Posts Tagged ‘Guaranteed Shipping’

Cross-Country Move: What You Need To Know

Boxes in Living Room

Moving is an exciting experience. Not only does it offer you the possibility for better job opportunities, but it provides you with a change of scenery. It offers a fresh start in a new town, one in which you will make new memories with your family. However, moving is also a big undertaking, one which can be rather stressful.

Moving requires a great deal of planning and organization, as well as time and effort. You must pack up all your belongings and move them to a home in a new city. It becomes even more challenging when your new home is across the country.

When moving to a new home that is located hundreds or thousands of miles away, it is important to make the transition go as smoothly as possible. We have 10 tips for helping to make your cross-country move an easy one.

1. Plan Ahead.

One primary difference between a cross-country move and one that is across town is the distance. This means that everything must be transported in one trip. It is not as easy to make multiple trips between homes, if you forget something. Therefore, it is important that you plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to pack up all your belongings.

How soon should you start preparing for your move? When it comes to moving, the sooner you start on your To-Do list, the better. Prepare now, so that you are not scrambling to get things done at the very last minute. There is so much to do. You must hire a moving company, make travel arrangements, and book auto transport services. Remember that you also must take care of utilities and complete a change of address form.

2. Make A Checklist.

Checklist

Regardless of where you are moving to or how far away it is, there will be a long list of things to do. When moving, the number of tasks that need to be accomplished can be overwhelming. To stay organized and remain on track, make a checklist. This will keep you on schedule and help reduce stress.

Furthermore, separate tasks by deadline, or when they must be completed by. Set up goals for what you would like to accomplish each day and each week leading up to your move-in day.

Decide the best way you stay organized, whether that be using technology or printed material. There are several apps that you can download on your phone to keep you organized in addition to using the calendar on your cell phone. If you prefer tangible material, then make your own printed checklist or use an online template.

3. Set A Budget.

It is important to note that moving across the country is more expensive than a local move. To reduce stress and avoid “sticker shock”, take some time to calculate the exact costs to move to your new home. Set a budget, and establish a plan on how you will stick to that budget.

If you plan on hiring a moving company, request an in-home consultation to estimate moving costs. You can search around and compare pricing by getting several quotes from different companies. Remember that pricing will vary depending on distance and the size of your home (which determines labor needs and truck size).

When it comes to auto transport, most companies offer a free quote form on their website. However, like companies, not all quote forms are created equally. National Dispatch makes it very easy to get a quote in seconds, without putting in any personal information.

If you are moving for a new job, find out if your new company offers a relocation package. They may be willing to cover some or all of the costs associated with your move.

4. Determine How You Are Moving.

Two Workers Adjusting Sofa

There are several options available to you when it comes to moving to a new home. Primarily, you have two main options: the Do-it-yourself option or the professional option. If you choose to Do-it-yourself, then you must pack everything in your car and drive across the country. Alternatively, you could rent a moving truck, but this method also requires an extensive amount of drive time. Car shipping is the perfect option if you choose to rent a moving truck, as you will also need a way for your car to reach its destination.

If you choose to hire a full-service moving company, then everything will be done for you. All your belongings will be loaded and unloaded for you. This is very similar to how auto transport works. By hiring a car shipping company, all the hard work is done for you. This gives you more time for more important matters, instead of being stuck behind the wheel for hours at a time.

5. Get The Right Supplies.

Do not underestimate the cost of packing supplies. To properly protect your household goods on their journey, you must have the appropriate boxes, tape, and packing material (Bubble wrap, packing paper, etc.). All these supplies can add up, especially when you think about how much stuff you have to move.

It is important to pack your belongings in sturdy boxes that will hold the weight of your items and can handle being loaded and unloaded. However, there are some ways that you can save on packing supplies. If you know a family member, friend, or co-worker who recently underwent a move, ask them if they have any supplies to spare. You can also find inexpensive, or even free boxes, at your local liquor stores, banks, offices, schools, and manufacturing plants. Check around. You could end up saving a lot of money.

Instead of investing in packing paper, bubble wrap, and newspaper, use what you have. You can wrap breakables in towels, sheets, or any other cushioned material.

6. Throw Out Unwanted Items.

Garage Storage

When you start to pack your belongings into boxes, you may come across some things that you do not want or need anymore. Pack only the items that you see yourself using in the future. Get rid of the rest by donating the items to charity or by organizing a yard sale. Not only can you make a few bucks off the stuff you sell, but you will have a lot less to carry to your new home.

It is also important to keep in mind that moving companies often base their estimates on weight or the amount of space that your belongings will take up. This is because more items mean more labor and a bigger truck. To save money, sort through your belongings. Make piles for what you are “keeping”, “donating”, “trashing”, and “selling”.

7. Pack With Care.

Due to the distance involved in a cross-country move, your belongings will be on the road for a longer period of time than if you were moving, locally. Therefore, it is even more important to ensure that your belongings are packed safely, so that they arrive damage-free.

Here are a few tips to follow when packing your boxes:

  • Tape down the bottoms and sides of each box.
  • Pack fragile items with newspaper, bubble wrap, or packing paper.
  • Fill in empty spaces, so that the items cannot easily move around.
  • Label boxes containing fragile items with “FRAGILE”.

In addition to taking these safety measures, create your own labeling system. Write on the outside of the box what it contains. It is also a good idea to label which room it is going to. You can even make your own color code system to make the move easier and faster.

8. Clean Your Home.

Cleaning Products

Cleaning is essential before moving to a new home. If you are like most people, you have probably put off giving your home a deep cleaning for quite some time. Go room-by-room to complete a thorough cleaning before moving out. This is important if you plan on selling your home. It will be ready for future residents. Leave the home in the condition that you would like your new home to be in.

It is also important to clean the home to which you will be moving to. Cleaning will ensure that your family feels at home in the new place. Clean the kitchen, vacuum the floors, clean the bathrooms, and wipe down the cabinets and shelves.

9. Choose The Best Time To Move.

Most industries have a peak and off-season. This is true for moving and auto transport companies, as well. The peak season tends to fall during the summer months, between May and September. This is when children are out of school, and the weather is ideal.

What does this mean for you? This means that there is a higher demand for auto transport and moving companies to move their belongings. These companies will book up faster. The costs may also be higher due to the increased demand and lower availability.

What can you do? If possible, book services during the off-season to save yourself money. However, if you are moving for a job, you may not have a choice of when you move. In these cases, it is important to book auto transport services, as well as any moving company services, well in advance. This will ensure that you get what you are looking for before they all book up.

10. Stay Positive.

Light Bulb - Think Positive

The most important tip is to remain calm and stay positive. A cross-country move has its challenges. With those challenges comes stress. It is important to remember that moving is a process. Instead of focusing on the frustrations of a move, look forward to making memories in your new home.

Keep in mind that shipping your car is one way that you can save yourself a lot of time and stress. Instead of traveling hundreds, if not thousands of miles, to your destination, have your car transported with the help of National Dispatch. With our door-to-door auto transport service, your car will be picked up from and delivered directly to your home.

Hop on a plane. In the meantime, your car will be shipped to your new home, safely and quickly. You can be rest assured that everything is taken care of.

National Dispatch

At National Dispatch, we are dedicated to providing quality auto transport services at an affordable rate. We ship cars anywhere in the United States for more than just residential moves. We also provide car shipping services designed for corporate relocations, vacations, dealership trades, and much more. For more information on our corporate relocation services, read our Corporate Relocation Guide.

Below, you will find a list of some of the car shipping services that we offer.

  • Open Auto Transport: This is the primary method of transport via an open-air carrier. These carriers can hold up to nine vehicles at one time. You may request top-loading (at an added fee), as an extra safety measure. Top-loading is when the car is positioned on the second level of the carrier, out of contact with road elements and debris. Learn more about Open Auto Transport.
  • Enclosed Auto Transport: With this method of transport, the car is loaded onto an enclosed carrier. An enclosed carrier shields the vehicle from road elements and weather conditions. This method is recommended for high-value vehicles, such as luxury, exotic, and classic cars. Learn more about Enclosed Auto Transport.
  • Door-To-Door Shipping: This service provides added convenience. Instead of having to drive to a designate pick-up and drop-off terminal, the car will be delivered directly to your home. Learn more about Door-To-Door Auto Transport.
  • Guaranteed Shipping: Do you need your car shipped as soon as possible? We offer guaranteed shipping for those on a strict time schedule. Contact us for more information.

National Dispatch has years of experience in the auto shipping industry. Relax, and have peace of mind knowing that your car is in the best hands. Book auto transport services, today.

If you need car transport services, cross-country or otherwise, we encourage you to use our online quote form. No personal information is required. Just four simple fields of information. If you prefer to speak with an auto transport representative, call us at 800-321-2051.

How To Prepare Your Motorcycle For Transport

Transporting A Motorcycle

If you are undergoing a sudden move across the country, buying a new motorcycle, or selling the one you own, auto transport services can make your life simpler. In the case of a move, one major challenge is getting all your belongings to the new house. Your motorcycle will need to get to the new home, as well.

You have several options when it comes to transporting your motorcycle:

Option A: Use a truck and trailer.

This option would require you to either rent all the necessary equipment (i.e. truck and motorcycle trailer) from a rental company if you do not already own the items. Rental fees can add up to $400 or more. Plus, you have to do everything, yourself. If you are not using a rental company, you would need to purchase or have straps, a wheel chock, and other necessary items used to secure your bike in place.

Option B: Drive the motorcycle to its destination.

If the motorcycle needs to be transported a short distance, such as around town, then driving is a viable solution. However, when you plan on driving the motorcycle a longer distance, you must take into account inclement weather and the cost of fuel. Driving across the country may not be something you have time for in your busy schedule.

Option C: Hire a reliable auto transport company. 

This is the ideal solution for transporting a motorcycle. All the work is done for you when you hire an auto transport company, such as National Dispatch. You do not have to worry about buying any equipment. We have all the necessary items to transport your motorcycle safely to any destination in the United States.

Using an auto transport company is the best way to get your motorcycle from your current home to your new one. Whether you are buying, selling, or moving a motorcycle, it is good to know how to properly prepare for transport. Continue reading to find out what exactly needs to be done before the driver arrives at your door.

Preparing For Transport

Similar to an automobile, a motorcycle must be prepared for auto transport. These preparation tasks are necessary for a smooth transport from start to finish. Preparing ahead of time reduces the chances of any damages occurring to the bike in transit.

After booking transport services, you should be provided with a set of instructions on what to do before pickup. Here, we have outlined what you need to do, so you know the basics, beforehand.

Check the steps out below:

  1. Clean your motorcycle. Although it is nice to have a clean bike, this step is more important before completing a visual inspection. Driving your motorcycle exposes it to a number of elements, including dirt, dust, and grime. A clean motorbike is necessary to identify any dents, scratches, or paint chips. This is important in case any damages were to occur during transport, but this is extremely unlikely.
  2. Complete a thorough inspection. You should conduct a complete inspection on your motorcycle, recording any mechanical problems in addition to cosmetic issues. Take pictures of the bike from various angles, and document the current mileage. Make sure that the bike is in good working condition. If it is not operable, just let us know. Look for fluid leaks. If you have any leaks, you will want to get these fixed ahead of time.
  3. Leave 1/4 tank of gas. In most cases, it is recommended to leave some gas in the tank for auto transport to move the vehicle on and off the truck. A large amount of gas in the tank adds extra weight to transport.
  4. Secure loose parts. Remove or secure any loose parts on the motorcycle. This would include such items as saddlebags. This is solely for safety reasons to prevent damage to the bike while transporting. The auto transport company is not responsible for damages from these items or if these items were lost.
  5. Check the tire pressure. The motorbike’s tires should contain the appropriate amount of air in them. Therefore, make sure that each tire is properly inflated before transport.
  6. Remove personal items. Check under the seats and inside the saddlebags. Make sure that you take out all personal belongings.
  7. Write down any special instructions. If there are any tricks and tips that the driver should know about your bike, make a note of them. Give this to the driver upon his arrival to keep for his records.

Hiring The Right Company

We understand that you want to find a reliable company to transport one of your most prized possessions. You want a company that provides the best customer service, offers affordable pricing, and delivers the bike safely and on-time.

You can put your trust in National Dispatch. We will treat your vehicle as if it were our own, giving you security and peace of mind. Requesting a quote is easy. Go to our website to receive a free motorcycle shipping quote in seconds or call us today at 800-321-2051. No personal information is ever required.

Here are a few services to study up on before booking:

  • Open Vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: Open Auto Transport is the less expensive option of the two. If traveling a long distance, it is better to use enclosed shipping for your motorcycle. Enclosed Auto Transport provides added protection from a variety of weather conditions, including rain and snow, as well as shields the bike from road elements.
  • Door-To-Door Shipping: We provide door-to-door shipping services. This means that we do our very best to pick up and deliver the vehicle directly to you. Some residential areas with narrow streets can make this difficult. In such cases, the driver will communicate with you to decide on a nearby location to meet.
  • Insurance: National Dispatch offers insured, licensed, and expedited auto transport services. There is no need to purchase special insurance for transport. In addition to what we offer, check with your auto insurance provider to see what it is and is not covered on your vehicle when transporting.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Motorcycle?

Price will vary depending on a number of factors, including the distance traveled, transport method (Open Vs. Enclosed), and shipping method. We currently offer three shipping options: economy, priority, and guaranteed. Economy offers an inexpensive shipping option with a wide pickup and delivery window. In contrast, guaranteed shipping will cost you more for a specific shipping date.

For standard shipping and transport options, you are looking at spending between $400 to $600 to transport your bike 1000 miles. This is solely an estimate for you to use as a guide. Prices will vary depending upon your specific pickup and delivery locations. A shorter distance will cost you less. For a specific quote, use our free online quote calculator.

Preparing For Motorcycle Season

You have been waiting all year for this moment. It is the moment when you get to remove the cover from your bike, dust it off, and take it for a ride. It is finally motorcycle season. Before you jump on the back of your Harley, there are a few things that you must take care of. Let’s bring your bike back to life with a quick tune-up and some general maintenance.

Check out this To-Do list to prepare your motorcycle for the season:

  • Check the Fuel System. The fuel system is composed of many parts, including the fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel rail, fuel injectors, throttle, and fuel lines. Check the fuel lines and fittings for cracks and leaks. Get these repaired if any exist. Replace the fuel filter, and inspect the fuel tank. If the motorcycle contains really old fuel, consider draining and replacing with fresh fuel. Check and clean the carburetor, as well.
  • Top off the fluids. You will want to change the oil and filter. You should change your motorcycle oil approximately every 3,000 miles. In addition, you should check the coolant level to ensure that it is filled to an appropriate amount. Check your brake fluid, which should be changed every one to two years. You need your braking system to be reliable.
  • Inspect the hoses and belts. It is important to properly maintain the belts and hoses, so that your motorcycle runs properly. These parts ensure the internal components move about and work as they should. Look for cracks, leaks, weak spots, and other signs of wear in your bike’s hoses and belts. Replace the parts, if needed. You do not want to be left stranded on the side of the road.
  • Charge the battery. The battery is a common cause for a breakdown. Keep the battery fully charged. Recharge as necessary when you see obvious signs, such as dimming lights. Test the battery with a hydrometer or voltmeter. If it is having difficult holding a charge, it may be time for a replacement.
  • Check the brakes. Having brakes that you can count on are essential for your safety. You depend on your brakes to slow you down when you need it. Check the brake pads, because it may be time for new ones. Also, look at the brake lines to see if there are any cracks or leaks.
  • Inspect the tires. Perform a visual inspection on the tires to look for cracks, bulging, punctures, or any other signs of damage. Use a tire gauge to check the air pressure before you start riding. Your owner’s manual should contain the recommended PSI level for the tires. Add air, if necessary. You should also check each tire’s tread. Tread is important when riding in wet conditions.
  • Check the Electrical System. You want to make sure that all the switches, lights, and gauges are working properly. Therefore, you should test the turn signals, head lamp, rear brake light, and horn. Lights are crucial for visibility, while turn signals notify other drivers of your intentions.
  • Change the air filter. Air filters keep harmful particles from entering your engine. There are several different types of air filters, including paper, foam, and cotton. The cleaning and maintenance will vary depending on which filter your motorcycle contains. Some can be cleaned and reused, while others must be tossed when they become dirty with debris.

National Dispatch

If you are still wondering if National Dispatch is the right company for you, let us tell you a little bit about us. National Dispatch is an experienced auto transport company. Our corporate headquarters is located in Cocoa Beach, Florida. However, we ship thousands of vehicles across the United States for a wide array of customers. Our customers count on us to transport their vehicles in the safest and fastest manner possible.

We ship a variety of vehicles, including classic cars, luxury models, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and more. We offer both open and enclosed auto transport options. We also provide shipping options for both running and non-running vehicles.

Choosing to transport your motorcycle with National Dispatch is a great way to avoid all the stress that comes with doing it yourself. Many people do not realize how affordable and convenient vehicle shipping can be. With our online quote calculator, we have made it even more simpler. Just go to our website at https://www.nationaldispatch.com to fill out a free instant, online motorcycle shipping quote. We will not send you a bunch of pesky emails, because no personal information is ever required. You can also call us at 800-321-2051.

If you are thinking about moving across the country or even across the state, you will have enough to worry about without the added stress associated with getting your motorcycle there. National Dispatch can handle all your auto transport needs. You can relax knowing that your vehicle is taken care of.