazing experience if you have the time to make a trip of it. But if your end goal is the destination, and work awaits, you might be more inclined to choose a no-hassle, worry free way to get your vehicle from one side of the country to the other.

Bottom Line

At the end of the trip, it’s no less expensive to drive yourself than it is to have moveauto handle your auto transport. Following our estimation, driving yourself will run you approximately $1,870. Having moveauto transport your vehicle the same distance would cost about $500 less, not to mention provide peace of mind and keep you from putting 3000 empty miles on the odometer of your car.

Want to find out exactly what it will to cost transport your vehicle? Contact us for a free quote!

Shipping a car from Los Angeles, CA to New York

The post The Cost of a Road Trip: New York to Los Angeles appeared first on Moveauto.

Perhaps the most significant change in the auto industry and for auto transport companies like ours, was the increase in both size (length and width) and weight of vehicles. Auto transport trailers were typically built to carry 10 cars, but with the proliferation of SUVs, which weigh significantly more than passenger cars, the total allowable weight was maxed out with fewer vehicles, driving up costs and impacting efficiency.  

SUVs weren’t the only new type of car gaining popularity. Electric vehicles (EVs) were also making a comeback. Despite wide-held belief that electric-powered cars were invented in the late 1990s, the first electric vehicle was created long before. In fact, the earliest all-electric vehicles were developed in the mid 1800s. By the end of the century, William Morrison had designed an electric, six-passenger wagon with a top speed of 25 mph and a range of 80 miles. 

By the early 1900s, one in every three cars on the road was an EV. You know Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb, but he also worked on building better batteries for electric vehicles of his time. 

Fast forward to the 1990s, and there were a handful of all-electric vehicles, but it wasn’t until Toyota released the Prius in 1997 that electric cars became a viable alternative to gas-powered vehicles. 

Twenty-five years later, electric vehicles (EVs) have not only improved dramatically but they’ve also become mainstream alternatives to gas-powered cars and trucks. Today, there are more than 30 EV models for sale in the US. 

History has come full circle, and with it, some of the original auto transport challenges. Weight is again a major issue as EVs weigh significantly more than similarly sized gas-burning cars. The smallest Tesla (Model 3) weighs approximately 1000 lbs. more than the 3000-pound Honda Civic. Audi’s new e-tron weighs a full ton more than their similarly sized Q5 SUV.

Despite this, it seems that this time EVs are here to stay. California has joined countries like France in placing bans on traditional vehicles that go into effect starting in 2035, and 17 more states are following California’s vehicle emissions requirements rather than federal standards, suggesting they may follow suit in banning the sale of gas-powered vehicles, as well. 

Today, we transport about a dozen EVs a week. As that number continues to climb and we plan for a greener future, moveauto has adapted special procedures for transporting electric vehicles. 

In addition to the standard auto transport checklist, be sure to do the following if you plan to have your EV shipped:

• Ensure it has a full charge for transport
• Turn off all “watchdog” features 
• Turn off climate control features (including “no greater than” interior temps)
• Avoid constantly checking the location of your car via app while in transport. We know it’s tempting, but EV batteries deplete much faster along a cross-country transport when owners “activate” the car’s brain by checking its stats. Keep in mind that EVs don’t like to sit and will lose charge naturally. 

At moveauto, we continually update our fleet to reflect current needs and pride ourselves in leading the industry in green vehicle transportation. 

To request a free quote or schedule an EV transport, click here. 

The post The Past Comes Full Circle appeared first on Moveauto.

In any case, be sure you know what you’re getting into. Here’s a list of some common hazards you’re likely to encounter on an extended road trip — and tips that can help you prepare for a high-mile journey.

High-Mile Hazard No. 1: Unpredictable Expenses

There’s something magical about the idea of driving a long distance. You imagine cruising down a long stretch of road in a picturesque countryside, your favorite tunes blasting from the speakers. But you might want to save that road trip fantasy for a time when you’re not going to whimper whenever you stop to refill the tank. Don’t forget — those painful gas prices are on top of the other significant expenses of a long drive, including stopping for meals, staying at hotels, and taking time off work. Keep in mind, too, that cars do break down sometimes, and it’s rarely convenient.

If you’ll be driving your car on a long road trip, be sure you’ve got emergency roadside assistance (like AAA insurance). Knowing how to handle common problems, like changing a flat tire and jumping a dead battery, can come in handy, too. Here are 11 more skills that can help. Before you go, stop by an auto parts store for serpentine belts, coolant, and motor oil. These are all relatively inexpensive, easy to throw in the trunk, and could keep you from being stranded on the side of the road in the event of a common break.

High-mile Hazard No. 2: Beyond excitement is… fatigue

The first couple of hours of your road trip might be exciting but staring at a never-ending stretch of highway tends to become monotonous after a while. That monotony can lead to sleepiness. Drowsy driving accounts for about 100,000 crashes a year, according to the National Safety Council. Beware of the signs (unfocused vision, trouble keeping your eyes open, constant yawning are just a few) and build in time for a few coffee stops and overnight stays to keep you (and everyone else on the road) safe.

High-Mile Hazard No. 3: The Witching Hours

Certain times of day and night pose more hazards for our nation’s drivers. Rush hour traffic in urban areas certainly impedes progress. If possible, avoid driving through metropolitan areas during the hours

of 7am – 9am and 4pm – 6pm Monday through Friday. Especially these five cities with the worst traffic (according to the Wall Street Journal).

#5: San Jose, CA
#4: New York, NY
#3 San Francisco and Oakland, CA
#2 LA, Long Beach, and Anaheim, CA
#1 Washington D.C.

Outside of gridlock on the roadways, wildlife vehicle collisions (WVCs) are another high-mile hazard to avoid. These accidents cause about 26,000 injuries every year and are most common early in the morning (5 – 9am) and during evening hours (4pm – midnight) when deer are most active and traffic volume is at its highest. According to the Federal Highway Administration, WVCs occur along critical travel corridors in every state and for nearly all drivers across the country.

High-Mile Hazard No. 4: Misalignment and Other Issues

Cars face a lot of wear and tear during long drives, and the opportunity for accidents increases with longer trips. From questionably maintained road surfaces to notoriously bad drivers, a long road trip presents risks such as damaging your vehicle and depreciating its value. Poor alignment causes uneven tire wear and forces you to fight with the steering wheel for the entire drive, making the trip even more exhausting, both physically and mentally. Poorly balanced and improperly inflated tires also cause vibrations, extend braking distances, and reduce fuel economy. It’s worth shelling out $150 – $300 for a proper alignment and tire balance before heading out on the road.

If you’re at all concerned about the drive or know of any existing issues with your vehicle, be sure to have them addressed and fixed by a mechanic before your journey. Waiting until you arrive could end up costing you a lot more than just a service visit.

Skip the High-Mile Hazards with a Trusted Auto Shipping Service

One of the biggest challenges of moving is deciding how certain items get from point A to point B. Who do you entrust with which belongings? Which items do you refuse to let out of your sight, and which can go into storage if necessary? Ultimately, you want to ensure that everything arrives at the new destination without getting lost or damaged. These questions should apply to your vehicle as much as to your favorite pieces of furniture and other irreplaceable items.

When it comes to packing up and relocating your entire life, forget the journey. Moving is all about getting to the destination with as few headaches as possible so you can promptly begin the enormous task of getting settled into your new home. At moveauto, we have 25 years of experience helping families transport their vehicles for the big move. We understand the pressures of moving, we’re familiar with the hazards of long-distance drives, and we’ve rescued more than a few stranded motorists. So, if you do break down, we can pick up your vehicle and transport it the auto shop nearest to your destination. If you’re facing a big move and need a trusted service to help transport your vehicle, reach out for a free quote or email us with questions about how we can help you avoid the long-haul headaches.

The post High-Mile Hazards: Planning for the Big Move appeared first on Moveauto.

Fortunately, many employees are willing to pack up and move for their work. In a survey conducted by staffing agency Robert Half, 62% of people said they would relocate for a position. Whether they’re attracted to the new location, the perks of the job, or they’re simply looking for a change of scenery, it seems most people would willingly move for a job despite knowing the associated challenges of such a drastic life change.

For HR leaders tasked with moving employees from point A to point B, it’s imperative to provide the smoothest moving experience for new hires. Moving is an incredibly disruptive experience that can cause unintended expenses and frustrations for both the employee and employer.

Today, prospective employees have their pick of jobs. To alleviate the stress of moving and tip the balance in your favor in the hiring market, make sure you’ve got the essentials covered in your relocation package. 

The Employee Relocation Essentials:

• Cost of searching for a new home
• Packing and moving household goods and furnishings
• Mover’s insurance
• Temporary storage
• Temporary housing
• Transportation for people and vehicles

The Emotional Toll of Moving

For some people, the idea of starting over in a new location is an exciting prospect. The notion of packing up and actually getting there, however, is not as appealing. 

A new hire who’s moving for their job is already juggling a million tasks trying to get everything ready. They’ll have thousands of questions swirling around their head. Will they like their new neighborhood? Will their spouse be able to find a job in the new location? Does the new neighborhood have educational facilities to fit their child’s needs? 

All of these questions have the potential to disrupt daily life for the employee and their family. A new employee trying to navigate the logistics of uprooting their life can find it difficult to relax, is likely to feel overwhelmed, and may even experience physical manifestations of stress. 

The negative effects of stress won’t disappear the moment a new hire sits down at their desk. Compounded anxiety from a move takes time to recover from — which means it’s important to build a relocation package that prevents those stress factors from existing in the first place. 

The Professional Challenges of Relocation

When you find the best talent, you naturally want them to begin as soon as possible. New hires will generally start their position in two weeks. If there’s a move involved, however, that time frame may be much longer and include more responsibilities for everyone involved. 

HR leaders are already tasked with a large portion of onboarding a new hire. Enlisting the services of a vehicle transport company lets them hand off a good amount of administrative work, like arranging load and drop times that align with the employee’s timeline and the company’s needs. Vehicle transport companies will determine the best possible timeline for moving the vehicle based on the employee’s logistics and details, ensuring a smoother and shorter time to the start date.

There’s no hard and fast rule in terms of the distance it’s recommended to offer auto shipping in a relocation package. The general suggestion is that if a flight would save time over a drive, it’s worth the investment. Every day a worker isn’t on the job, the company loses money. Employees who receive relocation packages are often highly valued, with skills and experience that employers don’t want to go without for days or weeks. Offering auto shipping gets them settled and back to work faster.

Lump Sum vs. Comprehensive Package

Rather than arranging a comprehensive moving package, some companies will provide a lump sum to cover the cost of relocation. This can seem like an attractive option because employees are usually allowed to keep any cash they don’t spend on the move. Yet many employees find that having a few hundred dollars in their pockets isn’t worth the trouble.

Lump sums certainly help reduce the financial strain of moving, but they don’t do anything to reduce the emotional and professional stress factors that come with such a big life change. Having a trusted vehicle transport service, however, gives them the benefit of a streamlined process that’s designed to coordinate the complicated logistics of moving. Preferred vendors are experts at handling the hassle because they do it all the time, whereas HR leaders are probably not as well-versed in the details involved in vehicle transport. Plus, employers offering auto shipping usually have enough experience with the transport company to vouch for their reliability, meaning employees can trust that their vehicle will be well-cared-for and arrive at its destination exactly when it’s needed. 

Offering auto shipping in a relocation package is the only way to provide a hands-free moving experience that allows employees to focus on being successful in their new roles.  

Starting Your New Hires off on the Right Foot

At a time when many people barely move past their own front door to go to work, it’s worth every HR leader’s time to consider how they can make the moving process easier for their employees. Helping new hires reduce the pain associated with moving shows a lot about how you care for your employees and their wellbeing, which is critical at a time when finding and retaining talent is still a huge obstacle for many companies. Easing the moving experience starts the employer-employee relationship off on the right foot, building a strong foundation of trust that can help retain the best talent for a long time to come. 

Learn more about partnering with moveauto for your employees’ relocation needs. 

The post The Key Ingredient of a Comprehensive Relocation Package appeared first on Moveauto.

We understand how this could be a predicament; paying someone to transport your car is an added expense to an already costly move. But there are many factors to consider, and even if driving your vehicle seems like the cheaper option, it could be more expensive in the long run. To see which option is best for you, here are five questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to drive or ship your car for your big move.

How will this impact my car’s health?

For many of us, our car is an investment of our time, money, and emotions. Your car may be an expensive, well-maintained classic. Or maybe your car is a hand-me-down from an older sibling in which you’ve made years of memories. Perhaps your car was a thoughtful gift from a loved one. Maybe it has been a passion project for you that you’ve poured months of your time into. Or maybe it is just a car that you bought with your hard-earned money, and you want to be sure it lasts you for years to come.

Whatever connection you have to it, you want what’s best for your car.

Driving your vehicle, especially over long distances, does take its toll (pun intended). Whether it’s the hours you’ll have to spend on the road with your engine working overtime or the long exposure to the elements, long drives chip away at the car’s health.

When you ship your car, it protects your vehicle’s systems. You won’t have to worry about the wear and tear on your engine or tires, and your car will arrive to your new home in exactly the condition you left it in.

If your car has an expensive paint job, an enclosed truck may be something to consider. Though this option is more expensive, it will keep your car from getting scratched or damaged from road debris and natural elements and could end up saving you money in touch-up costs. Either way, using a car transport service is likely best to protect your car’s health.

Will it be safe for me to drive my vehicle this far?

Long-distance driving can be more difficult than one might assume. When you spend hours on the road multiple days in a row, your mind and body can become exhausted. Drowsy driving leads to 100,000 police-reported crashes and over 1,500 deaths each year (NHTSA). It’s important to be sure that you take every precaution if you decide to drive your car when you move.

On the other hand, professional truckers and long-haul drivers are much more experienced with these types of trips. If you decide to ship your vehicle, it will be in the hands of an experienced driver who is familiar with the routes, comfortable with adjusting to changing road conditions, and who knows how to keep themself and their cargo safe.

For people who are moving on their own, we strongly suggest shipping your vehicle for your safety. However, if there will be multiple drivers in the vehicle when you move, drowsy driving may not be as much of a concern since passengers can take turns driving and keep each other awake and focused on the road. If you’d like more tips on how to avoid drowsy driving, check out the CDC’s guidance.

If your top priority is safety for both yourself and your car, transporting your car across country is the better choice.

How much will this affect my car’s mileage?

If you’re worried about your car’s mileage, chances are you’re considering one of two things: selling your vehicle or keeping your vehicle as long as possible.

If you are interested in selling your car, driving it a great distance is definitely not advised. Mileage is one of the main determining factors when assessing your car’s value. It’s best to limit your drives to weekly trips to the grocery store, not cross-country road trips. Shipping your car will preserve your car’s mileage and lead to a more lucrative deal when you do decide it’s time to sell.

Driving your vehicle when you move also hurts your car’s longevity. No matter how well-maintained a vehicle is, each part still has a set number of miles or duration of use before it becomes unreliable and needs to be replaced. If you are still hoping to get years of use out of your car, the best option is to ship your vehicle.

Do I have enough time?

Driving long distances takes time – a lot of it. You’ll have to factor in a realistic estimate of just how many miles you can drive per day. Think of the rest stops, lunch breaks, hotel check-ins, and gas stations. These all take time, not to mention your ability to drive reliably for long periods.

For your safety, we recommend that you spend no more than 8 hours on the road per day, including breaks and rest stops. Usually this translates to 450 miles or less per day.

Now think of your trip. How many days on the road would that be? Can you take that much time off work? Do you want to spend your time off work on the road, or would you rather be settling into your new place? If time is of the essence, having your car shipped is the best option.

How much will it cost?

Finally, there’s cost. Even if you consider the cost of gas, road snacks, and hotels, driving is almost always cheaper than using a car transport company. However, it costs more than money to drive your car. Your time, energy, and protecting your investment are big considerations here.

There’s also the fact that you need to have your car fully serviced to make sure it’s ready for the long drive. Having your car break down in the middle of the Interstate can easily cost you more than what shipping it would.

When you consider all of the factors presented above, you can see just how much driving your car can really cost. To save yourself time and energy, as well as avoiding potentially significant servicing or repair fees, it may be best to have your car shipped when you move.

Bottom line

For shorter moves, it may be a better option for you to drive your car. It will likely be cheaper, and as long as you have another person driving with you, safety should not be a huge concern.

Your investment, time, energy, and safety are crucial considerations to make when you are moving your car a greater distance. For these reasons, we recommend using a car transport company to ship your vehicle for longer moves.

Safe shipping with moveauto

At moveauto, we have over 25 years of experience in vehicle transport, serving families and individuals moving long distances and fulfilling commercial contracts for auto dealers and private businesses. Our business is built on trust, transparency, and customer communication. Want to learn more about moveauto? Call us at (800) 886-7135 or shoot us an email. We look forward to assisting you!

You can also read our complete guide to car shipping here.

The post Should I Drive or Ship My Car When I Move? appeared first on Moveauto.

The post Car Shipping Tips | 4 Tips for Choosing a Car Transport Service appeared first on Moveauto.

Sometimes, you don’t get the outcomes you expect from a transport service, and it usually happens when you make blunders during the planning stage.

As a longtime auto transport company in California, we’ve heard all kinds of stories about car transports gone wrong.  Below are some of the most common car transport mistakes owners make, and our tips on how you can avoid them.

1. Carelessly choosing a transport company.

The time you spend screening car transport companies is always worth taking. You’re not just looking for legitimate companies but companies that can do the job right. Delaying transport by a week or so because you’ve yet to find a company with whom you’re confident is better than waiting double the time or spending double than expected because the company you chose is inexperienced in transporting vehicles.

2. Falling for scam services.

It is an unfortunate fact that many make a profit out of deceiving people, but this is the reality. The repercussions if you end up with a fraudulent transport company are disastrous:

• Your vehicle could sustain some damage.
• The company could use your car without your knowledge.
• The arrival date could get pushed back for a long time.
• Your car might not arrive at all.

There are several ways to distinguish the scams from legitimate operations, such as not having a Motor Carrier (MC) number or working phone number. An upfront fee in itself is not a red flag, but asking for payment via a transfer service only is. Negative reviews and the lack of reviews are also telling of fraudulent operations. Avoid companies with these tells and you’ll save yourself from a lot of headaches.

3. Not checking the coverage of your company’s insurance policy.

Legitimate transport companies are required to have insurance. They might just provide basic coverage, though, which means you might have to shoulder the costs if something happens to your car that’s not included in the company’s insurance policy. For your peace of mind, ask about their coverage and whether they offer add-ons that you feel are necessary for your car brand or type.

4. Incomplete documents.

Legitimate car transport companies will want to get some paperwork so that they can clear your car across state lines. Additionally, a legitimate company won’t want to be complicit in theft, so they will ask for documentation like title and registration, certificate of insurance, bill of lading, and lienholder authorization. If you lack any of these documents and still insist on transporting your car, you might hit a snag at checkpoints.

5. Not having an inspection.

An important part of the auto transport process is the inspection that takes place before the move. The goal of an inspection is to establish the condition of the vehicle before the transport. Details like scratches, dents, and other existing flaws are noted and written into the bill of laden. If there’s no inspection, you won’t have any proof that your car sustained damage in transit.

On a side note, consider it a red flag if your transport company ships your vehicle without a comprehensive inspection.

6. Being absent during the inspection upon arrival.

A second inspection will take place when the car arrives at the destination. Failing to be present for this inspection, you risk losing the right to file a claim if your car sustains any type of damage.

Here’s another related car shipping mistake: inspection at night or under dim lighting. If your car arrived late in the evening, the inspection should at least take place in a well-lit location so that you and the inspector can accurately make out any new damage to the car.

7. Choosing the cheapest service.

There’s a lot of expense that goes into moving a car. Fuel, trailer use, the trucker’s salary and per diem, toll fees, and lodging and food for the trucker if it takes days to transport your car. So don’t be swayed by the rock-bottom quotes for car transports. If they’re not a scam, companies that charge very low fees must be operating at the bare minimum. They might not have the means to cover the costs if your car gets damaged during transport.

8. Forgetting to empty your car / using your car as a transport vessel.

Some car owners want to maximize car transport costs and treat their car like a moving truck. They put other possessions in the car, like appliances, furniture, and other valuable personal items. This isn’t the best idea, unfortunately. Trailer trucks travel at high speeds without causing any damage to the cars loaded on them. Objects inside the car, however, could get damaged. Unfortunately, transport insurance won’t cover them.

Adding weight to your car can also drive your transport costs higher. Finally, if your car gets randomly inspected by the Department of Transport, they could seize your belongings.

Choose the Right Vehicle Transport Carrier

If you can avoid just one mistake in this list, it’s carelessly choosing an auto transport company. Get that right, and you can easily avoid the rest.

All American Trucking and Transport is a company you can bet on. We have been transporting cars for individual clients, relocation companies, sports teams, and businesses in California since 1994. We also serve clients in Michigan and Oregon.

If you seek expertise, professionalism, dependable customer service, and insurance coverage, you’ll find them all here.

Request a quote today.

The post Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Cars to Another State appeared first on Moveauto.