Martin

How To Ship Your Martin

Just like when searching for any service provider, it is important to do your homework before releasing your Martin to just any other car shipping company. The first thing one should understand is that there are two types of players in the industry, brokers, and car transport carriers.

The carriers are the actual owners of the trucks which move the vehicle from point A to B. They can be hired directly, or through brokers. Brokers are the second type of agents who do not own any trucks but look for shipping business and hire the auto transporters to execute the business.

Whatever the choice, it is important to take an active role in the auto shipping process. One must understand the individuals to whom they have committed their vehicles for transportation. For instance, one must make sure the car shipping agent they choose is insured, bonded and licensed. There are ways to confirm this. One can look up their details in the Department of Transportation website, or check their reviews on the Better Business Bureau website. Look closely into the fine print of their terms and conditions, especially those that involve insurance details. More importantly, though, take the time out and learn about the auto transport process first.

It is important, also, to understand the various options available for all the different types of shipment. There are two basic types of car shipment, domestic and international. International shipment can either be by air or freight. Air transport is the quickest shipping method, whether domestic or international. While more expensive, the exclusivity of air transport might of great appeal to a select group of clients.

Freight transport is common for overseas shipment, either by container or through the roll on and roll off technique. Roll on/roll off simply means driving the vehicle into the ship and securing it below deck. Container shipment is, of course, more secure especially for more valuable vehicles. However, one should not be too bothered about the roll off/ roll on storage. We always work closely with our international shipment clients, helping them through the difficult details of their shipment and securing their vehicles whatever the mode of shipment they choose.

Domestic transportation happens via road or rail. The most common type, though, is road transport which offers the following options Enclosed or open carriers typically carry one vehicle, and can either be the completely closed container or the open type carrier.

• Multi-car trailers are typically open, but carry up to ten cars for every carrier. They are typically less costly and might involve the picking up and off-loading of some vehicles along the way.
• Non-stacking trailers are a smaller version of the multi-car trailers, which carry up to about three vehicles per trailer
• Multi-level car carriers are those open carriers which have cars on different levels or tiers. The levels are significant because cars at the lowest levels are considered susceptible to potential damage by road debris. Top loading, or having one’s car transported at the top level, is, therefore, more expensive here.