Car Shipping Archives - Preowned Auto Logistics

5 Ways the Cold Can Affect Your Car

March 7, 2023

Taking care of your car in the winter is easy when you know what ill effects the cold can have on your vehicle. There are lots of ways the cold can damage your vehicle or cause long-term problems, and learning how to prepare and handle those issues properly can be the difference between huge expenses and a cheap repair.

The Cold Can Kill Your Car Battery

Cold temperatures slow everything down. When it comes to your car battery, cold weather affects the speed of the chemical reaction inside the battery and slows it down. According to FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com, once the temperatures reach 32°F, the battery’s strength drops by around 35%. After the temperatures hit zero, the engine will need almost twice the power to start as it would in warmer temperatures.

If you know that the temperatures are going to be extremely low in your area, be sure your car’s battery is in good condition. Additionally, give your car time to warm up in the morning, so add a little extra time to your daily routine to allow for the engine to warm up.

Decreased Tire Pressure

The drop in temperatures also causes a loss in your tire pressure. This results from the air in the tires moving slower from the cold. Hot air expands, so your tires will be more full in warmer conditions than freezing temperatures. Usually, the best way to prepare for this is to check your tire pressure after a significant temperature drop or increase and add or remove air to keep your tires operating at their best.

Brittle and Cracked Windshield Wipers

We’re all familiar with windshield wipers that are old, cracked, and barely doing their job. This is often the result of cold weather and exposure to the elements. You can easily replace them if they are smearing things instead of cleaning your window. This becomes even more evident after a freeze or trying to use them on a frosted window, which damages the wiper. Wiper blades are more brittle in cold weather, so they’re more likely to have problems if used improperly in these conditions.

Instead of using your wipers to try and clear ice from your windshield, you can use a deicer or an ice scraper.

Broken or Cracked Windshield

Sudden drops in temperature can also result in cracks or damage to your windshield. If your windshield is already cracked, the cold weather will cause the glass to shrink, which will worsen the crack. The best way to prevent this is by having any issues with your windshield repaired before the weather drops.

Corrosion Due to Road Salt

Road salt causes strong chemical reactions when it comes into contact with exposed metal on your car. If it is not cleaned off of your vehicle and allowed to sit, it can lead to corrosion and rust. According to Erie Insurance, road salt will most likely damage your fuel and brake lines. If you have been driving in areas with snow or ice and the roads have been treated with salt, it’s a good idea to regularly wash your car to keep the salt off of those crucial spots and prevent long-term damage.

Call Today To Request a Quote for Shipping Your Car with PAL

If you’re moving your vehicle across the states, whether it’s for a trip to your seasonal home, or a permanent move, we can help you get your car there safely and without the stress. Give us a call at 877.542.1955 and receive a custom quote for your auto transport needs.

Sample Customer Reviews

“Outstanding! We called at the last minute (the day before leaving for Florida), and Mike was very receptive. We left on a Wednesday. Our cars were picked up on Wednesday, and Mike attempted to find a truck/driver to bring our cars. They were picked up on a Saturday morning and surprisingly delivered (Monday)late morning. Their service and devotion to assist the customer was fantastic! Very, very pleased!!!”

– Linda Marconi

“Colby Harlow and his team are the most professional and quickest transport company I have had experience working with. We are a family-owned MB and Volvo dealership in South Carolina, and I trust Colby and Pre-Owned Auto Logistics with any shipment for us and our customer’s needs. Highly Recommend!”

– Hank Dyer

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Everything You Need to Know About Winter Car Shipping

January 26, 2023

Whether you’re moving south for the winter or starting a new job across the country, getting your car shipped during the winter may seem more difficult than it is. At Preowned Auto Logistics, we’re very familiar with winter car shipping, and we’ll be able to get your car moved quickly and efficiently no matter what season you need to move your vehicle.

Are Many Cars Shipped in the Winter?

Seasonal car shipping is very common in the transportation industry as people move their vehicles for the holidays or to avoid the colder months. Booking ahead of time ensures that your car will get shipped during the winter when you need it without additional fees. We recommend reaching out to book your car shipping around August or September if you plan to ship your car in the winter.

A lot of the cars being shipped in the winter months are due to families with seasonal homes. Shipping their car down to Florida or wherever their winter home is located is a stress-free way to ensure they have their vehicle without the need to drive it themselves.

Is Winter Car Shipping Hazardous?

Traveling during the winter is more hazardous because of the potential for sleet, snow, and ice on the roads. However, our drivers are very safe and concerned with ensuring your vehicles arrive safely no matter what. If there are problems on the road, like a snowstorm or icy roads, the driver will make the call to pull over and wait for conditions to improve.

Are Delays Common When Shipping Your Car in the Winter?

Because of the weather conditions that make traveling during the winter more hazardous, delays are more common in the winter. Our drivers at Preowned Auto Logistics are very sensitive to weather conditions in order to keep the vehicles on their trucks safe, so if there is a significant risk, they’ll pull over until the risk passes. This practice can result in delays, but it is done to prevent potential damage or problems on the road.

How Will PAL Handle Delays?

At Preowned Auto Logistics, we plan for delays, so your vehicle is less likely to arrive late. We tell customers to drop off their vehicles 7-10 business days before they need it in the new location so that the driver can get them delivered, even with unforeseen delays.

Additionally, we will call you immediately if there is a delay with the shipment of your car. We’re very concerned about keeping you informed about your vehicle’s location and expected delivery so that you can rest easy from the time you drop it off until it arrives at your destination.

What are the Benefits of Shipping Your Car in the Winter?

Avoiding the Cold

Most of the vehicles being shipped during the winter are for people who own seasonal homes. So, many of the cars being transported will spend the winter in Florida or some other southern state and be transported back north in the spring. This is a typical practice for many retired folks or families who dislike spending the winter cooped up in their homes.

Costs of Shipping

Getting your car shipped in the winter can be less expensive than other times of the year, depending on a few factors. You’ll want to book ahead of time to get the best price for your shipping. Additionally, you can ask which weeks are less busy to try and save more on your vehicle shipping during the winter months. Because there is a lot of traffic after the holidays, you may be able to find savings by choosing a less busy week to ship your car.

Is Shipping a Car in the Winter Expensive?

It can be. Because there are a lot of seasonal travelers moving down to their winter homes in the south after the holidays, early January is a very expensive time to ship your vehicle. However, booking ahead of time and choosing a less busy week to ship your car can help reduce the expense significantly.

Most Expensive Times to Ship Your Car

Due to the holidays, avoiding cold weather, and other factors, October is a very expensive time to get your car shipped. If you’re considering leaving for your seasonal home in the early fall, you might consider delaying until November or December. However, then you run into problems with the holidays.

Because most people don’t want to leave until after the holidays, early January is another expensive time to ship your vehicle. When you’re planning to return home, April is an expensive month for shipping, so it’s best to plan around these dates carefully.

Least Expensive Times to Ship Your Car

Finding a less expensive time to ship your car is mostly a matter of working with the customer service representative who is helping you book your shipping. It can vary from week to week, so just talk to your customer service rep when booking to get the best deal. We suggest booking as far ahead of time as possible so we can give you the best rate for your expected travel dates. Avoiding shipping your vehicle during the highest volume times will help you to get a lower rate.

How Should I Prepare My Car for Winter Shipping?

Preparing your vehicle for shipping in the winter is very similar to any other time of year. You’ll want to ask for specifications when booking your shipment; however, the basics for how to prepare your vehicle for shipping below will help you get the basics ready.

Leave the Gas Tank at ¼ or Less

Any time you’re shipping your vehicle, you’ll need to keep your gas tank at ¼ full or less. This step helps the trunk that’s hauling your car and others to meet the weight requirements and plan ahead.

Fewer than 100 lbs. of Personal Items

Because weight requirements for carries are highly regulated, the driver will need to plan and monitor all the vehicles and the weight on their truck. By limiting personal items to under 100 lbs. in each car, the driver can plan better and ensure they don’t over-pack the truck.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Be sure that your tires are properly aired up before dropping your vehicle off at the terminal. This will make it easy for your driver to load and unload the car onto the truck without worrying about the tires not being full enough or other problems.

Ask About Winter-Grade Oil, Depending on Your Destination

Depending on where you are shipping your car, you should add winter-grade oil before you drop it off for shipment. Don’t worry about this step if you’re sending your vehicle down south for the winter. You won’t need winter-grade oil in the south, so you’ll just waste time and money. If you’re moving north or to a northern state, you’ll probably want to get your car in for an oil change before shipment or as soon as you arrive in the new location.

Get The Best Rate on Car Shipping﹘ Request a Quote Today

Whether you’re looking to book a vehicle shipping for the winter or plan your return trip for the summer months, we can help! Call us at 877.542.1955 and receive a custom quote for your auto transport needs.

Customer Reviews

– Linda Marconi

“This is second time using Preowned Auto Logistics, and I could not be any happier. Kerri was so professional and helpful. My daughter’s car made it to Florida quickly and without a scratch. I would definitely recommend them to anyone needing a car transport.”

– Karen Campagna

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10 Questions to Ask Your Vehicle Shipping Company

December 29, 2022

Whenever you need a vehicle moved, whether it’s to help you move across states or have a car you bought online delivered, you’ll need to pick a vehicle shipping company. Before you choose who to trust with your car shipping, you’ll want to be sure the company is reputable and able to meet all of your needs. Below, we’ll show you the questions you should ask any vehicle shipping company before booking your shipment.

What Are Your Rates?

First and foremost, you’ll want to get a quote from the vehicle shipping company. This step of the process should be repeated across all of your potential options so that you can rule out any possible scams. If a company quotes you a service that’s well below the others, it’s likely a scam. Most vehicle shipping companies charge around the same price, depending on a few factors.

What Vehicle Shipping Options Do You Offer?

There are a few different ways to have your vehicle shipped, so you’ll want to ask the auto transport company what options they provide. Most shipping companies will offer both open and closed carriers so that you can choose the level of protection for your vehicle.

Will My Vehicle Be Insured in Transit?

Next, be sure to ask if the company is licensed and insured. This is a must when choosing the right auto shipping company. You’ll want to ask whether or not your vehicle will be insured by the company while in transit. Reputable companies will cover your vehicle from the time it is loaded onto the truck until it’s delivered to you.

How Can I Pay for My Vehicle Shipment?

Another great question to ask is what types of payment the company accepts. Most will take numerous types of payment. At Preowned Auto Logistics, we accept cash, checks, all major credit cards, and PayPal so that you can easily pay for your vehicle transport.

Do You Have References?

Asking for references is another way to ensure the company you’re considering is legitimate. There are plenty of vehicle shipping scams out there and getting first-hand references from previous customers is a great way to learn more about the company’s customer service, potential problems, and more. Additionally, you can read Google reviews to learn about other customers’ experiences.

What is the Timeframe for Vehicle Shipping?

Most vehicle shipping services will be able to give you an estimate of how long shipping will take. Depending on how far ahead of time you book, you may be able to get an estimate down to the day.

Keep in mind that the shipping industry is unpredictable because of weather conditions, traffic, and other factors. However, most companies like Preowned Auto Logistics will keep you updated on the progress of your vehicle’s shipping, so you’ll be able to plan for pickup and delivery.

How Should I Prepare My Vehicle for Shipping?

Ask about the company’s requirements for your vehicle before it is picked up. This is another way to tell if the company you’re working with is reputable or not. Any reliable company will ask you to keep your gas tank under a certain amount to meet industry weight requirements. Most also restrict how many personal items can be left in the vehicle for shipping to reduce the risk of theft.

Additionally, if they ask you to keep a copy of your registration or other personal information in the vehicle, you might want to look elsewhere. There should be no need for a vehicle shipping company to have that information kept in the vehicle.

Are There Any Additional Fees I Might Incur?

Lastly, be sure you ask about any possible additional fees. Some companies will quote you a low number to get your business and then add in fees along the way so that what you end up paying is closer to what other companies were charging.

At Preowned Auto Logistics, we are upfront with our pricing and fees so that you know exactly what to expect from beginning to end. Our drivers provide thorough inspections of the vehicle before pickup and after delivery for no additional fee so that you can rest easy knowing your car is in great hands.

Experience Stress-Free Vehicle Shipping﹘ Request a Quote Today

Whether you need a vehicle shipped across the states or overseas, Preowned Auto Logistics is an excellent option! We’ll work with you to give you the best experience from start to finish. Give us a call at 877.542.1955 and receive a custom quote for your vehicle shipping needs.

Sample Customer Reviews

“I took a new job that moved me and my family from Massachusetts to Texas. I used Preowned Auto Logistics to move my car in mid-May and my wife and son’s car in early June. The services were exceptional. Everything from the booking experience to the delivery of the cars was top-notch. I would highly recommend using Preowned Auto Logistics for your future needs. Kevin Lombardi was the representative that I worked with, and he was nothing but professional and accommodating.”

– Ron Quaranto

“Bill set me up with Kerri to handle the transport of my SUV from Fort Lauderdale to Buffalo. Everything went smooth, from customer service to the gentleman/driver who picked up my vehicle. He took pictures of the vehicle, and once it was loaded on the trailer. He gave me his cell number to call or text him, which l did once. Delivery was perfect! I am very pleased with Auto Logistics and will definitely use them in the future😊”

– Wendy Wakeley

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How to Buy a Car Out of State and Have It Shipped

December 15, 2022

More and more often, finding the perfect car involves a web search and purchasing a car online. But if you’re going to buy a car online, how do you get it shipped? Below, we’ll show you how to buy a car out of state and have it shipped with Preowned Auto Logistics.

Why is There an Increase in the Number of Vehicles Purchased Online?

Especially in recent years, online purchases have skyrocketed. This is because of the increased online presence of many retailers and car dealers after the pandemic. Today, you can find almost anything online and have it shipped straight to your door, even your next family vehicle or a limited-edition sports car!

Additionally, the ability for buyers to search outside of their immediate area for the car they want has helped to increase online purchases of vehicles. Now, instead of settling for something they don’t want, the buyer can keep looking until they find the perfect model and have it delivered!

Finding the Perfect Car Online is Getting Easier and Easier

Whenever you look for a car online, you have the option of working directly with the dealerships or going through a third-party system like Car Gurus and others. Additionally, you may even find an individual who is selling the exact make and model you’re looking for and work with them.

There are even online auctions, often hosted by auction houses, which are excellent places to find deals on all kinds of cars. These are a significant source of online purchases of vehicles throughout the country.

What are the Risks of Buying a Car Out of State?

The good news is that there are almost no risks in buying a car out of state. For the most part, it functions the same as buying a car in your state. You’ll still pay the same taxes; you’ll have to register it in your state, get plates, etc.

However, there are a few things to look out for when buying a car out of state or online.

Scams

There are several types of scams you could encounter when trying to buy a car out of state. The main thing to remember is to not jump through any unusual hoops to pay the individual selling the vehicle. Often, they will use gift card scams and other ways to get your money before you’ve received the car. Usually, scammers don’t even have the vehicle they are advertising. A good rule of thumb is that if you feel like it’s a scam, it probably is, and it’s better to back out and find a more reputable source for your car purchase.

How to Ship a Car After You’ve Purchased It Online and Out of State

Find an Auto Transportation Service – Preowned Auto Logistics

The first thing you’ll want to do once you’ve found your dream car and you’re ready to make a purchase is to figure out how to get it shipped. Sometimes dealerships or sellers will have a carrier lined up, you can use their recommended carrier, or you can call Preowned Auto Logistics to make arrangements for your car.

You can easily reach out to us via phone or email to get all the details you need to schedule your car shipping.

Arrange for Pickup

Before your driver can pick up the vehicle, they’ll need to know the details of the vehicle. Basic information like make, model, and year is vital for planning the vehicle’s placement on the truck. Additionally, we’ll need the origin or where the car is to be picked up, and the intended destination. If you are using our drop-off and pick-up terminals, talk to the team at PAL about which locations will be best for this auto transport.

The Cost of Shipping Cars from State to State

Getting a quote for your auto shipping needs is easy! We offer free consultations so that you can get an idea of what your budget will need to look like for your car shipping from out of state.

Get The Best Rate on Car Shipping﹘ Request a Quote Today

Call us at 877.542.1955 and receive a custom quote for your auto transport needs.

Sample Customer Reviews

“I recently bought a car from a dealership in Tampa, Florida. Everything went well until it came time for shipping. The dealership decided to use the UConnect app as the only way for me to track my car. Unfortunately, the signal was lost during transport, and when I asked the salesman, he said he did not know where my car was, or when it would arrive, not the answer you want to receive. He eventually gave me Mr. Harlow’s contact; Colby was not only professional but kind and understanding. He told me where my car was, gave me an anticipated date, and offered to have the driver call me asap. Everyone has a job to do, but it’s rare to find excellent customer service provided in such a pleasant manner. My car arrived when anticipated, in great condition, with smiles from the transport team whom had been driving all day. Thank you, Preowned Auto Logistics, Mr. Colby Harlow, and Tito, I am one happy customer.”

– Kathleen Colbert Mackey

“Chuck and Jerome came to pick up my car after I sold it to CarOffer (Cargurus,) and there were logistical problems with CarOffer, but they both went above and beyond to ensure that those issues were resolved. They took extra time to contact CarGurus and resolve the logistical concerns. They were absolutely fantastic—truly a dream team. Thank you both!”

– Christopher O’Brien

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Moving Tips: Permanent vs. Seasonal Moves

August 1, 2022

Moving is a big ordeal. Whether you’re moving a short distance or traveling across the country, you’ll have a lot of planning to do in order to get you and your family settled into your new place. Even if you’re a snowbird who loves to head south for the winter and travels back north during the summer, you’ll need a plan to help you save money and get to your destinations faster and with less stress. Check out these easy moving tips for permanent vs. seasonal moves.

What Qualifies as a Permanent Move?

A permanent move is any time you move from one place to another, taking all your belongings with you and having no active plan to return. This type of move is the most common, and most people have many experiences with moving from one home to another, whether it’s for work, pleasure, or to be closer to family.

Moving across the states permanently is complex and requires a lot of moving parts, which is why it’s something people aim to do only a few times, usually. Whenever you move, you’ll have to decide what you’re packing and what you’re getting rid of before the big day arrives. Depending on how long you’ve been at a given residence, you’ll want to start packing months in advance to ensure everything is in order when the time comes.

What is a Seasonal Move?

The most common types of seasonal moves are snowbirds, college students, and work transfers. These lifestyles often lead to two or more “moves” in a given year. Additionally, most people who move seasonally have possessions in both locations and choose to travel with only their essentials when they go between.

However, this isn’t always the case. Other seasonal travelers take everything they’ll need for months at a time and ship only a few things. Before you decide that you don’t want to take all your pots and pans to your summer home, consider how often you’ll use them during your stay and whether or not it’s affordable to just buy new equipment so that you don’t have to carry it around.

Should I Own or Rent?

The next question you’ll need to ask yourself is, “should I own or rent in my second coming?” If you are struggling to get everything you want to take on vacations into your travel vehicle and you’re starting to worry, consider if it would be an option to buy new things at the new destination instead. This can help save you a lot of stress and doesn’t require you to pack unnecessary items.

Additionally, you’ll want to consider whether you will be renting or owning your living space, car, furniture, and more! All of these things can increase the cost of your stay but also don’t have to be a long-term commitment.

Best Ways to Save While Moving

Plan Ahead

One of the best moving tips is to start planning way ahead of time. The longer you’ve been living in a given place, the longer it will take you to go through your things and get rid of any of the unnecessary items you’ve accumulated over the years. Generally, it’s a good idea to start packing for your move up a couple of months ahead of time.

Next, you’ll need to decide if you are going to use your personal vehicle to move your things or if you’ll need to rent a U-Haul or hire a professional moving company. This step should also include deciding on your budget for the move and what changes to expect from your monthly bills as you get settled into your new place.

Additionally, if you’re planning a permanent move, you’ll have some grunt work to do, like changing your residency, address information, official documents, vehicle registrations, and more.

Lastly, you’ll need to decide if there are any items, you’re going to ship any of your things. If you’re only moving temporarily or seasonally, you’ll need to consider if having your vehicle shipped and flying to your destination is worth the cost. Generally, when traveling long distances, the added convenience, savings, and safety of shipping your car make it the most reasonable option for getting your vehicle to the destination.

Communicate with Shipping and Moving Companies

For both seasonal and permanent moves, if you’re using a moving company for your things or a shipping company for your vehicle, you’ll need to communicate with the company clearly. It’s essential to have a line of communication open with any shipping or moving company so that you can set expectations for your service and also comply with the company’s expectations to make the move easy.

An example of why it’s important to communicate with the moving company is that if you expect the movers to come and pack all the boxes for you, but they arrive expecting to load everything into the truck immediately, you’re going to be behind schedule very quickly and may even forfeit your service.

Bottom line: communicate clearly and often, so you know what to expect from your service. This will also help you to better budget for your trip.

Ship Your Car

There are a few things to consider when you’re trying to decide if shipping your car with PAL is the right way to move for you. A few questions you should ask yourself include:

How far am I going?
How often will I ship my car back and forth?
What are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping my vehicle?
Is it going to be cheaper to ship than to drive?

Many people end up being surprised at how affordable and safe shipping your car is with PAL. We offer high-quality services with experienced professional drivers that have clean driving records and long histories in the transportation industry. We ensure the safety of your vehicle from start to finish and provide affordable pricing so that you can save time and money on your move.

Get The Best Rate on Car Shipping﹘ Request a Quote Today

Whether you’re planning a permanent move across the country or seasonally, Preowned Auto Logistics can get your vehicle shipped to your destination without the stress! Give us a call at 877.542.1955 and receive a custom quote for your auto transport needs.

Customer Reviews

“I took a new job that moved me and my family from Massachusetts to Texas. I used Preowned Auto Logistics to move my car in mid-May and my wife and son’s car in early June. The services was exceptional. Everything from the booking experience to the delivery of the cars was top-notch. I would highly recommend using Preowned Auto Logistics for your future needs. Kevin Lombardi was the representative that I worked with, and he was nothing but professional and accommodating.”

– Ron Quaranto

“Pre-owned auto logistics is a great transport company. I have used them many times between Florida and Massachusetts. They are great, responsive, and customer friendly. Lisa Silva, my customer service rep, went above and beyond the norm to make sure everything went smooth, and it did. Highly recommend.”

– Joel Livingston

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How Auto Transport Works

June 20, 2022

If you are considering moving your car with an auto transport company like Preowned Auto Logistics, you probably have some questions about how it works. Below, we’ll walk you through how auto transport works so that you can book your shipment with peace of mind.

Top 3 Reasons to Ship Your Car

When moving your car, there are many reasons why shipping your car is better than driving it yourself! Let’s take a look at some of the primary reasons to choose auto transport with Preowned Auto Logistics.

Convenience

Shipping your car with a carrier is the safest and most convenient way to get your car moved across the country. Booking your shipment is easy; all it takes is a phone call to get started. Our customer service team will work with you to help you get the best options for your shipment to help save you time and money. Additionally, paying for your car shipping is simple because we accept cash, checks, credit cards, and PayPal.

Safety

Auto transport with a carrier is the safest option for both you and your vehicle. Any time you get behind the wheel, you run the risk of encountering several potential safety risks. Things like reckless drivers on the highway, debris, or poor weather conditions can all potentially lead to accidents on the road. When you ship your car with PAL, we’ll ensure your vehicle reaches its destination safely.

Savings

In addition to being a convenient and safe option for you and your vehicle, many individuals have found that shipping your car with Preowned Auto Logistics is a great way to save money. Especially with today’s gas prices, driving your own vehicle across the states can get expensive fast. When you choose to ship your vehicle with PAL, we’ll offer you a more efficient and cost-effective solution so that you can save money and get your car to your new destination fast.

Preparing Your Car for Shipment

Before your driver can pick up your vehicle for shipment, you’ll need to get it ready for transportation. There are just a few easy ways to get your car prepared for shipment.

Remove All Personal Items

It’s never a good idea to ship your vehicle with personal items inside. Not only do you risk damaging the items in the car due to long hours in the sun, especially with electronic devices such as computers, but it can increase the risk of damaging the interior of your car if things move around in transit. Another known personal item that often gets packed in vehicles is prescription medicines; make sure you don’t leave your medicines in your car, because those are a necessity for you!

Leave Only ¼ a Tank of Gas

Carriers like PAL have to meet specific weight requirements, so leaving a ¼ tank of gas or lower in your vehicle for shipment is essential. This will help the shipping company to account for the weight of your car.

Photograph Your Vehicle Before Shipment

When you ship your car with Preowned Auto Logistics, your driver will perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle inside and out. This inspection will include taking photos of the car to ensure it is in the same condition upon delivery. However, we always recommend keeping your own records when shipping your car, as this can help in the rare case that you have to file a damage claim for your vehicle.

How We Handle Shipping Your Vehicle

Whenever you book your auto transport with PAL, we’ll help you choose all the best options for your vehicle. We offer both open and closed carriers so that you can choose the level of protection for your car. Open carriers are the most common and offer a safe, affordable option for shipping your car. However, if you are transporting a luxury vehicle or vintage car, you’ll probably want a little more protection from weather conditions and debris on the road. In this case, a closed carrier would be best.

Once you’ve decided on the type of carrier, you’ll need to determine if a drop off terminal or door-to-door shipping is the best option for you. Most individuals choose to use one of our many drop off locations because you can leave the vehicle with us at your convenience and pick up the car at its new destination easily. If you choose door-to-door shipping, your driver will pick up your vehicle from your driveway and deliver it straight to your new destination.

We’ll ask you some basic questions about your vehicle, like the make and model, to help us determine the vehicle’s weight, then we’ll schedule a time for pickup. Once your car is in our possession, you’ll be able to track your shipment by giving us a call or through the online portal.

Before loading the vehicle onto the truck, your driver will perform an inspection of the interior and exterior of the car. They will take photos of the vehicle and file a report for you to sign saying that you agree with their assessment of the vehicle’s condition.

Your car will be loaded carefully onto the truck and strapped into place to ensure it stays in place on the road. While in transit, Preowned Auto Logistics will cover your vehicle with our insurance policy.

When your car arrives at its new location, the driver will perform a second inspection. They will take new photos and complete a second report to ensure the vehicle is in the same condition as when it left.

Advantages to Shipping Your Car

Whether you’re moving across the states for work or pleasure or traveling seasonally, shipping your car with PAL is a great way to save time and money. Shipping your car with a carrier also reduces the amount of wear and tear on your vehicle and prevents adding unnecessary mileage.

As mentioned above, shipping your vehicle is safer, cheaper, and more convenient than driving it yourself. Additionally, you can move multiple cars at one time with Preowned Auto Logistics, so it’s the perfect solution for moving your family across the country.

Get The Best Rate on Car Shipping﹘ Request a Quote Today

Give us a call at 877.542.1955 and receive a custom quote for your auto transport needs.

Sample Customer Reviews

“I have shipped our cars from MA to CA and have used Preowned Auto Logistics, and they have “delivered” in all ways. Cars were picked up and delivered in time noted and all done with professionalism. Kerri Harris and her team handled our reservations without any issues, and the follow up was nothing but perfect professionalism. I would highly recommend Preowned Auto Logistics.”

– Ann Greene

“A good experience shipping with these folks. Domenic & Kerri responded quickly in answer to my questions. The delivery of my vehicle was ahead of schedule, and I’ll use preowned Auto Logistics again,”

– Tim P

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Car Shipping Tips: 3 Easy Ways to Save

June 8, 2022

When it comes to shipping your car, whether it’s to move your family across the country for work or to travel south for the winter, there are tons of ways to save! We’ll show you some of our favorite car shipping tips below to help you save and get your vehicle shipped to your new destination without the stress.

1. Open vs. Enclosed Carrier Shipping

First, the best way to save on shipping your car is by choosing the most affordable shipping option that still gives your vehicle the protection you need for peace of mind during shipping. There are two types of auto transport carriers: open and enclosed.

Open carriers are the type you see most often on the road. These carriers look like a semi with an open trailer hauling two levels of cars. It is a safe way to transport your vehicle, and it is lower priced than shipping your car enclosed. If you are looking to save, opt for an open carrier to move your vehicle across the country.

Enclosed carriers are less recognizable out on the road because the cars are not exposed like open carriers. Instead, they are inside a closed trailer where they are completely shielded from the weather, debris, and any other potential hazards on the road. These types of auto shipping carriers are less common and more expensive to book.

2. Book Ahead

Secondly, booking far ahead of time can help you save even more. Because of the logistics that go into arranging your car shipment, giving PAL ample time to plan for your vehicle’s shipping can significantly reduce the cost of shipping your car.

At Preowned Auto Logistics, we recommend booking at least two weeks ahead of time to give our team time to find the best truck for your shipment. Additionally, booking even farther in advance can give your driver the time they need to find better routes to make your shipment faster when the time comes.

If you are in a pinch and have to book your car shipment last-minute, the costs of the shipment are likely to go up because of the additional time and effort it takes to arrange for your vehicle’s shipment. However, you can still save money by being flexible.

3. Be Flexible

Lastly, it always helps to be flexible. At Preowned Auto Logistics, our goal is to help you get the most satisfaction out of your car shipping experience, so our team will work with you every step of the way. If you can make arrangements so that you don’t need to rent a car while yours is in transit, that will help save you money. Whatever your concerns with getting your vehicle shipped, PAL will help make every step of the process easy and transparent so that you can feel good about your shipment and save money, too!

Things to Watch for When Booking Your Auto Shipping

There are a lot of car shipping companies out there that seem to be offering auto transportation rates that look too good to be true. Unfortunately, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Some auto shipping companies will advertise unbelievably low rates and then bump up the cost by adding on fees and other things until you’re paying more than booking with a traditional company.

A good rule of thumb is to get quotes from multiple companies before picking your auto transportation company. This will give you a good idea of the industry standard and help you weed out any scams.

Another thing you’ll want to watch for is companies that will trade price for quality. At Preowned Auto Logistics, no matter what type of auto transportation you choose we will get your car to you safely and quickly so that you can feel confident from start to finish.

Pick a Carrier with Experience

One of the best ways to protect your car and get the best rate is by choosing a carrier with tons of experience and plenty of reviews. This can help you feel confident that the company is legitimate and has a reputation among dealers and individuals who need cars shipped frequently. Additionally, more experienced car shipping companies are familiar with the best routes throughout the country and can often guarantee faster shipping times and better rates on the whole.

Get on the Phone

When in doubt, the best thing to do is to pick up the phone and give the company you are considering a call. Any reputable auto shipping company will be happy to walk you through the process of shipping your car and answer any questions you may have about your car’s transportation.

At Preowned Auto Logistics, we are happy to work with you to find the best options for your vehicle so that you can get your car shipped for a price you can feel great about. We’ll answer any of your questions and help you pick the best options for your specific shipping needs.

Get The Best Rate on Car Shipping﹘ Request a Quote Today

Whether you’re still shopping around or ready to book your car shipping today, call us at 877.542.1955 and receive a custom quote for your auto transport needs.

Customer Reviews

– Tim P

“Kerri and team made our car transport so easy! Great communication throughout the process, and our car arrived safely even sooner than originally estimated. Excellent service at a fair price. Highly recommend!”

– Melissa Brown

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Car Shipping for College Move-Ins

May 30, 2022

Whether you’re moving across the country for college or helping your kid move back for the semester, Preowned Auto Logistics is perfect for taking some of the stress out of this busy time in your life. Check out our services for car shipping for college move-ins.

When Should You Book Car Shipping for College Move-Ins?

Because the majority of college move-ins happen in August, you’ll want to schedule your move far in advance. This will give our team plenty of time to arrange for the perfect carrier for your vehicle. You’ll even qualify for discounts when you book your shipping so far in advance.

Preowned Auto Logistics can make accommodations for last-minute shipments, but they are more expensive and there is less flexibility.

What is the Busy Season for College Move-Ins

The busy season for college move-ins are the months of August and September. We often have a lot of college students’ cars to ship, and this also happens to be the time for a lot of corporate relocations and other car shipments. We recommend booking your shipment as far out as possible, even up to a year ahead of time. Booking so far out gives our team ample time to arrange for the perfect truck and driver to handle your delivery.

Is Shipping Your Car the Best Option for College Students?

Safety

Any time you drive your vehicle you run the risk of encountering dangers on the road. These risks include reckless drivers, debris, animals, and poor weather conditions that can all lead to an increased risk of an accident. When you ship your car with us, our team of professional drivers will take extra care to ensure your car arrives in pristine condition every time.

Additionally, shipping the car is the safest for your student during move-in because it ensures everyone arrives safe and sound.

Cost

Depending on how far away the university is from home, you stand a fair chance to save a lot of money shipping your car as opposed to driving. Whenever you drive long distances, you’ll need to budget for fuel, lodging, and food in addition to unexpected expenses like detours, tolls, and more.

Tips for Arranging for Car Delivery on Campus

Call the Campus

The best way to arrange for your vehicle’s delivery on campus is just to call. Preowned Auto Logistics has worked with countless campuses to ensure that students get their vehicles. Your driver and our logistics team will be happy to arrange a place for you to receive your car – just call!

Know the Dimensions of the Truck

Although this step isn’t necessary when shipping your car with Preowned Auto Logistics, it can help if you need to change the delivery location. Most of our carriers are 84 feet long and 13-and-a-half feet tall, which is within the safety standards for all transportation vehicles.

Get The Best Rate on Car Shipping for College Move-Ins﹘ Request a Quote Today

Start planning the auto transport for your college move-in for August and September today! Give us a call at 877.542.1955 and receive a custom quote for your auto transport needs.

Customer Reviews

“Working with Lisa Silva you are Professionalism, great communication, reliable and always on top of customer service. Friendly, courteous, and caring staff make it so easy to ship your vehicle door to door and you are kept informed of the process along the way. Lisa is Hands down the best!!”

– Marcus Lopes

“PreOwned Auto Logistics shipped my car from MA to FL. If you need a car shipped this is the place to call. From start to finish I felt I was taken care of. Lisa was wonderful, giving my the full no-nonsense firm pricing and details of what would take place. Turn around time for pick up and delivery was fantastic. Once the car was picked up, the driver was in communication giving me his ETA. It is without hesitation that I would highly recommend PreOwned Auto Logistics.”

– Susan Gallant

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How to Ship Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

May 23, 2022

In the last decade, hybrid and electric vehicles have become more prevalent on the road. Whether you’re driving through town or on a long road trip, you’re bound to pass hybrid vehicles like a Toyota Prius or fully electric vehicles like the Tesla. If you are one of the owners of one of these fuel-efficient, eco-friendly cars, you might find yourself wondering how to ship hybrid or electric vehicles.

Below, we’ll show you how Preowned Auto Logistics approaches shipping hybrid and electric cars. We’ll also give you a quick and easy checklist to get your electric vehicle ready for shipping.

Recent Increase in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of electric and hybrid vehicles on the road. As more and more people purchase hybrids or switch from owning a gas engine vehicle to an electric car, the need to have these vehicles shipped also increases.

Fortunately, shipping an electric or hybrid car is the same as shipping a standard vehicle in almost every sense. The only minor differences between the two are the way you prepare your vehicle for transport, which we’ll cover below.

All Preowned Auto Logistics drivers are familiar with the latest technology in the auto industry and have years of experience handling both hybrid and electric vehicles. In fact, our drivers are often some of the first people exposed to new innovations like the keyless start and other smart-car features.

How to Prepare Your Electric Vehicle for Shipment

Getting your electric car ready for shipment is easy and fast. We’ll cover the three major steps you should take to get your electric vehicle prepared for shipment below.

Full Charge

The most crucial step in preparing your Tesla or electric vehicle for transport is to ensure the battery is fully charged before pickup. This will allow the driver to load and unload your car easily. If a vehicle does not have enough charge to be driven off the truck, other equipment may be needed to get it unloaded, which can slow down your delivery.

No Baggage

In order to meet weight requirements, the trucks have to come in under a certain weight on the road, which is one of the reasons we recommend not shipping any baggage with your vehicle. Additionally, having bags or suitcases in the car during transport increases the risk of damage or theft. It’s best to ship your car with as few additional items as possible.

Remove All Personal Items

As mentioned above, removing all personal items from the car before it is picked up for shipment is a good rule of thumb. Although the driver will secure the cars on the carrier and be with them for the vast majority of the trip, anything left in the vehicle increases the likelihood of damage or theft during stops.

How to Prepare Your Hybrid Vehicle for Shipment

Now, let’s take a look at how you should prepare your hybrid vehicle for transportation. These easy steps will help your driver get the car loaded quickly and make the shipment go smoothly.

Full Charge and a Quarter Tank of Gas

Unlike electric cars, hybrid vehicles do have gas tanks. You’ll want to make sure that your tank is at ¼ full or less. Keeping the tank this low helps to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and makes it easy for your driver to plan for the weight of your car. Additionally, if possible, make sure your battery has a charge as well. For most hybrids, the battery won’t be used much in loading and unloading for shipment, but it’s still a good plan to try and have it charged.

No Baggage

Just like every other type of vehicle shipment, it’s best to unload your vehicle of all luggage before pickup completely. Doing this will help the driver meet the weight requirements and cut down on the potential for damage to your vehicle from shifting boxes in transit.

Remove All Personal Items

Lastly, you’ll want to remove any personal items to reduce the risk of theft while the vehicle is stopped on the road. Although your driver will be with the carrier for the majority of the trip, there will be rare times at rest stops that the truck will be unattended. Items in plain view through the windows increase the likelihood of someone breaking into the vehicle during these times.

In general, theft during shipping is extremely rare, but it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution.

Risks of Battery Depletion

There is some concern that leaving your electric or hybrid vehicle with a full charge for extended periods can damage the battery or cause it to deplete. Our Preowned Auto Logistics drivers have not had any trouble with this issue in their years of experience transporting these kinds of cars across the country.

We always recommend checking your manufacturer’s recommendations before shipment to ensure you are taking the best care of your car, but shipping your car with a full charge should not cause any problems with your battery.

Get The Best Rate on Hybrid and Electric Car Shipping﹘ Request a Quote Today

If you’re ready to get on the move, give us a call at 877.542.1955 and receive a custom quote for your auto transport for electric or hybrid vehicles today.

Customer Reviews

“Kerri and team made our car transport so easy! Great communication throughout the process, and our car arrived safely, even sooner than originally estimated. Excellent service at a fair price. Highly recommend!”

– Melissa Brown

“Kerri from PAL was extremely helpful to myself and several other parents looking to ship their car from the Boston area down to New Orleans. She checked in along the way to let us know about delivery and followed up afterwards to make sure we were satisfied. I would not hesitate to recommend her or the company for auto transportation needs in the future.”

– Jeffrey Baron

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