Vehicle Shipping for Men and Women in the Military

Frequent moves are one of the realities of military life. We understand how much you and your family sacrifice to keep our nation safe. That’s why we want to make your next transition as easy for you as possible.

While Uncle Sam will pay to ship one vehicle from overseas, it often will not pay to ship a second vehicle. Nor will it transport a service member’s or family member’s car when the move is state-to-state.

Here’s what you can expect from the military, and what you can expect when you turn to PreOwned Auto Logistics to help you with a military car shipment.

The Government Will Assist You With Your Move

The military is authorized to ship your belongings at government expense, and you have several options for getting your things from one place to another. You can do it yourself and have the military reimburse you, you can let the military pack and move everything for you, or you can do a combination of the two. Because there are restrictions on how much you can take with you, you can also be reimbursed for storing some of your personal property.

As you are probably aware, you have access to the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) portal, Move.mil, to help you plan your move. On that site, you’ll find plenty of useful information. You should reference that site as soon as you have your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.

What the Government Won’t Do

As you can see, the DOD will do quite a lot for you; what it won’t do is pay for you to ship your car if you are travelling within the 48 contiguous states.

The general rule is this: If you are moving overseas (OCONUS), the government will pay to either store or ship one personally owned vehicle. If you are travelling within the U.S., however, the government asks that you either drive your car yourself or pay for a shipment. If you have a motorcycle or a recreational vehicle you’d like to have with you in your new location, well, the government won’t ship that for you either. You’ll have to bear the extra costs for shipping or storing the vehicle yourself.

If you do decide to drive, the military will reimburse you for mileage and toll expenses. There may also be instances, in the case of medical conditions or extreme distances for example, in which the government will reimburse you for shipping. You should always check regulations or ask your CO to see if you qualify.

How PreOwned Auto Logistics Can Help

While the above arrangements are usually adequate for a one-car family, it becomes more complicated if you own a second car or do not qualify for shipping reimbursement. That’s when you may need help from a vehicle transport company.

PreOwned Auto Logistics, a family-owned and -operated business, can assist you throughout the shipping process. We understand that you’re on a budget. We’re also prepared, like you are, to move in a moment’s notice. Whether you need to ship state to state or overseas, we can help ship your second car, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle. At PreOwned, we honor our commitments, just like you do. Let us know how we can help.

Should You Drive or Ship Your Car?

As the weather cools, many of our clients begin making plans to relocate for school, work, or retirement. If you’re in the process of moving to your second home down south or making a big career transition, you may be thinking about the logistics of the move.

How do you get yourself, your belongings, and your car to your new home in the most convenient and cost-effective way?

We’ve been serving customers for a long time, and we understand the considerations that go into a move like this. You may be wondering how much time you have to make the move, how much it will all cost, and how convenient and safe the transportation process will be. Here’s what we recommend you take into consideration as you plan …

Consider the Driving Distance

As you make your choice, you’ll first want to calculate the total driving distance, factoring in the exact mileage you’ll have to travel and route specifics like road conditions, toll roads, traffic patterns, and so forth. Be sure to factor in restaurant and hotel costs if your trip will take longer than six to eight hours. And don’t forget fuel and maintenance costs!

Once you have an idea of how far you’ll need to drive, how long it could potentially take, and how much it might cost out of pocket, you’ll be better prepared.

How Valuable is Your Time?

It takes time and energy to drive across country. And when you’re planning a big move like this one, we know that time is a precious commodity. In addition to the time it takes to plan and execute your move, you’ll need to calculate travel time. If you don’t want to spend hours – or days – on the road, you may want to consider shipping your car and flying out to your destination.

Driving Cost vs. Shipping Cost

Which method is cheaper? Driving or shipping? As you’re calculating your potential costs, don’t forget the details. While driving yourself is generally cheaper, this isn’t always the case, especially when you factor in tolls, gas prices, vehicle maintenance, and food and lodging costs.

If you ship your car, your charge will depend on the size and weight of your car and standard car shipping rates. Once you get a quote, be sure to factor in the other costs of your move to get a more accurate picture.

Safety Concerns and Convenience

The safety of your family and your vehicle is also something to consider.

Driving long distances in potentially hazardous weather can compromise your safety and put strain on your vehicle. Plus, mishaps like auto theft or accidents are possible, and they can become expensive.

When you ship a vehicle, you place these concerns in the hands of experienced, licensed drivers who can get your car where it needs to go safely. Professional drivers are prepared for just about any contingency; Insurance is provided as well for your peace of mind.  

If you’re at the point in your life where convenience is a priority, then shipping your car may be the answer. When you ship your car, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is preparing it for transportation. The auto shipping representatives will take over from there. If you don’t want to take time off work or worry about road conditions and gas prices, you won’t have to. You’ll have more energy to unpack and get used to your new home.

 

If You’d Like More Information, Call the Experts

At PreOwned Auto Logistics, we’ve been shipping vehicles across the country for two decades. Our representatives can deliver your car to a terminal in your new city, or right to your front door. If you’d like to learn more about our experience or friendly service, just ask! We’re happy to answer your questions or give you a quote.

Get the Scoop on Shipping Recreational Vehicles and Large Crafts

As spring gets closer, you may be planning some fun on the water or in the backwoods. Have you purchased a new boat, 4-wheeler, or RV that you need delivered? Would you like some help getting your new toy where it needs to be this season?

At PreOwned, we routinely ship recreational vehicles, and even larger crafts like boats and single-engine planes. Here’s what you need to know …  

Shipping Recreational Vehicles

Shipping a recreational vehicle isn’t that different than shipping a regular car. However, you will want to consider a few issues.  

First, check your insurance coverage. It’s useful to know what your personal insurer will and won’t cover. Not all insurers cover vehicles in transit. At PreOwned, we provide liability insurance required by the Department of Transportation (DOT). If you have questions about our insurance policy, do not hesitate to ask.  

Next, prepare your RV for the trip. This process shouldn’t take too long, but it’s an important step so that you can prevent damages during transport. We recommend the following:

  • Secure or remove any items hanging on the walls
  • Close the latches on all doors, windows, pop-ups, and cabinets. You may even want to tape cabinets shut as an extra layer of precaution.
  • Turn off electronics and disconnect the power supply and gas lines.
  • Stow any loose items in cargo compartments. Please note that you should remove personal items from your RV before shipping.
  • Check your vehicle’s fluid levels and watch for leaks.
  • Visually inspect your tires and check for air pressure.
  • Make sure your parking brakes function and that your battery is charged.

A representative will inspect your RV when you drop it off and pick it up. This representative will make a note of any pre-existing damage, and check carefully for post-shipping damage. Even with these precautions, it’s helpful to take photos of your RV and document its condition on your own.

By the way, we also routinely ship 4-wheelers, motorcycles, and other recreational toys. Just ask!

Shipping Boats and Jet Skis

If we know one thing about boat owners, it’s that they’re obsessed with the condition of their investment. Boat owners generally come to us with a lot of questions. Here’s the low-down.

Shipping a boat takes a bit of planning. You’ll want to check your options on boat trailers and confirm dates for transport from two weeks to a month in advance. Then, you’ll want to take the time to prepare your boat for shipment. This includes securing any items that may shift during transport. We encourage you to consult your marina or manufacturer for specific questions about securing your particular craft.

Here are a few other things to consider before you plan a shipment:

  • Your boat or Jet Ski should be on a trailer in order for us to transport it.
  • If you have a boat cover you’d like to use, make sure it’s specially made for transport. Some boat covers are not designed for transport and can flap in the wind, doing unnecessary damage. When in doubt, ask a representative.
  • Some customers have chosen to shrink wrap boats for transport. If you decide to go this route, make sure it’s done professionally.
  • As always, check your personal insurer to find out if your boat is insured during transport. If you have questions about the insurance PreOwned provides, let us know.

Shipping Single-Engine Planes

PreOwned ships planes, too? Yes! However, there are logistics involved with planes that you’ll want to know.

First of all, because there is so much involved in transporting these machines, PreOwned takes extensive notes on the dimensions of each plane we ship. This helps us provide quality service, and it also helps us stay in compliance with the DOT. Knowing these measurements ahead of time can expedite your shipment. If you’re not sure about the dimensions of your plane, check RisingUp.com. We’ve found this resource to be very informative.

In addition to checking your plane’s dimensions, you’ll want to contact your insurance provider. Your regular insurance may not cover transportation by a third party. And, just as with any other craft, you’ll want to prepare your single-engine for shipment. This includes sealing off openings to prevent damage from moisture, wrapping wings properly, and securing moving parts. You might also consider removing sensitive electronics that might be damaged during transport.

Finally, you’ll need to purge all fuel from your aircraft’s tanks. Some states require you to have a purge certificate verifying that your plane is completely void of flammable fuel. If you are not sure about the requirements in your state, or if you have additional questions about our shipping process, please let us know. Our representatives are knowledgeable and happy to help.

Before You Get a Car Shipping Quote Online, Read This!

Need to ship your car? Looking for a quote? Don’t depend on the price an online calculator gives you. When looking for a quote on auto transportation, either fill out the available form or call the transport company directly. Here’s why …

Why You Shouldn’t Trust an Online Quote

Many online car shipping companies have a “quote calculator” on their site to make the process “easy and convenient.” Now, we all like convenience. The only problem with this method is that the quote is often inaccurate.

The transport process is a lot more complicated than simply figuring out the pick up and drop off location. There are so many factors that determine price – we’ve listed some of them below – and if you omit key information, you can receive a skewed or misleading quote. Instead of relying on an impersonal online survey, you should get to know the shipping company, discuss the logistics of your transport, and make some educated choices before you commit.

There’s something else you’ll want to keep in mind, too. Sometimes these websites take your information and pass it around to other companies. If you’re like us, you don’t want your information floating around for any startup transport company to scoop up and use. To avoid sales calls and get accurate quotes from experienced carriers, call the company you want to do business with directly. That way, there are no surprises.

Factors That Impact Your Quoted Price

When auto transport companies calculate a quote, they consider a number of factors. Your price may go up, for instance, if you are shipping a vehicle to or from a remote location. The weather is a factor, as are current gas prices. Here are a few more factors shipping companies take into account: 

  1. State to state rates
  2. The accessibility of your pick up and drop off location
  3. Seasonal demand or inclement weather
  4. The type of carrier you request, open or enclosed
  5. Fees for expedited shipping
  6. Door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal shipping
  7. Insurance coverage
  8. Size and type of vehicle

As you can see, it’s difficult to work out an accurate price with just a few questions on a standard online tool. We think you’ll agree that the best way to ensure fairness is to have an actual conversation with an experienced representative.

How We Calculate Quotes at PreOwned Auto Logistics

When we give you a quote at PreOwned Auto Logistics, we honor it. We can make this promise because we discuss your options with you and give you the best price for the specific transport services you require.

Once you have spoken to a PreOwned representative on the phone, you can expect an email with a written quote. That way, when you call us back, we can easily access your quote and go from there.

Do you have other questions about how we do business? Let us know! We’re happy to walk through the entire process with you.

How the ELD Mandate Will Affect Your Car Shipment

As you may have heard, drivers are now required by law to track their hours on the road using an electronic logging device (ELD). This device is intended to keep drivers from being overworked and overtired while driving. At PreOwned, we care about the safety of our drivers and are determined to be in compliance with these regulations. We realize, however, that they may have consequences for our company and our valued customers.

New Federal Safety Requirements are in Place

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration now requires our carrier drivers to use an electronic logging device (ELD) to record their on- or off-duty status. The mandate spells out a number of device requirements and safeguards, and it also sets limits on the number of hours drivers can work without rest.

These devices require drivers to drive no more than 10 hours a day, and then get at least 10 hours of rest. This ELD Mandate was initiated in 2015; now the Department of Transportation is requiring all fleet carriers to have these devices installed and in use by December 2017. If drivers choose to ignore these rules, they could be stopped for hours at a time or may face heavy fines.

Why PreOwned Auto Logistics Believes Strongly in Compliance with these Regulations

While we understand this may not be the most convenient option for our customers, we ask you to keep in mind that this mandate is meant to improve road safety and reduce the amount of accidents in the United States. At PreOwned, we hire experienced drivers because we care, not only about their safety but also about the safety of other drivers on the road. We know that a sleepy driver is a careless driver. That’s why we are in full support with the limits the ELD Mandate places on our drivers’ hours.   

How the New Regulations May Affect You

We like to be as clear and upfront with our customers as possible. These new regulations may affect how quickly your vehicle can be shipped, and ultimately, how much the transport of your vehicle will cost.

The new regulations mean that the duration of transportation will be longer than usual. For example, the average time it takes to get from New England to Florida is roughly four to seven days. Now, the time span will approach six to ten days. Due to these delays, the cost of your order may go up.

Contact PreOwned if you Have Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about how these regulations will affect you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our representatives will be happy to explain these requirements in detail or give you a reliable quote.

 

5 Perks You Can Expect When You Ship Your Car With a Family-Owned Business

At PreOwned, we’re proud to be a family-owned and operated business. Our dedicated staff has handled jobs big and small for two decades. Along the way, we’ve learned how important it is to ship your vehicle with the right company. There are perks that come along with choosing PreOwned.

Perk #1 – With PreOwned, You Avoid the Run-Around

When you call to track an order or request a quote, we have a small team of sales representatives that are ready to assist you immediately. Even if you’ve lost your order number or can’t remember the name of your representative, it’s easy to track down who you were working with. With a small company like ours, you’re not tossed to different people left and right. You simply get quality service from real people. 

Perk #2 – You Meet Your Sales Representative When You Drop Off Your Car

One of the best parts about booking with PreOwned is that you are not doing business with a faceless person on a phone or the mysterious man behind the curtain. We are happy to meet with you face to face. We want to get to know the people we do business with, and so we encourage people to come into the office! We are proud of what we do, and we want you to feel as comfortable as possible shipping your car with us.

Perk #3 – Once You Ship With PreOwned, You Become Family

We know how important your car is to you, so we take every order very seriously. We love when people call and say they are shipping for the first time. It makes us happy to know we can help you check this big item off your list and answer all your questions. And once you ship with us, you’re part of the family. We remember our clients when they call to book again. In fact, we have many long-term relationships with customers who return to us again and again. 

Perk #4 – You Get Real-Time Updates and Explanations

In the unlikely event that a car will arrive later than expected, we’ll let you know first. We don’t wait for you to call us. We believe in reaching out early and often to let you know exactly how your shipment is going. We are in constant contact with our drivers, so we can keep you informed about significant delays and answer your questions as they arise. It’s just the right thing to do.

Perk #5 – When You Contact Us, We’re Right There

Our representatives are a little obsessive about checking their emails and voice messages. We make sure your questions and concerns are resolved as quickly as possible.

With these perks, and a modern fleet of carriers manned by professional drivers, we don’t hesitate to call ourselves the most trusted auto transport service in the northeast. We’d love to meet you and get your vehicle where it needs to go. Let us know how we can help.

4 Reasons to Use a Terminal When You Ship Your Car

At PreOwned Auto Logistics, we answer customer questions and concerns every day. One of the most common questions we hear has to do with car shipping terminals. Let us explain:

What are terminals?

Terminals are pick-up or drop-off locations that we utilize to make the transport process easier and more convenient for our customers. For people that live around the Boston area, we offer a safe and convenient drop off spot in Danvers, right off Route 114. For seasonal customers, we have nine different terminals throughout the east and west coast of Florida.

Why do we use them?

You are welcome, of course, to have your vehicle picked up at your home. That’s a service PreOwned provides. However, we recommend that you drop your car off at a terminal if you can. We make this recommendation for several reasons.

(1) Terminals save you TIME!

Instead of having to wait for a window of time to have your car picked up, you can drop your vehicle off in Danvers whenever it’s most convenient. We let you know the week before when a truck will be available to pick up your car, and with that information you can decide when you would like to bring your car in.

(2) Terminals save you MONEY!

Having a car delivered or picked up at your house costs more money than a terminal pick up. By deciding to pick up or drop off your car at a terminal, you could save $75 (or more!)

(3) Terminals shorten the transport!

When you decide to use our terminals, you shorten the amount of time you are without your car. For pick ups at the house, we like to have the car there at the terminal, ready for pick up, the day before the truck comes. For drop offs at your house, a car which arrives at the terminal in the afternoon may not be delivered until the following day. If you use a terminal, the wait time is shorter and you have your car back sooner.

(4) Terminals allow you to MEET the person you are doing business with!

Instead of giving your car to a company or person you do not know, drop your car off to Danvers and meet the sales representative who helps you with your move! We feel that there is comfort in knowing the person on the other end of the phone. It just goes with our customer service philosophy.

Our Representatives Guide You Through the Entire Process

At PreOwned, we keep in touch with you throughout the entire shipping process. From initial quote and inspection to final drop off, we can answer your questions every step of the way. Let us know what else we can answer for you!

How to Ship Your Car: Guidelines For A Successful Vehicle Transport

If you’re one of the many people preparing to make a big move this year, let us help! We’ve shipped automobiles for nearly two decades, and we can give you a few tips that will make the process go smoothly. Here are the guidelines we recommend to customers.

(1) You May Not Pack Your Car with Household Items

If you pack your car with belongings, you may be heavily fined – or the car may not be shipped at all! Your best bet is to keep your car free of belongings. If you absolutely must have items in the car, they must be in the trunk or as far back in the vehicle as possible. There can be no more than 100 pounds worth of belongings inside the vehicle.

(2) Do Not Put the Seats Down

Your seats should be in their regular upright position. If the number of items in your car require you to put your seats down, you’re carrying too much stuff! Please remove the items from your car and keep your seats locked upright during transport.

(3) Leave a Fourth of a Tank of Gas in the Car

You may not be aware of this, but gas in the tank adds a considerable amount of weight to your car. If your car has more than half a tank of gas, it will likely be very heavy on the carrier. For the safety of the car, a fourth of a tank of gas is required.

(4) Take Toll Transponders Out of the Vehicle

Toll transponders will go off if you do not take them out of the vehicle. Unfortunately, PreOwned Auto Logistics can not be responsible for any charges made by the transponder company. It’s best, therefore, to simply remove toll transponders before you ship.

(5) Medication is Prohibited from your Vehicle During Shipment

Medication must be put in your own luggage during your travels. Keep it with you; do not leave it in the car. PreOwned Auto Logistics is not responsible for your medication, or for any trouble you might have if you don’t keep it with you.

At PreOwned, we care about the safety and security of your vehicle, as well as your peace of mind! These guidelines are designed so that the transport of your vehicle goes as smoothly as possible. If you have any additional questions about shipping requirements, please let one of our friendly representatives know! We are here for you and happy to address your concerns.

Let Us Answer Your Questions: Is My Vehicle Insured During Shipment?

It’s natural to worry about your vehicle when you’re entrusting it to a shipping company. For most people, their car is among their most valuable – and most necessary – belongings! It’s understandable, then, that shipping insurance questions are among the ones we hear from customers most often. Let us ease your mind with information about our insurance requirements and shipping procedures.

Yes, Your Vehicle Is Insured During Shipment

To the question, “is my vehicle insured?” we can answer unequivocally, yes. PreOwned Auto Logistics insures every vehicle we ship. This legally-required shipping insurance helps us give our customers the peace of mind they deserve when they transport their prized possession. You’re welcome to verify our insurance policy with us or with the Department of Transportation at www.safersys.org.

We also have procedures in place that protect your vehicle every step of the way. We are happy to give you additional information about our policy – for instance, the limit, type of damage covered, or additional coverage options. Just ask one of our customer service representatives.

We Strongly Recommend Against Leaving Belongings In Your Car  

Another question we hear from customers is this: Can I leave belongings in my car or trunk? At PreOwned, we strongly recommend against this. Because our shipping insurance covers only the vehicle, we cannot insure against damage your belongings receive if they shift or rattle around during shipment. Even though your vehicle is not being driven, it can and does experience forces from the movement of the car carrier.

We encourage customers to remove any loose items from their car before transport. This includes loose change, phone chargers, or anything else that could go flying or get picked up in the rare case of a break-in theft.

Other Precautions You Can Take For Peace of Mind

We encourage our customers to take additional precautions if they are not completely satisfied with the level of insurance that we offer. You should certainly check with your personal insurer, and let them know you intend to ship your vehicle. Your individual coverage may or may not insure your vehicle while it is in transit. Your personal insurance company can give you more information about how they handle vehicles that are being shipped.

At PreOwned, we inspect your vehicle and make a note of any preexisting damage before we ship it. We encourage you to go through this inspection with us, and take pictures of your vehicle to get a good record of its condition. Once the vehicle is shipped, you’ll want to look over it again to make sure there isn’t damage that wasn’t there previously. Our customer service representative will go over this entire procedure with you so you’ll know what to expect.

In The Rare Event That Your Vehicle Is Damaged, There Are Steps You Can Take

While damage to any vehicle we ship is rare, we understand that accidents can happen. That’s why we have a system in place to either repair or replace a damaged vehicle, so long as a customer files a damage claim.

We hope we’ve completely answered your questions. If you’d like more information, please let us know! We’re always happy to help.

222 Jubilee Dr.
Peabody, MA 01960

Phone: 978-313-5841
E-Mail: support@palmoves.com

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