Auto Shipping in Grand Ridge IL

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Grand Ridge, 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 Grand Ridge, IL.

What is included in transferring your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Grand Ridge? To put it simply, it’s the act of relocating a car from one state to another through some type of car transport method. This procedure can be taken care of by utilizing an open carrier, which is the most well-known option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be subjected to the open air. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most reasonably priced for common vehicle transport needs. However, first you should learn the difference 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. Below, we’ll examine the difference between a broker and carrier, as well as other ideas that will help you make the most effective auto transport choice.

How to Tell the Difference Between Grand Ridge Auto Carriers and Brokers

First of all, every customer should know 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 Grand Ridge you should first know the distinction between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. The process is much easier than you may think, and we’ll provide all the information 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. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier based upon on routes, your location and the type of service you require. Brokers actually have an established community of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will offer the customer more choices and a far better chance to find the ideal one for them. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you need, possess the necessary equipment or the appropriate licensing to transport through the states needed to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Basically, a broker does the leg work of obtaining a carrier that meets these conditions and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Grand Ridge

A car hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten automobiles at a time. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and transporting vehicles. Sometimes, the operater of the truck is also the owner of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to travel. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Sometimes a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the work. This means that even when you think you are dealing with a carrier in some circumstances you go through a broker provider. Most of the time when customers deals specifically with a company, rather than an intermediary, they think they’ll be obtaining a better price, but that’s not automatically true with Grand Ridge auto transport. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the perfect choice for their clients.

Steps to Take Before Transporting Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your car.

Most people are not aware of a Department of Transportation Code that forbids auto transport services in Grand Ridge from transporting personal products included in vehicles. Items that should be taken away from your vehicle prior to shipment include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a great idea to check your vehicle and remove any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

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

You should always make sure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when shipping. Your Grand Ridge auto carrier will most likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a steep angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be mindful not to keep a full tank of gasoline in your car when transporting it. A full tank would add lots of weight to your vehicle, which could result in problems during the transporting process.

Before shipping your car, look at it for damages.

In order to better determine any scuff marks or blemishes on your vehicle it’s a good idea to rinse it before inspecting the body. This will allow you to clearly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already present on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t erroneously believe the damage happened during shipping. Simply taking photos or a video of the condition of your motor vehicle prior to shipping can help avoid any confusion at the time of its delivery.

Fully understand your Bill of Lading.

You will be given what’s known as a Bill of Lading once your Grand Ridge car carrier arrives to retrieve your vehicle for transport. This Bill of Lading contains the details of your vehicle transport contract and will confirm that it is being placed in the temporary care of the auto transport company. Both parties can do an inspection of the vehicle at this time to record any damages that are on the body. So the client and driver can come to an agreement as to the vehicle’s condition, and that way there won’t be any confusion once the vehicle is delivered. An additional Bill of Lading will be given to the customer once the automobile arrives at its destination, which will verify the condition of the vehicle matches what it was when it was picked up. If any new damages occur, they can be dealt with at this time.

Understand your insurance coverage.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Any Grand Ridge car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will utilize 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 offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Grand Ridge for Your Needs

You’ll have a wide range of auto transporters to pick from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping requirements. Thankfully, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a sound decision on which auto transport Grand Ridge service to go with. First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A reputable auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous clients are saying. Often times it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your service agreement with the auto transporter just so you understand the process a little better.

Grand Ridge Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trucks

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 you’re opting for this type of car carrier transport, you need to be aware that your vehicle will be exposed to all those elements. An enclosed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use especially if you will transport a classic or custom car. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping service. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will moved in an enclosed environment and safe from the outdoors. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can usually carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open option.

You Can Get Excellent Auto Transport Deals in Grand Ridge

Always take into account how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport alternatives are probably fine for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in safeguarded conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping method. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get various quotes from Grand Ridge auto transporters. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the most effective choice for every circumstance. By doing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the perfect deal. When you eventually make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final location.