Hello to all that read. i have a few questions about local transpertation needs. I just recently required two dodge 3500 with 5 car hualers. my goal is to gain contracts with local dealers transporting there cars from the docks, train yards and auctions to the lots. there is not a lot of info out there on this service. i was hoping that some of you could help me with some questions i have. first is this a real need for car lot's. or do they do it them selves. who do i get incontact with at the dealerships. I was told that i would need to get incontact with the auctions themselvees. Is this true? pleease let me know any info you may have.
One group you can focus on are wholesale brokers who buy from auctions outside of their local area. For example, we have 8 independent brokers covering everything from AZ, CO, NM, TX and more. Some of these guys will buy 5-10 cars at a time and need to get them back to our shop in Albuquerque, NM. This is where you could come in.
You may also want to check out www.uship.com which is a website where you can bid on shipment jobs for individuals and companies.
Just a couple ideas off the top of my head. Best of luck to you!
Are you trying to work specifically with dealerships? If so then local dealers may be the best start- however.. there are loads of transportation brokers out there that handle all kinds of transportation needs for various clients.
Just to add on to what Burton Said...
and to shed some light on things- used car dealers usually buy/sell cars at auctions- Manheim (wink) and Adesa are the prime auto auction players! The cars have to get to/from the auctions some how- likewise they have to go from dealer lot to auction in some cases as well if they want to liquidate their lot). Keep in mind the auctions are full of millions of cars (constantly moving). Sometimes these cars go to dealers that have bought them- sometimes they go to other auctions where they may bring a better price. Either way the auctions are the prime place for loads of cars. Also- depeding on your location- you may be near a Manheim or Adesa auction already (not sure). Either way- this may be an easier avenue to pursue - since you are dealing directly with the auction and not trying to reach a manager at a dealership or a shipping yard (those guys are always busy). In order to get some kind of lead at the auctions try calling the auctions and speaking with their transportation department- they can always use MORE RELIABLE transporters. The auctions may be willing to work with someone like you.
I am sure there are insurance requirements that need to be met and whatnot so make sure you have this in order. Even if these guys cannot help- try asking the for additional information.. but I have a hunch they may be willing to work with you.. just depends on what they need!
thank you both for such insightfull information. it makes me feel a lot better about going into buisness for my self knowing that there is a forum such as this and gentled men out there who are willing to be so helpful. i will be following up on both of your leads. i will also be keeping you posted on my success! thank you again.
Hi, Just getting on this blog. The dealer I was with in northern Illinois did a lot of out of state dealer traders . We needed to get cars without putting on road miles. We used a local source who did a get job for us. He had a enclosed trailer that would take two vehicles. He would give us a quick quote whenever shipment issues came into the deal. A number of sales were done over the internet and we offered state to state shipping as an added service.
Speaking of transportation needs. just had to have my wheelchair bound mother taken to a med center. The medivan charges for wheelchair transport was $21.00 a mile. That's almost as bad as the two block ride from the hospital to the nursing center which we were billed $780.00! Think about putting a wheelchair ramp on those car haulers!!!! Just kidding of course...
