Auto Transport Carriers – Page 2 – Direct Express Auto Transport

How Open Auto Transport Really Works

Written by Mike Rupers on December 30, 2022. Posted in Auto Transport Carriers, Auto Transport Tips, Car Safety, Vehicle Shipping Cost.

You need to move your vehicle to a new destination, whether for work or school, buy or sell a car, or take that well-deserved vacation. You’ve done your homework and figured out that auto transport is the best option for moving your vehicle. And you’re pretty sure you want to use open carrier auto transport. But what exactly does that mean? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Is it safe? How much does it cost? And most importantly, is it the right option for you?

At Direct Express Auto Transport, you should have all your questions answered to feel confident in your decision.

What Does “Open Transport” Mean?

There are two kinds of auto transport carriers, open and enclosed. Their titles are dead giveaways; open auto transports move your vehicle on an open trailer that is exposed to the elements. Enclosed auto transport puts your car inside a trailer with sides and a roof to protect it from potential debris or weather. Open auto transport is far and away the most common, making up 95% of transport carriers. While there is some variety in size, the most frequently used trailers can transport ten vehicles.

What are the Advantages of Open-Air Car Transport?

There are two primary advantages of open-air auto transport, and they tend to hit two of the most important things customers are looking for in auto transport:

Car Shipping Cost. Open transport is unquestionably the most affordable way to transport your vehicle over the road. Because they can fit more cars per transport, the cost per vehicle goes down. And because many more cars are available for open-air transport, and so many more used vehicles, it’s easier to fill those transports. More vehicles per load and more customers in pick-up and drop-off locations mean open transport is more cost-effective for both the customer and more profitable for the transporters. Compared to enclosed transport, open transport costs on average 33% less. That can significantly impact your moving cost, vacation spending money, profit made, or the amount spent on a car sale.
Speed. Because open transports are so much more common, getting assigned to a carrier and having it picked up and delivered to its destination happens much faster. Even if you’re not in a hurry, no one wants to wait an overly long time for their vehicle to be transported.

What are the Disadvantages of Open Carrier Auto Transport?

The possible disadvantages of transporting your vehicle by an open carrier are also essential. To give you all the information and let you make the right choice for you. And really, there’s only one potential disadvantage, if you can even call it that.

Open carrier auto transports leave your vehicle exposed to the elements, just like they would be if you were driving it. So there is a slightly higher risk of unexpected debris or weather causing minor cosmetic damage. But if that does occur, remember that your vehicle is insured and will be repaired. So yes, it is subject to becoming dirty or encountering bugs, rain, hail, snow, road debris, or other things beyond the driver’s control. But for as small a risk and such considerable savings, it’s no wonder 97+% of vehicles transport this way.

Is Open Transport Safe?

You may also wonder if open-air car transport is safe. Yes, absolutely and undeniably. Dealers and manufacturers ship most of their vehicles through open carriers, and you know they’re not risking damaging their products or profits by using an unsafe option. The cars are strapped securely to the trailers. All carriers used by Direct Express Auto Transport have been thoroughly vetted and are licensed and insured. You can trust that your vehicle is in competent hands when you book with us.

How Much Does Open-Air Transport Cost?

A few factors play into how much your specific transport will cost, such as the make and model of your vehicle, if it’s in running condition, where you’re leaving from and heading to, and when your car is being transported. (Time of year and total distance are two of the biggest factors.) Using the online calculator is a great way to determine your specific cost. But remember, you’ll save approximately 33% shipping open instead of enclosed.

Why Choose Direct Express Auto Transport?

Direct Express Auto Transport photo of Customer Service Staff woman

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator

Direct Express Auto Transport originated the instant car shipping quote calculator in 2004. It is still the best, most sophisticated, reliable tool available anywhere online. We offer three options that we call tiers of car shipping estimates. The standard rate is the cheapest car shipping quote, but it may take longer. Use it if you are patient. We recommend the expedited car shipping rate and have countless satisfied customers because the shipping process tends to go quicker. The rush rate is our highest level of car shipping service, and many customers are glad they went with that method.

photo of blue tank-truck clean energy semi-truck

How California’s New Trucking Policies are Making a Clean Sweep

Written by Mike Rupers on December 10, 2022. Posted in Auto Shipper, Auto Transport Carriers, Auto Trends, Car Safety.

California’s new trucking policies are making waves in the auto transport industry, and for a good reason. The state has long been known for its strict environmental regulations, but its latest initiatives are taking things to the next level. With a focus on reducing emissions and improving air quality, California’s trucking policies are leading the charge in promoting sustainable transportation. From stricter emissions standards to incentives for clean energy vehicles, the state is making it clear that it takes its environmental responsibilities seriously.

But what exactly are these policies, and how are they affecting the trucking industry? This article will examine California’s new trucking policies and explore how they’re making a clean sweep.

Phasing In New Trucking Policies

In an effort to improve California air quality, particularly in densely-populated urban areas, California will stop registering heavy trucks built before 2011 or any truck running on an engine produced before 2010. The state has devised an enforcement tool that will automatically block the registration renewal for any driver in a non-compliant truck, including car transport carriers.
California plans to phase in these rules gradually. By Jan 1, 2020, all trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds (a weight-category that includes vehicle haulers) and produced before the year 2000 must be compliant. This rule also applies to trucks between 14,000 and 26,000 pounds and produced before 2004.

The remaining trucks (those produced between either the year 2000 or 2004 and 2010) must comply by January 1st of 2023. By that time, no truck registered in California will be older than 2011 or have an engine older than 2010. Getting older, dirtier, and less-efficient trucks off the road should have a positive impact on air quality and help the state meet goals related to climate change. Those are certainly positives. However, the freight industry will bear most of the burden, including shippers, drivers, and anyone interested in auto hauling. It stands to reason that the additional expense will get passed on to California consumers.

The problem of air pollution caused by diesel trucks

Diesel trucks are a significant source of air pollution in California. According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for more than 70% of the state’s smog-causing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and 80% of the state’s diesel particulate matter (PM) emissions. These pollutants can have serious health effects, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.

In response to these concerns, California has implemented several policies to reduce emissions from diesel trucks. These policies include stricter emissions standards for new trucks, requirements for retrofitting older trucks with cleaner technology, and incentives for trucking companies to transition to cleaner vehicles.

However, despite these efforts, diesel trucks continue to be a significant source of pollution in California. That’s why the state has recently introduced a new policy that takes a more comprehensive approach to reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks.

Overview of the new policies, including the Advanced Clean Trucks rule

California’s new trucking policies center around the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, which the California Air Resources Board approved in June 2020. The ACT rule requires truck manufacturers to produce a certain percentage of zero-emission trucks starting in 2024, and to have all new trucks sold in California be zero-emission by 2045.

In addition to the ACT rule, California has also implemented several other policies to reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks. These include:

The Low Carbon Fuel Standard requires a reduction in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels.
The Truck and Bus Regulation requires retrofitting or replacing older, high-polluting trucks.
The Innovative Clean Transit Rule requires transit agencies to transition to zero-emission buses.

Together, these policies aim to reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks and improve air quality in California.

Benefits of the new policies for public health and the environment

The benefits of California’s new trucking policies are clear. By reducing emissions from heavy-duty trucks, the state is improving air quality and promoting public health. According to CARB, the ACT rule alone projects a 1.5 million metric tons reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.

In addition, the rule expects to save Californians $7 billion in health and related costs by 2050.

But the benefits of California’s new policies go beyond just public health and the environment. By promoting the use of clean energy vehicles, the state is also creating new jobs and driving innovation in the transportation industry. According to a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report, the transition to zero-emission trucks could create up to 120,000 new jobs in California by 2035.

Challenges faced by the trucking industry in implementing the new policies

While California’s new trucking policies are designed to promote sustainable transportation, they also present challenges for the trucking industry. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of transitioning to new, cleaner vehicles. Zero-emission trucks are more expensive than diesel trucks, and many trucking companies need help to afford the transition.

In addition, there are concerns about the availability of charging and refueling infrastructure for zero-emission trucks. While California has made significant investments in building this infrastructure, gaps in the network need to be addressed.

Finally, there are concerns about the reliability and range of zero-emission trucks. While these vehicles have come a long way in recent years, there are still limitations to their performance that need to be addressed before the trucking industry can widely adopt them.

Success stories of companies already transitioning to cleaner trucks

Despite these challenges, many California companies are already transitioning to cleaner trucks. One example is the Port of Long Beach, which has been working to reduce emissions from trucks that transport goods to and from the port. The port has implemented many programs to incentivize the use of clean energy vehicles, including a Clean Trucks Program that provides financial incentives for trucking companies to transition to cleaner vehicles.

Another success story is the trucking company Total Transportation Services Inc. (TTSI), which has led the transition to zero-emission trucks. TTSI has partnered with manufacturers to develop and test new zero-emission trucks and has already put several of these vehicles into service. The company has also installed charging infrastructure at its facilities to support the use of these vehicles.

Resources and incentives available to help trucking companies make the switch

California has implemented many resources and incentives to help trucking companies transition to cleaner vehicles. These include:

Rebates and vouchers for the purchase of zero-emission trucks.
Grants for the installation of charging and refueling infrastructure.
Loans and leases for the purchase of clean energy vehicles.
Technical assistance and training to help trucking companies understand the benefits and challenges of transitioning to cleaner trucks.

By providing these resources and incentives, California is working to make the transition to cleaner trucks more affordable and accessible for the trucking industry.

The role of technology in reducing emissions from trucks

Technology is playing a critical role in reducing emissions from heavy-duty trucks. Zero-emission trucks are powered by batteries or fuel cells, which produce no emissions during operation. In addition, engine and exhaust after-treatment technology advances are helping to reduce emissions from diesel trucks.

However, more than technology is needed to solve the problem of air pollution caused by heavy-duty trucks. It’s also essential to promote the use of clean energy sources to power these vehicles and support the development of charging and refueling infrastructure.

The future outlook for the impact of California’s new trucking policies

California’s new trucking policies are already significantly impacting the transportation industry, but the full effects of these policies have yet to be seen. As more trucking companies transition to cleaner vehicles, we can expect to see further reductions in emissions and improved air quality.

In addition, other states and countries are likely to follow California’s lead in promoting sustainable transportation. That could create new opportunities for the development and adoption of clean energy vehicles, as well as for the growth of the clean energy industry as a whole.

Conclusion and call to action for other states to follow California’s lead

California’s new trucking policies are a model for other states and countries to follow. California is setting an example for the rest of the world to follow by promoting sustainable transportation and reducing emissions from heavy-duty trucks.

If you’re a trucking company or fleet operator, now is the time to start thinking about transitioning to cleaner vehicles. Whether you’re interested in zero-emission trucks or cleaner diesel technology, resources, and incentives are available to help you make the switch.

And if you’re a resident of California or another state with high levels of air pollution, now is the time to speak out in support of clean air and sustainable transportation. By working together, we can create a cleaner, healthier future for ourselves and future generations.

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator

How to Pick a Car Shipping Company

Written by Mike Rupers on December 3, 2022. Posted in Auto Shipping, Auto Transport Carriers, Auto Transport Tips, Car Shipping Advice, Car Shipping Cost Calculator.

When shopping for car shipping companies, you should stick to one rule above all else: Do your research. Plain and simple. Find a company that’s reliable, affordable, communicative, and makes it easy on you throughout the entire car shipping process.

Aside from any property you own, your vehicles are likely your significant investments. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a vehicle owner moving to a different state, or an internet car shopper, transporting vehicles is a big undertaking done by professionals who know what they’re doing. With so many auto transport companies selling themselves online today, it can be challenging to differentiate the good from the bad.

Start your research here.

Tips for Selecting the Best Auto Transport Company

As you begin sifting through your list of potential car shipping companies, you should know a few good and bad signs to look for. Awareness of these signs will be instrumental in helping you dismiss the bad auto transport companies and move forward with the good ones.

Signs of Good Auto Transport Companies

Timeliness and professionalism.

Choose a company known for punctuality in their drop-offs and pick-ups. Read reviews to see what customers say about companies’ scheduling, keeping in mind that not every transportation assignment will be ideally on time with every order. Traffic doesn’t always cooperate, and freight trucks sometimes encounter complications like smaller vehicles. What separates good car shipping companies from bad ones is how they react when the schedule changes. A good company will contact you immediately when a schedule change occurs; a bad one will leave you frustrated and wondering where they are.

Excellent customer service throughout the entire process.

A car transportation company with customer service representatives who are knowledgeable, friendly, and available to answer any of your questions at any stage of the transportation process is a valuable asset. Go with a company whose customer service representatives can contact their truckers so that you know what’s going on with the transportation of your precious cargo. Car transportation companies that give you the ability to speak with humans are always a better choice in terms of service.

Comfortability working on short-term deadlines.

You don’t want to wait weeks or months to finally get your car after buying it from a dealer in a different state. You want that car getting loaded up that same day — the next day at the very latest — so choosing car shipping companies with large, high-functioning fleets is recommended for anyone who wants to ensure their car is getting on the road in a matter of hours instead of weeks.

Signs of a Bad Car Shipping Company

Upselling you on extras that you don’t need

If you’re looking to transport a standard car that’s not exotic or highly valuable, you don’t need to spend extra money on an enclosed trailer. Steer clear of auto

transportation companies that try to make you purchase additional insurance on top of the base charges to ensure that your vehicle is extra safe. Insurance coverage should always be included in the base price. Period. No questions asked.

Inability to adapt to difficult circumstances.

If every single car shipping order were the same, then you probably wouldn’t need to do much research before shipping your car, because any of the scores of car transport companies out there could do the job decently. But that’s not the way auto transportation works. Much of car shipping involves changing circumstances. The best in the business know how to navigate small city streets and schedule changes, tight corners, and unique customers. Make sure the company you choose has a track record of success when shipping to and from your target areas, as well as a long list of solid reviews from past clients.

How to Choose a Car Shipping Company

Now that you know what a good and bad auto transporter looks like, it’s time to investigate what the best car shipping company looks like for you. Everyone has different needs. Some companies will be able to exceed your expectations, while others will leave you disappointed. Find the best car shipping company for any shipment (car, truck, van, SUV, or exotic) using these steps:

Know What You Need

Start by defining what you need an auto shipping company to provide. The makes and models of vehicle(s) do you plan to ship? What are the ideal times for pick-up and drop-off, and the perfect locations? What kind of budget do you have to spend on car shipping? Is your car ok to ride on an open-air trailer (like the vast majority of vehicles), or would it be safer inside an enclosed trailer (where collector cars usually ride)? The best company for shipping a car is one that can meet all of your needs from start to finish. Therefore, you need to understand both your requirements and your preferences.

Compare Your Options

The best company for shipping a car leaves it up to you to choose who takes your shipment. You have multiple choices in terms of budget and schedule. Then, you select whichever one works for you. Instead of trying to push you towards one choice or another, the outstanding companies lay all your options out in a straightforward format for easy comparison shopping. If you feel pressured to go with a specific carrier, that company doesn’t deserve your business. Insist on working with a company that gives you more information, not less.

Take a Deeper Dive

As you narrow down your list of companies, you will notice something they all have in common: claiming to be the best. Every company makes bold promises – so how do you distinguish the actual best from the rest? One way is to look beyond the sales pitch. Please spend some time on each company’s website, and look at their resources. Do they offer tools to make scheduling vehicle shipping easier? Is there a blog full of content you can use to improve the shipping process? Will customer support reps answer your call or respond to your email promptly? The best car shipping companies don’t just claim to do things better; they prove it with every interaction.

Direct Express Auto Transport: The Right Choice for Your Vehicles

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 94% 5-star review rating on Trustpilot, our direct Express Auto Transport team is among the country’s best car shipping companies. We’ve helped thousands nationwide successfully ship their vehicles safely, fast, straightforwardly, and affordable.

Take the guessing and stress out of transporting your precious vehicle with our simple and easy-to-use Car Transport Quote Calculator to see how genuinely affordable shipping your vehicle with us can be. It would be best if you didn’t have to sacrifice reliability, professionalism, and expert service for a reasonable price tag on shipping. With our team here at Direct Express Auto Transport, you can get your car safely and efficiently from point A to B without breaking the bank.

No matter what type of car you’re shipping, our passionate and professional drivers are here to help deliver your vehicle quickly and painlessly. Compared with competing car shipping companies, our customer service is unrivaled, and we have one of the most intuitive, user-friendly interfaces. Follow our simple 5-step process, starting with an initial quote and finishing with your car safely showing up on your driveway. If you’re searching for auto transport companies, your search starts and ends here.

photo of interstate road-signs car shipping

The Best Way To Ship A Car to an Interstate Buyer

Written by Mike Rupers on November 21, 2022. Posted in Auto Shipping, Auto Transport Broker, Auto Transport by State, Auto Transport Carriers, Auto Transport Rates, Car Shipping Advice.

Want to learn how to ship a car? Don’t worry; the process won’t require any heavy lifting on your part. Nor will it need the headache, hassle, or hunt for a needle in a haystack. It’s the 21st century, and several excellent options for moving cars across state lines exist. If you have a buyer in another state and are trying to ship in the shortest amount of time possible, this is the guide. In the following sections, our car shipping experts here at Direct Express Auto Transport will teach you how to ship a car efficiently to any interstate buyer. Move on, and ship your vehicle with our trusted team today!

Step 1: Know Your Shipping Needs

You have probably heard of door-to-door service. But what about terminal-to-terminal or door-to-terminal service? These terms apply to car shipping, and knowing them will help you understand exactly how your car will get shipped.

With terminal-to-terminal service, you bring your car to a designated place where it is grouped up and loaded up with other cars at that specific location (or “terminal”). The terminal is usually a large parking lot where cars can gather, and freight trucks can maneuver. Once your car reaches its destination city, it will be dropped off at another terminal for the new owner to pick up. As you would expect, the more “terminals” and fewer “doors” you have in your delivery method, the cheaper the service will be. Having new car buyers pick up their vehicles from a terminal can be a big hassle because they might not have the means to get to their new cars.

If you opt to use terminals, make sure you are clear with the person buying your car on what type of delivery they are getting. We only recommend using terminals if you are willing to wait several weeks (or longer) and suffer the inconvenience of getting there. Few people are close to terminals at both ends of the shipment. Dear reader, most people seem to regret having used a terminal and would never do it again. It is cheap car shipping, but you get what you pay for.

Are you selling a high-end car that should not travel hundreds or thousands of miles aboard an uncovered truck on open roads? If so, you’ll probably want to choose an enclosed shipping transport. We recommend choosing this shipping method only if it’s necessary. Most of the vehicles shipped around the country are shipped on open trailers, roughly 97%, which means that if you go the enclosed shipping route, you will be paying a pretty penny, about 40-50% more. That’s because enclosed trailers can accommodate fewer cars but have approximately the same operating expense as larger Open trailers. Therefore, the Enclosed transporter must charge more. The customer does receive value for the extra money as their vehicle is protected from the elements.

Step 2: Know Your Arrival Deadline

Door-to-door car shipping is the fastest and most efficient method of transporting vehicles, so Direct Express Auto Transport will only do it that way. Getting your buyer their car quickly is ideal, but it will require some communication with the car shipping company you choose. Auto transport companies will almost always give you a range of dates for the car’s arrival. The reason dates are presented in ranges rather than precise days is that, unlike other services, shipping cars isn’t an exact science.

For logistical reasons, cars are shipped in groups, all going in the same direction. However, they’re not all going to the same place. Depending on where your vehicle is in the drop-off order, it may not always reach its final destination at the early side of the date range. Your driver could run into issues dropping off some of the cars before your car is dropped off. Weather, accidents, and other unforeseen problems can influence timing, which is why most car shipping companies give ranges for their car drop-offs. Before you book, ensure that the date range you’re quoted works for you and your buyer.

Regarding picking your car up, you have a couple of options to work with, depending on how tight or loose your schedule is. Tighter schedules should use our Expedited or Rush service, and even that cannot be guaranteed. Always have a backup plan to take the stress out of it. More flexible schedules can get away with booking the Standard transport rate, though we still think going Expedited is wise.

Step 3: Do Some Market Research

If you’re like most working adults, your car is one of the most expensive items you own. Like other expensive items, it should be shipped with care. To ensure careful shipping, you must choose the right car shipping company. And to do that, you have to do your research. Before settling on a car shipping company, see what the shipping market looks like in both your area and the area you are shipping to.

Some regions are massive shipping hubs with large markets and tons of options. Other places, like destinations off the beaten path, don’t have nearly as much truck traffic, so their selection of car shipping options will likely be much smaller. Doing some preliminary market research will help you get a feel for the possibilities in your regions.

It will also help you determine the price. In many cases, it’s not the distance that correlates to price but rather competition and convenience for car shipping companies. Assess the field, get quotes, and prepare to make your choice. We are pricing experts, and you can feel confident that we have already done that analysis for you.

Step 4: Choose a Reputable Auto Transportation Company

The most significant decision of the car-shipping process is choosing the right auto transport company. Here, you want to work with a business that will keep your car safe while ensuring it arrives on time—without costing you an arm and a leg.

The best car shipping companies know how to ship a car efficiently and effectively. Their reviews will reflect their reputations, their service will reflect their expertise, and their prices will reflect their integrity. An informative and easy-to-navigate website is a good indicator of a reputable company, but you shouldn’t just take their word on the quality of their service. Read reviews on sites like Trustpilot to see what past clients have said about the car shipping companies you’re researching.

Lastly, check to see if the companies you’re considering offer free and accurate quotes. That will help you know what you’re getting in terms of price. We say all this because we know Direct Express Auto Transport is widely considered to be the best in the business.

Step 5: Make Sure Your Vehicle is Insured

Even reputable companies that know how to ship a car sometimes encounter accidents. For this reason, it’s important to insure your car to stay protected against costly damages. While most car insurance policies don’t offer insurance coverage for car shipping, some auto transport companies offer insurance plans to help you stay protected. If the company you are working with does not provide transportation insurance, it is up to you to purchase car shipping insurance through your primary insurance provider. Whichever option you choose, it’s vital to ensure that your vehicle is covered well before its move.

Step 6: Leave the Tank at a Quarter, Wash Your Car, and Perform a Final Inspection

If you’re shipping your car across state lines, it will be on a trailer for quite some time. There is no reason to have much gas in it. Car shipping companies would prefer if your car did not have a full tank. Gas is heavy and will weigh down the shipping truck, lowering its fuel efficiency and possibly causing problems at the mandatory weigh scales. To prep, your shipping vehicle, keep your gas tank about a quarter full. Don’t empty it more than that — you want to give your new buyer a bit of gas to work with when they pick the car up.

Before saying goodbye to your car for the last time, wash it. At this point, you might think: “This car is about to be traveling hundreds of miles on the back of an open trailer! Why do I need to wash it if it’s going to get dirty on the way to its new home?” That’s a good point. But here’s a better point. You are washing the car so that you can note any irregularities, not because you want it to be clean before its long journey.

You don’t want to note a “scratch” that was just a scuff that washed away with a bit of soap, water, and elbow grease. On the other hand, you don’t want to miss a preexisting dent because it’s hidden under a thick layer of dirt and grime on your car. Once thoroughly washed your vehicle, please take pictures of any irregularities and share them with the shipping company and the new owner. This way, all relevant parties will know what damages were present on the car before the cross-country transport and what damages were picked up along the way.

Step 7: Ship with the Best — Ship with Direct Express Auto Transport

While not a required step per se, Step 7 in our guide will make shipping your car as simple, affordable, and efficient as possible, you could say it’s the most important step of them all. It’s shipping with our trusted team here at Direct Express Auto Transport. Staffed by the industry’s top professionals, we’re trusted by thousands of dealerships and private car owners each year, and we have an excellent 94% 5-star rating on Trustpilot.

Committed to making car shipping straightforward, we proudly pioneered the free online car shipping quote calculator in 2004, five years before any other shipping company had one. We’ve refined that calculator and use it today to help drivers across North America get fair, accurate, and transparent quotes for car shipping. No personal information is required — fill in the six fields and get your quote in seconds.

But our team here at Direct Express Auto Transport knows how to ship a car. We have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and we’re here to answer any questions you might have about our service or car shipping in general. Contact us to speak with a team member directly, and ship your car across state lines with our professionals here at Direct Express Auto Transport!

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator

How Corona Virus Affected the Auto Transport Industry – For Carriers

Written by Mike Rupers on November 29, 2021. Posted in Auto Shipping, Auto Transport Carriers, Auto Transport Tips, Auto Trends, Car Safety.

Directly or indirectly, Corona Virus affects all corners of American life, including the auto transport industry. The pandemic has many positive and negative consequences for auto transport carriers hauling vehicles coast to coast. At this time of great uncertainty and rapidly evolving situation, accurate, up-to-date information is the best resource for drivers out on the road. Consider this your guide for auto transport drivers during COVID-19.

Are Auto Transport Carriers At Higher Risk of Catching COVID-19?

As of early April 2020, we did not indicate that auto carriers or truck drivers generally face increased risk from Coronavirus. That said, the Department of Homeland Security designates Transportation as an essential sector, meaning carriers are still working while many others are sheltering in place. Drivers may also be traveling between or through areas with large numbers of infections, increasing their risk of exposure.

How Can Drivers Keep Themselves Safe at Work?

The isolated nature of truck driving provides some protection, but face-to-face interactions are still standard during pickup and drop-off. Therefore, car transport carriers should practice social distancing, wash their hands frequently, and sanitize surfaces. Most important, carriers should stay off the road and immediately seek medical attention if presenting any symptoms of Coronavirus or if they feel ill for any reason. Drivers at increased risk – because of respiratory issues or a compromised immune system – may even want to suspend transporting preemptively out of an abundance of caution.

How Will the Corona virus Affect Domestic Shipping?

With COVID-19 upending the status quo, auto transport carriers may need to deviate from their usual way of doing things. During pickup or drop-off, for instance, have a plan in place so that both parties can maintain adequate distance. And with shutdown orders in effect nationwide in 2020, finding equipment, assistance, or even basics like a hot meal on the road could be more complicated than before.

Carriers are advised to spend extra time planning their routes and calling ahead when anything seems uncertain. Also, account for all the traffic missing from the roads. Average travel times have drastically decreased in significant cities nationwide because fewer people are driving. Carriers may be able to reach a destination in less time than usual.

What if You Get a Shipment From Overseas?

Despite restrictions on international travel, ports remain open to most overseas shipments, including vehicles. Carriers picking up vehicles coming from locations with high rates of COVID-19 – China, Italy, Iran etc. – should exercise extra caution when taking possession. Wipe down all surfaces before touching them, wear a face mask, wear disposable gloves, and wash your hand thoroughly afterward.

What’s the Economic Outlook for Carriers?

With stock market figures plummeting and unemployment figures skyrocketing, the present and future economy looks incredibly uncertain. Fortunately, the news isn’t all bad for auto transport drivers. There’s been a drastic uptick in college student auto shipping in recent weeks as campuses shut down, and students need a way to get their vehicle home while they fly with their stuff. The snowbird season – when retirees leave Florida for the summer months – has also come early this year on account of COVID-19. That said, many elderly snowbirds, who are at higher risk of severe complications from the disease, are wisely foregoing flight plans and driving their vehicles home. It may take considerably longer, but certainly worth it.

Auto transport carriers going from South to North may need more opportunities available. Given the urgency of the moment and the danger of traveling anywhere, there is far lower demand for car shipping, and carriers have been forced to accept abysmally lower rates. With fewer orders than usual, some shippers need help to exist right now, even with the meager cost of fuel. Indeed, the number of vehicles available to ship is currently down roughly 75%.

That does not mean that auto transport shipments are down 75% because the oversupply of carriers gobbles up the undersupply of vehicles available. While horrible, it makes it appear that the demand for carriers is worse than it is. Only some people in the car shipping industry are making a profit. Nearly everybody is trying to cut their losses. As one carrier described their situation to Direct Express Auto Transport, “If we stop running, our fixed costs will kill us. We’ll go out of business. So we operate at a loss every day and hope for the best.”

Predicting the long-term economic impact on the auto transport industry and car transport carriers is much more challenging. With some recession/depression looking certain, expect the number of vehicles being shipped to stay suppressed. Rates could go even lower as carriers compete for shipments. Considering that auto sales are expected to drop sharply in 2020, there is even less room for optimism.

Realistically, carriers should plan for a severe and prolonged downturn for the rest of 2020 and 2021. The slow government response, which starts at the top, has worsened the human tragedy. And so, too, the economy. The car shipping industry is very aware that we are paying a high price for poor leadership in Washington.

The Roads Are Open for Auto Transport

If you need a vehicle shipped a short distance or from one side of the country to the other, rest assured that plenty of auto transport carriers are eager and able to haul it. Auto transport quotes have been relatively low since the 2008-2009 Recession. Now is a great time to have your vehicle, whatever that may be, at your location instead of sitting idle in a distant garage or driveway. How much would it cost to ship a car during a pandemic? Find out fast using the online quote calculator from Direct Express Auto Transport, or call us at 800-600-3750 with any questions.