"Shipping your next car"…it's not like you are ordering pizza! Be careful…

"Hello, thank you for calling Bullseye Auto Transport. How may I help you"? This is the typical greeting our customers hear when they call in to get information about "shipping their next car".

What comes next is often a surprise because of the untruths that people tell about shipping cars.     This could be looked at as job security for an auto transport broker I suppose. Sometimes though the information people tell others is comical if not down right hysterically funny.

When you ship a car it's far from the simple task of ordering a take out meal. Take pizza for example. When you order pepperoni and sausage, that's what you get. Want extra cheese, it's extra cheese you'll get. This isn't the case when shipping your car across the nation, or even overseas.

Without pulling punches, let's look at the true services offered when "shipping your next car" with door to door service.

Have you ever wondered what the term "door to door" means?

By definition in the Webster's Dictionary, the word door means "An opening in the wall of a house or of an apartment, by which to go in and out; an entrance way".

By that definition "door to door" would mean from one opening in the wall of a house or of an apartment to another, right?

In the typical shipping sense that is how any one product we purchase gets to us. The manufacturer sends it to the order department. The order department prepares the order and sends it to the shipping department. It is then on it's way to our doorstep.

When you are "shipping your next car" remember it is not typical freight.

First of all the "freight" in question is your car. Your car can not be shipped to your door in the literal sense, right? (I know I'm being funny here, wink wink) But, many people think their car can be shipped just like a pair of mail order jeans…right to their front door.

Really though there are numerous reasons this is just not so. First of all the car hauling equipment is huge. Have you ever gotten up close to one of those tractor trailer's fully loaded with ten cars?

Some of the trucks and trailers measure 80 feet long or better! The height limit is 14 feet and their total weight limits all differ. One particular driver we interviewed said his truck measures 80 feet nose to tail. The highest point on the truck with cars on the top rack is 14 feet. His gross load weight is never over 80,000 pounds.

Different states, cities and governmental sectors have varying laws dictating what, where and when large trucks can run. The size, weight and purpose of the truck determines if they can enter a residential area or not.

The driver of the truck is liable for any damage done to a car being shipped. If the streets are tree lined with low hanging limbs…he won't go there. Why? If one scratch appears on a car, he has to pay for it. He needs to clearly focus on his mission and the safety of all. You wouldn't want your car scratched up, would you?

If it's not right to my door, then what does that mean?

Since we have determined that this type of service is not literal; let's look at the real definition of what "door to door" means in car shipping.

When a broker tells you that your car will be shipped door to door; what they are telling you is this. Once your car is picked up and loaded by the driver it will remain on the same truck and trailer until it is delivered.

The driver will get his equipment as close as he can to your "location". He will also deliver it to the closest possible "location" nearest your desired address.

With so many laws, restrictions and equipment limitations he is doing the very best job he can on your behalf. The driver is responsible for his truck, trailer, and your car. His responsibility also includes nine other customer's cars, other drivers on the road and their passengers, pedestrians and any personal property in his way.

So, if anyone tells you an 80 foot truck and trailer can get right to your front door…keep searching for someone who knows what they are talking about. Search for a professional to assist you in "shipping your next car" using professional door to door service.

Here to Serve,

Carla J Gardiner

PS we'd love to hear your thoughts. leave your comments below.