Tag: auto transport tips

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

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 a woman sunbathing on a Florida beach

What To Expect In The Winter For Car Shipping

Written by Mike Rupers on November 16, 2022. Posted in Car Shipping Advice, Car Transport Calculator, Snowbird Auto Transport.

Snowbirds Car Shipping To And From Florida

Winter is a great time to ship your car — depending on your destination. Like birds, we people tend to all go the same way when the weather gets cold. However, unlike birds, we have belongings to bring, which takes extra effort and money to move. If you’re traveling with the rest of the flock — we call them “snowbirds” — for warmer southern regions, you can expect to pay more to ship your car. If you’re going the other way during the winter, car shipping is considerably cheaper. Learn more about snowbirds, Florida car transport, and winter car shipping with our team here at Direct Express Auto Transport in the sections below, and ship with us this winter!

About Snowbirds: Florida Car Transport’s Guiding Demographic

For those of you possibly unaware, “snowbirds” are people from the northern states who migrate south in the winter to the warmer states. Most snowbirds are retirees or senior citizens, but not all. Some people have the luxury of continuing to work from a warmer location. They come from New England (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island) and the eastern seaboard (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, D.C., and Virginia). They also escape the Midwest winters. States such as Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri). Some are from the Plain States and Pacific Northwest. Those are the cold weather regions where the winters can be long and harsh.

What States Do Auto Shipping Snowbirds Most Flock?

Where do snowbirds go? Any place warm, preferably with a beach! Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona are the top snowbird destinations. However, plenty of vehicle-shipping snowbirds are flocking to Nevada (Las Vegas), New Mexico, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Mississippi. Florida is undoubtedly number one, as it has become synonymous with the word “snowbird.”

According to a study by the University of Florida, nearly a million “snowbirds” migrate to Florida for the winter. The numbers increase significantly every year. Some of those folks keep a vehicle in Florida year-round just for the winter months that they are there, some don’t need a car very often and forego it altogether, but hundreds of thousands of snowbirds choose to ship a car south for the winter. The same holds for California, Texas, Arizona, and elsewhere. Our innovative and first-of-its-kind auto transport quote calculator provides the most accurate rates in the industry.

Winter Car Shipping Explained

Ready to learn the ins and outs of winter car shipping so you can skip the icy roads and get the best bang for your buck? Our team at Direct Express Auto Transport is here to help. In the following sections, we give a detailed breakdown of car shipping in the year’s busiest month: January. We’ll help you choose when is the best time to ship your car in winter, and as far as selecting the best car shipping service goes — skip ahead to the final section on this page to see why partnering with our team is the easy choice.

What Happens Every January In Car Transport?

Car Shipping in January is the best of times and the worst of times. Every year, people start booking their vehicle shipments right around the holidays, Christmas thru New Year’s. The drivers have families, too, and value their time at home just like everybody else. There has been a distinct drop in the number of vehicles dispatched and on the road in the last ten days of December.

But the orders from customers begin to mount, and most prefer the first date available to ship their cars, SUVs, mini-vans, pickup trucks, and more to be just after January 1st. If they still need to do so, customers call or go online to book their vehicle shipment the first week of January. It becomes an EXPLOSION of vehicles ready to ship. Let’s break down January week by week:

First week of January: The number of vehicles waiting to ship nearly doubles! That means orders are 200% of average capacity. Far more vehicles are waiting to ship than carrier space available. Most are heading to the warmer states. Can you guess the cars shipping first and which ones sit and wait? The higher priced vehicles, called “loads” in the auto transport industry, generally will ship first. Money talks. We know that and therefore price our customer vehicles toward the top.

Even being in the middle of the pack is a prescription for frustration. Customers, of course, gravitate to lower prices. Still, those auto transport brokers have extraordinarily high cancellation rates of upwards 70% and eventually end up at our website or calling us to get a proper quote. Unfortunately, those folks waste time and endure stress not getting it done right the first time, but how could they know? We don’t mess around, and our customers get shipped among the first. Our customer reviews speak to that.

The customers trying to make an otherwise regular shipment, say from Boston to St. Louis, can find their shipment delayed. Why? The carriers can fill up quickly, heading to Florida instead, and will hustle back to do it again. So the mad snowbird post-holiday rush to Florida and elsewhere warm has a ripple effect across the entire auto shipping industry.

The second week of January: The number of vehicles waiting to ship is at 170% of average capacity. That means there is still upward pricing pressure. People cancel their orders with low-ball brokers and find reputable auto transport brokers (read Direct Express) to price their vehicles properly for timely shipping. The system still needs to flush out the excess inventory of vehicles, as carriers are racing up and down the I-95 corridor and I-75 to fill up and do it again. And again.

Third week of January: The number of vehicles waiting to ship is 130% of average capacity. That means the system is beginning to achieve some semblance of balance. The higher priced vehicles, of course, move faster, but the middle of the pack average priced cars are starting to get picked up. The cheaper-priced vehicles continue to sit, but those brokers have had nervous breakdowns by now. Maybe their customers too.

If you think about it, a snowbird will likely spend four months in Florida or elsewhere. Going without their vehicle while there for the first 3 or 4 weeks is a huge imposition. It’s not the carrier’s fault; they are working harder than anybody and often in harsh conditions. Blame the desperate auto-shipping broker who should know better.

Fourth week of January: The number of vehicles waiting to ship is at 100% of average capacity. That means the auto shipping industry has reached parity or equilibrium. Everything returns to normal. Most reasonably priced vehicles with well-populated originations and destinations will ship promptly.

Higher priced vehicles first, but the mid-range vehicles as well a few days later. The cheap stuff is still likely to wait awhile, the very last to move.

So January starts crazy and takes all month to right itself. Throw in a winter blizzard or two, and things get wild.

February & March: The number of vehicles waiting to ship is at subnormal capacity. That means it is easier to transport your vehicle. One caveat, though, is that the harsh weather states remain a problem, especially when temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or if a snow blizzard hits a region with ever higher accumulations of snow.

Best Car Transport tip for January … pay more not less. You will be glad you did.

Direct Express Auto Transport originated the instant online car shipping quote calculator. We have the lowest cancellation rate in the industry because our system for pricing vehicles is better than any other cheap knockoff out there. You cannot go wrong choosing Direct Express!

Never-the-less, it is important to remember that on any given day during January, February and March of 2018, there will still be several thousand vehicles waiting to ship. All of those vehicles are competing with one another for precious auto transport truck space. Our good advice to you booking an order is to consider adding a tad more money. You are competing after all and sometimes just $50 extra makes a big difference.

Our first-of-its-kind car shipping quote calculator does a spectacular job of adjusting winter car transport pricing and gives you the customer the option of Expedited and Rush rates. That is exactly the sort of thing that will help alleviate customer stress and get your vehicle on the road this winter. Book it securely online or call our customer service representatives at 800-600-3750. Have more questions about snowbirds, Florida car transport, or car shipping in general? Call the number above, or contact us online!

photo of mona lisa masked for covid-19 car shipping

The Ultimate Checklist for Safe Car Shipping During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Written by Mike Rupers on December 4, 2021. Posted in Auto Shipping, Auto Transport Tips, Car Safety, Car Shipping Cost Calculator.

Amid the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, safe car shipping is a unique challenge for many people. Whether you’re moving across the country or need to transport your vehicle for another reason, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure the process is as safe and efficient as possible. That’s where this ultimate checklist comes in.

With years of experience in the auto transport industry, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the new realities of car shipping in the age of COVID-19. From choosing a reputable carrier to properly sanitizing your vehicle before and after transport, our checklist covers all the key steps you need to take to protect yourself and your car during this challenging time. So whether you’re a seasoned car owner or a first-time shipper, read on to discover how to make your car shipping experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Understanding the challenges of safe car shipping during the pandemic

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it many challenges for the auto transport industry. With travel restrictions in place and social distancing guidelines to follow, car shipping has become more complicated than ever before. Carriers are having to adapt to the new realities of the pandemic, which means taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of their drivers and customers. As a result, the cost of shipping a car has also gone up in some cases.

One of the biggest challenges of car shipping during the pandemic is the uncertainty around delivery times. With many carriers experiencing delays or disruptions, it’s essential to prepare for the possibility of your car arriving later than expected. It’s also vital to choose a reputable carrier that has experience navigating these challenges and can provide you with updates on the status of your shipment.

Finally, it’s essential to be aware of any travel restrictions or quarantine requirements that may be in place in your destination state. That will help you avoid any surprises or delays when your car arrives.

Researching safe car shipping companies

Choosing a reliable car shipping company is an essential step in ensuring your vehicle’s safe and efficient transport during the pandemic. With so many companies, figuring out where to start can take time. Here are some key factors to consider when researching car shipping companies:

Reputation: Look for companies with a strong industry reputation and positive reviews from past customers.
Experience: Choose a company that has been in business for several years and has experience shipping cars in various circumstances.
Safety protocols: Make sure the company has implemented additional safety protocols in response to the pandemic, such as providing drivers with personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizing vehicles before and after transport.
Insurance coverage: Verify that the company has adequate insurance coverage in case of damage or loss during transport.
Cost: Consider the cost of shipping your car, but don’t make it the only factor in your decision. The cheapest option may only sometimes be the best choice.

By taking the time to research and choose a reputable car shipping company, you can avoid many common pitfalls associated with car shipping during the pandemic.

Ensuring safety protocols are in place

In addition to researching reliable car shipping companies, it’s vital to ensure proper safety protocols are in place to protect you and the carrier during transport. Some of the critical safety measures that should be in place include:

Providing drivers with PPE, such as masks and gloves
Sanitizing vehicles before and after transport
Social distancing during pickup and delivery
Offering contactless delivery options

Make sure to ask your chosen carrier what specific safety measures they have implemented and how they plan to ensure the safe transport of your vehicle during the pandemic.

Preparing your car for safe shipping

Before your car is picked up for transport, it’s essential to prepare it to ensure a safe and damage-free journey properly. Here are some key steps to take:

Remove any personal items from the car, including electronics and valuables
Inspect the vehicle for any pre-existing damage and document it with photos
Remove any loose items, such as floor mats that could shift during transport
Secure any add-ons, such as bike racks or spoilers
Ensure the car’s fuel tank is less than a quarter full

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your car is properly prepared for transport and reduce the risk of damage during transit.

Contactless delivery options

One of the biggest concerns for many people during the pandemic is the risk of exposure to the virus. To help address this concern, many car shipping companies are now offering contactless delivery options. With contactless delivery, the carrier will drop off your car without any physical interaction, minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus.

If you’re interested in contactless delivery, ask your chosen carrier if this option is available and what specific procedures they have to ensure safe and seamless delivery.

Insurance coverage during the pandemic

It’s vital to ensure that your car is properly insured during transport, especially during the pandemic when there are additional risks to consider. Most car shipping companies will have insurance coverage, but verifying that the coverage is adequate for your needs is essential.

Make sure to ask your chosen carrier about their insurance coverage and what specific circumstances are covered. Consider purchasing additional insurance coverage for added peace of mind.

Tracking your car shipment remotely

The Ultimate Checklist for Safe Car Shipping During the Coronavirus Pandemic

With many carriers experiencing delays or disruptions during the pandemic, it’s essential to be able to track your shipment remotely. Fortunately, most car shipping companies now offer online tracking tools that allow you to monitor the status of your shipment in real time.

Make sure to ask your chosen carrier what specific tracking tools are available and how to access them.

Cleaning and disinfecting your car upon delivery

When your car arrives at its destination, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure that it’s been properly sanitized and disinfected. Here are some key steps to take:

Wipe down all surfaces with disinfectant wipes or spray
Use a disinfectant fogger to sanitize the interior of the car
Allow the car to air out for several hours before entering

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your car is safe to drive and minimize the risk of exposure to the virus.

Final checklist for safe car shipping during the pandemic

To help ensure a safe and stress-free car shipping experience during the pandemic, here’s a final checklist of key steps to take:

Research reliable car shipping companies
Ensure safety protocols are in place
Prepare your car for shipping
Consider contactless delivery options
Verify insurance coverage
Track your shipment remotely
Clean and disinfect your vehicle upon delivery

By following these steps, you can ensure that your car shipping experience is as safe and efficient as possible during these challenging times.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for the auto transport industry, but with the proper precautions and safety measures in place, it’s still possible to safely ship your car. By choosing a reliable car shipping company, properly preparing your car for transport, and taking extra precautions to ensure safety during pickup and delivery, you can help ensure a stress-free and successful car shipping experience. Remember to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments related to the pandemic, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your chosen carrier if you have any questions or concerns.

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator

photo of a woman relaxing RV Travel During Covid-19

RV Travel During Covid-19: A Safe Alternative

Written by Mike Rupers on December 1, 2021. Posted in Auto Transport Tips, Auto Trends, Car Safety.

After weeks of social distancing, self-isolation, and working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are eager to get out of the house. What better way to shake off feelings of cabin fever than by taking a fun trip to soak up some sights and sounds while enjoying the warm summer weather?

Unfortunately, summer travel will be much more complicated this year due to ongoing concerns over COVID-19. With new cases still being reported, people are (correctly) still scared about catching or transmitting the virus. Therefore, the prospect of getting on a crowded plane or checking into the shared space of a hotel looks a lot less appealing.

People don’t want to be cooped up at home, but they don’t want to travel and put themselves and their families at risk, either. So what are they to do? What about hitting the open road in an RV – a safe way to travel that liberates you to go anywhere and do anything?

RV Travel – Stay Healthy in a Pandemic

In addition to being much fun – for both driver and passenger(s) – RV travel helps you avoid exposure to Coronavirus while you’re away from home. You avoid airports and train stations, which pack many people into a small space. You also stay off the planes and trains themselves and prevent a lot of potential virus exposure.

An RV will take you anywhere you want to go in North America. Best of all, you get there inside a space you have complete control over, including who comes in or out and how often you clean things.

More than just a means of travel, though, RVs offer living space as well. Depending on the size, they can comfortably accommodate multiple people, providing places to sleep, bathe, and cook. That means the occupants of the RV get to avoid hotels and restaurants where the virus could potentially spread, especially while traveling through so-called “hot spots.”

By design, RVs allow people to be self-sufficient. As long as the gas tank is full, these vehicles let people go where they want and live comfortably wherever they stop. That has always been the fundamental appeal of RVs – but now the feeling of freedom also provides a sense of safety. No other form of travel – plane, train, bus, or car – lets you avoid large crowds and close contact while still enjoying your travel experience. No wonder RV sales and rentals have been through the roof since the pandemic started.

Summer Vacation Ideas in an RV

What can you do in an RV? What can’t you do is the better question. These all-purpose vehicles let you plan just any adventure and bring all the comforts of home with you. If RV travel sounds like a safe and fun option, there are a few things to remember while planning your trip.

First and foremost, you need to get an RV. You can buy or rent one, or a friend will loan you one. If you’ve never driven an RV or gone RV camping before, it’s probably best to try it before you invest in one of your own. Fortunately, there are RV rental options across the country, in all major cities, and close to the most popular tourist and recreation spots.

That brings us to the next issue: your destination. You might assume your only option is to depart from a location close to your home, which makes perfect sense but also makes many popular vacation destinations accessible only after a very long drive. For instance, if you live on the East Coast and want to drive an RV through Yellowstone, it will take days to reach your destination.

But don’t let that deter you. You could also ship your RV (or camper, trailer, or any other kind of vehicle) to the part of the country you want to tour and then get yourself there through a faster means that you deem safe for yourself. The point is, RV travel doesn’t have to mean you are sitting behind the wheel for mile after mile. You can enjoy all the fun and safety these family-friendly vehicles offer while making the most of your travel time if you take advantage of car shipping when necessary.

Travel As You Please With Direct Express Auto Transport

Are you eager to add an RV to your summer travel plans? If so, expect to have a blast without worrying about Coronavirus constantly – probably exactly what you’re looking for on your next vacation. If auto shipping – of an RV or a car – fits into your plans, work with Direct Express Auto Transport to make things especially easy.

The Original Car Shipping Quote Calculator

Please contact us at any point along the way with your questions.

How To Protect Your Car From Covid-19

Written by Mike Rupers on November 30, 2021. Posted in Car Safety, Car Shipping Advice, Door To Door Auto Transport.

Even if you’re diligent about sheltering in place and self-distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, you need to get out of the house occasionally. That might be to get groceries or relieve some cabin fever, but whatever you plan to do, your vehicle is your best asset. With the convenience of a car, you can get things done and get back home without putting yourself at greater risk. Plus, you’re better protected outside the home when you’re inside your vehicle.

Having a vehicle at your disposal undoubtedly makes your life during this unusual time more manageable and safer, so make sure whatever you drive in continues to serve you well. You can use this car safety advice to protect your vehicle (and yourself) from COVID-19.

Safe Things To Do During COVID-19

Clean High-Touch Areas – The areas you touch are the ones most likely to contain the virus. Direct your efforts towards high-touch areas like the steering wheel, the seat belt buttons, the HVAC controls, and the door handles. Ultimately, you’re going to want to address the entire interior, but make sure to be extra thorough on areas that you or your passengers touch often. Be prepared: when you start to think about everything you touch during the average drive, the list runs a lot longer than you might expect.
Make Your Own Solution – The CDC recommends using solutions made from soap or alcohol to clean surfaces. Alcohol can damage leather upholstery and other types, so your safest bet is to use a soap solution. Fill a bucket with soapy water, wear protective gloves, then use a clean cloth to wipe down surfaces inside the vehicle. Take care not to get the upholstery too wet because you don’t want moisture to seep into the cushions underneath. Use caution on electronics as well, and put extra effort into the steering wheel, which tends to be the dirtiest part of the car.
Take Your Time – You need to wash your hands for 20 seconds to get them fully clean, and the same is valid for surfaces inside your vehicle. Don’t just wipe things down once. Clean each surface carefully, and let the solution sit before wiping it off. Admittedly, this process can be tedious, but the more time you spend on car safety, the more risk you eliminate.
Stock Up on Supplies – Your vehicle is the perfect place to keep cleaning supplies and protective equipment for when you go out. Find space to keep hand sanitizer, gloves, face masks, and disinfecting wipes. Use these to give your hands a quick clean or your steering wheels a wipe-down after being out and about.
Ride Strategically – Even the most oversized vehicles won’t let you put six feet of distance between the driver and passenger. Therefore, you’re safest from COVID-19 traveling alone. But if you must have passengers, put them in the back rather than the front. Even more importantly, ride with the windows cracked at least three inches so that air ventilates through the cabin instead of allowing traces of the virus to build up inside.
Travel Safe – Before the pandemic ends, you might find yourself in someone else’s car, whether a friend, family member or ride-share driver. If you must ride with someone else, be as cautious as possible by wearing a mask and gloves while avoiding contact with anything unnecessary. Remember, during COVID-19, it’s not an insult to the driver – it’s the responsible way to keep yourself and everyone else safe.
Drive With a Mask? – You may have seen other people wearing a mask while driving and wondered if you should follow their lead in car safety. Technically, orders to wear masks in public don’t apply to a vehicle, so you’re not legally mandated to wear one. And if you find that it impairs your driving, you should wait until you arrive somewhere to put a mask on. That said, you run less risk of transmitting COVID-19 to a surface inside your vehicle if you’re wearing a mask. The choice is yours.

Auto Transport – An Important Resource During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since the Department of Homeland Security considers the auto transport industry essential, vehicle shipments are still crisscrossing the country as usual. And contrary to what you might expect, this is a great time to consider car shipping. If you need to get a vehicle across long distances, you don’t want to take the risk of doing the drive yourself.

Car shipping keeps more drivers off the road, which helps everyone in the long run. It makes perfect sense to ship a vehicle right now, and the process is more manageable and affordable than you realize.

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.