Car Shipping in Novato CA

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Are you trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one place to another utilizing an auto transporter in Novato? Simply put, it’s the act of transporting a car from one state to another by means of some type of car transport process. Consumers have the option to choose between an open carrier, which is the most common, or an enclosed carrier that better protects your vehicle. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most inexpensive for typical vehicle transport needs. However, first you should learn the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t actually ship the vehicle, but they behave as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. In this article, we’ll evaluate the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some tips to help make your auto transport experience better.

What is the Distinction Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Novato?

Odds are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Novato, then you may be unaware of the difference between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Essentially, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your automobile from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of the two before making a final choice on which provider to do business with.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Consumers

An auto shipping broker is a provider that will hook up customers to the most reliable auto shipper for their requirements. For example, when you call a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your vehicle from point A to point B. However, they will not actually carry out the shipping themselves, as they don’t own the trucks that are used in the shipping process. After communicating with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Novato who have the capacities to handle the customer’s shipping demands. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the customer until the vehicle is delivered. In essence, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can contact many companies in order to find the best service for the shipper.

Locating the Best Auto Hauler

When you choose to seek out a Novato auto carrier you’ll be working with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting motor vehicles. However, most carriers only serve a limited number of routes so that their services are cost effective. Normally, they don’t stray too far from these routes because of additional fuel costs and the travel time frame it would take, which would slow down other deliveries. Dealing with a carrier company does not mean customers will pay less. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with customers, it all costs money. An auto transport broker will already be set up to contact multiple transporters in order to find the best price and most efficient performance for the customer, so dealing directly with an auto carrier may not make a huge difference for the better in price or service. In reality, carriers often times aren’t simple to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

No auto shipper is allowed to transfer any object that would be classified as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. So auto transport in Novato is unable to move a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal property or other goods. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have put in your vehicle.

Do not overfill your gas tank.

Since your automobile will have to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you should make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on fuel. Also, your car may be placed at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning fuel could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gas level is too low it may not be able to start. Make sure to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add substantial weight to your vehicle which could lead to shipping problems.

Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.

In order to better identify any scratches or dings on your vehicle it’s a good idea to wash it before examining the body. You’ll want to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. Just taking photos or a video of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping can help avoid any misunderstandings at the time of its delivery.

What is a Bill of Lading?

As soon as the auto carrier in Novato arrives to retrieve your vehicle for transport you should be supplied with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This is merely a document that acknowledges the company is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also display 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 understanding on its condition. Any current damages will be noted in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and customer. Once your car is delivered, you’ll be provided 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.

Review your insurance coverage opportunities.

It’s a good idea to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Your chosen Novato car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The total insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will employ a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to deliver your vehicle. Occasionally, your insurance company provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Novato

In order to guarantee you’re receiving the best service from your Novato car carrier you can always do a bit of research on their history first. You should only use an auto transport service that is licensed, bonded and insured. The client can also use the auto transporter’s MC number or USDOT number. You can use these numbers to look up reviews on their solutions with the BBB. You can also review the company’s terms and conditions to get a much better idea of the type of service you’re receiving. A little bit of investigation as to overall auto transport process goes a long way as well.

Distinction Between Novato Auto Transports and Enclosed Car Carriers

Usually, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. It is the most commonly used and there are more of these carriers around than any other type. The abundance of these carriers and their reputation helps contribute to the inexpensive price tag. In general, this will be the most cost-effective method of transporting your vehicle. An auto carrier that is going from your area and traveling through to your destination will take that vehicle and add it to a group of up to 10 others heading in that same direction. This minimizes the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Novato

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of protection your car will require while being shipped across the country. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always more affordable, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would typically be exposed to the outdoors on a regular basis anyways. Antique, classic cars and collector’s motor vehicles that are specifically kept in secured conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping solution. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from Novato auto transporters. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the best choice for every circumstance. By performing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.