Shipping Your Classic Car or Any Motorcycle-Enclosed Auto Transport

When shipping a classic car or motorcycle there will be a few things you may want to take in account when considering your shipping method. For most vehicles an open transport is fine. The vehicle will be fully covered by insurance and arrives for the most part only needing to be washed. A good detail job still comes to less money than the price difference of shipping enclosed. In the case of classics and motorcycles this is not always true.

When transporting a classic vehicle you need to have a good idea of the value of the vehicle.  When shipping on a open carrier insurance limits are set to blue book values. If your classic has a retail market price higher than that of the blue book value the insurance will always pay the lesser. This is not true for enclosed carriers. Their insurance will cover all vehicles and will pay out claims based on a fair market value. As a classic car owner myself I know the blue book value of my vehicle to be not much more than the scrap weight of the steel.  While my fair market price will cover what i can expect to get for the vehicle if I were to sell it. Unfortunately still less than i have into it but still much better than the scrap weight.When shipping a classic vehicle that you have just bought, this will get you your money back for your purchase.

When shipping a motorcycle you must take into account that open carriers are, for the most part designed for transporting cars and trucks. Vehicles with four wheels. They will have two runners the entire length of the trailer with a space in the middle. Balancing a motorcycle on one of these runners can be quite a challenge. Usually open carriers who do transport motorcycles will either bring some plywood to make a platform or have a trailer that has a full deck.But they will also run into problems with getting the bike secured for transport. Enclosed carriers on the other hand are much better suited for this transport.  They have a loading ramp. , allowing for easy loading of the bike as well as maximum securing of the motorcycle. Another great point to take into consideration will be that enclosed carriers blanket their vehicles to protect them from any scratches from tie downs or shifting during transport.

Though enclosed auto transport may cost as much as twice the open shipping price, in cases of classics and motorcycles it will be your best bet. These vehicles may not be our everyday drivers but do have more value to us than what any insurance company will say they are worth. Enclosed auto transporters are well aware of this and will spend that extra time to make sure the vehicles arrive in the same condition as they were picked up.  At PDQ Auto Movers these vehicles hold a special place in our hearts and we love talking with their owners.

Though I, myself am a big Mopar fan, I still have great respect for all who under take the challenge of keeping our past alive with these beautiful vehicles. I know that maintaining and restoring these vehicles takes  up a good part of our free time but it is also a labor of love. And as always feel free to call us with any questions you may have. We Are Not Sales People We Are Auto Shippers. We will answer all your questions without the sales hype, and in many cases have advised clients to work with there existing brokers.

888-737-3211

8am til 8pm est

Auto Transport for Snowbirds

It’s almost the season again.  Snowbirds start shipping North starting in March.  Time to return to the coop to plant the gardens!  Fun in the sun ends but the beautiful Spring begins!

When shipping your car, make sure to choose a professional company.  Make sure you can reach them by phone and email.  Check the ratings at the Better Business Bureau (we have an A rating at the BBB).  Also check Transport Review’s website (we have 5 stars there).

Price is all important.  Be leery of companies that will price lower than other quotes you receive.  Choose the middle ones.  Too low a price will not move your vehicle in a timely manner.  It will be stressful.  Here at PDQ Auto Movers, we make sure we get the price right.   Our service depends upon correct quotes, upfront, the first time.  Our prices are all inclusive, with no hidden fees.

Services provided on each and every trip are door to door, full insurance coverage bumper to bumper (liability and cargo), same truck the entire trip.  We will coordinate your desired dates and make sure your car does not arrive at the destination before you do!

Snowbirds should be paying the same price North as they did going South the previous trip.  Please practice due diligence when choosing a company to ship your auto!

Reach us 7 days a week from 8am till 8pm, though we will take calls until  11pm, Eastern Standard Time.  888-PDQ-3211  Now that’s customer service!

AutoTransport – What to expect when shipping your car.

Most people will go on the internet and place a inquiry to a third party site for multiple quotes. That company in turn sells your information to a broker. The broker will work up a price quote of what they feel it will cost to move the vehicle plus add a commission for their service. This process should bring you price quote with in $300 of each other, meaning the difference between the highest and lowest quote should be approximately $300. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Some brokers will add an outrageous broker fee to their quote while others will just try to get your business with a low price that does not leave enough money for the truck.

In the first instance they will try to be the first contact and get you to sign with them before you have a chance to speak with anyone else. You will here lines of “I have a truck in your area…” , “We will not be able to hold a spot for you if you don’t sign now..” and “Our trucks are filling fast..”.These are just some of the high pressure sales techniques used to get your business. 99% of all brokers do not own trucks and the other 1% has a broker’s license for a reason. Do not expect a company to send a truck they own, even if they do own trucks.

In the latter case they will sell you on a price that is unrealistic. Once you are signed on at the lower price you will be in for a unpleasant experience. Undoubtedly you will hear excuses as why they must raise your price. The number one line given for price raising is ” We have a truck that can pick up your vehicle but he is outside our usual network of carriers.” These practices are what gives brokers a bad name.

The person who went with the higher priced quote will surely get their vehicle moved in a timely manner,but will also spend more than necessary. The higher priced companies are usually named after a national firm that is well recognized. For the most part these companies are completely unaffiliated. They will use the recognizable name to add false value to their services.

The customer who went with the lowest price will be in for a stress filled experience, with missed deadlines and false promises. These brokers will try to make you feel trapped by their contract. The contract that was written in legalese with cancellation fees and unrealistic performance dates ie; 30 days from first availability to have vehicle picked up. DO NOT FEEL TRAPPED !! Your credit card company can be your biggest asset against such companies.

Your strongest tool can be the one you started with…the internet. Check the companies out prior to signing or agreeing to anything. Check their ratings on Transportreviews.com. Check their Better Business Bureau rating. Call them back to ask questions, if you can not get someone on the phone in a timely manner to ask questions, where will they be when you need them.

Those companies who are in the middle with their price are usually your safest bet. But still check them out. Look for companies who are responsive to your requests, courteous in your conversations, and give a direct line to your sales person. Feel comfortable with them. Be sure to express your expectations as well as your time line for your shipment. If you are having problems with a company or a salesperson ask to speak with an owner. Most reputable auto shipping brokers will have an owner who is responsive to your concerns.

In conclusion do not get sold. Make your broker earn your business. Sales people in this business are not unlike car salesman. Pay no deposit before your vehicle is picked up. Your boss does not pay you in advance of services so why should you pay your broker in advance. Remember they work for you. Ultimately it comes down to your due diligence in choosing a broker. If you do not do the footwork it will be you that suffers.

Last is our plug. If you need any assistance, whether you have already booked with another company and having problems, or just looking to get some factual information, please feel free to call us. We have helped many people in dealings with their broker free of charge. If your broker is doing the right thing we will tell you to stay with them and give advice as to how to expedite your move.
888-737-3211 8am til 8pm est

February Auto Shipping

This is the slowest month of the year and many trucks will use this opportunity to take a vacation. How does this affect your auto shipping? With many drivers out on vacation the wait time for pick up will increase on some routes, as well as the price. Auto shipping is very much a supply and demand business, The number of trucks on a route will effect the price in both directions, to many trucks doing the same route will lower the price as they attempt to fill as many empty spaces on their truck as possible. Unfortunately it also works in the opposite manner, not enough trucks on a route and they can be choosier about which vehicles they will ship, looking for the higher priced smaller vehicles. A 10 car hauler can only hold 10 midsize cars, if they add a truck, suv,or van to the mix they loose a spot and the price must reflect this. Usually two larger vehicles will take three spots. As we get closer to the end of the month more trucks will come back to work and prices will readjust. March will be the start of the migration to the north with early shippers getting the best prices. Those heading south this time of year will see much lower prices than the winter months. You must also be mindful of fuel prices, with diesel prices on the rise and large truck only averaging 5 miles to the gallon we can expect shipping costs to rise in accordance with the fuel. This can add as much as $200 dollars to a route, ie: California to New York.

If you have any questions regarding auto shipping we will be happy to answer them. Weather or not you ship with us, or one of our competitors we will give you honest upfront answers. We will check the load boards for you, giving you the information to make your own decisions. We will send you links to your brokers review pages as well as inform you of their Central Dispatch ratings. If you have chosen a reputable company and they have priced you right we will make suggestions to help you work with your existing broker at no charge. If you have chosen a company who was only after your deposit we will give you the information on how to get a refund, as well as work with you to get your vehicle moved in a timely manner. At PDQ we are available 7 days a week until 11pm est. We are family owned and operated and employ no high pressure sales tactics. We work for you!! Getting your vehicle shipped on a reliable truck in a timely manner not just the first truck at the cheapest price. As with any thing in life cheaper is not always better. 888-737-3211

PDQ AUTO MOVERS – OUR NEW WEBSITE DEBUTS!!!

www.PDQAUTOMOVERS.com

 

www.PDQAUTOMOVERS.com

What Does PDQ AUTO MOVERS Do?

We are an Auto Transport Brokerage. Our hours are 8am till 11pm EST 7 days a week. Our services include door to door shipping on both open and enclosed transporters. We do not charge any upfront fees. That means no deposits, hidden fees or surcharges. Our policy is that only after pickup is when the customer pays our service fees.

We are licensed and bonded.  MC-610409.  We have an A rating with the BBB. We are rated 5 stars at Transport Reviews.

All vehicles shipped are covered by liability and cargo insurance polices. All carriers assigned to shipments are licensed by the DOT and carry insurance policies of a minimum of $750K to $1M liability and a minimum of $150K cargo. Payout in case of total loss is KBB value of the vehicle at the time of shipment.

We offer competitive pricing and outstanding customer service with a combined 20 years in the industry. We began our company to service clients with honest, straightforward answers to their questions. We service nationwide, to all states.

About Us & How It Works

WHO WE ARE

PDQ AUTO MOVERS is an auto brokerage firm based in North Carolina.  We are bonded by Pacific Financial Association, Inc. and are licensed by the Department of Transportation FMCSA #MC-610409. We arrange vehicle shipments nationwide on both open and enclosed carriers who are licensed, insured and have stellar reputations.  We are a No-Deposit company, too!

Our combined experience in the auto shipping industry exceeds fifteen years.  We have a dedicated staff and we work 365 days a year.  We began our company after witnessing consumers get taken advantage of by both inexperienced and unethical auto brokers.  We wanted to be different than others.  Mostly, we wanted to see some honesty!  We wanted to make customers happy and give them a good experience shipping their autos.  We wanted to make ourselves proud and we have done that!

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CALL US IF WE CAN ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS OR IF WE CAN BE HELPFUL TO YOU IN ANY WAY.  AS ALWAYS, WE ARE AVAILABLE FROM 8AM TILL 11PM EASTERN TIME, 7 DAYS A WEEK SO THAT YOU MAY CALL AT YOUR CONVENIENCE.  OUR TOLL FREE NUMBER IS 888-PDQ-3211 aka 888-737-3211 or DIRECT TO 919-576-0737.

HOW WE ARRIVE AT OUR PRICES

Diesel is currently averaging $4.12 nationwide, with some states paying as much as $4.50 per gallon.  A carrier operates at 5 to 9 miles to the gallon of fuel.  Add to that the carrier's costs of insurance, man hours, tolls, fuel taxes by IFTA, and maintenance and that is how the prices are established.  They can only travel so many miles per driving shift and that is for safety reasons and regulated by the federal government.  They must keep a log of their on/off hours, distances traveled and take a mandatory break after each shift.  They also must abide by weight limits.  These restrictions add to the costs a truck company must absorb. 

HOW IT WORKS

Rates are expensive to ship vehicles.  Please do not go into shock!  Carriers will gravitate towards the highest paying vehicles first and then pick and choose from the rest.  Our prices are designed for fast service at an affordable price.  The truck cost is generally $.45 to $.75 cents per mile for an open carrier to move a sedan.  Rates vary for enclosed carriers from $.75 to $2.50 per mile depending on the distance, time frame and type of vehicle being shipped.  

Our dispatch fee is added to the cost of the route, thus the price shown above is the entire, all-inclusive cost... not a penny more!  Pay nothing upfront!

CONTACT US

Call or email if you have questions.  We are here to answer questions and assist you as much as possible with your auto move.  Ask questions... undoubtedly, you will become an educated consumer, with knowledge behind you, which, in turn, will make the whole process less daunting!

ABOUT THE COMPETITION- CAVEAT EMPTOR or LET THE BUYER BEWARE

Remember, the cheaper your quotes are with other companies, the longer the wait and the more stress you will incur.  Also, be leery of quotes for very low prices that want money down as a deposit.  If it seems too good to be true, it almost always is too good!  This industry is plagued by irreputable companies that tell you everything that you want to hear and only disappoint.  They will promise they have a waiting truck in your area.  Some will tell you that you must place money down so they know you are serious about doing business with them.  They might tell you it's a busy time and you must place a "reservation" early or to "lock in your rate."  Salespeople will tell you anything to get you to sign on with them.  A few will even try to scare you, telling you other companies are of poor quality and won't be able to get your vehicle picked up.  This can be intimidating.  Use common sense because if it seems too good to be true, it's usually not a good deal and you will be stuck once they have your deposit.  Even if they promise not to charge your card, once certain companies have your credit card number, they will charge and point to a hidden clause in their contract.  If you wish to cancel your order with a shady company there will likely be a cancellation charge.  We've heard it all.  If this happens to you and services were not rendered, dispute the charges with your bank or credit card company.  Most will side with the consumer.  Call us if you are in a bad situation with another broker and need assistance.  We will help you to the best of our ability.

PDQ AUTO MOVERS A.K.A. PRETTY DARN QUICK AUTO MOVERS  888-737-3211 OR 919-576-0737 8AM TILL 11PM EASTERN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Our website is http://www.PDQAUTOMOVERS.com  We are personally more informative than our website, so do not hesitate to contact us directly, whatever the reason!  We also have an android application available in the market, useful for auction buyers and dealers, alike.

WE AT PDQ AUTO MOVERS LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!  WE MOVE CARS IN CIRCLES SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO!!!

Car Shipping- Myths About Auto Transport

PDQ Auto Movers exists only to help those people who wish to ship a vehicle. Our advice and guidance are supplied at no charge and given freely no matter who you booked your shipment with. If you are having any problems deciding what company to ship with or have already booked your shipment and can not get hold of your broker, feel free to give us a call and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have and assist you.  The broker is a separate entity from the carrier company, who actually moves the car.  Brokers contract trucks to do the moving job.

CAVEAT EMPTOR- BUYER BEWARE

The myth exists.. car shipping at an inexpensive, cheap price!  When you put in for price quotes online, the website sells your information to transport brokers.  You will get inundated with phone calls and emails, some promising what seem like really great price quotes.  The cheaper your price, the longer the wait,  and the more stress you will incur.  Be leery of those very low prices, especially ones that want money down as a deposit.  If it seems too good to be true, it almost always is too low to move your vehicle!  You will start getting excuses when your car isn’t moving.  They will ask for more money to put towards the truck.  They might raise the price without permission.

Salespeople will promise they have a waiting truck. They will tell you that you must place money down so they know you are “serious” about doing business with them. They will tell you it’s too busy a time and you must place a “reservation” early. They will tell you anything to get you to sign on.  Once they have your deposit, you are stuck with them!  Truckers pay over $4.10 per gallon of diesel.  They have expenses and they move freight that pays properly.  When a broker calls you for your order, they take off their fee (deposit) and place the balance of the  order on the “board”, which is a national website where the information about your shipment is posted.   If there is not an ample amount left for the truck, your vehicle will not move.

Even if they promise not to charge your card, once they have the numbers, if you wish to cancel, there will likely be a cancellation charge.  If you are charged without authorization or you are charged cancellation fees but no services have been rendered, contest the charge with your bank or credit card company.  They generally side with the consumer.

Before signing on with any company, check their credentials and ratings at the Better Business Bureau.  If you have signed on with a company and are having difficulty contacting them or finding out information about your shipment, call us and we will help you to the best of our ability.  There is always a solution and we will assist you in your quest.

WHY PDQ IS DIFFERENT THAN OTHER AUTO SHIPPING COMPANIES

We ask for nothing until your vehicle is picked up, on the truck, and on its way to the destination!  We earn your business!  No cancellation fees! No deposits!  The services are door to door auto shipping and includes both liability and cargo insurance coverage.  Only the best of the best trucks are assigned to your order.  They call in advance to coordinate pickup and delivery times.  They are professional every step of the way and treat your car as if it were their own.  That’s who we contract to move for us and you, the consumer.  By not charging first, we have the flexibility to adjust the price to the truck, without raising the total cost.

Our advice will be given with out a sales pitch or bias whether you have booked with another company or have not decided yet. We will do our best to point you in the right direction to find the answers to your questions.  We will let you know what we find when searching on our paid membership sites including Central Dispatch, which is a main resource for the industry.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  PDQ Auto Movers is federally licensed MC-610409 and we are bonded by Pacific Financial Association.

We are open 7 days a week for business.  What that means to you is valuable… we answer the phones till 11pm Eastern time, all days.

888-737-3211  919-576-0737   http://www.autoshippingnationwide.com     http://www.pdqautomovers.com

AUTO SHIPPING NATIONWIDE – PDQ AUTO MOVERS – AUTO TRANSPORT

Our slogan is “PDQ Auto Movers…we move cars in circles so you don’t have to!”

That’s what we do.  We’ve got a formula and it works for us.  We specialize in auto shipping nationwide.  We work a full 7 days a week.  We open at 8am EST and we do not close until 11pm EST.  That’s 8pm for the West coast!  We keep our hours because it is the nature of the beast of auto transport.  We work at scheduling, dispatching, and handling the needs of our customers and carriers.

We are always available to customers at their convenience.  If we are out of the office, calls are forwarded to cell phones and laptops are with us wherever we go!  It’s dedication to the maximum level of quality service!  It’s hard to find good transport brokerages, but here we are, always!!  888-PDQ-3211

The services offered are door to door service.  We do not use terminals, unless the customer specifically requests that service.  Auto shipping is arranged on either open or enclosed trucks.  The price varies greatly.   Scheduling usually occurs within 3 to 4 days, depending on the route.  We ship to all destinations in the 50 states and Canada.  If you wish to ship overseas, call and we will determine the price.  An international broker will be assigned.

Vehicles are insured via the carrier’s policy.  There are two types of insurance for auto shipping… liability and cargo.  The liability insurance covers autos for KBB value in the case of total loss.  The cargo insurance covers damages to vehicles from negligence and mishaps. Both policies are always enforce while transporting the shipment.  The amount of insurance varies with the different sized trucks and companies.  Most carry a combined liability of $1 Million dollars.  The cargo level of insurance will vary due to the size of the truck, how many vehicles they move and the types of vehicles moved.  High end carriers that ship enclosed will have cargo policies as high as $5 Million dollars, though that is an enclosed carrier and rare.  The smaller carriers, say 3 car carriers will have $100 Thousand to $500 Thousand dollars to insure against damages.  They will almost always have a deductible, which is generally $1000, for which the consumer is not responsible.  A copy of the Certificate of Insurance is always made available to customers.

The carriers are licensed and insured.  In order to be assigned an order from PDQ Auto Movers, they must have references, the proper insurances, and above all, be accountable and responsible.  They are issued DOT numbers by the federal government.

We are licensed MC-610409.  We are bonded by Pacific Financial Association.  You can verify MC #’s and DOT #’s at www.safersys.org which is the website for the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

PDQ Auto Movers is a service oriented business.  We do not charge a penny until services are rendered and your vehicle is picked up.   It’s a pay as you go deal.  If the auto is on the truck, our portion of the total is due.  Upon delivery, it is the balance from the order that is due.  We accept all major credit cards, paypal, personal check, cashier check and money order.

Call us with any questions you may have about auto shipping nationwide.  We will give a time frame from loading to unloading.  We will educate you about the auto shipping industry and not withhold any information.  You will become an educated consumer.  If we can assist you in any way, we will!  Check on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website at www.bbb.org to see that we are a reputable company, with the highest standards and business practices.

For a free, no obligation quote, call 888-737-3211 or visit our websites:

www.autoshippingnationwide.com or www.pdqautomovers.com

DEALER RATES – AUTO SHIPPING PRICES – DOOR TO DOOR SERVICES

Dealerships trade vehicles often.  They also ship cars to private parties upon completion of an internet sale.  When the volume of autos being shipped by a dealer reaches a certain level, discounts are offered on our dispatch fees.

Firstly, we never charge a deposit.  We coined the phrase “dispatch fee” years ago and that fee is paid after pick up, which is when a person should pay… when services have been rendered.

Secondly, it’s automatic… if you are a dealer, and you ship a certain amount of vehicles per month, our fees are discounted.  The carrier has their price, but our fee is separate.  We have auto brokers that have accounts with us and they pay monthly.  (Of course, until we get to know an outfit, the fee is due after pickup and before delivery.)

Thirdly, what car dealers should know is that since we work long hours, after other companies have gone home for the day, we are available when needed!  PDQ Auto Movers is here, at your convenience, 7 days a week!  888-737-3211     Hours:  8am till 11pm EST.

Thus, we have the ability to speak with more carriers to find the perfect match for the order!!  More time equals more phone calls.  Shippers have called us in the evening and were assigned and picked up the next day!  Not always, but we have a very good record!  We are “PDQ” after all!