Auto Transportation

Posts Tagged ‘idea’

It is no surprise that amidst the increasingly larger hikes in fuel prices driven by the fact that the planet’s supply of petroleum is dissipating, the automotive industry is feeling the pinch more than any other. With many companies falling or are already fallen, the surviving ones are now wisely channeling their resources in developing vehicles which run on alternative fuel and the most popular choice is clearly the hybrid.

Hybrids are the first forms of cars to battle the ongoing fuel crisis. Evidently, the name which pops up anywhere across the world when the term hybrid is brought up is the Toyota Prius. This is mainly because the Prius was the first hybrid vehicle to be built in masses as they have proven among all the other alternative fuel concepts during the late 90s and early years of the new millennium to be the most practical and applicable in real world situations. Basically, hybrids are cars which run on the usual gasoline with the difference being the addition of an extra fuel supply, most commonly in the form of electricity which gets supplied from battery cells. While the Prius has been dominating over all these years, many other hybrids are available on the road today but one of the most notable cars in this segment is the upcoming second generation of Honda’s Insight, a hybrid car designed and engineered specifically to go up against the Prius in a blatant one on one.

While the idea of electric cars have always been a point of discussion but not so in application due to cost and practicality issues, they are hitting the roads lately and one of the one model swarming roads the most across the globe is possibly the Reva G-Whiz. Being under lots of controversy in the automotive industry due to its minimalist nature which is considered unsafe and not up to the standards of being a car, this tiny two-seater from India is in fact labeled as a quadtricycle in markets like the UK’s. On a more fast and furious note, the Tesla Roadster, an electric sports car borrowing the body of Lotus’ well-proven Elise’. While this car is earning rave reviews for its performance despite its electric underpinnings, many are expressing their doubts over the durability and sustainability of the electric cells that power not only the Tesla, but other electric vehicles alike.

Over the years, there have been debates about hybrids not being as good as people are made to think and the technology of electric cars as yet being simply impractical for normal usage. Diesel cars have gained in popularity due to this combined with rising prices at the pumps as cars such as Volkswagen’s entry level green car, the Polo Bluemotion, has on many tests and occasions proved that it can easily dwarf the mpg ratings of a Toyota Prius. Electric vehicles cannot be considered as economical or environmental either as most of our electricity supply comes from plants which burn petroleum to generate the electricity as well.

With ever changing takes on alternative fuel, Honda has made a breakthrough of late, introducing the Honda FCX Clarity, a car which runs of hydrogen and with the debates still going strong on alternative fuel vehicles, the technology Honda is implementing here might be the most significant yet in this battle as hydrogen is unlike the rest, an element which is never likely to run out. Only the world of tomorrow shall tell.

When you need to move your car from one place to another destination, auto transport companies can save you the time and expense of doing it yourself. An auto transport company will not only save you time, fuel and money, but also protect you against vehicle damage and theft, since many licensed carriers have their own insurance. Shipping your car also saves mileage on the odometer and preserves your cars value. If you are shipping a luxury or a classic car, enclosed trailers are recommended. Open trailers are most often used to transport automobiles since this is the most cost effective way. Finding a reliable and trustworthy company with our tips below should be an easy process. Selecting a company begins with the price estimate or a quote. Here is the information you need to get the best deal and the most accurate quote:

Location of the car where to be picked up and where it will be delivered to.
The approximate departure date.
Type of vehicle (standard size car/sedan, SUV, pick-up truck, van, etc.).
Special services or requirements like enclosed trailer or top vehicle placement.

Brokers vs. Carriers

A carrier is the trucking company that will actually transport your vehicle(s) from point A to point B. Auto transport carriers will often deal directly with consumers, but usually they rely on brokers to provide much of their business. Carriers typically don’t have the staff or budget to market themselves to the public. They typically rely on word of mouth or local advertising to generate revenue for their business they get from brokers.

Brokers specialize in finding carriers who can move a vehicle for the price you want and when you want it. Brokers deal with a number of carriers and therefore have more options for faster delivery at their disposal. Also, auto transport brokers offer pricing that is equal to or better than you might find on your own dealing directly with auto shipping carriers because they can find those empty spots.

Check the insurance of your auto transport company. The law requires the car transport carrier to fully insure your vehicle against damage or theft while it is in the carrier’s possession. To verify this, visit Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), to look up insurance information for auto shippers, along with their safety record. Make sure to read your contract carefully for any mention of a deductible or exclusions. Although your vehicle and its original equipment are usually insured, other stuff that may be in the car like jewelry, CDs, luggage, etc… may not be covered. It is always a good idea not to put expensive things in your along for the ride. Your own insurance may cover such items, but many auto shippers will refuse to accept your vehicle until it’s empty. ShipAnyCar.com, certifies that all of the auto transport companies they represent are fully bonded and insured.

Check references and reviews for auto shippers. You may find the complaints filed with the local Better Business Bureau in the auto transport company’s city or state.

Before accepting your car at the pickup location, the auto transport company will inspect the vehicle and note any damage such as dents, dings, scratches, etc. An inspection report or bill of lading will be given to you for your signature as well as a copy. Check it carefully for accuracy before signing it. When your car is delivered, you’ll want to inspect it again for any damage; if you find any damage not already listed on the report, file a damage claim with the auto transport company.

Below are some tips for helping you select the right auto transport company:

Many auto transport companies cannot guarantee exact delivery dates. Three days to one week is a typical delivery time.
Many auto shippers require that you drop off your car at least one week in advance, but some require two weeks or even four weeks. So it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Your car should be driven very little during auto transport – on and off the truck and to a nearby parking space or terminal. Make sure it has at least a quarter tank of gas when you drop it off.
See if the company offers GPS tracking so you can access the exact location of your vehicle.