Posts Tagged ‘shipping’
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
We have all been so tired we hardly knew where or who we were. Hopefully this is the result of a really fun-filled night that went on way too long before a work day rather than a result of chronic insomnia.
Sleep is boring but a very important part of a healthy life and has been the subject of many a medical study. Sleep can be a valuable process as much as a necessity or it can also lead us to a fatal injury. Sleep depravation is real and an ugly thing that can turn into a very serious issue. It is never more deadly then when it strikes a person behind the wheel of a car or especially behind the wheel of a massive eight-wheeler. One seriously exposed industry is auto shipping.
Regularly relying on truck drivers to travel long distances in short and efficient periods of time, the auto shipping industry is an area of expertise that is very susceptible to the drawbacks of combating sleep schedules and the safety concerns that follow. Driving is already a very sensitive task and mixing long hours with this type of work function can have devastating effects. The more we learn about the sleep laws of the road, and review details of sleep as related to truck driving, the more conscience we should become about some of the perils we may face when shipping vehicles.
Hopefully the more we know, the more willing we will be to abide by the laws and to support the auto shipping companies that are making a conceded effort to keep our roadways free of danger. Let’s take a look at who created some of the laws and a few of the methods used to prevent harm.
State highways, county highways, United States highways and interstate highways all have the same rules regarding sleep while working and driving as a truck driver and vehicle transporter. The governing body of these laws is The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration who is responsible for deciding driving hours and conditions for truckers involved in interstate commerce. All auto shipping companies should at least be aware of these guidelines as they almost always pertain directly to there business goals.
The Motor Carrier Safety Administration partners with both the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies and the National Institute for Occupational Safety to conduct a multitude of scientific and in-depth statistical studies regarding fatigue and the effects of sleep in conjunction with occupational driving. The resulting information has been used to create what the administration refers to as Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
It is important to note that there are two sets of rules. One pertaining to passenger carrying vehicles and one directed towards property moving trucks. Auto shippers must abide by the more stringent property based regulations. Dissecting and reviewing these laws will help auto shippers do a better job, become more alert within their work environments and may even help save lives.
Auto shipping drivers and companies to avoid breaking any laws must abide by certain rules of sleep. The basics of these rules dictate that drivers may be on the road a total of 11 hours without rest only after 10 straight hours of being completely off the clock. The rules also state that drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on the job and may return to work only after 10 consecutive hours of idle time. Other guidelines are that drivers who log a 60 hour-7 day work week or a 70 hour-8 day driving schedule must then take 34 hours of rest before starting out again. Lastly, drivers sleeping in berths in their trucks must take eight consecutive hours in that sleeper cabin along with a separate two consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or a combination of the two before continuing their driving.
It is mandated that this schedule be tracked via trucker logs and journals and on-board computer devices. Bits of the compiled daily data might include truck number, the name of the vehicle carrier and the mail office address, date and time, total miles driven in a 24-hour period, name of the co-driver, shipping document numbers and driver’s signature swearing that all entries are true.
All of this is closely observed. Fatigue can be the most dangerous of auto shippers’ enemies. Because of the severity of the possible results of operating a large motor vehicle in a compromised state, auto transporters must be ever alert and continue the fight against the very real disasters caused by falling asleep at the wheel.
To read more about Auto Transport or Auto Shipping please visit MetroGistics.
Tags: auto, auto shipping, auto transport, automotive, autos, business, car, car carrier, cars, logistics, moving, relocating, shipping, trucks, Uncategorized
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Monday, January 16th, 2012
If you’ve never shipped a vehicle before, the whole process can be a bit overwhelming at first. There are, however, a few things that you can look out for that may help you choose the best vehicle shipping company for your needs.
One very necessary thing to consider is how quick they are to show you their insurance policy. Any company that does not cover their cargo or will not show you their policy does not deserve your trust or your business. They may be in legal trouble, financial trouble, or just plain mismanaged and you want nothing to do with this failing company looking for as many suckers as they can to seduce before they go under.
Of course you want an honest company, but you also want one that is well-capitalized and can offer several insurance policies for you to select depending upon your requirements. Your personal insurance may not cover your possessions adequately when shipping your auto. Pick a policy from the shipping company that extends your personal policy to cover this excess. This type of policy is known as excess insurance. Primary insurance is also offered which offers coverage independently of any insurance you own. The company should give you a rundown of the types of damage and accidents common to the industry to aid you in your decision of the coverage you need appropriate to your situation.
Now that this step has been completed, you are ready for the next phase – that of deciding which method of transport is best for you. There are two main types of carriers: open and closed, with the open being the most common and most visible. The open carriers are more popular because they cost less than the closed container type. In fair weather and over long distances, the open carrier is good choice and offers prompt shipment.
A lot of container shipping is done by sea. Closed carrier trucks are costlier than open carriers. Moreover, companies prefer to wait until a container truck is loaded with a maximum of cars before shipping, which means you will have to wait, perhaps a long time, unless you are willing to pay to compensate them for early delivery.
Inside a closed truck or container your car is more secure. It is less likely to be stolen or damaged by elements outside the shipping process, like weather or vandals. If your car has to endure a long trip or if it is an unusual vehicle, an expensive or fragile collector’s item, and if you want to hold on to what you have already spent a fortune buying and maintaining, best opt for closed carrier shipping.
The reputable company will offer insurance for each and every vehicle it carries and any damages they sustain will be fully compensated while under their care. Over and above, they carry liability insurance of at least $800,000 to cover the cargo should several of the vehicles become damaged. Honest companies care about their reputations and will not sacrifice their name by mishandling or endangering their customers’ property. They will insure against this. So do not do business with any company that will not give you proof of insurance or fails to bring it up in initial conversations.
To read more on Car Transport or Car Shipping please visit MetroGistics.
Tags: auto, auto shipping, auto transport, automotive, business, cars, logistics, moving, relocating, shipping, transportation, trucks, Uncategorized, vehicle shipping, vehicle transport
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Sunday, January 15th, 2012
You may be hopelessly romantic or shamelessly fetishistic about the car you choose, but when it comes to choosing auto shipping services it comes naturally to be practical. You want to be careful about the carrier company you choose. Several basic stages comprise the process of ensuring the best service for your car. The rest are minutiae of documentation which it makes no sense to consider, but the basics which will follow are key to successfully shipping your car from place to place, nowadays more of a necessity than ever.
Don’t just hire the first company in the phone book. Take time to research several companies and then compare prices and services. Even if bargaining is not your strong suit, it is appropriate here. At the very least let them think you have better offers from others and make your exit if their terms don’t seem reasonable to you. This is no small package you are shipping and the transportation of your car will be expensive, but the honest, dependable company will allow some wiggle room in their pricing and offer various options.
Some may not go down on their price or even offer bonuses or perks to gain your business. Beware, they are in either a shaky business situation or their customer relations department needs to go back to school. You can do better.
Pay attention to discern between companies that charge very high prices by industrial standards. Some will charge a lot because that is what do, not necessarily because they are good, and some will charge high prices because they are the best. The internet is a good place to research auto shippers. You can check the company’s history and current financial stability. They often post customer reviews and referral numbers on their websites. It won’t hurt to call these references. You may also get an idea of their level of customer service from their website. The professional company is successful because they care about the wants and needs of their customers and want to satisfy them so they will be back themselves and send them more business by referring others.
Usually the companies which are only faking high standards to justify high prices will try to rush you into signing a contract. They get away with this by hiring clever salespeople. These people will not bargain or will do so reluctantly unless they have really astronomical prices, and they will be unable to prove any level of competence.
They will not spend any time with you to discover your needs and will offer very little in the way of a range of services or prices. They want you to understand that by not doing business with them, you are making a big mistake.
You can tell a lot about a company by how the manager treats you as a customer. If they don’t value you, they don’t value their own business reputation. They just want your money with no guarantee of delivery. Don’t give it to them.
To read more on Car Transport or to get an online Vehicle Shipping Quote please visit MetroGistics.
Tags: auto, auto shipping, automotive, business, cars, logistics, moving, relocating, shipping, transportation, trucks, Uncategorized
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Wednesday, January 11th, 2012
If your were to list your most valuable assets, near the top of the list, you would likely include your auto. Cars are valuable as the proved transportation to and from work or school. They are also expensive to replace. If you are moving your vehicle a long distance, you want to be sure that it is well taken care of. If you are using an auto transport company, you should be very diligent in choosing that company in order to ensure that your vehicle makes it to the new destination without damage. These tips will help you to choose the best carrier.
Seek out a shipping company which has a very good reputation. Use the internet and search to check out the companies. If a company has a bad reputation a quick internet search will let you see reviews of several dissatisfied customers. Look for a site that gives you more than just a star rating if possible. You will want to know both what happened and how the company tried to resolve the problem. You need a feel for how the company deals with problems as well as the problems that happened. If the majority of reviews are negative, it is probably best to stay away from that company and to choose a different carrier.
You will want to know if the shipping company has the proper licenses to transport your car. Auto transport companies need a federal license ans should fulfill insurance and bond requirements. Legitimate carriers will have no problem in allowing you to see these items.
Be sure that you ask the company about the insurance that they have to cover any damage that might happen to your car during the move. Be sure to find out about any limitations to that insurance. For example, some companies do not cover damage that might be caused by flying gravel. This includes paint chips and broken glass. If this is not a part of the companies insurance, you will want to know before signing any paperwork.
You will find that there are several options for shipping your vehicle. Not all companies will offer all of these options, so ask the representative what is available.
If you agree to open shipping, your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer for transport. While less expensive, your vehicle is subject to more damage than if it is in an enclosed container.
Enclosed shipping puts your vehicle in an enclosed trailer and it is unlikely that flying objects will cause damage to the vehicle. If you have a very new vehicle, a specialty vehicle or an antique automobile, the extra expense may be worth the extra cost.
Economy service is the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. This method of shipping is on a space available method and it can cause significant delays in your vehicle arriving at your new home. Some companies say that this method of transportation can take up to three weeks to get your vehicle delivered. If you are not in a hurry to get the vehicle at the new home, this can save some money.
Full service moving will get the vehicle to the new destination in the shortest amount of time possible.
If you need to find Georgia Auto Transport companies, Florida Auto Transport companies, or auto shipping in any other state, please visit MetroGistics.
Tags: auto, auto shipping, auto transport, automotive, business, cars, logistics, moving, relocating, shipping, trucks, Uncategorized, vehicle shipping, vehicle transport
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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012
A company may be unwilling to produce the information required for you to feel secure in contracting them, but though you suspect something fishy you might not know what to look out for and how to ensure dependable service. A broker’s job is to verify current insurance, track record, general reputation with the industry and past customers, and the validity (and in some cases the reality) of their MC license.
The broker’s decision will be made on the company’s past performance, whether it has industry longevity or not. The broker will then give you a choice of several companies that have passed this initial test. You will have much better access to information that is pertinent to you so you can make an intelligent decision on which company best suits your needs.
A very popular website to help you in your search for auto shipping brokers and/or companies is Transportationreviews.com. You can find customer reviews on the site above and beyond what the broker may provide. A good way to analyze the customer responses is to measure the positive reviews against the number of cars shipped out in a week, month, or year. But remember, the lack of negative responses doesn’t mean there is no one out there with a negative experience. People tend to write only good reviews for publication and deal with the broker or company directly to get satisfaction from either a real or perceived unhappy event. A bad review may also be coming from a chronic whiner who is never satisfied with any service provider with whom he does business.
Full customer satisfaction is the goal of any worthy enterprise and the heart and soul of his business. But while 100% positive responses are not a sign of total reliability, neither are 100% negative responses significant proof a company is completely undependable. You should pay the most attention to whether the nature of the complaint is major or minor and if it reoccurs with any degree of consistency. You will have to perform this analysis yourself, the website won’t do it for you. Remember any negative comments could be coming from someone for whom the company bent over backward to please, and there was just no pleasing this irrational hothead.
What you don’t want to see is a company with a large variety of bad reviews. True, a company may have a weak link, but otherwise be of sterling reliability and reputation. On the flip side, a company that doesn’t appear to be doing anything right by its customers is not the one to deal with. They may be badly managed or constantly cash poor or both.
Nonetheless, customer response is only an early phase of your investigation and one of the very few you can research yourself without a broker. By hiring a broker, you will be able to take advantage of the information he can uncover that you can’t, not just cryptic customer reviews but official documents and records as well as professional experience, industry knowledge and advice. You will avoid the tedious details involved in industry bureaucracy and endless negotiations to set a price. A good broker is an effective negotiator who will save you money while charging a nominal fee, usually between $100 and $200 dollars for their services depending on the complexity and time restrictions your particular job entails.
To read more about Auto Transport or Auto Shipping please visit MetroGistics.
Tags: auto, auto shipping, auto transport, automotive, business, cars, logistics, moving, relocating, shipping, transportation, trucks, Uncategorized, vehicle shipping, vehicle transport
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Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
Environmental changes on our planet are a reality, no longer in the realm of alchemy and pseudoscience. Thus, it is in the best interests of our world as well as of all industrial operations to take the necessary steps to avoid further deterioration of our planet. Note the growing popularity of hybrid vehicles, wind farms and just about any form of alternative energy.
Green homebuilding offers an opportunity to reduce energy consumption and this is another area that is growing in popularity. Cities are on the campaign trail to promote more energy efficient light bulbs, city buses, and street lighting. Recycling just about everything has become the norm.
Auto shipping companies are following this path and are attempting to stop the depletion of our natural resources and to reduce global warming. The auto shipping is a rather recent development and is experiencing massive growth in our increasingly global society. Because of their newness, they are keenly aware of modern problems such as environmental pollution of all kinds and have been part of the green movement for years, with very little fanfare.
It is undoubtedly due to this new emergence of the industry that they are able to understand their potential for cleaning up the planet. In the wake of serious environmental pollution caused by container vessels, oil freighters and trucks, to name a few of the master polluters, they must put a great deal of effort into innovative technology to avoid future accidents in their own shipping industry as well as in others. They desire to do this because it is the right thing to do for the environment and the right thing to do for the economic survival of this huge and burgeoning industry.
One rather large auto shipping company has the ability to save up to three million gallons of fuel by some estimations, thereby reducing greenhouse gases by 38 million pounds that would otherwise drift into our atmosphere. The expansion of the industry is a given and with the increasing globalization of our society, their future looks secure. They must expand in a most environmentally friendly way.
The benefits derived from environmentally friendly auto shipping companies alone are staggering even using simple math to calculate them. In the theoretical case of only one auto shipping company per state national savings would be approximately 150 million gallons of fuel prudently unused and as much as 2 billion pounds of greenhouse gases prevented from poisoning the atmosphere. You do not have to do the actual math to see that if only half of all existing national auto shipping companies united in the effort the results could be staggering savings and crucial progress towards a greener technological civilization.
Obviously, there is an incredible number of personal vehicles being driven on the roads today. There is no one industry that can save us all. But those industries taking the lead in environmentally clean practices should be very proud of their achievements and will stand as an example to other industries to become future-oriented as well. These green industries just may make the transition to becoming technologically and environmentally innovative while remaining in the upper echelons of the industrial world.
For more information on Auto Shipping or Car Transport please visit MetroGistics.
Tags: auto, auto shipping, auto transport, automotive, business, cars, environment, environmental, logistics, moving, relocating, shipping, transportation, trucks, Uncategorized
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Monday, December 26th, 2011
Good old Curious George the sock monkey has a lot to teach us about asking questions to get to the root of the problem and discover all of its ramifications. Just like good teachers who encourage their students to ask questions, Curious George was a good character who did the same. If you are thinking about shipping your vehicle to your new location instead of driving it (if that is even possible) emulate the sock monkey and ask a bunch of questions.
Since auto shipping is usually not something the average person does on a regular basis, it makes it even more important to diligently inquire about the unknown. As people and property can be on the line, not asking the appropriate car carrying questions can lead to significant consequences down the road. The practice of auto shipping can be a complex process and asking the right questions is one of the only ways we can better prepare for all that it entails. Going over some of the basics as well as some of the more obscure questions related to sending and receiving cars should allow us to make informed decisions and in turn will increase performance and conformability.
Probably the first question to ask is about the container your car will be shipped within or on top of. The differences are vast between closed and open container shipping and must be addressed in terms of categories like security and pricing. You must not only determine the price but what that amount covers. Not all price quotes will cover the type of container offered, insurance, door-to-door shipping, and direct or expedited routing.
Along with cost questions should come cancellation fee and policy examination. Delving in depth with the auto shipping provider in regards to the terms and conditions of pricing and service is never a negative. Other simple questions to ask may be about the amount of time it will take to complete the shipping, what are the guarantees of the delivery organization, and if the company represents itself entirely or brokers the work out to third parties. Extra general questions to be aware of include cross-examining scheduling parameters, pickup and drop off locations and the rules of object inclusion inside the vehicle. Once the standard prodding is out of the way there still may be a few more investigations we should be making.
If your car has special needs and/or if it going outside of domestic boundaries, shipment knowledge definitely becomes even more of a priority. For example, even though Hawaii is certainly a part of the United States, there are distinctive conditions that apply to this particular state, and you need to find out what they are. In international shipments, you will need to inquire about customs clearing, local laws and the current idiosyncratic rules and regulations of the particular country of destination. If your vehicle is rare, vintage, classic or oversized, special handling is required. Ask the shipper how they handle such vehicles.
Another more sensitive and complex topic to review with the shipping company of choice is damage reporting. Obtaining knowledge about how inspection sheets work, driver licenses, and how signature reconciliations are coordinated is recommended. Sorting out challenging auto shipping issues such as what is done in case of emergency, the historical background of the company you are working with, and what measures are taken to assure customer happiness should not be taken lightly. Regardless of what your auto shipping intentions are, asking the frequent and infrequent questions of the trade will in most instances better ready you for any possible barrier or concern.
The automobile shipping industry is a mystery to just about everyone that doesn’t deal with it on an everyday basis. Questions about how much gas to leave in the tank, will the car be driven by someone else at any time and does the vehicle have to be in operating condition to ship are not dumb. As a matter of fact, questioning any phase of the process that you do not understand until you do understand it in detail is the wise way to go. Once again, you do not want to encounter any surprises when shipping something so important as your major means of transportation.
For more on Car Shipping or Vehicle Transport please visit MetroGistics.
Tags: auto, auto shipping, auto transport, automotive, autos, business, car, car carrier, cars, logistics, moving, relocating, shipping, trucks, Uncategorized
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Sunday, July 11th, 2010
Moving is stressful, and it’s tedious, and nobody likes to do it. One of the most stressful tasks is ensuring none of your belongings or furniture gets damaged in the process, because when it does happen, it’s often difficult to fix. But an easy way to minimize the damage to your things is by using moving blankets.
Moving blankets come in all sizes, big or small, and can fit around your furniture pieces snugly and not only protect it from being damaged but also protect it from dirt, dust, and water.
The moving blankets also have straps that you can use to secure them. And once you are done moving you can use them to protect anything you have in storage including cars, boats, or furniture.
The type of moving blanket you need depends on what you want to protect. You can choose from different sizes; the most common size is the 72×80 inch blanket. You also can choose from lighter or heavier as well as woven, non-woven and burlap materials.
Your moving blankets will come in blue or multicolored and can be bought one at a time or in packs of 12. The lightweight blankets cost $6.99, and prices increase up to $15.99 for the heavyweight furniture pads.
The furniture pads can be spread across the floor of a moving truck or van to keep the floor from scratching wood furniture or other belongings. Once you arrive, you can pull furniture by the moving pad to avoid harming it during moving.
If you’re moving your furniture in the back of a truck, use the moving blankets to cover the load and protect your possessions from sun, wind, water and dust.
These moving blankets are made to protect your belongings and will last a lifetime. Use them for protecting your items in storage, cover your vehicle to protect it from the elements, or use it to protect your furniture while moving from place to place.
They can even be used in a warehouse to protect machinery when you don’t need them for other tasks. Keep your belongings looking great by covering them with a specially made moving blanket. They’re an inexpensive, easy way to keep your belongings in good shape.
If you want to find the best moving blankets , then visit Shippers Supplies and choose the most durable moving blankets available.
Tags: business, general, moving, moving supplies, padding, shipping, shipping supplies, transportation, truck rental, trucks, Uncategorized
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
When you start packing your things to move it is important to know how to best protect your possessions. Larger furniture and items should be secured with moving blankets. You can use either quilted or non-quilted moving blankets, but the quilted blankets definitely provide the most protection.
The outside material used to make moving blankets is usually a polyester or felt: either is fine. However, you want to check to make sure the inside, made of recycled cotton, has enough filler. You want to use quilted blankets, but the filler determines the amount of protection from there.
Even though large furniture pieces are the most common items wrapped in moving blankets, almost any item can benefit from the protection the blankets offer. Moving blankets are essential to prevent damage and scratches while moving, but can also be beneficial when storing items.
Aside from using your blankets for moving they serve other purposes. Moving blankets can be used as bedding for your favorite pet, in your child’s play room and most recently they have been used to sound proof rooms.
Consumers have the option of renting or purchasing moving blankets. Blankets can easily be rented or purchased from any of your local moving companies. It is just up to you to decide if you need one for an extended period of time or if it’s just for one particular move.
Depending on the protection you want blankets can range from $15 to $100. Renting can be almost just as much as purchasing the moving blankets. Purchasing the blanket can often be a better option because you don’t have to worry about anything happening to it on the move and after you have it to use as you need.
Most of the blankets you have in your home currently are made to supply warmth and look good in your home. These blankets cannot supply the same protection moving blankets do. Moving blankets are not a waste of money, if you want to protect your belongings.
You may have spent several hundred of dollars on your blankets and using them for one move can cause them to be ruined forever. So you would not only potentially leave the door open for your items to get damaged you could also waste a lot of money because the ruined blanket would eventually need to be replaced. Making smart decisions saves you time and money in the long run.
If you’re looking to find great deals on moving blankets and other shipping supplies then visit www.ShippersSupplies.com to see the moving blankets they offer.
Tags: business, general, moving, moving supplies, padding, shipping, shipping supplies, transportation, truck rental, trucks, Uncategorized
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Saturday, June 5th, 2010
You’ve just bought a new home. You’ve packed up the old one; everything you own has been boxed and organized in the back of a moving truck. You leave the old and head for the new. You get there and open the back of your moving truck. And your possessions and furniture are broken, dinged and strewn everywhere.
Your pictures are covered with broken glass, your tables are scratched and worn-looking, and the antique dresser your grandmother passed down is in splinters. You, and your belongings, deserve better than that.
Next time, use moving blankets when you pack to ensure your belongings are treated gently, no matter how rough the move.
You have to plan how to effectively pack a moving truck to ensure everything gets in tightly and safely. Picture frames, posters and framed art should be leaned against a side wall, with moving blankets between each piece to avoid broken glass.
There are different types of moving blankets. Some are thinner and made of cotton or felt; these blankets are helpful when you are packing or storing items in a tight space and can’t spare extra room for more padding. The thicker padded or quilted variety provides more protection for breakable items, or items you’re worried about breaking.
When researching moving blankets, it’s also beneficial to remember that there are quilted furniture covers that can be used for specific sizes of furniture. Because these covers can fit snugly over a piece of furniture, there’s less risk of the blanket shifting or falling off the piece of furniture during the move.
Thinking about buying your moving blankets? They can be used after moving to protect items in storage or to soundproof a room.
However, if there is no need for this, rental is a good option. Most moving companies offer moving blanket rentals as part of their services.
When planning a move, remember that a moving company is not always liable if some of your possessions get damaged during delivery. Using moving blankets to pack can decrease the risk and make you feel better about your belongings being protected.
Why risk the loss of your belongings when you can protect them with moving blankets? Buy them or rent them, the protection is priceless.
If you’re looking to find great deals on moving blankets and other shipping supplies then visit www.ShippersSupplies.com to see the moving blankets they offer.
Tags: business, general, moving, moving supplies, padding, shipping, shipping supplies, transportation, truck rental, trucks, Uncategorized
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