Shipping vehicles across the country can be extremely challenging. There are several factors to consider, from navigating regulations and insurance to finding a logistics partner. Failing to follow regulations can cause legal issues for your business, and an unreliable partner can lead to unsafe transportation practices, unnecessary expenses and the disruption of your supply chain.
Whether you’re shipping multiple cars to auction or relocating your corporate headquarters, you need to prepare.
Assessing Your Fleet Shipping Needs
To ship a vehicle fleet smoothly, you need a deep understanding of the fleet you’re shipping, as it will directly impact the shipping methods.
Vehicle type, number, condition, insurance coverage and any special treatment the vehicles require all need to be identified and communicated to the logistics provider at the outset. This knowledge will help them coordinate the shipping process and decide whether it is better to ship by train or truck.
Open transport carriers are typically used for smaller, less expensive loads. Enclosed transport carriers are used to get luxury cars and other expensive vehicles from one location to the other without exposing them to the elements.
Coordinate pickup and drop-off with your partner, which means understanding when the vehicles are needed at their destination and when it is most convenient for them to leave their current location.
The current location and specific destination should be discussed in advance. A vague pickup or drop-off destination can lead to confusion and miscommunications between your company and the logistics provider, so it’s important to be as specific as possible.
Choosing the Right Multi-Car Transport Provider
Once you’ve assessed your company’s needs, it’s time to find a logistics partner. Important criteria to look for include:
- Proper licensing and certifications for your region, such as an ISO 9001:2015 certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- Cargo insurance to protect your company in the case of lost or damaged vehicles.
- Experience with shipping a fleet of vehicles.
Licensing is especially important, as it gives the logistics company legitimacy and legally protects your vehicles during national and/or international transit. The legal requirements for shipping a fleet of vehicles will vary based on your location, so research the standards of your region and those along the shipping route so that you can rest easy knowing that your vehicles are compliant. In the United States, for instance, the logistics company should at least have an active Department of Transportation registration and Motor Carrier authority.
Insurance is also vital, as it protects your company and your vehicles from liability in case of a shipping mishap. Before committing to a logistics provider, always ensure you have robust cargo insurance so you can have peace of mind regarding your fleet of vehicles. It is also best to partner with a logistics provider that has experience with multi-car transport.
Preparing Your Fleet for Transport
Before your fleet is shipped, it needs to be prepped. This process is relatively simple, but it requires a lot of attention to detail and can take time if you are transporting a large number of vehicles. The first step involves inspecting and documenting each vehicle so that you and the logistics provider can provide information for insurance and legal purposes. Clear photos of existing damage should also be provided in advance. Note which vehicles are inoperable, if any, during this process.
All personal items and aftermarket accessories should be removed from the vehicles before they are shipped. These can very easily get lost or damaged in transit, so double-check to make sure nothing has been left inside any part of the vehicle. Any loose vehicle components should be secured or removed as well.
All vehicles should also be brought down to a quarter tank of gas. While this practice might seem strange, it drastically reduces the overall weight of your vehicle fleet, which makes transporting it far easier. Most companies that need to ship vehicles siphon gas directly from the tanks rather than operating the vehicle until it hits a quarter tank of gas.
Once you have completed these preparations, turn off the alarms of all the vehicles in your fleet. If the alarms are left on, they may trigger during transit, which can irritate and distract those responsible for moving the vehicles. Before pickup, communicate with your logistics provider to see if they offer GPS tracking services. If they do, you can estimate your shipment’s time of arrival and more effectively deal with any mishaps along the way.
Delivery and Post-Transport Checklist
Once the fleet of vehicles has been picked up and transported by your logistics provider, it is time to accept the delivery at the agreed-upon destination. This is typically a facility owned by either your company or the logistics provider.
When the goods arrive, perform an in-depth inspection to identify any damage or discrepancies that occurred during transit. If a vehicle is damaged or otherwise tampered with, you may be able to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
If the vehicles have been delivered properly, you can sign the shipping receipt and begin the unloading process in earnest.
Cost Factors and Ways to Save on Multi-Car Transport
The primary factors that influence the shipment price are vehicle quantity, transport distance and timing. Your total expenses will also depend on these elements:
- Fleet weight
- Standard vs. express shipping
- Vehicle operability
- Weekday vs. weekend delivery
Luckily, there are ways to mitigate these expenses. You can:
- Partner with a company that offers bulk shipping discounts for fleets.
- Plan the shipment for a part of the year when your logistics provider is less busy.
- Look into deductions and tax write-offs that may apply to your shipment.
Planning your shipment well in advance can help your company take advantage of these savings options, so be sure to think ahead rather than acting at the last minute.
Partner With EMO Trans for All Your Logistics Needs
With an understanding of how to ship a fleet of cars, it’s time to find the perfect logistics partner. Whether you need national or international shipping, EMO Trans is here to help.
Our offices stretch across six continents, and we’ve been partnering with companies just like yours since 1965. Our privately owned global logistics network can be tailored to meet your exact needs. So, whether you’re moving a dozen cars coast to coast or a dozen shipping containers across the world, we’ve got your back.
Ready to get started with EMO Trans? Request a quote today or give us a call at one of our many offices around the globe to learn more about our global logistics services.
