Category: Shipping

Why Using Auto Transport Brokers May Be a Good Idea

Why Using Auto Transport Brokers May Be a Good Idea

Why Using Auto Transport Brokers May Be a Good Idea

Auto transport brokers are very vital in the Canada car shipping service industry. When you are looking for auto shipping services, the brokers act as the middlemen between you and the major shipping companies. They specialize in helping clients find the right companies to trust with their car shipping needs and since they work with multiple carries, they can facilitate car shipping to destinations that some companies cannot manage.

How the auto transport brokers work

Auto transport brokers usually have a list of reputable car shipping companies including the areas they serve, the rates charged, and their truck profiles. Most importantly, they have inside information about the companies offering discounts, specials deals and other incentives which may not be known to you as a client.
Most of the reputable auto transport brokers in the Canada car shipping service industry will have the ability to access instant quotes from multiple car shipping companies, both in your area of origin and the final destination. A majority of them have websites where you can submit your requirements for car shipping and you will be automatically matched to multiple companies around you.
Though the car shipping companies in Canada do not require you to access them via the brokers, using the brokers will save you a lot of time and hassles associated with searching for a reputable company and negotiating with them the terms of your car shipping.

Benefits of using auto shipping brokers

There are additional benefits you will get by using the services of auto shipping brokers to meet your car shipping needs in Canada. They include but are not limited to the following:

Brokers can get you better deals

The auto shipping companies in Canada rely on the auto brokers to find clients. In most cases, the shipping companies are constrained in terms of marketing work and budget and instead of sweating it out on their own they rely on the brokers to keep on getting business. As a result, they offer better deals to the brokers who in turn use the deals to entice you to get business. Ultimately, you benefit from good rates when working with the brokers.

You work with reliable car transporters

By working with a broker, you increase your chances of working with a very reliable Canada car shipping company. The brokers are keen to work with transporters who are fully licensed, insured and have good customer feedback. The brokers already have a list of such companies at their disposal and it would take you a great deal of time and effort to vet the vehicle moving companies until you find the reputable ones to work with.

Brokers offer you with a single point of contact

With the brokers, you will get a one-stop-shop for all your car shipping needs. You will be able to make reservations, submit payment, report complaints or compliments, and track the progress of your shipping all from one place. Because they have been in the industry for long and they have all the necessary contacts, they will preempt any troubles you may encounter, thus giving you the peace of mind to ship your vehicle without worrying.

The Vehicle Transport Options at Your Disposal

The Vehicle Transport Options at Your Disposal

The Vehicle Transport Options at Your Disposal

Canada vehicle transport companies offer various options to ensure that your car reaches the intended destination securely. The options available are suited to meet the varying needs and preferences of each and every client. It is also important to point out that these options will be available at different price ranges, though this should never be the main factor of concern when you are looking for the right auto transport company to take care of your car shipping needs in Canada. The following are some of the options you will have at your disposal:

Car Transportation by Trucks

Car transportation by road is perhaps the most common type of auto transport. Most of the people with the need to move their cars prefer this means if they need to move the car from one city to another within Canada. It is a relatively safe mode and not very expensive, hence within the range of most people. Below are some of the options for car transportation by trucks:

Enclosed auto transportation

In this method of Canada auto shipping service, the car is transported in an enclosed container, making it safe from all the flying debris, harsh elements of the weather as well as the prying eyes of the public. This is the best option if you needed to ship an antique car, a classic car or a very expensive SUV. But be prepared to pay slightly more compared to the other options.

Top Load Vehicle Transport Services

With top load vehicle transport services, your car will be placed on top of a car transport truck. This option is normally preferred if you wanted to expedite or prioritize the shipping process. Though you will pay more, the car will be safe from debris and fluid leaks from other vehicles which might end up causing damage to your car. It is a nice option if you need to ship a sedan or convertibles.

Car shipping by a boat or ship

Car shipping by boats or by ship is for when you need to ship your car overseas. With this option, you can decide to use dedicated containers or RoRo ships. With the former, your car will be placed in a dedicated container where it will be fastened securely before being shipped to the desired destination. With the latter on the other hand, the car will be driven onto a RoRo ship at the port of origin and driven off the ship at the port of destination. It is the most affordable option if you are looking to ship overseas.

Car Transport by train

Though it is not very popular, auto transport Canada by train is another option at your disposal for shipping your car in Canada. With this method, you can save between 15% and 30% of the cost you would have used with the conventional means of shipping cars. It is ideal when you need to move your car long distances and since your car will be transported in a fully enclosed container, you don’t have to worry about damages or the elements of the weather affecting your car.

Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car in Canada

Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car in Canada

Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car in Canada

When you are looking to use the services of the auto shipping companies in Canada, all you want is a smooth provider who will deliver your car in one piece to the final destination. It goes without saying that the responsibility to find a good Canada car shipping company lies with you and below are five points you want to follow to ensure that you do not have a bad car shipping experience:

Research the shipping company

When looking for the company to task with your auto shipping needs, take time to check out for legitimacy and good service delivery. Find out if they are truly registered by the relevant authorities and if they have the necessary insurances.

Additionally, look them up in online review websites such as Better Business Bureau to find out if they have any active complaints and read what the past clients have to say about their services. This is the first step towards eliminating illegal companies and those who offer poor services.

Don’t pay too much

Sometimes we associate a higher cost with better service, but that is not always the case. As much as you want to get the best services, you should avoid paying the Canada car shipping companies a lot of money. The rates will vary from company to company and you should ask for free quotes from multiple companies so that you make a comparison. The idea here is not to work with the cheapest company but rather a company with a good compromise between the cost and the quality of the actual services offered.

Keenly investigate the rates and be sure that you know the specific services you will be getting for the rates offered. Additionally, take time to read the fine print so that you are not surprised with hidden charges once you append your signature to commit to the shipping.

Have your documents ready

Any Canada car shipping company will require a set of documents when you want to ship your car with them. These documents may include car registration documents, certificate of insurance, vehicle inspection report, amongst others. For a more precise list of the documents needed, simply ask the shipping company what they will need and ensure that you have all of them by the time you will want the shipping done. Failure to have all the documents can cause unwarranted delays in the shipping and it can potentially land you into problems with the law enforcers.

Adequate insurance coverage

Most companies offering auto shipping service Canada will have the necessary insurance to cover your car in case there is an accident or damages during the shipment. However, you should not take their word for it. Ask to see a copy of the insurance information and call the provider to verify if the coverage is valid and is per the terms stated by the auto shipping company. If the coverage is not sufficient, you may opt to get your own insurance for the shipping or additional cover for things that might have not been covered by the company’s insurance.

What to Look for in a Canada Car Transport

What to Look for in a Canada Car Transport

What to Look for in a Canada Car Transport

It is never an easy task to search for and find a reliable company to take care of your car shipping needs in Canada. There are many companies offering Canada car shipping services, but not all of them are trustworthy. It thus pays to take your time and do the necessary research so that you increase your chances of getting the company that will guarantee a smooth and efficient transportation of your car. Below are a few things you ought to consider if you want to end up with the right company to ship your car:

The location of the company

For a good experience, the preferred company should have branches in your town or city of origin and the destination city or town as well. It makes it easy for logistical purposes to ship your car with such a company because drop offs and pick up will not be a big problem. Be careful with companies who claim to offer nationwide services yet they have no branches or offices near you. In case something goes wrong during the transportation, you may find it very frustrating to get help.

Years of experience

You should be interested in a Canada car transport company with a couple of good years of experience. This is not to imply that you should not try the services of the new companies, but your chances of getting a better experience are higher when you work with some of the industry’s veterans. Two years would be a good measure of experience, but if they have been in the industry for longer than this, it will be an added advantage because they will be more experienced and well versed with car transportation in Canada.

Reviews about the company

There are times when you hear about horror stories involving car shipping in Canada. Either a vehicle got damaged during the transportation or there were unwarranted delays which made the clients annoyed. The best way to avoid dealing with such companies is to read online reviews submitted by past clients of that company. Through the reviews, you will be in a position to gauge the kind of experience to expect when dealing with the company. If you like what you are reading, you can go ahead and engage them, but if the reviews are not pleasant, it would be best to pass. Concentrate on the companies with good reviews.

Consider the rates, but cheaper is not always better

Finally, you should not break the bank just to ship your car in Canada. Compare the shipping rates of the various companies and choose the ones which offer a good compromise between the price and the nature of services offered. While doing so, however, don’t be blinded by the rates alone so that you concentrate your efforts on the very cheap providers. You should remember that you will ultimately get what you paid for and cheap is not always best. But if you are able to find cheap options with guarantees of quality services, then you should feel free to go for it.

Auto Shipping Requirements You Should Know About

Auto Shipping Requirements You Should Know About

Auto Shipping Requirements You Should Know About

Less than 5% of the cars shipped by Canada auto shipping companies usually report significant damages from the shipping process, but it is always a good idea for you to protect yourself against potential issues which might arise during the shipping. This is done by getting the right insurance and understanding the specifics of the items covered.

The minimum auto shipping insurance requirements

Legally authorized car shipping companies are required by the law to have liability insurance. It is also recommended that you make sure that the company you want to entrust with your auto shipping needs have cargo insurance. With these two, it implies that the shipping company is well insured, and should take care of any damage caused during the transportation process once you pay the insurance deductibles, if there are any. The specific terms as well as the amount of coverage vary from company to company and thus you should inspect the shipping company’s coverage before agreeing to any terms of the auto shipping.

Is the minimum coverage enough?

While inspecting the auto transport Canada company’s insurance, keep in mind that you are free to purchase additional insurance if you feel that what is offered is not sufficient for the kind of coverage you desire for your car. Always do whatever is necessary to guarantee the safety of your vehicle while it is being shipped.

The amount of insurance offered by the auto shipping companies as required by law will in most cases offer the minimum coverage, which may be sufficient for some people. However, it is your responsibility to scrutinize the coverage and determine if it fits your needs. Also, remember to call your own auto insurance company and ask if they offer any coverage when your car is being transported and if so, what specifically does the cover include. Whether there is cover for your car during the shipping or not, it is still recommended that you inform your insurance company about the shipping.

Pertinent questions you need to ask regarding the auto insurance

As indicated earlier, you will want to verify with your preferred Canada car shipping company about the specifics of their insurance when transporting your vehicle. To help you get a clear picture of the coverage, below are some relevant questions you ought to ask:

• Are there any deductibles, and if so,
• How much will pay in terms of deductibles for the damage claims?
• Is the whole car covered or just a few parts?
• To what extent does the coverage apply?
• Is there specialty items such as ground effects or spoilers covered?
• Are there possibilities to purchase additional coverage?

If you need to make a claim

Upon delivery, take time to inspect your car to ensure that it is delivered in the same condition as you gave it to the auto shipping company. If the car was delivered with damages arising from the shipping, take note of the damages on the Bill of Landing and let the employee who delivered your car sign the form before you accept the car. Then contact your insurance and the car shipping company immediately informing them of the damages to kick start the process of resolving the issues.

What You Need to Know About Auto Insurance

What You Need to Know About Auto Insurance

What You Need to Know About Auto Insurance

When considering Canada auto transport, you will always have many questions lingering in your mind about the coverage for your vehicle when under shipping. It is always a shocker for many Canadians to find out that they will have to dig into their pockets to cater for damages that might have been occasioned by the shipping process and which they thought the shipping company would take care of.

To avoid such situations, it pays to have a clear understanding of what is covered and what is not covered from the moment your vehicle is loaded onto the auto transport truck for shipment to your new destination. Here is what you need to know as far as the auto insurance is concerned:

Demand to see proof of insurance from the car shipping company

It is a legal requirement for every Canada auto transport company to have a valid auto insurance certificate and they ought to provide it upon request. As a client entrusting them with the safe shipment of your vehicle, you should demand to see this policy and request to be told in terms that you can understand the particulars covered by the policy. It is of interest to you to know what kind of damages are covered, if the whole car is covered or just a few parts and whether you will be requested to pay deductibles should there be any damages.

It is always a good idea to counter check with your auto insurance company

Depending on the policy you hold, your insurance may offer certain coverage when the vehicle is being transported, but you should not assume and this is why it is always a good idea to call them and confirm the specifics of the coverage when your vehicle is being transported.

Loose items shipped inside the car are never covered

Most of the Canada auto transport companies will never cover damages to the interior of the car. This applies to any items shipped with the car and this is why you are encouraged to remove any loose items from the car’s interior before shipping. Theft of any form of the interior accessories is also not covered and this is why it is recommended that custom accessories such as GPS systems, DVD players, cassettes, CDS and other lose items should be removed before the shipping.

Always be present during pre-possession inspection

Before the auto shipping company assumes possession of the car, they will conduct a thorough inspection and take note of existing damages. For insurance purposes and for the sake of dispute resolution, you should be present during the inspection so that both of you agree on the condition of the car. In some instances, taking photographs is highly recommended so that you can have clear records of the car’s condition prior to shipping.

When to make claims

Should there be damages which you feel the insurance should take care of, you should file claims immediately once the car is delivered. The damages should be well captured in the Bill of Landing, which you should also attach a copy when submitting the claim. There is always a timeline within which such claims ought to be filed and you are recommended to do it as soon as possible.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Shipping Cars in Canada

Factors That Affect the Cost of Shipping Cars in Canada

Factors That Affect the Cost of Shipping Cars in Canada

The cost of Canada car shipping services is always a factor of great concern for the individuals looking to ship their cars from one location to another. Some people are fond of accusing the auto shipping companies of charging exorbitant rates, but if you are keen enough, you will realize that the rates are never the same. Several factors dictate the car shipping rates and unless you understand them, you will think that the car shipping companies are ripping you off. The following are a few factors that the companies consider when coming up with your auto shipping quote:

The distance from the point of origin to the final destination

The first factor that affects the rate you will pay to the Canada auto transport company is the distance between the port or point of origin and the final destination. Naturally, the longer the distance, the more fuel and time the auto shipping company will use and consequently, you will be required to pay more if you have to ship your car long distances.

The actual location of your car

Most companies offer pick up and drop off services for clients looking forward to shipping their cars, but all these come with additional expenses. If you can drive your car to the pick-up location, you can save on the accompanying fees and reduce the overall cost of the shipping. If, however, you are unable to deliver the car to the designated pick up location, you will be charged additional expenses to have the company come and pick your car from its current location.

The type car

It goes without saying that shipping a classic car is more expensive than shipping an ordinary sedan. Most car companies will consider the value of the vehicle when calculating the quote. The more expensive the car, the more care it will require and this also extends to the insurance since it will cost slightly higher to cover for the duration of the shipping. All these costs are passed on to you as the client.
Along with the type of car, auto shipping companies in Canada will consider the size and the weight of the car, and these will have an impact on the final quote. For example, a larger vehicle like a Chevy Tahoe will take up more space on the transport truck compared to a Honda Civic.

The Type of Truck

Different kinds of trucks are available for auto shipping depending on the type of car to be shipped as well as the preferences of the clients. For an everyday family car shipping, an open transport truck would suffice, and it will be less expensive, though your car will be exposed to all the harsh elements of the weather and debris such as flying stones when the truck is moving.
If you wanted to ship a classic car or a very expensive sports utility vehicle, you may require enclosed auto transportation. This is a very secure option and your vehicle will be protected against all the elements of weather and things like falling debris. You will, however, have to pay slightly more for enclosed auto shipping.

Top Tips for Avoiding Auto Transport Scams

Top Tips for Avoiding Auto Transport Scams

Top Tips for Avoiding Auto Transport Scams

Scammers are everywhere in the world. But the sad thing is not their perpetual presence in our midst, rather the fact that you can fall prey because you never knew how to identify them. In the Canada car shipping service industry, you have probably heard of horror stories where vehicles were delivered to their owners with parts missing or sometimes vehicles got lost when on transit.

If you scratch beneath the surface of such stories, you will discover that there is a large group of conmen who are ready to wreak havoc given the slightest chance. For your own protection, you should learn how to identify these scammers, and listed below are ways you can determine if you are dealing with a legitimate Canada vehicle shipping company or with a scammer.

Carefully review the company’s website

Auto transport scam companies will put up websites in a hurry and they are never keen on spending any money in getting the website done right. Thus, the websites are always full of grammatical errors which if you are a native speaker, you will identify on a first glance. Other than the glaring mistakes in the design and the content, auto transport scam websites will not have any contact information and if they do, it will a false phone number or a non-functional email address. These should be your indicators that you are about to engage with a scam company to ship your vehicle.

Check their reviews online

If you visit a website like Transport Reviews, you will find legitimate reviews submitted by real users of the various transport companies, including auto transport companies in Canada. The website also allows the companies to give responses to any negative reviews which might have been submitted by unhappy clients. Auto Transport scam companies will have very few reviews and they will always be about negative experiences which the companies will never dispute. The legitimate companies on the other hand will have lots of positive reviews and will willingly respond to negative damaging reviews to protect their reputation.

Check the ratings on the Better Business Bureau

It is not required anywhere for a business to be a member of the Better Business Bureau. However, genuine Canada vehicle shipping companies will try their best to be a certified BBB member and this speaks volumes about the integrity of such companies. The Better Business Bureau has always been a nice resource to check on the legitimacy of businesses as it keeps records of complaints, contact information, the duration the company has been in business, and the period they have been members of the BBB.

The car shipping industry in Canada has a lot of turnover, with many startups never surviving beyond the first year and this has somehow given room for fraudsters to come and scam people with one time deals, then they disappear. By checking the company’s information in the BBB, you will be in a position to tell if it is a fake or a genuine company which you could trust with your car shipping needs.

Tips for Lowering Your Auto Car Shipping Cost

Tips for Lowering Your Auto Car Shipping Cost

It never hurts to save money in any endeavour you hope to take on. Expenses can quickly add up when transporting your vehicle, whether it may be within the country or overseas. If you are looking for car shipping services, the following tips will help you save and lower the car shipping cost.

Choose the shipping method carefully

For international auto shipping, RoRo services would be the most ideal and affordable option to ship your vehicle. However, if you are thinking of shipping a high-end car or an antique car, then the using an enclosed shipping container would be the most appropriate.
If you are shipping your car within the country, a cheaper selection is open truck shipping. Doing your research can help you find good deals.

Consider the sourcing location

When you are looking for a car, consider the location of the main ports in the country of origin. To find this information, you can simply use the internet or the services of a reputable international auto shipping company. If the location of the car is far away from the main ports of exit from that country, expect to pay more for the shipping. A good idea would be to source for the car from locations that are near the main ports so that you don’t pay much on the shipping.

Be careful with the car shipping insurance

Insurance is a major cost factor for auto shipping. Although it is a onetime purchase, the fees can add up. It is common for insurance companies to try and sell you the “best” coverage for your vehicle, but you should be keen on buying only the insurance you need for that shipment. The auto shipping company that you have signed up with will have their own insurance in place; if you need additional coverage, then focus on getting insurance for what the auto shipping company’s insurance does not cover.

Always buy from a dealer

If you are purchasing overseas and you want to lower the car shipping cost to Canada, you will be better off making the purchase from a dealer as opposed to private sellers, usually found through the internet.

Many private sellers will make unrealistic promises to you and demand more money once they deliver the car at your doorstep. Whereas, reputable dealers already have structures in place to ensure the safe delivery of the vehicle to your destination of choice. Besides, their quote will include the shipping costs and this will be far much affordable compared to shipping the car on your own.

Five Reason Why You Should Consider Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed Auto Transport

There are various options for auto transport in Canada and the choice of each is always dictated by the client’s preferences and sometimes the type of vehicle to be shipped. Enclosed shipping is one of the options available and although it might be slightly expensive compared to other car shipping methods in Canada, it is one of the safest and the most reliable means to move your car, either within the country or overseas.

With enclosed auto transport, the car will be placed in an enclosed container and shipped safe from the prying eyes of the public. For shipping across seas, the car is placed in a dedicated container where it is then secured firmly to stop it from moving during the voyage.

But when moving the car within the country, it will be placed in an enclosed container and transported using overland auto shipping tracks. If you have any doubts about this method of car shipping Canada, here are a few reasons to show why this is the best option available:

Your car is given the “white glove” treatment

When using enclosed auto transport to ship your car, you will definitely be paying a slightly higher fee and this guarantees the “white glove” treatment for your car. Most of the car shipping companies will handle your car with extra care, and they will try their best to make sure that the car arrives in the exact same condition it was loaded in. This kind of extra care is never available with other means of auto transportation where vehicles are prone to all kinds of damages due to poor handling.

Safe from flying debris or objects

The safety accorded to your car when shipped in an enclosed container is also admired by many. When you use this option, you will not have to worry about flying debris or other items hitting your car during the transportation. There will be no small rocks hitting the surface of your car during transportation saving you the trouble from restoring the vehicle or getting a new paint job.

Protected against harsh elements of the weather

Too much heat from the sun, cold and rain can potentially affect your car in one or more ways if the car is shipped in the open. But all these are avoided when you use enclosed auto transport. You won’t have to worry about the surface paint tanning due to too much exposure to the sun. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about snow or hail damaging the windows when you use enclosed auto transport.

Hidden away from the public

If you are shipping a classic car or a very expensive sports car, you don’t want everyone to know that you are the owner of that car. If you use open trucks, it will be like advertising your new acquisition and this can potentially attract unnecessary attention. But when you use enclosed auto transport, you never have to worry about the prying eyes of the public knowing about your valuable possession.

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