Car Transport | Creative Rides

HOURS-OF-SERVICE RULES
2003 Rule Property-Carrying CMV Drivers Compliance Through 09/30/05	2005 Rule Property-Carrying CMV Drivers Compliance On & After 10/01/05
May drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.	NO CHANGE
May not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty.	NO CHANGE
May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. A driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.	NO CHANGE
Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers using a sleeper berth must take 10 hours off duty, but may split sleeper-berth time into two periods provided neither is less than 2 hours.	CMV drivers using the sleeper berth provision must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, plus 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or any combination of the two.
Passenger-carrying carriers/drivers are not subject to the new hours-of-service rules. These operations must continue to comply with the hours-of-service limitations specified in 49 CFR 395.5.

The earlier you plan your auto transport move the better. This gives the auto transporter that is moving your vehicle ample time to prepare and coordinate your vehicle transport move. Your auto transporter is likely very busy moving multiple autos’ nationwide and any extra time given to prepare your auto transport move will be appreciated.

Also make sure you prepare your automobile prior to transport. Remove all items and clean your vehicle inside and out as this will make it easier for the auto transport company to document and record any pre-existing damage during the vehicle inspection process. Removable exterior parts or decorations should also be removed from the vehicle prior to transport.

6. Do many people use exotic automobile shipping companies to move their expensive exotic's?

Many people ship their exotic automobile for various reasons. Sometimes they sell their car on eBay and need an auto shipping company to move their exotic across country or overseas to the buyer, others are snowbirds and wish to drive their exotic while on vacation. Using an automobile shipping company to move their exotic auto is one of the simplest and most effective ways to move their exotic from one location to another.

Those that choose to ship their exotic automobile also do not want to add the extra miles to their exotic auto. Using an auto shipping company to move your exotic car can be the best option because of this reason.

Deciding what truck and trailer type to use is a matter of your timeline, budget, and concern over your vehicle being exposed to the elements. Consult your auto transporter if you have any questions on what would work best for your car. Remember to let them know of special requirements or concerns; for example, if you are transporting an SUV, your car has a low ground clearance, your vehicle is not running, or it has other mechanical problems, because these things can make some transportation methods better than others.

There are two main types of trucks used for car transport: tractor trailer trucks or a pick-up style truck, called a hotshot. Tractor trailers are usually cheaper because they can haul more vehicles at once, but they are slower and have a hard time navigating residential areas. You may need to meet your driver in an open parking lot to load and unload your car from a tractor trailer. Hotshot trucks are more expensive, but can deliver your vehicle faster and have an easier time navigating neighborhood streets.

Whether you use a tractor trailer or a hotshot truck, you will need to decide on what type of trailer you want. If you want your car protected from weather and road elements, the best way to ship is an enclosed trailer, but enclosed trailers can cost as much as twice as an open trailer.

If you choose to ship your car on an open trailer, there are several types to choose from. Remember, your car will be fully or partially exposed to the elements if you ship on an open trailer.

Multi-car trailers are open trailers that can carry as few as three to as many as twelve vehicles at once. Multi-car trailers have the best prices, but will take more time to deliver your car. If you ship on a multi-car trailer, make sure to be on time for your pick up and delivery—remember, other shippers are relying on you to make sure all the cars on the trailer get to the right spot at the right time. There is some debate about whether having your car on the top or bottom rack is better. If your car is on the bottom, there is the possibility that oil from cars above will drip down. On the other hand, when trucks pull into areas with trees, it is possible a car stored on the top rack will be hit by branches.

A single car trailer is another type of open trailer. These are typically used when a car needs to be delivered as quickly as possible. Only one car will be picked up and only one delivered. Single car trailers can be as or more expensive than enclosed trailers.

Finally, if your car is oversized or has been modified, you may need to ship it on a flatbed trailer. The cost of a flatbed trailer will depend on how many other items are on the trailer and how big your car is.

And then there’s the question of whether to ship your car by train or by truck. In person, of course, you’ll probably be flying to your destination, but if you were traveling on the ground you might choose train travel over car travel just because it’s the romantic thing to do. But your car doesn’t know anything about romance, so you’ll want to choose the fastest, easiest way to get it shipped so that you can minimize hassle. If you choose to go by train, the biggest inconvenience may be that you will have to pick up your car from the terminal they ship it to. That’s a problem if you want to get your car right to your new front door, or just won’t have the time to head out and pick up your car from the lot they’ve deposited it in. In this case, your best option is to go with shipping your automobile by truck, which, in most instances, can do direct shipment to a specific street address with a not unreasonable difference in price.

In case you need a specific date for delivery because you won’t be able to receive your car at any other possible time, then it is important to let the auto transport company you choose know this, as there may be a holding fee at their terminal.