Vehicle Transport in Berkeley CA

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Are you looking for the absolute best Berkeley auto transport? In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it works and how to make the very best choice. In order to be sure you get the finest auto shipping rates and the best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. For the most part, auto shippers will offer “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. Before jumping into the Berkeley auto shipping providers, you should first know the distinction between a broker and a carrier. The primary distinction is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Some companies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

Berkeley Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

First of all, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker as opposed to a carrier. Before getting into the process of choosing an auto transport service in Berkeley you should first know the difference between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. The procedure is much simpler than you might think, and we’ll provide all the details you need to make an educated decision.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. Brokers assist in auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that provide the particular services requested. The benefit of using a broker instead of a carrier is that you have much more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, possess the necessary equipment or the correct licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the job of communicating with carriers in order to find the one who offers the best rates and appropriate service, which means you might get a much better rate since it increases competition.

Finding the Best Auto Hauler

If you decide to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be working with the person or persons who own the trucks moving your vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship vehicles all over the country. Virtually all auto transport carriers in Berkeley have to be licensed and insured, but a consumer should still do their homework to confirm this. Most auto carriers serve a specific number of locations and routes that they can transport cars to. Many carriers basically rely on auto shipping brokers to connect them with the proper customers who will fit the routes they take, which means more productive service. You’ll end up having to pay about the same rate whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as costs are based largely on fuel rates at the time. There is competitiveness among auto carriers today and the majority of auto carriers offer a number of promotions and discounts to their clients. As a result, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a great deal.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Take any personal items out of your car.

You may not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Berkeley from transporting vehicles with personal belongings in them. Items that should be removed from your vehicle prior to shipping include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a good plan to check your vehicle and remove any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.

Only leave around a quarter of tank of gas in your car.

Before your vehicle gets loaded up with a Berkeley auto hauler you should look at your gasoline level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of fuel. Some gas is needed to start your automobile and drive it so that it can be loaded and unloaded from the auto shipping trailer properly. You don’t want to have a full tank of fuel either, however, as that can add extra weight to the trailer and complicate the process.

Before shipping your car, examine it for damages.

To make certain you have proof of the condition of your car prior to using a Berkeley auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. Washing your car first will make it a lot easier to identify any dents or dings. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to offer proof of its condition if needed later on. Using this method you have records of its condition in the event any problems occur during the vehicle transport process.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

Once the auto carrier in Berkeley shows up to retrieve your car for transport you should be supplied with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This is merely a document that acknowledges the business is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also show any existing damages to your motor vehicle prior to picking it up. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in agreement on its condition. Any current damages will be recorded in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and consumer. Once your automobile is delivered, you’ll be offered with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have taken place during shipping.

Your vehicle should be insured against damages.

Even though the Berkeley auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would cover any damage that occurs as a result of hauling your vehicle. Normally, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the cost of their services, so there won’t be any extra costs involved. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of problems that could occur. These auto carriers usually have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the rate you’re paying for shipping.

How to Locate the Best Auto Hauler in Berkeley

To make sure you’re acquiring the best car shipping provider in Berkeley there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Every experienced auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. Another way to examine their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Be sure to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the general auto transport process. Finally, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past consumers are expressing about the auto haulers services.

Main difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Berkeley

An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your motor vehicle would be if you were driving it down the street yourself. If using an open carrier then you could expect direct exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. If you’re shipping a custom, classic or collector’s vehicle, then you may want to opt for an enclosed auto carrier. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping service. In an enclosed car carrier, the vehicles are housed in a covered truck. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can typically carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open option.

Know Your Auto Transport Solutions in Berkeley

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, think about how much security your car will require. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your requirements just fine. As usually, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being billed an satisfactory rate. Simply put a little time towards investigating the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Berkeley that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.