Entrepreneurs are often known for their hustle, always looking for new ways to solve problems and optimize systems. As a busy entrepreneur, your time is precious, and every minute counts. Whether you’re relocating for business, purchasing a vehicle online, or simply need to transport your car across the country, the task of car shipping can be daunting.
So, in this article, we will show you some ingenious car shipping hacks that will help you navigate this process efficiently and effortlessly. From understanding the car shipping process for business vehicles to selecting the right shipping company, and more, these tips and tricks will enable you to focus on what matters most – growing your business. So, keep reading!
Car Shipping Hacks For Busy Entrepreneurs
#1: Researching Reliable Car Shipping Companies
Finding a reliable car shipping company is a critical step in ensuring smooth and efficient transportation of your vehicles. Start by seeking recommendations from other businesses or industry peers who have experience in car shipping. Personal experiences and word-of-mouth recommendations can often provide valuable insights.
Once you have a few potential companies in mind, take the time to research each one. Look at their websites for information about their services, experience, and values. Check if they have specific experience in business vehicle shipping, as it may involve different complexities compared to individual car shipping.
A critical factor in selecting a shipping company is their communication skills. They should be able to answer all your questions, address concerns, and provide clear, detailed explanations of their processes. A company with exceptional customer service not only makes the shipping process smoother but also helps you feel confident and secure in your choice.
An important part of your research should be confirming the company’s legitimacy and licensing. A reputable car shipping company should be registered with the Department of Transportation and have a unique DOT number.
You should also confirm that such a company has a Motor Carrier (MC) number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
#2: Consider the Shipping Cost
Car shipping cost is another important factor to consider when choosing the right shipping company for your car. Be sure to get quotes from multiple shipping companies for comparison. While it’s tempting to go for the lowest quote, remember that cost often reflects the quality of service. Extremely low quotes may mean hidden fees or subpar service, so it’s important to consider all aspects of the quote, not just the price.
Also, look into the company’s dispute resolution processes. Mishaps can happen even with the best service providers. A company that has a clear and fair dispute resolution process demonstrates that it is prepared to take responsibility for any potential issues.
#3: Understand the Car Shipping Process for Business Vehicles
The car shipping process might seem overwhelming initially, but it’s quite straightforward once you understand its various components. So, once you now know which shipping company to go with, the next thing is understanding the shipping process for business vehicles.
You should first be aware of your scheduled pickup date with the transport company. This step involves providing information about the vehicle(s) being shipped, the pickup and delivery locations, and the preferred shipment date. A flexible schedule can help reduce costs since it allows for more economical transportation options.
Once you’ve scheduled the pickup, prepare your vehicles for transport. Remove personal belongings, ensure the gas tank is about a quarter full, and document any existing damages for reference purposes. This will help you easily identify any potential damage incurred during shipping. Some transport companies may offer a pre-shipping checklist to guide you in this process.
After pick-up, your vehicle is on its way. Most car shipping companies provide tracking capabilities, which allow you to monitor the progress of the transport. This helps in keeping tabs on the location of your vehicle and gives a better understanding of the estimated delivery time.
Upon arrival at the destination, the vehicle is inspected again to assess for any potential damage during transit. Ensure someone is present to receive the vehicle, sign off on the delivery, and confirm the condition of the car.
#4: Understand the Difference Between Open and Enclosed Trailer Transport for Fleet Vehicles
Choosing the right type of trailer for your fleet vehicles is essential. The two main types are open and enclosed trailer transport. Open trailers are the most common option and are typically more affordable. They can carry multiple vehicles at once, which makes them ideal for bulk shipping.
However, open trailers expose vehicles to weather elements and potential road debris, which may not be suitable for high-value vehicles.
Enclosed trailer transport, on the other hand, provides added protection for vehicles. The vehicles are entirely shielded from weather conditions and road debris. This option is recommended for luxury, antique, or specialty vehicles that require extra care.
But the downside of enclosed trailers is usually the cost. Enclosed trailers cost more and carry fewer vehicles at a time, which could increase the per-vehicle shipping cost. It’s also essential to note that loading and unloading vehicles on an enclosed trailer can be more time-consuming due to the limited space.
This could potentially extend the shipping timeline. However, the added protection often outweighs the additional time for businesses shipping high-value cars.
#5: Leverage Bulk Shipping Practices for Maximum Savings
One of the most effective ways to save on car shipping as a busy entrepreneur is through bulk shipping. This practice involves shipping multiple vehicles at once, which can often result in discounted rates from shipping companies. Most companies will offer lower per-vehicle rates for larger shipments, which can significantly reduce your overall costs.
Planning is key when it comes to bulk shipping. Try to coordinate shipments so that as many vehicles as possible can be transported at the same time. This might involve strategic scheduling and coordination within your company and with your shipping provider.
The location also plays a vital role in bulk shipping. Consolidating pick-up and drop-off locations can streamline the shipping process and result in further cost savings. Shipping companies often charge extra for vehicles that are off the usual routes or difficult-to-access locations. So, try to arrange a common and easily accessible location for both pickup and delivery.
#6: Utilize technology for your shipping process
Consider investing in fleet management software if you’re shipping vehicles regularly. Such software can help you manage your vehicle inventory, schedule shipments, and monitor delivery status. This could help streamline the process and potentially result in further savings.
Remember to always negotiate. If you’re offering a shipping company consistent business or a substantial number of vehicles to transport, use that as leverage to negotiate lower rates. Don’t accept the first quote you receive, especially if you’re giving them high-volume business.
#7: Ensuring Vehicle Protection During Shipping
One of the most critical aspects of car shipping is insurance coverage. Before entrusting your vehicles to a shipping company, make sure you understand the extent of their insurance coverage. They should provide insurance that covers potential damage during transit, theft, and other unforeseen incidents. Ensure this is explicitly stated in your contract.
Besides the shipping company’s insurance, check with your business insurance provider about coverage during transportation. Some policies may include this, while others may require an additional rider. Having your insurance can provide an extra layer of protection during transit.
When checking the shipping company’s insurance coverage, pay attention to the deductibles, limits, and exclusions. A policy with high deductibles may leave you with significant out-of-pocket expenses in case of damage. Similarly, a policy with low limits might not fully cover the value of your high-value vehicles.
Final Note
Navigating the complexities of car shipping as an entrepreneur doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With an understanding of the shipping process and some other tips we have given in this article, you should be able to streamline the process and even save on costs.
By leveraging these hacks, you can turn car shipping from a cumbersome task into a smooth and efficient operation, giving you more time to focus on growing your business.