Auto Shipping Companies: Virtual First Impressions
Personal recommendations are an ideal way of locating auto shipping companies, and choosing the best car shipping rates, but in most cases you need to turn to the internet to find a company. Even though your search may begin on-line, first impressions are still important.
Appearance
The appearance of a site can make a huge difference in whether they attract or deter customers. Even if a company is superior to its competitors, a poorly constructed, cluttered, difficult to navigate website is a put-off to potential customers.
Get the cheapest car shipping quote from the company that makes an effort to use up-to-date technology shows they care about appearance. Few customers will wait 10 minutes for an outdated quote calculator or for pictures to load onto the page, the website means a lot when it comes to shipping vehicles.
A clean, simple appearance that avoids loud colors, distracting design elements and pop-ups is reflective of auto shipping companies that want customers to have a pleasant experience from the outset.
Current Information
Most websites list the most recent update on the bottom of the home page. If a website hasn’t been updated in years, you might question whether the company still exists, if the information is valid – especially the quotes, and if you’d get a response should you contact via the site’s e-mail.
You should also be wary of multiple inactive links. The navigation pages and links to articles should all open and provide the information you seek.
Policies
Many auto shipping companies and movers list their policies on their website. Look for clearly defined guidelines regarding price, delivery options and insurance. The best companies provide you with a wealth of information, making you aware of everything you need to know about shipping your car such as:
- Types of transport – truck, train, plane, boat
- Mode – enclosed or open
- Insurance – coverage, add-ons and what to do should damage occur
- Special services – motorcycles, vintage and classic automobiles, over sized vehicles
- Explanation of costs
Although some information, such as itemized costs, may require speaking to a representative, you should at least be aware of services offered.
Brokers versus Carriers
Certain auto shipping companies offer different information from others.
A broker, who can ultimately serve as a go-between to set up reliable auto transport with a carrier company, may provide multiple comparison quotes. These companies require an MC# in order to be authorized to provide services. They may offer promotional discounts at carrier companies or recommend certain companies of which they have established or long-running relationships.
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If you have concerns over the legitimacy of the broker quotes, you can visit other broker sites as well as auto transport reviews. Even if a broker has a side-arrangement with transport company, don’t rush to conclusions – the broker’s reputation is contingent on the quality of service provided by the carriers they promote.
Auto shipping companies that do the actual shipping are known as carriers. Their sites often provide a basic quote and instructions on how to begin the process of setting up a move. A carrier is required to have USDOT identification and in some cases have an MC number. If these numbers are not displayed on the website, you can request them from the company.
First Impressions
Your first sense, even if it’s based on virtual appearance, influences whether or not you want to pursue a transport company. Hard to read, outdated, poorly designed website that contain non-active links give a negative impression and waste the consumer’s time. A well-designed, easy-to-navigate site provides potential clients with the initial information needed to evaluate auto shipping companies.
