Auto Transport Secrets Revealed
The past 10 years have brought about a paradigm shift in the way the public purchases used cars.

Before the masses of internet users came online, the vast majority of used cars were purchased in the back yard of the buyer. Now, a vast amount of transactions are made between buyers and sellers who are hundreds and often thousands of miles apart.

Be Wary Of The Pitfalls

This shift has created a huge market for the auto transport business. Unfortunately, as with any new "gold rush" it seems, comes the cheats, thieves, and incompetent wannabe's, along with entrepreneurs who want to provide their services with integrity.

This creates many pitfalls for the consumer, who often knows not where to turn nor how to determine which company to entrust their hard earned cash. Often the slick sales copy experienced by shoppers is often nothing more than a front for an underhanded attempt by scammers to steal as many dollars as they can before moving on to greener pastures.

Don't get me wrong. This is not a one way street. There are huge numbers of scammers who are trying to get vehicles shipped also. This is what forces many companies to base their policies on the lowest common denominator of customers rather than the other way around. When policies are developed with this philosophy, sincere customers are often faced with policies that they should not have to endure.

Don't Overvalue Information From Consumer Agencies

Another hurdle for the consumer is the often maligned methodologies used by organizations like the Better Business Bureau. Many think that if a business is not a member, it is less than credible. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many businesses simply do not join due to the tactics used by the BBB.

The fact is, that many businesses are said to be repulsed by the high handed, extortion like methods that the BBB often uses in their attempts to get businesses to join. It is incredible how often it is said that non-members receive poor ratings while members who actually have more complaints, receive satisfactory performance reviews. It is no wonder that the public is left in a state of confusion as to where to turn for dependable service.

As an addendum to this, on November 12th, 2010, the TV news show, 20/20 revealed an in-depth investigation they did featuring the Better Business Bureau. That investigation unveiled the ugly truths of the methods used by this rogue, out of control "non-profit" organization. Methods that this author has been trying to expose to the masses for years. Unfortunately, the BBB spin machine kept the unwary masses fooled. Consequently, they did not realize how foolish it was to rely on the ratings they were given. Today, Connecticut's attorney general is pushing the Better Business Bureau to stop what he calls a pay-to-play system that gives its members a ratings boost over non-members. Bottom line is that you cannot trust the Better Business Bureau to provide unbiased ratings of businesses. Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/business/20101112_ap_connagbetterbusinessbureaufavorsmembers.html#ixzz157Ch8sYr

Deal Direct With Transport Companies?...Not All Are What They Try To Make You Believe

If that isn't enough to confuse you, the auto transport industry itself muddies the waters even more. Large trucking companies try to tell you that they are better to deal with because since you deal directly with the carrier, you will receive better pricing and better service. Hogwash!

What many of those companies try to hide from you as much as they can, is that they must also act as brokers for a large number of their orders. The simple fact of the matter is that there are no auto transport companies in the country that have enough trucks, enough business and enough drivers to make timely deliveries of every order they receive. When they cannot handle the transport ordered, they then also act as a broker and use the same resources that brokers use in order to find a company that will be able to handle their auto transport in a timely manner.

Furthermore, when the trucking companies deal with brokers, they often must reduce the price they would otherwise desire, in order to fill the spot on their truck that would otherwise be left empty. The broker will then price the shipment to the end customer accordingly. That final price may be lower, higher or the same as the trucker would have made directly.

Brokers Can Get The Job Done For You

Consequently, brokers in the auto shipping business are a very integral part of the business. They have the sources and knowledge to help you get your auto transport done on a timely basis.

That said, there are things that often the consumer expects from a broker either because they did not read their contract closely, or they came upon one of the many brokers who simply do not play fairly.

When you deal with a broker, you must understand that they are only arranging the auto transport for you. They will not and cannot accept responsibility for any problems that the trucking company that actually carries your vehicle might cause. If you use a reputable broker, they will verify that the auto transport company has all of the federal licenses and bonds required. They will also verify that the auto transport company has the minimum required insurance in force.

Beware Of Brokers Who Don't Have Your Best Interests At Heart

If a auto transport broker asks for a deposit in order to process your order, it is time for you to ask more questions. If they are only authorizing the amount you will owe them, that is acceptable. However, be cautious in allowing any charges to be actually processed before your vehicle is dispatched. Once your vehicle is dispatched, the quoted charge is payable. If you are paying a deposit plus cod for the balance, the deposit should be processed at dispatch time. If a transport broker tries to sell you extra insurance, be wary. Your vehicle is already insured by the Carrier company. There should be no other insurance you need to purchase.

READ THE CONTRACT!

READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY! Most of the problems I read about are due to a customer expecting something that they have agreed not to receive in the contract they sign. A credible company will highlight the items that may be misunderstood, rather than to conceal them.

Most Auto Transport Companies and Auto Transport Brokers have a FAQ section. READ IT...It may save grief and misunderstandings later!