The best way to grow a car business is by ensuring you have streamlined systems that make your work easier. One of the critical things needed for success in the auto industry is a reliable shipping system. Without a proper plan, you might lose out on customers who are further away. But with the correct measures in place, you will make more money. Finding a reliable shipping service is essential for your business’s success. The following hacks will help you identify the perfect car shipping company.
1: Knowing Your Shipping Options
Don’t settle for the first shipping company you find online or hear about from a friend. There are several alternatives in the market. And taking time to do your homework to learn your options will help you pick the best one.
You should start your search for an auto transport service by creating a list. Doing this will make it easy to cross off all the options you think won’t work for you. That way, you can narrow it down to one shipping service in a systemized manner.
You can begin your search on Google for business. With this tool, you will find several car shipping companies in your location. The best part about such a platform is that you get direct links to each company’s website. And that way, you can learn more about what each of them has to offer you. Once you have your list, you can start crossing off services that don’t align with your needs.
2: Asking Proper Questions
The best way to lose money is by shying away from asking tough questions during an interview. Always investigate further when a shipping company tells you they’re the best at the job. After all, no service provider will ever tell you what you don’t want to hear. Do everything you can to dig up the crucial details about the service to make an informed choice.
One critical question you should ask is the number of cars you can ship at a time. Trailers have different capacities. And the auto shipping service may have a limited number of trailer trucks. It helps to know how many cars you can ship at any moment. That way, you can capitalize on the economies of scale and plan your logistics better.
Next, you should inquire about the tracking system put in place to know where the cars are during transit. You will always have peace of mind when you’re sure about the whereabouts of your vehicles. Thanks to technology, you can get alerts on your phone at various stopping points. Such information helps you plan your next shipment. It also makes it easy for you to manage your customer’s expectations. But most importantly, you can know whether the transport service is telling you the truth.
You also need to know about the cancellation policy that the company has. Sometimes you may run into situations that cause you to cancel the shipment. When this happens, you need to be aware of how much you’ll need to pay as a penalty. Some transportation companies will fine you depending on when you cancel. Having the information allows you to prevent your business from losing money.
It also helps to know whether the company has anyone that will vouch for them. As such, you can inquire about any references they have. Doing this gives you more confidence in their ability to deliver on the job.
Lastly, always ask about the driver’s credentials. Try to know whether they conduct background checks before hiring a driver. And whether the drivers handling the cars are competent enough to handle the task.
3: Looking At Company History
Before spending a dime on its services, you should know the company’s background. There are several ways to find out details about the company’s past. Details about their history will make it easy to learn if you can trust them with your cars.
Firstly, you can take time to go through their website. Any legit shipping service needs to have a professional website. Once you’re on their site, you should try to look for specific things. One of the things you can find here is how long the company’s been in service. Always consider a company with many years of experience in the shipping industry. The longer they’ve been around, the better. After all, this shows they’ve got customers who trust them.
Next, you should try to learn more about their previous customer’s experiences. You don’t need to try a service for yourself if others have already used it before you. Reviews are an excellent way to glean details about the quality of service they received. They also make it easy for you to know the company’s strengths and shortcomings. You can find online reviews on the company’s website. However, reviews can often get doctored. It’s best to go with the ones from Google. That way, you can at least be sure they’re from different people.
Also, take time to read testimonials. These are slightly different from reviews. A testimonial is a vouching statement from a previous client of the company. Reading them allows you to know the positive aspects of the service. And this gives you more assurance that they’re worth your time and money.
4: Research The Legal Perspective
The law requires specific things from a car transport service. Before you settle to work with any company, ensure they’re registered and insured. If they don’t have a valid registration certificate, look elsewhere for transport. Moreover, they must have insurance. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay out of pocket for any damages your cars experience during transport.
5: Know The Price Alternatives
Finally, do your best to compare prices. That way, you can get the best deal for shipping your vehicles. But remember, never put the cost of the service over value. Going with a cheap alternative might cost you later on. Moreover, try to learn the company’s preferred payment method. That way, you can pick one that’s most convenient. These tricks should help you avoid several mistakes when shipping a car.
It’s better to take time doing your research than to make a hurried choice you may later regret. Shipping your vehicles should be a streamlined, automated process. By teaming with a shipping carrier with experience, you will be assured to move your fleet vehicles and other assets conveniently without going over budget.
