February 20, 2015

Understanding How The Auto Shipping Industry Works

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When you’re gearing up for a big move, there is a lot to decide. From finding new accommodations to determining what you’ll take and what you’ll sell, moving is one of the most stressful and exhausting things you can do. Inevitably, you’ll have to decide how to move your vehicle from your old place to your new home. Some people choose to drive themselves, while others worry about putting the extra miles on their vehicle. For those in the latter group, you likely have read about auto shipping companies, but you may be wondering…

How does the Auto Shipping Industry Work?

The auto transport business is actually quite simple. To understand how it works, it’s helpful to consider the process by which these companies operate. Most businesses following the same process.

1. Most shipping companies are actually brokers

What does this mean? Transport companies rarely own their own fleet of trucks and do their own shipping. Instead, they connect customers with truckers. Those who handle the actual shipping might be a trucking company or even an individual owner-operator.

2. Auto shippers negotiate with trucking companies

By providing this vital link between those in need of shipping and those who can provide it, auto shippers are able to negotiate for the best price and arrange shipments. To do this, they will utilize a vast network of shipping companies to determine who is traveling where and when. Most trucking companies prefer to run full loads as this maximized their time and fuel. Therefore, it is in their best interest to advertise their routes and try to partner with auto transports who can help them find clients. Trucking companies are able to get full loads and customers are able to receive the best price thanks to auto brokers.

3. The broker handles each client individually

One reason why brokers are so important is because, at any given moment, there are thousands of people considering shipping their cars. Only a fraction of these people will actually decide to go with an auto transport, yet they all need quotes to make that decision. When a customer calls an auto transport broker, the operator will offer a price and an approximate schedule to each based on his or her proposed timeline and details. Whether or not that person ultimately becomes a client is immaterial, as it is a broker’s job to offer each personalized assistance.

Auto shippers go to great lengths to help clients find the best trucking company for their needs. They will arrange pickup and drop off, negotiate a fair price, and be sure the schedule fits yours. When auto transports are bidding for you, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone else is handling the hard work.

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