Auto Transport in Port Charlotte FL
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Port Charlotte, we never charge hidden fees. Our pricing includes everything that you will need to transport your vehicle from point A to point B – all at extremely competitive rates.
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Don’t settle for slow response or late deliveries. For over 10 years we have shipped vehicles on time, when and where our customers need them. Call today to see why we’re the best budget auto transport company in Port Charlotte, FL.
Auto transport businesses exist for the sake of convenience. Instead of moving their vehicles long ranges on their own, people hire auto transporters to safely transfer their vehicles at an affordable price and in a secure environment. However, if you’re not acquainted with the auto carrier process, then the task of selecting the best hauler and options may appear challenging. In this article we’ll review the choices and facts that will help prepare you find the perfect auto transport carrier in Port Charlotte. The majority of car haulers will transport anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and provide a variety of carrier options. In many cases you’ll have the choice of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. But first, we’ll discuss the difference between an auto transport broker and an actual carrier who moves the vehicles.
Port Charlotte Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport
Chances are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Port Charlotte, then you may be unaware of the distinction between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Basically, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your vehicle from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.
How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?
An auto transport broker is simply the professional chosen by you, the shipper, who aids in the process of procuring an auto transport company in Port Charlotte. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but instead will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s circumstance. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each clients, which means they can provide a better variety of rates and options. They’ll find an auto carrier who journeys the route and is within reasonable mileage to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. The broker will be in contact with you, the client, throughout the entire shipping progression until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.
Selecting a Qualified Car Carrier
When you choose to seek out a Port Charlotte auto carrier you’ll be working with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting vehicles. However, most carriers only serve a limited number of routes so that their services are cost efficient. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher rates. Dealing with a carrier company does not mean customers will pay less. All services cost money, particularly with auto shipping due to changing fuel rates, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. Dealing with an auto carrier directly might not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has a variety of carriers that they can contact for the ideal rates and routes. In fact, carriers often times aren’t easy to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.
Preparing Your Vehicle to be Transported
Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
No auto shipper is permitted to transport any object that would be classified as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. So auto transport in Port Charlotte is unable to carry a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal items or other goods. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have put in your vehicle.
Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.
Since your vehicle will have to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you should make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on gas. 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 gasoline level is too low it might not be able to start. Make certain to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add substantial weight to your vehicle which could result in shipping issues.
Take photos of any existing damages on your car.
Always perform an in-depth assessment of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Port Charlotte car hauler. A fairly easy way to do this is by washing your car off and ensuring there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s easier to recognize dents and dings. This will guarantee you are aware of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage took place during the shipping process. It’s best to record the condition of your car by just taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any issues during transporting it.
Understanding your Bill of Lading.
Once the auto carrier in Port Charlotte arrives to obtain your car for transport you should be provided with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document will verify that the auto shipping is hauling your vehicle and will also verify its condition prior to shipping. It’s a wise course of action to inspect the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both conscious of any existing damages. After the inspection is finished, current damages will be recorded and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. 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.
Understand your insurance coverage.
Each time you do business with a Port Charlotte auto hauler you should check to ensure they have their own liability insurance. Generally, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the price tag of their services, so there won’t be any added costs involved. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of issues that could occur. This insurance coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.
Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Port Charlotte
It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any business that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are tons of auto transporters in Port Charlotte to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The very first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. By obtaining these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more details about them. Finally, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re getting and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. By doing a bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.
Main difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Port Charlotte
An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your vehicle would be if you were driving it down the street yourself. If using an open carrier then you could expect 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 option. In an enclosed car carrier, the cars 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.
Choosing The Right Auto Transport Service in Port Charlotte
Prior to making a decision on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your car really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll likely want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. As always, 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. By putting in a bit of time to research the Port Charlotte auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can guarantee you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the very best service.