by Mike Buerger
By: Mike Buerger
You’re shipping a car for the first time. You were smart enough to research the various shipping companies and methods, but are not sure you have all of the details. That’s not unusual. There are some obscure shipment standards when it comes to moving cars that you may not be privy to. To help ease the anxiety around these unknowns, we’ve compiled some practical advice for first-time vehicle movers.
#1 Do not use your car as a shipping container
Stuffing your vehicle full of boxes and furniture may seem like an obvious benefit to shipping a car, especially when relocating. It may feel like you’ve just discovered a great transport hack when you first consider it, but unfortunately, most transporters do not allow it. Storing any personal items in your vehicle during transport increases the risk of theft, which creates a liability issue for the driver moving your vehicle (insurance does not cover these items). In addition to this, packing any personal things into a car makes the vehicle heavier. This results in lower fuel economy and higher costs. Commercial trucks adhere to weight restrictions according to the class of truck and trailer. If every car on a 9-car hauler had a few hundred pounds extra in it, the total weight can be off by thousands of pounds which drivers will be fined for. The extra costs would, undoubtedly, find their way back to you, the vehicle owner. Remember that most transporters will only move empty vehicles and save yourself both the time, and headache, of unpacking your car at the last minute.
#2 Remove your toll passes
While we just discussed the importance of not leaving personal items in your vehicle, this is one that’s often overlooked. Toll passes will get scanned, and charged, if your vehicle is in an open trailer. Don’t forget to take any toll passes with you when your vehicle is picked up for transport. While companies like EZ Pass will reimburse you for charges that accumulate when your vehicle is being moved, it’s definitely extra work on your part to get that resolved. Save yourself the time and the unnecessary frustration.
#3 Plan accordingly
Today, we’re all used to Amazon-level logistics. However, shipping a vehicle is a completely different animal than shipping a package. Vehicle transport trailers, along with their skilled operators, aren’t as commonplace on the road as freight. There aren’t distribution centers blanketing the country like you’ll see with package logistics. Car haulers have to cover a lot of ground and pick up as many vehicles as possible in order to stay competitive, which makes hitting exact pick-up and drop-off times difficult. Giving yourself a multi-day window of time where you can be available to handle your vehicle delivery will help greatly.
Personal vehicles are among the most expensive and important things you can own, so it is natural to be anxious about shipping. Autosled was created to solve the complications of vehicle shipments, while providing transparency and convenience. Our digital marketplace is powered by proprietary technology that connects shippers and transporters like never before. Let our network move your car quickly and safely. Get a free quote today!
by Mike Buerger
Who is Autosled?
Autosled provides dealers, transporters, auctioneers, brokers, and individuals that are relocating with seamless, efficient, and digital vehicle transport options. New and used cars, trucks, motorcycles, classic and luxury vehicles are all regularly shipped nationwide.
Autosled’s team is comprised of local and remote members collaborating closely on rapidly evolving products and internal solutions. We help our AutoSled teammates navigate the complexities of high volume automotive shipping, provide our customers reliable and transparent services via web and mobile apps, and empower transporters with increased bookings and fast payment.
Training and Implementation Specialist
We are seeking a highly engaging individual that will help train and support new and existing business customers of our web/mobile application features and services. This role will be responsible for product demonstrations and onboarding of new users into our network while upholding excellent customer satisfaction levels. You will also instruct and train internal team members of new features, functions of our administrative tools and services. You will work closely with the product and engineering teams to maintain a contemporary and extensive knowledge of the products, capabilities, and processes.
Who We’re Looking For
You should possess the ability to quickly learn the company’s evolving products and services, fostering relationships and teaching non-technical customers and internal team members. You should be driven to work independently and in a collaborative environment, reliably meet expectations and demonstrate excellent customer service.
What’s In It for You
Autosled is a strongly backed startup on an exciting trajectory with diverse and experienced leadership to draw upon. As a member of our team you’ll have regular exposure to top emerging technology and the opportunity to learn and create in a rapidly evolving space. Benefits include healthcare, 401k, stock options, companywide success bonus, paid vacation, remote work flexibility and competitive base compensation.
Responsibilities and Expectations:
- Perform product demonstrations and articulate the benefits of Autosled’s products and services
- Assist customer onboarding including company and user setup, training, and support
- Build, monitor and manage ongoing relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Create, review and update product documentation, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Quick Guides, Videos, and other related training materials
- Conduct regular training for internal and external users for new and changed features
- Collect and relay product challenges from customers, escalating to appropriate internal channels
- Provide recommendations and/or solutions on how to mitigate future risks and issues
- Identify and communicate product, process and service optimization opportunities
- Meet with clients onsite or remote via video conference for sales and instructional presentations
- Other related duties as identified by leadership
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- 2 to 4 years of related product management or sales experience
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and attention to detail
- Ability to collaborate in a team environment with multiple departments and disciplines
- Comfort and adaptability for continuous change and multitasking
- Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills
- Excellent problem solving and organizational skills
- Computer proficiency and the ability to accurately enter data, create presentations and generate reports
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace (ex: Microsoft Excel or Google sheets)
- Ability to work a hybrid schedule (3 days per week in office and 2 days per week remote)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Salesforce and Jira
- Previous experience in business-to-business (B2B) sales
- Prior experience in account management
- Microsoft powerpoint and Google slides experience
- Automotive (Dealership and Wholesale) experience
- Understanding of instructional design and evaluation methodologies
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Rockville, MD 20852: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rockville, MD 20852
Autosled is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
by Mike Buerger
Autosled is seeking a Staff Accountant to join our Accounting team. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join a private company in a high growth phase. This position will report to the Finance lead and assist in various special projects.
Responsibilities:
- Support monthly close and internal reporting process by preparing journal entries and account reconciliations and ensuring that financial statements are in compliance with US GAAP
- Role will coordinate with outsourced accountants, operations & finance teams to ensure accounting is in sync with treasury and operations.
- Assists in performing general ledger accounting functions as needed and/or assigned for the purpose of ensuring that department functions are completed in an accurate and timely manner during short times of need.
- Maintains a wide variety of financial information, files, and records for the purpose of ensuring the availability of documentation and compliance with established policies and regulatory guidelines.
- Processes a wide variety of financial information for the purpose of updating and distributing information and/or complying with established accounting practices.
- Develop and implement accounting procedures by analyzing current procedures; recommending changes
- Provide support to division leaders with financial analysis
- Provide support with analysis related to recurring transactions and the monthly account reconciliation process
- Manage day to day Accounts receivable accounts & engagement with Customer Experience team & Customers
- Support day to day Accounts payable & Treasury/Payment activity & engagement with vendors & teammates related to bill payments
- Support monthly accounting processes, specifically related to AR/AP & bank reconciliations
- Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accountancy or equivalent business experience.
- Proficiency with MS Office Suite, specifically Excel
- Proficiency with QuickBooks a MUST
- Minimum of 2 years related business experience with a basic understanding of accounting processes and procedures
- Experience in digital tools and CRMs are a plus.
Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent communication and analytical skills
- Deadline oriented with attention to detail
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Supplemental Pay:
Work Location: One location
Autosled is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
by Mike Buerger
Michael Buerger
September 21st, 2022
Let’s get one thing out of the way – the term “Driver Shortage” isn’t exactly an accurate description of what is ailing the trucking industry. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1,951,600 heavy truck driver jobs (CDL required) in the U.S. in 2020. At the same time, the American Trucking Association reported 3.5 million endorsed drivers, while we continue to see around 100,000 entering the workforce each year.
Despite this discrepancy, associations and large asset-based companies have spread a “shortage” narrative that isn’t entirely untrue. Companies do, in fact, struggle to allocate men and women to move their trucks. The real issue is that new drivers don’t stick around for very long. Low pay, poor treatment and tough working conditions result in shockingly high turnover rates.
“Turnover for truck drivers in fleets with more than $30 million of annual revenue was 92% at the end of 2020, meaning roughly 9 out of every 10 drivers will no longer be working for that company in a year.” TIME
Combining a high driver turnover rate with the additional frustrations of today’s automotive logistics environment – volatile supply and high fuel costs, results in a shortage of dispatchable capacity that continues to adversely affect delivery times. Michael Arnold, Operations Supervisor for Ford’s North America Vehicle Logistics, said that the 10 day average delivery time to get a car to a dealer is now more like 15.
To keep pace with demand, large companies need a continuous pipeline of fresh drivers streaming in. New regulations have lowered the age restriction on interstate truck driving to 18 years old. Efforts to recruit women have increased as well as increasing promotion of high-paying positions. While these, and continuing to highlight driver shortages, does get people interested, this doesn’t touch the real issue at hand- the labor issue.
This is where technology can make an immediate impact. Improving the auto transport process by making it more efficient, and profitable, keeps skilled workers in driver seats while sustaining America’s vehicle inventory flow. While improving the lives of carriers helps big business, it will have a more dramatic effect on small transport companies.
Car carriers who stick around will often try to venture out on their own to (rightfully) collect more of the revenue that they generate. To become an owner-operator, they must purchase or lease their own truck and trailer. While some operate large rigs with 9 car haulers, the majority use smaller heavy duty trucks with a 2 or 3 car trailer. Only 2 million of the estimated 15.5 million commercial trucks in the U.S. trucking industry are tractor trailers while 90% of transport companies operate 6 or fewer trucks, according to truckinfo.net.
Small businesses with lower-capacity trucks do not get consistent OEM contracts or top routes from large dealership groups. Small carriers often depend on old-school load boards, bouncing around between different dispatchers and brokers, countless phone calls and tireless paperwork. All of the time consumption, payment factoring, slow cash flow and process inefficiencies make it a difficult environment within which to make a good living. Technology can give small businesses the level of resources and visibility they need to succeed. Being able to efficiently manage loads, settle invoices and communicate effectively can boost established businesses and give new entrepreneurs a fighting chance.
The reciprocal benefit to vehicle shippers is that this results in increased shipping capacity. More transport companies are able to see and engage with vehicles that are waiting to be moved. This directly translates into increased shipping speeds and stabilized costs.
This 21st century approach to vehicle logistics is slowly becoming the new norm. Autosled offers its entire suite of transport tools to carriers through a single mobile app at no cost. Car carriers who would like to get involved can register for free at www.autosled.com/transporters. Any vehicle shipper interested in connecting to the network via our web-based Dealer Dashboard can do so at www.autosled.com/dealers.
