The nationwide auto transport industry is a vital screw in the machinery of modern life, facilitating everything from cross-country moves to the delivery of that dream car you finally decided to splurge on.
Yet, beneath the surface of this crucial industry, there is a maze of complexities—from scheduling conundrums and pricing ambiguities to a noticeable lack of transparency, often leaving customers navigating a foggy path.
Steve Yariv, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the transportation industry, has witnessed all of these challenges firsthand—and more. His deep understanding of the sector's gaps motivated him to try and address them head-on with his company, Dealers Choice Auto Transport (DCAT).
One of the biggest challenges the vehicle shipping industry is currently facing is the shortage of qualified drivers. The cost of attracting and retaining skilled drivers, Yariv highlights, has escalated, putting additional pressure on companies in an already competitive market.
On the other hand, he points out that younger generations show very little interest in joining the industry. First of all, vehicle shipping seems to have lost its appeal as a 'legitimate career option' among youths. And secondly, tying into this matter is the financial aspect.
"A decade ago, paying a driver $1,500 for a trip from Florida to New York was considered great pay. However, in today's market, offering $2,500 for the same job is not even seen as exceptional," Yariv comments.
Moreover, there's the factor of responsibility. Drivers who engage in long-haul trips carry an extremely high level of duty for the vehicles they transport. This added sense of responsibility often deters individuals from entering the automotive business.
Yariv points out that accidents or damages caused during transportation can result in financial liabilities for the driver, so it's no surprise to see the prevailing reluctance.
Despite these challenges, DCAT has found success in retaining top-tier talent. By offering competitive pay rates and fostering a respectful, supportive working environment in which every employee's opinions and perspectives are equally valued, the company has set a powerful standard.
"It's been crucial for me that our team truly consists of the best professionals in the industry," Yariv says. "Our dispatchers and drivers are top-notch, and we offer the highest pay rates compared to any other company."
Another gap in the vehicle shipping industry pertains to insurance. Yariv shares that many companies operate under 'peril policies,' which don't provide comprehensive coverage for every issue that could arise during transit.
"These policies have countless excuses for why they won't cover certain situations," he says. "Let's say you unload the car and someone hits you while you're driving it to a parking spot. The insurance won't cover it because you're deemed to be a certain distance away from the trailer."
DCAT is one of the few fully insured companies in the industry. Considering the sheer volume of vehicles they transport, DCAT is also converted by a secondary policy that provides an extra layer of security and confidence for their clients.
Furthermore, one of the most common pain points in the auto transport industry is the lack of direct communication and transparency. The goal for all businesses should be to create an environment where customers aren't left scratching their heads but are instead familiar with each step of the process.
"There are many benefits to such an approach. Customers can have peace of mind, which is vital in an industry as delicate as ours, and if the customer is happy, your business will enjoy greater trust and confidence," Yariv says.
DCAT prioritizes open lines of communication with their clients. From the initial quote to the final delivery, they keep their clients informed and set realistic expectations.
But, most importantly, something that distinguishes DCAT from its competitors is the level of personalization the team has been able to establish. Instead of dealing with an automated phone system with multiple options, customers get a one-on-one personalized service.
"The person who answers your call handles your transaction from start to finish. They manage your quote, process the order, track the drivers, confirm timings, and keep you updated throughout the entire process so that you're never left in the dark," Yariv explains. "Transactional customers can also track their driver using a GPS link."
In an industry that's struggled to tackle its challenges effectively, DCAT's approach is a breath of fresh air. By continuing to innovate and hold themselves to the highest standards, DCAT is paving the way for a more efficient, transparent, and customer-centric auto transport future.
