California Gas Prices Putting the Squeeze on Auto Transport Brokers, Reports Universal Auto Transport

LOS ANGELES, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 2011 was supposed to be the year when Americans – financially battered, underemployed and demoralized by the impossibly long crisis – finally found their livelihoods improving. The nation was ready for a recovery, and for several months, it seemed that we would get one. Then, a desperate street vendor in Tunisia lit himself on fire, and the flames have been burning hotter every day. While global oil supplies haven't seen major disruptions so far, gas prices nationwide have shot up by half a dollar since the year turned, reports Universal Auto Transport.

Yet again, California posts the highest prices in the U.S., with last week's average for regular unleaded standing at $3.87, and diesel prices reaching a ruinous $4.285 per gallon. Since all long-haul shipping trucks are powered by diesel, auto transportation companies are seeing their margins evaporate and are struggling to find ways to preserve their business while protecting the customers from the impact of the price increases.

The cost of an average automobile transport job has gone up by $100 in the last 30 days. Auto transport brokers are in an especially tight spot, since the quotes they have given customers 45 days ago may eliminate any chance of making a profit. Since they cannot charge the original price and still make money, many brokers try to avoid uncomfortable conversations with clients by delaying and procrastinating, even going as far as to take down job listings from brokerage boards without telling the customer. As a result, your car may be stranded for months at its point of origin without a specific shipment date.

In these difficult times, it's all the more important for customers to entrust their orders to experts who will be forthright and give them a full account of the situation, and we at Universal Auto Transport are such experts. We promise to immediately let our price-conscious clients know when rising fuel costs force us to increase our prices, and let you decide if you are still willing to commission our services.

In a changing landscape, Universal Auto Transport will be your reliable and honest partner that will make sure your property is delivered on time and for the lowest possible price.

SOURCE Universal Auto Transport