Live chat by SightMax
Direct Connect Auto Shippers
Menu Blog
 
Direct Connect Auto Transport Blog

Archive for July, 2009

The truth about auto transport companies

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

Auto transport companies are designed to facilitate a person’s need to transport cars from one location to another. The car can be transported without adding mileage or road wear to it. Sometimes, it is easier to transport a car rather than make a lengthy drive.

You need to know certain things in advance about auto transporters. Doing your homework and planning ahead is required in the process of shipping a car from one location to another. Always research the cost of various auto transporters before you buy. The costs of gas, number of cars already going in that direction, and the seasons can impact the expense.

The auto transporters will need to know where the car is going from and to, the make, model and year of the car and when you want to ship. Most transporters will not guarantee exact dates and if one does, make sure you have it in writing. All transport companies require a contract, which should be reviewed prior to signing. If insurance is not listed on the contract, it is a good idea to find out what the transporter offers. The transporter will inspect the car upon arrival at either the depot it will be departing from or when it arrives at the destination.

Mercedes launches Actros and Axor hauler

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Mercedes-Benz recently launched a new, lighter-weight 6×2 version of its Actros and Axor with 17.5 in. wheels on the mid-lift axle. Leading liquid and powder hauler BP McKeefry has bought the first six. The small-wheeled mid-lift axles are fitted on line at Mercedes’ Woerth truck plant and they save some 250kg in unladen weight compared with a regular Axor/Actors 6×2.

The small wheel mid-lift can still be spec’d on vehicles operating at 44 tons GCW despite its lower 4.3 ton capacity. The new lightweight 6×2s will be aimed at tanker, tipper and bulker operators which need as much space as possible on their chassis for blowers, wet kit and “pet-reg” equipment. These new vehicles are expected to prove popular with car transporter firms seeking maximum room on their truck for bodywork.

The first two 460hp Euro-5 units to enter service with BP McKeefry are working out of North Lincolnshire on a major chemical distribution contract. The four remaining trucks have joined the company’s general distribution fleet. The new Actros 2446s have replaced the company’s Euro-3 units. They are anticipating a weight penalty because the AdBlue tank is a bit heavier.

Iron Horse Hotel partners with HaulBikes

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Iron Horse Hotel, the first urban boutique hotel geared toward business travelers and motorcycle enthusiasts, has recently announced a partnership with Milwaukee-based motorcycle shipping veterans HaulBikes. Guests of the Iron Horse Hotel can now ship their bikes in from anywhere in the United States.

HaulBikes specializes in motorcycle shipping and they have perfected a strapping system designed for smaller vehicles, allowing for a completely safe transport. The motorcycle shipping to the hotel takes seven to 21 days. And the bikes are delivered ready to ride, with the fluids and battery intact. In addition to shipping, the Iron Horse Hotel also offers motorcycle rentals to guests. They offer covered motorcycle parking, rag bins and check-in carts – ideal for transporting saddle bag contents to and from the rooms.

Daily Direct-HaulBikes was founded in 1988. They ship motorcycles of all types and provide shipping in enclosed semi trailers that contain strapping and securing systems especially for motorcycles. They house vehicles while not in transit in a climate controlled warehouse – no crating or palletting is needed. This partnership is ideal for any motorcycle enthusiast.

Heavy Duty Trucks from Manufacturers in Hong Kong

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

According to a study on vocational truck and trailer owners for 12 years, the best heavy duty trucks in Hong Kong were measured on several factors, including engine quality, engine performance, cost of ownership, and warranty. These trucks are used for a variety of large jobs such as nationwide auto shipping. Mercedes Benz vehicles have ranked highest among the manufacturers in satisfying their customers in this latest edition of the study.

The engines of Daimler trucks of North America are supplied by Mercedes Benz and these received the best index score, followed by Cummins and Mack engines. The study for new trucks for sale in Hong Kong was large, collating the responses of 2,692 primary maintainers of Class 8 trucks around two years old. Included in the study were dump trucks, garbage trucks, concrete mixers, and utility and pick-up trucks.

The study also revealed the importance of salesperson knowledge in customer satisfaction with their heavy duty truck engine in Hong Kong. Kenworth is a brand of heavy duty truck and trailers for sale in Hong Kong that has consistently satisfied customers. According to the study, an innovative swing out staircase in the Freightliner Argosy cabin provides comfort and usability. The stairs have also been improved by being made wider, being given non-slip surfaces and LED illumination.

Renting tractor trailers

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Some of the top reasons for wanting to rent a tractor trailer include moving, shipping, or if you need to use it as a car transporter. Each of these reasons has its own requirements, but the basics for semi rentals are the same. There are tips and information that can help you through the rental process.

Call the companies you would like to do business with to make an appointment with a salesman. Because a lot of money is potentially involved, you need to ensure that you are going to be happy with the transaction. The salesman can help with demonstrating features of a truck, letting you test drive it and arranging for delivery of the truck.

There are options like air conditioning, leather seats and heated mirrors to consider when renting, but these extras will raise the price. Speak with other truck drivers or even someone at the Department of Motor Vehicles and they can recommend a rental company based on their past experiences. Depending on the length of time that you need to have the tractor trailer for, you may be able to get a special rental rate. The more time you can commit to renting, the more the price goes down.