Blog – Graham Family Auto Transport

Auto Transport Brokers: Who They Are and Why We Need Them

Sat, 03 Jun 2023 14:00:08 GMT

What are auto transport brokers and why do we need them?

The auto transport industry is interesting in the way it functions because there are multiple different moving parts within the same industry. From the outside, it seems as simple as needing a vehicle shipped and calling someone to move it. Unfortunately, however, it’s not usually that simple. The drivers and carriers that physically transport the vehicles are often extremely busy and on the road. This doesn’t offer an environment conducive to discussing and scheduling their transports. These drivers simply do not have the time or capability to have the in-depth conversations required to educate people on the process while they’re on the road transporting cars. This is where auto transport logistics companies, or “brokers”, come in.

In the auto transport industry, the majority of individuals and companies you deal with are brokers - even if they don’t call themselves that. It is required by the FMCSA and USDOT for auto transport logistics companies to be licensed and registered as auto transport brokers. Unless you are speaking with a company that owns and operates their transport vehicles for shipping it is extremely unlikely that you are not speaking with a broker.

Brokers exist in many industries, and the word has neutral and negative connotations. Notice how I didn’t include positive? That’s because in many industries utilizing a broker isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I’m looking at you stock brokers!

In an effort to better explain what an auto transport broker does, we’re going to go back to grade school and have a conversation about grammar. The word broker has two different types - noun and verb. In the auto transport industry, both definitions are accurate in their own ways but not in the way you’d expect. Here have a look:

verb

arrange or negotiate (a settlement, deal, or plan).

noun

a person who buys and sells goods or assets for others.

We know that nouns are people, places, or things. We also know that verbs describe an action. Since auto transport brokers are people/companies many individuals would look to the noun definition at first. However, this is not the most accurate description. As a broker, we don’t buy or sell goods or services for others. In most cases, you’re not paying your broker the cost of the auto transport itself. Typically you will pay for your transport in two separate transactions - an “initial deposit” as many brokers like to call it which is ultimately the broker fee (the money the broker makes) and the balance paid directly to the carrier at the time of pickup or delivery of the vehicle (the money the carrier makes).

The reason this is relevant is because in actuality auto transport brokers are better explained by what they do versus who they are. At the end of the day, the job of any auto transport broker is to help vehicle owners in the arranging and negotiating of their auto transport. Brokers work as the liaison between the car owner and the carrier. In addition, it is the job of the auto broker to efficiently and effectively educate the individuals shipping their vehicles on the entire start-to-finish process.

Name aside, auto brokers are a positive resource in the auto transportation industry. It is our job and pleasure as auto brokers to help you navigate the intricacies of the industry in a way you can easily understand and feel comfortable with. While we can not speak for brokers in other industries, we can say that without auto transport brokers, shipping a vehicle would be entirely different and extremely cumbersome.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions about brokers, transporting vehicles, the industry, pricing, and more! At Graham Family Auto Transport we believe everyone should have a substantial knowledge and understanding of the processes even if you are not working with our company specifically. We strive to provide excellent service and education so that every person looking to ship a vehicle can make an informed decision about who/what/when/where works best for them and their specific needs.

Happy Shipping!

Graham Family Auto Transport

Storing Personal Items in the Vehicle During Shipping: An Explanation

Sat, 20 May 2023 20:14:01 GMT

Can I store personal items in my vehicle during shipping?

So you’ve selected a transport company and confirmed your carrier. Now what? While the transport logistics company you have chosen to work with should do most of the heavy lifting for you, the one thing they can’t do is prepare your car for shipping. There are many things you should consider when preparing your vehicle for transport - you can find a comprehensive list here - one thing that can make or break your transport at the last minute is the weight of the belongings in your vehicle at the time of transport.

When discussing the weight of your vehicle, it is important to remember that your vehicle is typically one of many on the transport trailer. So while it seems reasonable at first glance to pack your car full of items, it can be problematic for the carrier if every car on their trailer were to do this.

On average, carriers will accept 100 lbs or less of personal belongings in the vehicle during transport. All items must be below the window line to not impede visibility for the driver during transport. Also, it is important to note that anything that is not attached to the vehicle can be shifted during transport and potentially cause damage to the items themselves or even to your vehicle. In addition, you will want to choose the items packed in your vehicle very carefully. While all transport carriers are required to carry cargo insurance to cover your vehicle during transport, this insurance does not typically cover anything that is not considered a permanent fixture on the vehicle. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you avoid storing costly items, items that have sentimental value or are irreplaceable, and items or documents that include any private personal information.

If you need to store additional items that would exceed the 100 lbs limit this can usually be accommodated, however, this must be discussed before booking the transport and confirming a carrier. This way, we can ensure that the carrier assigned can accommodate the additional size or weight for the transport without issue. By adequately communicating and preparing for a ‘heavy weight’ transport, we can avoid last-minute cancellations by the carrier, additional fees, and other unforeseen issues or complications. One of the top reasons for carriers canceling, declining, or adding charges to a transport at the time of pick-up is due to the additional weight or size of the vehicle.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your transport logistics broker or the carrier directly if you have any questions regarding the personal belongings included in your vehicle. It is our job as the liaison to make your transport as stress-free as possible and the best way to do that is to engage in clear, candid conversations to ensure proper expectations have been set and therefore met.

Happy Shipping!

Graham Family Auto Transport

The Benefits of Working With a Family Owned & Operated Auto Transport Company

Tue, 02 May 2023 21:42:59 GMT

Why should I consider family owned business for my auto transport?

A vehicle is usually one of the top 3 most valuable assets a person will have. Because of this, the decision to ship a vehicle is not one to take lightly. There are tons of companies out there available to assist in shipping a vehicle but how do you know who to work with? When searching for the right company for you, I’d like you to consider the “little” guys too! Small, family-owned businesses have much to offer that their bigger competitors simply can’t provide.

Family-owned businesses, while making a significant increase in numbers and popularity, still only account for approximately 19% of small businesses in the United States. While that may seem insignificant in comparison to the number of big businesses out there, family-owned businesses typically have bigger concerns for the long-term health of their company and thus maintain a strong commitment to their quality, relationships, family name, and humanity in their business practices.

Communication

Working with small, family-owned businesses offers an unmatched opportunity for direct relationships with management. This is extremely beneficial when working with one of the top three most valuable assets a person has in their life. When shipping a vehicle there should never be gaps in conversation or problem solving. Because you’re often working directly with owners and management of family-owned businesses you are offered direct access to information straight from the horse's mouth.

Values

At the end of the day family-owned businesses are people serving people. There’s no corporate mumbo jumbo or excuses to wade through. For a family-run business, it’s not just business it’s personal. This means that every interaction or decision is guided by a core set of values. We would want our vehicles to be taken care of in the best way possible so we ensure that we take care of your vehicle as if it were our own.

Longevity

Working with family owned businesses offers the opportunity to establish and maintain long-term relationships with individuals in the company. Typically, family-run businesses do not see anywhere near the amount of employee turnaround as larger companies. This also means that leadership positions have longevity too. What does this mean for you as the consumer? It means you will be working with individuals who are intimately connected to and familiar with the company, industry, policy, and relationships involved. This is extremely beneficial when navigating conversations regarding discounts and adjustments, or prioritizing shipments in emergent situations.

At Graham Family Auto Transport we take pride in humanizing every interaction. We don’t just want to move your car, we want to help make your life easier during what can often be a very stressful time. We want to be there for you for your big move, for your kid’s first semester of college, and then later when you retire and snowbird down here in beautiful, sunny Florida. It’s personal to us because it’s personal to you. Having a personal and family style relationship is so important to us that we put it in our name. Don’t be just another number. Come join the G Fam and feel the difference with us!

Happy Shipping!

Graham Family Auto Transport

Shipping A Car with Graham Family Auto Transport: How Does it Work?

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 20:19:00 GMT

Having a vehicle transported can seem like quite a hassle. But with Graham Family Auto Transport we make the process as simple as possible.

In its simplest form there are four steps involved in the auto shipping process:

1. Request a free personalized auto transport quote.

You can submit a free personalized quote request on our website with the specific details of your transport needs. Alternatively, you are welcome to call (813)488-0970 to receive a quote over the phone if that is preferred.

2. Confirm details and book your transport.

After you have submitted a quote request, a knowledgeable Transport Specialist will reach out to discuss the details of your transport specifications and set current industry & market expectations. If everything sounds good the transport will be booked and a credit card will be collected and securely stored on file. NOTE: The credit card on file will NOT be processed until a carrier has been confirmed for the transport.

3. A transport carrier is confirmed under contract.

After the transport is booked, our team of dedicated Transport Specialists work diligently with transport shippers to find the most qualified match for your transport needs. Once a carrier is confirmed under contract for the transport the initial deposit will be processed to the card on file. NOTE: You can make changes to the preferred card for processing at this time if necessary.

4. Your vehicle is transported to your destination.

The transport shipper under contract delivers your vehicle safely and efficiently to your destination. The remaining balance will be paid directly to the carrier at the time of pick up or delivery of the vehicle via cash or certified bank check.
That’s all there is to it!

The timeframes associated with each step of the transport process can vary depending on transport specifications that are different for each situation. There are a few key points to be aware of to help set proper expectations for your transport. Please be advised that while these points are the general guidelines, every transport is different and may not meet the standard expectations.

Shipments can be booked, confirmed under contract, and picked up for delivery with anywhere from same day to several weeks between each step. This fully depends on the pick up and delivery timeframe you provided during booking. The majority of carriers wait to confirm their trailer loads until they are en route or just before. This means that it is not uncommon to be 24-48 hours away from the desired pick up date without a carrier under contract. Confirming the carrier 1-2 days prior is both common and expected.

Note: We fully understand how nerve wracking this can be and do our very best to remain communicative during the entire process.

The time in transit is also a common variable that ranges anywhere from one day to a week or more. The time your vehicle will spend on the road in transit depends on a few different factors: transport distance, weather, number of drivers on the carrier, and other traffic conditions.

Shipments that are only traveling a couple hundred miles may pick up and deliver within the same day whereas cross country transports can take several days or even a week. Other factors like snow and ice, tornados, hurricanes, etc. can impact travel times as well.

Weather conditions, like traffic conditions, are often unpredictable and are the most common cause of unforeseen delays.

Alternatively, some transports have more than one driver in the truck. This is helpful in reducing time in transit as the drivers are able to switch on and off to keep the transport moving at all times while also maintaining US DOT and FMCSA safety regulations.

At Graham Family Auto Transport we believe that transparency is key to establishing proper expectations. Because of this, we will never charge money to discuss the process, provide quotes, or book the order to start looking for a carrier. At the time of booking, a credit or debit card will be collected and securely saved on file, however, this card won’t be charged until a carrier is found, authorized by you, and confirmed under contract for the transport. At that time, the previously discussed initial deposit will be processed to the card on file.

Don’t worry, you can of course change the payment information if you would prefer to use a different card than the one that was left on file.

The remaining balance for the transport will be paid directly to the carrier in the form of cash, certified bank check, or online cash applications (Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, PayPal, etc.) when pre-approved.

We make every effort to safeguard our customers and carriers alike. That’s why we never charge anything until both the customer and carrier are under contract. This protocol is in place to ensure there is never any question about the cost of the transport and holds everyone involved accountable. In addition, all phone calls are recorded for quality assurance and as a method to document verbal changes or agreements made regarding transport details.

Whether you’re shipping with us or with another auto transport logistics company, it’s important to understand that availability and customer service should come first. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or request clarification. In most cases, a vehicle is a person’s second most valuable asset and as such deserves the utmost respect and attention. If the company you’re working with is shy with the details, unwilling to provide clarification, or refusing to produce insurance documents or proof of valid licensing then those should all pose as red flags. Our goal is for everyone we speak with to leave the conversation with more information than they started with and enable customers to make informed decisions about their transport.

Call (813)488-0970 today to speak with a knowledgeable transport specialist!

Happy Shipping!

Graham Family Auto Transport

Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:00:00 GMT

Shipping your vehicle can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned mover, we have some tips and recommendations on how to avoid a car shipping nightmare.

If you’re not sure what auto shipping red flags to look out for or the details to watch, it is so easy to end up paying more than necessary or worse… not paying enough! There’s a special balance in determining the who, what, where, and when of auto transport.

Our goal is to provide the top mistakes to avoid when shipping your vehicle.

1. Neglecting to Complete a Final Mechanic Check on Your Vehicle

Whether being too busy or simply forgetting, many people don’t bring their car to the shop for a last-minute mechanic check prior to shipment. I know it sounds silly but having your vehicle checked out is important.

“Why do we need a mechanic check if we’re not driving it? That is the whole point of shipping!”

I’m so glad you asked. Having a final check before transport is crucial because it confirms the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping. This is important for a number of reasons. First being that in the event your vehicle incurs any damage during transport, you have the tangible proof that your car was in different condition prior to the transport. By having this documented evidence, there is an easier process and higher chance of success with receiving compensation from the claim for damages.

Another reason this is important is because the manner of transport, the type of transporter the shipper uses, and the amount of work and effort in loading/unloading your vehicle all comes down to if it is operable or not. The majority of transporters used by shippers require the vehicle to run and drive. It doesn’t need to be able to make it several miles but it does need to be able to drive itself, more or less, onto the trailer. If your vehicle does not turn on or drive, a specialized truck with a winch is required to lift your vehicle onto the trailer. If this type of carrier was not confirmed prior to confirmation and pick up, they will likely NOT be able to move your vehicle and you can end up in a last minute transport search on the day you were supposed to be shipping. Talk about a headache!

If you’re not able to get your car to the shop prior to shipping there are a few key points to pay attention to when you conduct your own inspection:

The same check should be done upon receiving your vehicle at delivery as well and should be well documented. The last thing you want is to have insurance refuse to pay for any damage because you’re not able to prove it occurred during transport. Completing a brief overview of your vehicle and taking photos upon receipt of your vehicle after transport will eliminate this risk. Make sure to do this when the person who delivered the vehicle to your location is still present!

2. Leaving Valuable or Personal Belongings in the Vehicle

If a move is the reason for your auto transport, then I’m sure you’ve considered all the unused space available inside your vehicle while it’s being transported! It is absolutely okay to have belongings in the vehicle during transport – with a few specific caveats!

Regardless of the reason, fault, or incident, your personal belongings within the vehicle are NOT covered by transport insurance in the event of damage or loss. Because of this, it is highly encouraged to avoid high value or important personal items during transport. Things like money, televisions, jewelry, important documents, etc. are all encouraged to be excluded.

If you are going to leave some personal items in your vehicle during transport, it is recommended to keep the weight of the additional items under one hundred pounds and below the window line.

3. Failing to Provide Specific Details Regarding Your Vehicle

Shipping your vehicle is stressful and you have a lot going on. It is so easy to forget or miss information when discussing transporting your vehicle simply because of the overwhelming amount of stress of the process. One thing that CAN NOT be overlooked are the specifications of your vehicle. Having the specific details pertaining to your physical car is paramount in securing the appropriate carrier for transport. Certain modifications or adjustments mean that not every transport trailer available will be appropriate for your situation. A few things that impact the carrier type include:

Having these modifications does not mean your vehicle can’t be transported, it just means they require specific transport trailers or carriers with specialized expertise to ship them safely and securely. By not discussing these modifications at the time of receiving your personalized quote, you run the risk of assigning a carrier for transport that will not be able to move your vehicle. When this happens, the carrier will be unable to pick up your vehicle for shipment at that time and you will be required to begin the search again to find an appropriate carrier but this time with a much tighter time constraint. Also, it is not uncommon for a carrier to require a partial payment for their time even if they have not picked up your vehicle. In effort to avoid this kind of interruption to your transport, please inform your auto transport company of any and all things adjusted on your vehicle. It is always preferred to have more information than not enough.

4. Not Comparing Shipping Quotes

Auto transport is a unique and highly fluid industry when it comes to transporting a vehicle. There are a number of factors that are taken into account when providing a personalized auto transport quote. If you don’t understand how the industry works, you may end up paying too much or worse, too little, to move your vehicle.

Everyone in the auto transport industry is a broker who works as a liaison to connect the car owner to the car shippers in the country. The broker will look at the current route for the transport and see what other similar vehicles on this route have been shipping for cost wise. Then, they take the time frame needed for transport into account. If the vehicles on the route are being accepted for transport by the shippers for a certain average cost but you need your vehicle to move ASAP, then it would make the most sense to price the transport aggressively to encourage shippers to accept your vehicle first over others waiting for transport.

If the vehicle is priced too low, that means there are other vehicles waiting for transport that are offering to pay more to the shippers. At the end of the day, if a shipper is looking at two similar vehicles on the same route but only has room for one vehicle on their trailer they are likely going to pick the higher priced vehicle every time.

Alternatively, pricing a vehicle too high creates its own set of challenges. An absurdly priced vehicle can sometimes look fraudulent to drivers on the central dispatch boards. They can also create difficulty in managing timeframes for transport if the vehicle is not ready to move until a certain time. A highly priced vehicle that has been sitting on the board unassigned for too long looks extremely concerning to drivers.

As a broker, the only money they are making on your transport is the predetermined broker fee. The additional payment to the driver at the time of pick up or delivery is the money the transport driver makes. This means we, as the broker, make the same amount of money whether we move your vehicle for $500 or $5,000 and we’re not benefited financially in any way if we over-priced your transport.

Any auto transport company you are speaking with should be able to provide a specialized transport quote to you without any commitments or deposits at the time of discussion. In general, a deposit is usually taken at the time of assigning the carrier.

To us at Graham Family Auto Transport, candor about how pricing a transport works is paramount to our foundation and beliefs. At the end of the day, complete understanding of where your money is going and why it’s priced the way it is will help to set the best expectations possible and enable us to foster trust and comfort during your transport. We don’t play the “Politician’s Answer” game here. Ask us, and we’d be more than happy to explain our quoting and pricing process to you in detail.

5. Not Providing All Necessary Documents

All auto transport companies will require certain documents prior to shipping your vehicle. Signed contracts for both the company and shipper, insurance terms and conditions, and a bill of lading are all documents that are required for this process and will be provided by the company you are working with. Some companies may require that you provide the title, registration, proof of personal insurance, and photo ID as well at the company’s discretion so it’s ideal to have these items on hand. If you do not have any of these items available, please inform your transport company early so they can make appropriate adjustments or arrangements.

It is also important to inquire how the company you are working with intends to store and submit these documents. Having this information will set expectations for both sides of the process and ensure no complications arise during the shipping process because of incomplete or mishandled documentation.

6. Failing to Confirm Insurance Coverage

Most auto transport companies and/or the transport shippers themselves provide some form of insurance coverage. It is important that you inquire what, if any, policy is established, what it covers, and where liability begins and ends. You can always request a copy of the car shipping company’s insurance certificate and should consider it a red flag if they are declining to provide this to you. The certificate and its information can be verified with the Department of Transportation or your own personal insurance company.

Typically, the auto transport company’s policy will cover damages that they caused. However, sometimes strange scenarios such as accidents caused by other drivers or damages due to weather may not always be included. It is important to have this information for yourself prior to needing it. Better to be over prepared rather than scrambling for details while trying to process a claim for a damaged vehicle.

7. Working with the Wrong Auto Transport Company

Unfortunately, some companies will do whatever it takes to close transports. One of the most commonly seen practices is lowering the cost of the transport during initial conversation only to require a significant surprise “bump” on the back end when they are unable to secure a carrier at the cost quoted. This is their way of securing clients and forcing them into a situation where it is “too late” to change companies or find another carrier to move your vehicle due to timeframes.

In an effort to avoid these types of companies, it’s important to know what to look for when selecting the company that is right for you. A few things to help narrow down that list are:

At the end of the day, the two most important things you can find in an auto transport company are transparency and quality service . If they’re not providing you with all the details you should ask yourself why they are reluctant to do so.

Conclusion

There is no magic crystal ball that can tell you how smoothly your transport will run. However, if you take these steps to prepare yourself, your vehicle, and your transport company you shouldn’t need one! Your vehicle is important to you and so your vehicle should be important to your transport company. Take your time, do some research, and follow your instinct. If you are uncomfortable with who you are speaking with or how things are proceeding it is your right to search elsewhere. Your transport company should be your advocate during this process and anything less than full candor and support is unacceptable.

Happy Shipping!

Graham Family Auto Transport

Auto Transport Cost: An Inside Look at Quote Generating

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:42:00 GMT

Auto transportation services are drastically increasing in popularity in recent years for a number of reasons. Largely due to convenience and cost-effectiveness, many people are taking advantage of car shippers across the country. When the need to move a car from one place to another, utilizing a professional auto transport company is often the best option. However, it is important to understand the costs associated with the entire shipping process before choosing a company to work with. There is never a flat rate price for shipping a vehicle so we feel it’s important to explain the many factors that impact the rate you will pay.

The average cost of transporting a vehicle can vary significantly based on a number of different factors. In general, the distance of the transport from origin of pick up to destination of delivery, vehicle type, the type of transport carrier used, vehicle modifications and specifications, transport route popularity, and seasonal changes such as gas pricing and weather can all impact the cost of shipping a vehicle. For the purpose of this article, the costs and quoting discussed is only in reference to door-to-door services. Some transport services offer terminal-to-terminal services which involve dropping the vehicle off at a designated terminal and then picking it up at another terminal. At Graham Family Auto Transport , we are pleased to provide door-to-door services to our vehicle shippers! Please be advised if you are interested in pursuing terminal-to-terminal shipping that the cost may differ significantly.

Automatic Quoting vs. Personalized Quoting: What’s the difference?

Many auto transport services, ours included, offer online quote requests for inquiring about the pricing of the shipment. Some services offer automatic quoting which will provide a quote immediately whereas others submit your inquiry details to a transport specialist to create a personalized quote by a human. While it is completely understandable to prefer the convenience of an automatic quote, it is highly recommended to speak with a representative before signing any contracts regarding the quote provided. The reasoning for this is that automatic quote generators are not able to look at certain factors of the shipment like a human can. For example, things like car modifications, weather, route popularity, and gas pricing are not usually reviewed when AI (artificial intelligence) quoting systems are utilized. While the quote received may sound better up front, it can often cause havoc on the back end when the time comes to actually book a carrier under contract. Too often, these transports are underquoted which causes issues with booking for two reasons: no carrier is requesting to transport the vehicle because the pricing is too low or carriers are offering to transport the vehicle but requesting additional money.

At Graham Family Auto Transport , we provide personalized auto transport quotes that have been reviewed by a transport specialist to provide the most accurate estimate possible. We are happy to provide the quote details via email if that is the preferred method of communication but highly encourage a telephone conversation at any time to discuss the details, cost, and any questions regarding the quote provided.

Cost: What factors are considered when generating the cost for transport?

There are a number of different factors that are considered when generating a quote for transport. Primarily, the distance of the transport from origin of pick up to destination of delivery, the type of transport carrier used, vehicle type, vehicle modifications and specifications, transport route popularity, transport timeframe, and seasonal changes such as gas pricing and weather can all impact the cost of shipping a vehicle. But why and how do these factors impact the cost of shipment so much? Let’s look at them individually and more in-depth.

An open carrier is a type of trailer that is open to the elements. These types of trailers can usually fit more vehicles on the “truck” which ultimately lowers the cost of shipping. On an open carrier, the vehicles are exposed to the weather and share the truck with other vehicles. While damages from the elements can happen, they are rare. Open carrier trailers are the most common type of transport type requested for most vehicles.

A closed carrier (or enclosed carrier) is the exact opposite of an open carrier. The vehicles shipped on an enclosed carrier are housed in a covered truck. Typically, these types of carriers can only transport a handful of vehicles at most which increases the cost of the transport. This type of carrier is most commonly utilized for luxury/exotic vehicles, vehicles with lowered or modified road clearance, or vehicles with other modifications that make a standard open carrier transport problematic.

Additionally, the same idea applies to standard vehicles on a smaller but still valid level. The size and weight of a Honda Fit is going to be significantly different than a Chevy Tahoe! Driver’s have to take things like total weight and available space into account when planning their routes. The size and weight of the vehicle will impact how many vehicles are able to fit on the truck in total.

Gas prices are frustrating. They’re variable by state, always changing, and seemingly always rising. Unfortunately, the cost of gas prices is something transport drivers need to monitor closely when determining the cost of transports. It would be extremely easy for the cost of gas to overshadow the price of the transport if not taken into account. More or less, the driver’s would be paying to complete your transport if they failed to take gas prices into account.

Weather, like gas prices, is vastly different depending on the season and geographical location. Weather and seasonal natural disasters like snow, tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes present drivers with unique challenges during transport. Driving through areas of the U.S. that are prone to these types of weather can be difficult during their seasons causing cost related changes based on the geographical location and time of year.

Route popularity changes are both geographical and seasonal. Certain societal travel “seasons” can impact things like gas prices and the number of drivers in a particular area. For example, the route from states in the northeast coming down to Florida, and vice versa, becomes increasingly popular twice a year as the snowbirds make their travels to or from the warmth and sunshine Florida has to offer. The beginning and end of the academic year for colleges and universities is another common influx of route popularity in certain areas as many individuals elect to ship their college student’s car instead of making cross-country drives. Knowing these “busy” areas and seasons in the industry is something your auto transport specialist should take into account when scheduling your transport.

Another thing to consider is that the cost of the transport is all inclusive. This means that it includes payment to the auto transport logistics company, payment to the driver/carrier, and all applicable taxes, tolls, and fees. While the structure of the payments may vary from company to company, the total cost for transport should always cover both the logistics team and the carrier.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the majority of auto transport logistics companies are brokers and do not own and operate their own trucks for transport. This is normal! It is standard in the industry for a transport company to function as a brokerage who then partners with auto carriers across the nation to provide your transport. Because of this relationship, it is in the best interest of your auto transport company to price your transport appropriately. Typically, the transport company will have a set “broker fee” that comes out of the total cost of the shipment and is paid directly to them. The remaining balance of the transport total is then paid directly to the carrier/driver. This means that whether your car is shipped for $500 or $5,000, the auto transport company is making the same amount of money. They don’t get paid until they move your vehicle so it is definitely in their best interest to price the transport in a way that works for you and for the drivers. Overcharging for your transport does NOT financially benefit the auto transport logistics team in any way and can even make the transport look fake or fraudulent if it is overcharged beyond a certain threshold.

There’s a lot to consider when reviewing the pricing of an auto transport. It’s not mandatory but it can be extremely beneficial to be aware of these variables to ensure you get the best value for your money but also for peace of mind and understanding. Candor and communication are key when discussing transport quotes to ensure proper expectations are provided and result in a stress-free transport. You should never feel concerned about asking for clarification regarding the quote provided for a transport you’re setting up. If the auto transport logistics company is not open to having a cost and pricing discussion then that should be a very big red flag. Never be afraid to shop around or ask questions.

At Graham Family Auto Transport a transport specialist can be reached by phone at (813)488-0970 or email at reservations@gfamautotransport.com. You can also submit an online quote request at our website anytime!

Happy Shipping!

Graham Family Auto Transport

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 04:01:00 GMT

You’ve done your homework, confirmed a transport carrier, and set a pick up date. Now it’s time to prepare your car for shipping.

A vehicle is a valuable asset and we fully understand how stressful it can be to trust someone else to move your car. While the auto transport logistics company you have chosen to work with should do most of the heavy lifting for you, the one thing they can’t do is prepare your car for shipping. In hopes of making that task a little more stress free, here are some tips on how to prepare your car for transport for both peace of mind and a smooth shipping process.

1. Wash Your Vehicle

When the transport carrier arrives to pick up your vehicle, the first thing they will do is complete a vehicle condition report with you. This report will notate and document the current condition and state of the vehicle including any damage or imperfections. By having the exterior of the vehicle freshly washed, the ability to note any existing scratches, dents, chips, dings, and other damage to the vehicle will be exponentially easier and more accurate. This will also assist with tip #2!

2. Take Pictures of Your Vehicle

Once your vehicle is clean, take photos of the exterior and interior of the entire vehicle! Make sure the photos are clear, good quality, and dated so there is no question of their accuracy and validity. You will need to ensure damaged and pristine areas of the vehicle are all included when taking photos and use different angles. Interior photos should be taken after any items are added to the vehicle that will remain during transport. There is no such thing as too many photos when documenting your vehicle. Often the drivers will also take photos of your vehicle as part of the vehicle condition report, but do not assume they will do this and don’t rely solely on their photos in the event damage occurs during transport.

Also, make sure to take photos of the odometer! It is not uncommon for us to get the question about the vehicles being driven during transport. While this is not something that I have ever heard of actually occurring aside from the driving onto and off of the trailer, it can greatly help your peace of mind to have photos of your odometer before transport.

3. Check the Interior of Your Vehicle

Transport trailers are large and cumbersome and can bounce a bit while on the road during travel. Because of this, any loose items in your vehicle can become jostled around. Remove any items that are not secured to the interior of your car like phone holders, chargers, GPS devices, portable DVD players, loose change, etc. Also, ensure any items that will be added to the vehicle for storage purposes during transport are not loose or easily moveable as they can become damaged or damage your vehicle during transport. It is highly encouraged that valuable items, fragile items, or items that collectively weigh over one hundred pounds are NOT left in the vehicle during transport. Please be advised that items in the vehicle during transport are NOT typically covered under insurance if they are damaged or lost.

4. Remove External Accessories

All removable external accessories should be removed from your vehicle prior to transport. This includes things such as bike racks, luggage racks, ski racks, custom spoilers, holiday decorations etc. This will help avoid any damage from occurring to these accessories during transport. In addition, accessories that increase the dimensions of the vehicle, such as bike racks, can prove problematic during loading and shipping and can even cause your transport to be canceled at the time of pick up if the vehicle can not fit onto the transport trailer.

5.Check the Mechanics of the Vehicle

It is not a bad idea to have a mechanic check on your vehicle prior to transport, however, if you are unable to do so make sure you have at least checked the radiator, battery, and tires of your vehicle prior to shipping. Ensure there is antifreeze in the radiator and that your battery is fully charged and secure. All tires should be properly inflated as there is the potential for damage to tires or wheels during transport if they are under-inflated or over-inflated.

Also, confirm any fluid leaks prior to shipping! Minor leaks that are unable to be fixed prior to shipping may not be a concern but significant leaks can be very problematic and even cause cancellation of your transport. Let the driver know if there is any leak so they can determine where to best place your vehicle on the trailer if there are multiple vehicles. They may intentionally load your vehicle on the bottom row of the trailer as to not drip fluid onto vehicles below.

In the event you are transporting a vehicle that is inoperable or has damaged or missing parts, be sure to discuss those things with the carrier and have them notated on the vehicle condition report. Inoperable vehicles must ALWAYS be discussed with your auto transport logistics team before confirming a shipper as the type of transport trailer required to ship an inoperable vehicle is necessary. If your vehicle becomes inoperable after booking but before pick up, it is imperative that you discuss this with your logistics team or carrier directly and immediately as to determine if reassignment to another shipper is required. Not doing so is very likely to end up with a last minute cancellation of your transport at the time of pick up. Carriers CAN NOT load an inoperable vehicle onto a transport trailer without a winch.

6. Check the Gas Tank

Your vehicle only needs enough gas to drive on and off the trailer. The lighter your car is for car transport, the better as it will save quite a bit of weight for the transporter. Ideally having 1/8 -1/4 tank of gas is preferred.

Please note, while it’s best to have a 1/4 tank of gas or less, it is not a requirement and you do not need to drain the gas if you have more than that!

7. Disable Alarms

Double check that your alarms have been disabled prior to transport. It can be quite difficult for a driver during transport when there is an alarm going off that they can’t easily get to or doesn’t know how to shut off once they can get to the vehicle.

8.Deactivate or Remove Toll Tags

Because your vehicle is on the transport trailer, the cost of tolls has been covered by the cost of your transport (unless otherwise specified by your carrier). Electronic and automatic toll readers, however, are not able to identify that the vehicle is on a carrier trailer instead of driving through and will charge your tag! Do yourself a favor and deactivate, temporarily suspend, or remove your toll tags prior to transport.

9. Have the Keys Ready

Even though your vehicle will be riding comfortably on a trailer during transport, the driver will still need the keys to drive your vehicle on and off the trailer. If you have an older model vehicle, please ensure the driver has all the vehicles keys including the door key, ignition key, glove box key, and trunk key. It is ideal for there to be two sets of keys for the vehicle – one for you and one for the driver. If you don’t already have an extra set, it is highly encouraged to have one made prior to transport.

10. Check the Vehicle’s Insurance

If your vehicle is already insured, then you’re ready to go! If not, it is highly encouraged to insure your vehicle prior to being transported. Of course your vehicle will be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance, however, certain damage is not always covered. Damage caused by natural causes, or “Acts of God” as it is often referred, such as hail, flooding, lightning, tornadoes, etc. will not always be covered under the carrier’s cargo insurance. You can confirm with your auto insurance company to confirm that your current insurance applies to your vehicle during transport.

By following these steps, you can minimize stress, future headaches, and have peace of mind while your vehicle is being transported to it’s destination. Any additional questions you have regarding preparing for the shipping process should always be answered at any time by your auto transport logistics company or the driver.

Happy Shipping!

Graham Family Auto Transport

The Benefits of Using Auto Transport

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 01:39:00 GMT

Whether it’s your primary vehicle or a new addition to your collection, your car is important to you. How do you determine the best way to get your vehicle from point A to point B? Of course you could simply drive there, but there are 4 key benefits in utilizing auto transport instead!

1. Saving Time

Shipping your vehicle rather than driving it often means saving time! When your schedule is hectic and time is of the essence, shipping your vehicle can be the much easier option. No one can be two places at once no matter how good they are at multitasking. Because you would not be spending hours on the road driving the vehicle yourself, you can handle other obligations while your vehicle gets to where it needs to go safely and securely. Cross-country travel can sometimes take up to a week or more when you’re driving your own vehicle. Why not allow the professionals to handle the transport while you sit back, relax, and enjoy that much shorter plane ride!

2. Saving Money

After considering the costs of gas, meals, and lodging you will likely find that transporting your vehicle instead can save a surprising amount of money compared to driving the car yourself! Shipping a car is actually not nearly as expensive as many believe. There are a number of different factors that determine the cost of an auto transport, however, after you consider the costs of gas, meals, and lodging, many find that having your vehicle transported for you is the most cost effective option available.

3. Minimize Wear & Tear

Because your vehicle will spend it journey inside or on the back of a transport trailer, its wheels and other functions are spared miles of travel and use! During auto transport, the use of an open air or enclosed transport trailer is used to ship your vehicle. The only “driving” you vehicle may do on this trip is the few feet driving onto and off of the trailer itself. When considering a lot of transports are several hundred miles or more the wear and tear on your vehicle’s tires, engine, brakes, etc. can all be spared by utilizing a shipper. This is an especially beneficial options for cases such as class car collectors or buying/selling vehicles as a way to avoid adding unnecessary mileage to the car!

4. Minimize Stress

Let’s be real here, relocating your vehicle is stressful! By using an auto transport company to assist with the relocation, however, you are able to rest easy knowing it’s being handled and can focus on other things needing your attention. With shipping, you get to avoid all the hassles of driving such as traffic, pit stops, road construction and more! The transport process makes it simple with door to door availability. In most cases, the driver will come directly to you and your car will be transported safely and quickly to its destination.

These are just the four main benefits of auto shipping but each situation comes with its own unique set of benefits. If you’re considering relocating your vehicle, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us so we can discuss the process with you! Visit our website at www.gfamautotransport.com to learn more about the auto transport process and Graham Family Auto Transport. Please fill out our free online personalized auto quote form to receive transport details specific to your unique situation and needs. One of our highly knowledgeable auto transport specialists will reach out to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. You can also call us at (813) 488-0970 .

Happy Shipping!

Graham Family Auto Transport

Blog – Graham Family Auto Transport

Auto Transport Brokers: Who They Are and Why We Need Them

What are auto transport brokers and why do we need them?

Storing Personal Items in the Vehicle During Shipping: An Explanation

Can I store personal items in my vehicle during shipping?

The Benefits of Working With a Family Owned & Operated Auto Transport Company

Why should I consider family owned business for my auto transport? ﻿

Communication

Values

Longevity

Shipping A Car with Graham Family Auto Transport: How Does it Work?

1. Request a free personalized auto transport quote.

2. Confirm details and book your transport.

3. A transport carrier is confirmed under contract.

4. Your vehicle is transported to your destination.

Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car

1. Neglecting to Complete a Final Mechanic Check on Your Vehicle

2. Leaving Valuable or Personal Belongings in the Vehicle

3. Failing to Provide Specific Details Regarding Your Vehicle

4. Not Comparing Shipping Quotes

5. Not Providing All Necessary Documents

6. Failing to Confirm Insurance Coverage

7. Working with the Wrong Auto Transport Company

Conclusion

Auto Transport Cost: An Inside Look at Quote Generating

Automatic Quoting vs. Personalized Quoting: What’s the difference?

Cost: What factors are considered when generating the cost for transport?

Conclusion

Top Questions to Ask Prior to Shipping Your Vehicle

1. Are they licensed and registered?

2. What services do they offer?

3. How much will this cost?

4. What insurance do they offer?

5. What documents do you need?

6. How do you get your car ready for shipping?

7. How long will shipping take?

8. What are the payment arrangements?

9. How do you make sure nothing happens to your vehicle?

10. What happens if your vehicle does get damaged during transport?

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport

1. Wash Your Vehicle

2. Take Pictures of Your Vehicle

3. Check the Interior of Your Vehicle

4. Remove External Accessories

5.Check the Mechanics of the Vehicle

6. Check the Gas Tank

7. Disable Alarms

8.Deactivate or Remove Toll Tags

9. Have the Keys Ready

10. Check the Vehicle’s Insurance

The Benefits of Using Auto Transport

1. Saving Time

2. Saving Money

3. Minimize Wear & Tear

4. Minimize Stress

Why should I consider family owned business for my auto transport?