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Auto Shipping in Grimes IA

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Do you have questions such as what size auto carrier do I need or how much does this cost? Call us now to get all of your questions answered.

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Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Grimes, 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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Dependable Service
On time delivery and pickup

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 Grimes, IA.

Have questions, need a quote, or want to schedule a transport – just give us a call at (888) 654-1785

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Are you trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one place to another using an auto transporter in Grimes? Simply put, it’s the act of transporting a car from one state to another through some type of car shipping process. This procedure can be taken care of by using an open carrier, which is the most frequent option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be exposed to the outdoors. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most affordable for ordinary vehicle transport needs. However, first you should know the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers facilitate the shipping procedure by connecting customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. Below, we’ll examine the difference between a broker and carrier, as well as other tips that will help you make the ideal auto transport choice.

Grimes Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

First, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker versus a carrier. Prior to choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Grimes it’s important to have a decent understanding of the variations between the two, as well as how the industry works. The process is much easier than you might think, and we’ll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

Brokers are basically the logistics managing partner to an auto carrier and customer. They offer a platform for communication and keep track of existing market conditions in order to offer the most realistic rates. Auto shipping brokers in Grimes negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. An auto shipping broker will have relationships with carriers around the country and will find one who travels the route and has the ideal rates for the customer. One of the advantages of using an auto shipping broker is that they can offer you with a better variety of choices when it comes to auto haulers. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor throughout the shipping process and keep the customer current as to its progress.

How to Find a Car Carrier in Grimes

A vehicle 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. The driver may be the owner of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most efficient service. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Some bigger carrier companies are registered brokers as well which gives them the opportunity to broker out your order to another carrier. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Normally you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to auto carriers in Grimes. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the perfect choice for their clients.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Car

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

All Grimes auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be regarded as “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. You will need to do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

Even though your vehicle will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be necessary during the loading and unloading process. Also, your car may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gasoline level is too low it may not be able to start. Conversely, make certain you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a great deal of weight to your automobile during shipping.

Take note of any existing damage on your car.

When using a Grimes car hauler you should always perform a quick assessment of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. A fairly easy way to do this is by washing your car off and making sure there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s easier to identify dents and dings. This will make sure you are conscious of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage took place during the shipping process. Document any damages by taking pictures with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition prior to transporting it.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

When the Grimes car carrier comes to pick up your vehicle you will be given a Bill of Lading. This Bill of Lading contains the details of your vehicle transport agreement and will validate that it is being placed in the temporary care of the auto transport company. Both parties can do an evaluation 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 misunderstandings once the vehicle is delivered. An additional Bill of Lading will be given to the client 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 resolved at this time.

Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Grimes car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that covers damages. 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. Sometimes, your insurance company provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Grimes

You can find out quite a bit about the auto transporter you’re thinking of using by undertaking some online research. There are loads of auto transporters in Grimes to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. By getting these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more information about them. Lastly, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re receiving and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. By doing a little bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Grimes

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 highway 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. An closed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use particularly if you will transport a classic or custom vehicle. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, which means your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the open air. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can usually carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open solution.

Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Grimes

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of protection your car will require while being transported across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably fine for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s motor vehicles that are specifically kept in protected conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping option. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get various quotes from Grimes auto transporters. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the ideal choice for every situation. Do a bit of analysis on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. When you ultimately make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final destination.