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Supply chain disruptions, changing consumer behavior, and obstacles in inventory management—there are always new challenges and changes in the automotive world. As a dealership it’s important to evaluate your auto logistics partners to ensure they meet your needs in this dynamic industry.
Working with a third-party logistics company (3PL) or auto transportation broker offers several advantages:
- Reduced risk: Specialized knowledge minimizes the risk of damage or delays.
- Improved efficiency: Streamlined processes and optimized routes lead to faster delivery times.
- Cost savings: Efficient operations and strong carrier relationships can result in cost savings.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction: Reliable and timely deliveries contribute to customer loyalty.
Here are six criteria to keep in mind when comparing auto transport providers:
- On-time pickup and delivery
An important factor in reliable auto transportation is ensuring drivers arrive as scheduled. As you evaluate your car shipping options, request to review a company’s track record, specifically pickup and delivery metrics to determine their reliability. This can help reduce your cycle times and maximize revenue potential.
Montway focuses on speed and efficiency, offering auto logistics services with 100% on-time pickup and 98% on-time delivery. - Reliable carrier network
When working with an auto transport broker or 3PL, it’s important to make sure they have an experienced and trusted carrier network. Find out how they qualify and monitor their carriers. Do they have strict standards that must be met? The transportation broker of your choice should have an established plan to ensure the carriers they work with are legitimate, insured, and safe. A dependable carrier network reduces claims that cut into dealership profits.
For example, Montway has a long-standing relationship with its carrier network. Before being considered for Montway’s network, all carriers must complete a 20-point identity and credential verification process. This evaluation confirms their licensing, insurance, safety ratings, and more. Every 60 days, our carrier compliance team actively reviews working carriers to ensure our quality standards are maintained. - Investments in technology
Managing inventory, sourcing used cars, and navigating supply chain disruptions are just a few challenges dealers faced in 2024. These obstacles presented an opportunity for innovation in the industry. Digital solutions that streamline vehicle moves and provide transit visibility are on the rise. Having a technology-focused logistics partner that understands your pain points and can help solve them is beneficial to your business.
To help businesses maintain their competitive edge, Montway continually invests in next-gen auto transport technology. The Montway Automation Portal gives dealerships full transparency while moving their vehicles from one location to the next. This platform streamlines auto transport with easy bulk VIN uploads, access to gate passes, and other important documents. Plus, with dealer group visibility, you can analyze transportation costs by rooftop using custom roll-up reporting. - EV shipping capabilities
While 2024 was the year of the hybrid vehicle, electric vehicle (EV) adoption is holding steady. According to J.D. Power, EV retail share will reach a total of 9.1% of the total automobile marketplace, or a total of 1.2 million vehicles sold. This makes it important to find a logistics provider that has the qualifications and knowledge of EV shipping.
Montway understands the unique challenges that come with hybrid and EV transport, including the importance of load capacity, EV safety and proper battery handling. As a leader in auto transport, we only select highly-qualified carriers to move electric vehicles. We also monitor developments in the EV market to ensure our shipping standards remain among the highest in the industry. - Attentive claims process
Accidents are rare in the car shipping process, but they do occur. The right auto transport partner will never leave you guessing about the status of your claim. Ask your 3PL if they have an in-house claims department or outsource the responsibilities, and how quickly claims are resolved. Because this can be a very stressful process, it’s important to have clear and frequent communication with your transportation broker.
At Montway, we boast 99% damage-free deliveries, resulting in fewer claims and significant cost savings for your dealership. If a claim is made, our experienced in-house department typically resolves it within one week. Our account management team also provides clients with weekly status updates.
Ready to make a change?
Evaluating an auto logistics service provider should not be taken lightly. Consider the six criteria above to help you find a provider that solves your pain points, makes your job easier, and helps your business grow.
About Montway Auto Transport
Since 2007, Montway Auto Transport has carved out a reputation as one of the nation’s premier auto transport brokers. Our extensive network of more than 15,000 carriers seamlessly transports 250,000 vehicles annually across all 50 states. Our commitment to putting customers first is reflected in our exceptional Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 78, nearly double the industry average of 41. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and over 100,000 online customer reviews, we continue to set the gold standard for excellence and reliability in the auto transport industry.
Visit Montway.com/Logistics to learn more about how we can help streamline your vehicle moves today.
