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The Top Vehicles of 2018

⋅ Auto Carrier ⋅

The new 2018 models have been outdoing previous models from performance and fuel efficiency to unique features and improved technology, just as one would expect. Car shoppers today expect more out of cars than ever before, and car manufacturers have to produce cars that live up to their expectations. They want vehicles that have all of the latest gadgets, have a great safety record, is reasonably priced and have great fuel economy.

The cars listed below are the top five desired vehicles of 2018:

    1. 2018 Kia Sorento – This is one of the top desired SUVs, and is the best 3-Row SUV for your money. If you are looking for an SUV that is high performing and available at a reasonable price, then consider this vehicle. The spacious interior has plenty of passenger space, and up to date features that many luxury SUVs offer. As being one of the lowest starting prices for an SUV, this makes it ideal for families that are looking to save a little cash without skimping on performance.
    2. 2018 Toyota Avalon – For a great value with all of the latest features of many newer cars, consider the Toyota Avalon. It’s the best large car for your money from 2018 models. With a spacious cabin and leather seats,  it just proves a long car ride does not have to be uncomfortable! You can have all of the latest features, great fuel economy and a standard V6 engine all at a competitive price.
    3. 2018 Audi A3 – At only $31,950, this luxury, a midsize car has all of the features and performance of a regular Audi car at a lower price. If you have always wanted a luxury sedan but didn’t want to spend the steep price – now a luxury sedan can be affordable for everyone. It is even at a lower cost than many midsize cars that are not luxury brands.
    4. 2018 Ford Edge – The best 2-row SUV for the money is the 2018 Ford Edge. With plenty of interior space, this makes it a comfortable and quiet ride for passengers. The Edge also boasts of plenty of unique tech features that you would see in many newer SUV models. At only $29,200, this large sized SUV is a steal and a great long-term choice.
    5. 2018 Toyota Camry – This midsize car is anything but ordinary. With standard safety features, outstanding performance and the newest technology like smartphone integrations, this car is not what you would expect from a traditional commuter car. You can expect this to be a great deal in the long run, since long-term ownership costs are lower than costs for the average sedan.

You can still have features of a luxury sedan all at a reasonable price in these budget-friendly vehicles. These five vehicles from 2018 boast of superior performance, comfort and great fuel economy all at an honest price. Don’t pay a steep price for a luxury vehicle, when these vehicles have many of the same features for a fraction of the price!

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car from Florida to California

⋅ Auto Shipper ⋅

When you are looking to ship your car from Florida to California since it is a cross-country trip it will not be cheap. It is a long distance so the time will take longer than going a few states over. Shipping your car long distances no longer has to be a chore. When hiring a professional auto transport company, you can be sure you will have a stress-free experience, guaranteed.

How Long Will the Trip Take?

You can expect 7-10 days for this trip, so just over a week. For delivering your car it can take about six days while the pickup can take 3 days.

Time Factor

The standard time for arrival is about a week, but you may need expedited shipping services. In that case, the pickup maybe 1-2 days and the price will also be higher since it is given in a short window.

Why Ship to California?

People choose to ship to California for many reasons. One is that the employment opportunity is great and job growth is expected to add 6.3 million jobs in the next 6 years. One of the biggest industries in California is the tech industry. Another reason why people like California is it is one of the top family-friendly cities in America. From affordable housing and low crime too great schools and income. California is one of the most desirable states in the U.S. to live – no wonder so many people choose to ship their car to California!

Only Choose Professional Auto Transporters

When transporting your car, only trust a professional and licensed auto transporter with a great track record. The last thing you want is for your car to get damaged and they do not have adequate insurance. This can cost you a lot more money than planned. Trust the reliable Direct Connect Auto for shipping your car cross-country to California, with a damage-free and hassle-free guarantee!

Understanding Auto Shipping Prices

⋅ Auto Shipper ⋅

You may have wondered how auto shipping quotes were calculated from an Auto Shipping Company. Distance is not the only factor that calculates the price, and there are many other factors to consider. By reading and understanding these many factors below that average into your shipping, you will know what adds to shipping cost and how you can save.

Distance and Route – The longer you travel the higher the price will be. From mileage to gas money, shipping a long distance is much more expensive than shipping to a short distance.

Vehicle Type and Size – Your vehicle make and model may add extra money to your shipping quote. With size and weight, if you have a small car vs. a large truck, you will be paying more for the truck. The truck not only takes up more space on the carrier which means it will carry fewer cars, but it also adds more weight which makes the price higher.

3 Largest Military Bases in the U.S.

⋅ Auto Carrier ⋅

Fort Bragg – Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, this is the largest military base in the U.S. It is located on 163,000 acres and has a population of 238,646. The land holds 52,280 active soldiers, 12,624 reserves, 8,757 civilian employees, 3,516 contractors, 62,962 active duty family members and 98,507 family members and army retirees. Fort Bragg was the military base where successful World War II tactics were developed. There are two airfields; Pope Field and Simmons Army Airfield for airborne needs and special operations forces.

Fort Campbell – The second largest military base is located on the Kentucky/Tennessee state line. The population is 234,914 and covers an area of 105,000 acres.  There are currently 30,438 militaries, 151,360 personnel, and 53,116 family members. This is the 5th largest active duty member population in the army. This base was first established in 1942 and first used for World War II. Construction of the base was sped up due to attacks on Pearl Harbor. It annually puts 2.6 billion dollars into the local economy and is the largest employer in both Kentucky and Tennessee.

Fort Hood – This is the 3rd largest military base with a population of 217,003 and an area of 214,968. It is located in Killeen Texas, halfway between Waco and Austin. During World War II, this base was used to hold tank destroyers and mobile anti-tank guns. The tank destroyers were made to counter any German mobile armored units during World War II. There are currently 4,733 active duty officers, 74,294 family members, 39,262 active duty members, 39,805 retirees and 8,909 civilians. The base is now primarily used for National Guard and the Army Reserve for a strategic power protection platform.

 

Breakdown Of What Contributes To The Price Of Shipping A Vehicle

⋅ Auto Shipper, Auto Transport Company ⋅

There are many factors that will contribute to the price of shipping a vehicle. Some of the factors are more obvious than others such as vehicle make and model, carrier type and distance. Other factors that people may not realize that contribute to shipping are vehicle weight, the popularity of the location, season and time frame.

Your Vehicle Type Will Affect the Price

From the make and model of your vehicle to even size – all of these factors will affect the shipping price. The smaller size of the vehicle will mean it will cost less since it will take up less space on the carrier. For example, a smaller Honda Civic will cost less on a carrier than a larger sized car such as a Cadillac Sedan.

Carrier Type: Enclosed vs Open Shipping

Different carrier types will affect the price of your shipping. If you have a more valuable car, it is a good idea to use enclosed shipping. This is especially if you have a classic or luxury vehicle, where you do not want to expose it to any weathering. If the vehicle is over 70,000, it is always recommended to use enclosed vehicle shipping.

Distance Your Vehicle Travels

The distance your vehicle will be traveling will all add up to the final price at the end. With everything from fuel prices to traffic jams, this will all affect the price of your shipping. Of course, if you are traveling 1,000 miles, the cost to ship a small car will not be the same as shipping a large truck. All of the factors listed here from carrier type and weight to season and location will add on to the cost of the distance.

Vehicle Weight and Making Your Vehicle Lighter

The weight of your vehicle will factor into your shipping price. If your vehicle weighs more, it adds more stress to the carrier. The carrier has to maintain a certain weight, making sure that vehicles are shipped at the lightest weight they can ship. This may mean taking off any additional custom features to your vehicle that can be removed. You also need to remove any personal items since we are not responsible for missing items, and they can also damage the interior when moved around in the carrier. Finally, we recommend every vehicle fills their tank to no more than ⅓ full, so every vehicle is lighter and ships faster.

The popularity of the Shipping Location

Aside from distance, the location you ship your vehicle to and from will affect the price. If you ship to or from a popular city like NYC, you can guarantee there will be a lot of carriers to ship your vehicle which will make the cost lower. If you are shipping to or from a remote area, the price will be more since the carrier has to go off the main route and it is not a very popular route for carriers. When you ship to remote areas, you may have to wait a while for a carrier that is available to ship your car – so you may not get the exact shipping window that you want.

Shipping Season and Time Frame

The season you ship is another major factor that will affect your rates. For instance, if you ship during snowbird season, your shipping rates will be higher. This is one of the busiest seasons for traffic and for shipping vehicles. Many retirees from the Northern states will escape the cold winter months to live in the warmer states down South for a couple of months.

If you are ready to ship your vehicle, be aware of all the factors that affect shipping cost. If you are looking to save on shipping, consider making changes with all of the above topics listed from changing vehicle shipping location to making your vehicle as light as possible. With Direct Connect Auto Transport, we guarantee that you will have a positive shipping experience with the best auto shipping price around!

Shipping Without A Broker

⋅ Auto Carrier, Auto Shipper ⋅

Many customers prefer skipping the broker since a broker can seem like a salesperson. Brokers connect customers with carriers and do not have their own carriers. Since they have a large network, there are more shipping options. However, they may not personally know the carrier company they refer you to, which can create issues with the customer.

Going with a carrier is a better option for many customers. Some of the carriers are small family-run businesses that have one or two trucks – and are often very reliable. Since brokers do not personally own any trucks, they will have to find you a truck to move your vehicle and charge you an additional fee. Many customers prefer using just a carrier so they do not have to deal with additional charges, and every price and service is from one place.

Customers prefer carriers since it is easier to get in contact with a carrier than a broker. If there is an issue with your vehicle, the broker will have to call the truck company and will take a lot longer than being in direct contact with the carrier. With carriers, if there is an issue such as traffic causing delays or accidents, you are in contact with every party that is responsible. Carriers also specialize in specific routes in the U.S., which is an advantage to the customer. If they are a larger company, they will drive more routes – and know the routes well.

Customers who want to ship without a broker can have a positive shipping experience. Since there is no middle-man, you can sometimes negotiate prices with the carrier. Some carriers are smaller than others and family-owned, making the customer experience more personable and reliable. With their own vehicles, niche routes and excellent communication, it’s no wonder why customers prefer using a carrier over a broker.

Ship With Direct Connect Auto Transport For The Best Price And Service

Ship With Direct Connect Auto Transport For The Best Price And Service

⋅ Auto Carrier, Auto Transport Company ⋅ ⋅

The vehicle shippers at Direct Connect Auto Transport are experienced drivers that have been shipping cars from point A to point B safely for years. If you are looking to have your car shipped to another state or cross country, do your research before you choose just any auto transport service. Always look into what company offers the safest and most reliable service. Direct Connect Auto Transport is a licensed, bonded, and insured company. They stress safety first when shipping cars and have a damage-free guarantee, so you don’t need to worry about your vehicle being damaged during shipment.

 

Direct Connect Auto Transport ships nearly every type of vehicle, from boats and large trucks to motorcycles and classic cars. Depending on the value of your vehicle you may opt to decline the traditional open auto transport for enclosed transport of your vehicle. Although they always stress vehicle safety, and 75% of their customers use open transport, they recommend using enclosed transport for valuable cars. If your car is a classic car, or a valuable car valued at or above $70,000, you may want to consider using enclosed shipping. The luxury and classic cars should not be exposed to any weathering or debris, which can ruin the car’s paint or degrade the car’s value.

 

You will always get the best price for your auto transport quote, and Direct Connect Auto Transport has a pricing calculator that will estimate the price of your trip using factors such as distance, vehicle make & model, location, vehicle condition, transport type, and season. If you are leaving during a busy season, such as the snowbird winter months, you can expect the travel rates to be higher since demand for carriers is higher. Snowbird season is our busiest season when many retirees leave the cold winter months in the North for warmer temperatures in the South. With whatever season you choose to travel, they will always offer the best rate for your travel.

 

If you are looking to ship your vehicle with a reliable auto transport company look no further than Direct Connect Auto Transport. Contact them today for a free quote to see how much you can save from other transport companies. You will always have professional service with dependable direct contact and customer support. So ship your car today for guaranteed, high-quality and reliable transport!

Take the Hassle Out of Auto Shipping With Direct Connect Auto Transport

⋅ Auto Carrier, Auto Shipper, Auto Transport Company ⋅

Shipping a car is safe and easy with Direct Connect Auto Transport. Their auto transportation is reliable, with a damage-free guarantee. The trusted shipper will allow you to ship everything from oversized equipment to boats and cars. Whether you need a classic car shipped to a city for a new job, or you need a truck shipped to a remote area – direct connect can help every move be a smooth transition every time.

What is The Cost?

The cost will differ based on a number of factors: vehicle type, vehicle size, vehicle weight, amount of space the vehicle takes up on the carrier and the place you are leaving from and going to. If you have a car valued at over $70,000, we recommend enclosed shipping. This is about double the price of open carrier car transport. We recommend this for expensive, rare or vintage cars. Cars under $70,000 should consider using open carrier transport since 75% of our customers use it and have positive feedback from their experience.

When Will My Car Arrive?

There is an estimate for when your car will arrive for automobile transport, but there is no guarantee. Factors that can affect shipping include weather, traffic, accidents, car issues, etc. If you are leaving from a crowded area like a city and traveling to another populated area – the chances are higher of having carriers ready at a moment’s notice to transport your vehicle. However, if you live in a rural area and a carrier has to go off the main path, it will cost more and may also take longer to have your vehicle shipped.

Using a Transporter Takes Away the Stress of Driving Yourself

If you want to ship a car to another area whether it is for a new job or for seasonal auto transport, why make it more stressful by driving the car yourself? With a carrier, you do not have to worry about gas money, traffic, weather, etc. You also do not have to worry about your car breaking down on your destination and having to get it repaired. Especially if you are moving for a job, you should not make the move more stressful than it needs to be. Trust Direct Connect Auto Transport to safely transport your vehicle and deliver it damaged free – guaranteed!

Open vs. Closed Shipping

Open vs. Closed Shipping

⋅ Auto Carrier ⋅

Depending on the vehicle that you are trying to ship, the price and shipping method will vary. For most vehicles, it is recommended that you use the less expensive open carrier option. For other, more expensive and valuable vehicles, you should absolutely use a closed carrier. Although Direct Connect Auto Transport is always diligent with ensuring that your vehicle gets delivered safely with open transport, there are rare times when damage is unavoidable.

When to Use Open Transport

You should use open auto transportation if your vehicle is worth less than $70,000. Almost 75% of people that use auto transport will go with open transport. It is like on a flight, where the majority of the people on board will take the economy seats. There is always a risk that your vehicle can become damaged while being moved via open transport. Whether it is weather-related event or fuel from the top row of cars leaking to the bottom row of cars – damage is known to happen in rare cases. There is also a chance of debris from high winds to hit your car. Since weather prediction is not always accurate, sometimes the auto transporter can run into bad weather despite taking all possible precautions.

When to Use Closed Transport

You should consider closed auto transport when your vehicle is worth over $70,000. If you have a classic car or an expensive sports car, closed auto transportation is something that you should strongly consider. Any vehicle that has a lot of value to it should use this option. With classic cars, if it gets damaged it may be difficult to find the right parts. It will also be very expensive for any repairs, such as a coat of paint that was used on a classic car.

Advantages and Disadvantages to Open and Closed Auto Transport

There are both advantages and disadvantages to move cars with either open or closed transport options. Open transport is great for every day vehicles, is less expensive since there are more open carriers, and it is a popular choice for car dealers. The disadvantage is that there are more stops, which will take more time. Your vehicle will also be exposed to weather and road elements, and contingent cargo insurance will not cover any road hazard damage. The advantages to enclosed auto transport include not having to worry about damage from debris or weather related events. It is also faster auto transport as there are fewer stops and fewer cars in the carrier. The disadvantage to closed auto transport is it’s at least 50% more expensive, it is not an economical choice for lower value vehicles and there is not as much space on the closed carrier as there are on the open carriers.
So there are both advantages and disadvantages to both open and closed carriers. Choice either open or closed carriers based on your vehicle type. With whatever carrier type that you choose, Direct Connect Auto Transport always does their absolute best to get your vehicle safely to its destination. With years of experience and a great track record, you can count on them to get you to where you need to be within the correct time frame. Contact Direct Connect Auto Transport for an auto transport quote to get your vehicle from point A to point B safely and efficiently.

Auto Carrier Transportation For All Vehicle Types

Auto Carrier Transportation For All Vehicle Types

⋅ Auto Shipper ⋅

There are many automobile transportation companies in the U.S. but many of them fail to offer the comprehensive services that Direct Connect Auto Transport offers. Direct Connect offers everything from exotic and classic car transport to heavy haul, corporate relocation, and seasonal auto shipping. With over 20 years of experience in the auto transportation and shipping industry, Direct Connect Auto has experience handling all types of vehicle transportation both nationally and internationally.

If you are shipping a valuable classic or exotic car, look for an experienced auto transporter that knows how to handle your car and prevent damage. Get a classic and exotic car hauler that you can trust to ship your car on time and safely. Classic and exotic shipping often costs more as the majority of people opt for the safety of the enclosed carrier. While open car carriers are an option, most people with valuable cars want complete protection from the elements, debris, etc.

Direct Connect Auto Transport also offers heavy haul transportation for heavy equipment, machinery, or vehicles. Many companies claim to offer heavy haul when, in reality, they are not equipped to transport anything beyond a large SUV. Direct Connect Auto has FTL transport and heavy flatbed freight to carry everything from oilfield gear and agricultural equipment to heavy vehicles and cargo shipping.

Direct Connect Auto often ships during snowbird season, which is a popular moving as well as shipping time for many retirees. During the winter, many people are looking to move south for a few months in an effort to escape the cold. They could drive their vehicle, but instead of driving and spending money on gas many opt to have Direct Connect Auto deliver it at a great rate and travel worry free.

With whatever type of shipping you decide on, get an auto transport quote and start your journey today. With Direct Connect Auto, you get the peace of mind that your vehicle will be delivered in a safe and hassle-free manner. When you are moving or relocating, the last thing you should think about is the inconvenience of bringing your vehicle yourself. Contact Direct Connect Auto for all your vehicle delivery needs.

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