BY MICHAEL J. FILIA, CRP, PRESIDENT, AUTO RELOCATION PLUS, INC.

We have all seen car carriers transporting shiny new vehicles to dealerships. You may have even seen carriers with several different vehicle makes and models aboard. These vehicles belong to transferees who prefer using a car carrier to ship their vehicles, rather than putting it on the same moving van with their furniture. How often do you park your car in your living room next to your furniture?

Many corporate professionals now use a dedicated vehicle relocation management company to ship their transferees' vehicles. They find this option to be a safe, cost-effective and convenient way to accommodate transferees arriving at the destination before their families.

This option eliminates the need to provide rental cars for transferees for a month or two, when shipping their vehicle via a car carrier takes a week or two. Consider the satisfaction and comfort of transferees driving their own vehicles in their new locations, not to mention the cost-savings your company realizes. When comparing car carriers to service employees, ensure they offer:

  • True door-to-door service (includes pickup and delivery to transferee's front door or office)
  • Guaranteed pickup dates and delivery spreads
  • Enclosed carrier service
  • Car rental assistance (provided if vehicle delivery is late)
  • Updates (to transferee and relocation office) on move status during vehicle relocation. Standard insurance coverage ($100,000 or Kelley Blue Book value with no deductible minimum)
If the car carrier is a not a broker and they own their equipment, what is their claim ratio? How quickly do they settle claims? If the company is a broker; have transferees determine the claim issues directly. Research the potential carriers' reputation within the industry.

At Auto Relocation Plus, Inc., we service each vehicle move individually. As a family-owned-and-operated company that has relocated over thirteen times, we understand the dynamics of relocation. The needs of today's transferees are complex. Partnering with an experienced transportation company will relieve the stresses of a move, save relocation costs and gain a reliable, experienced service partner.

Auto Relocation Plus, Inc. is a family-owned and -operated transportation management company. Michael J. Filia - vice president of sales and marketing - has served on the board of directors for the Corporate Relocation Council. He's a member of the Employee Relocation Council, Southern California Relocation Council and California Moving & Storage Association.