Auto Shipping in Prairie City 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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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Prairie City, 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 Prairie City, IA.

Are you trying to figure out the practice of moving a vehicle from one place to another using an auto transporter in Prairie City? In essence, auto shipping involves a car carrier company moving the vehicle from one place to another for a client. Customers have the option to choose between an open carrier, which is the most common, or an enclosed carrier that better covers your vehicle. Typically, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s vehicles. However, first you should understand the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers facilitate the shipping procedure by hooking up customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. In this article, we’ll evaluate the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience smoother.

Prairie City Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Prairie City, there are basically two different choices you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. A carrier, on the other hand, actually owns their trucks and they send one of their trucks to pick-up your vehicle.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

An automotive transport broker is simply the professional hired by you, the shipper, who aids in the process of procuring an auto transport company in Prairie City. This means the customer, or shipper, does not actually deal directly with the auto carrier who will be in charge of picking up and delivering your vehicle. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most reliable shipping option for their customers. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. Essentially, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is shipped to its destination.

Finding a Car Carrier in Prairie City

An auto carrier typically employs a large double deck truck to move multiple vehicles at once, which you’ve likely seen on the highways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and moving vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the proprietor 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 not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the work. So even if you think you’re dealing directly with an auto carrier, you might be employing 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 Prairie City. A broker shops numerous auto transporters and is already organized to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the best option for your auto transport requirements.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Motor Vehicle

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

All Prairie City auto haulers are prohibited from transporting what would be considered “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be regarded as a “household good” from your automobile before it is picked up by an auto transport service. For instance, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be removed from your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the truck.

Don’t ship your vehicle with a full tank of gas.

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 gasoline 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. Conversely, ensure 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 shipment.

Examine your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

It’s a good idea to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dirt or mud stuck on it. 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. It’s simple to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your car in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

Understanding your Bill of Lading.

The customer will be given a Bill of Lading once your selected auto carrier in Prairie City comes to pick up your vehicle. This document will verify that the auto shipping is transporting your motor vehicle and will also validate its condition prior to shipping. It’s a good idea to inspect the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both aware of any existing damages. Any current damages will be documented in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and consumer. 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 the shipping process.

Confirm your insurance coverage.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that can occur in the auto hauling process. Auto transport Prairie City companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which normally covers anywhere from ,000 to 0,000 worth of damages. The cost of this insurance is built into the overall price of your vehicle transportation and is supplied by an outside business that the car hauler does business with. Generally, this is enough to cover any problems that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to verify with your insurance company as well.

Make Certain You Select the Right Car Shipping Business in Prairie City

It’s usually a good idea to do a bit of research on any organization that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are loads of auto transporters in Prairie City 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 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. This way you’ll have a basic knowledge about how auto transporting works.

Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in Prairie City

The motor vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not protected from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If you are opting for this type of car carrier transport, you should be mindful that your vehicle will be exposed to all those elements. An closed 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 option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the open air. Enclosed carriers generally can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In most cases up to five motor vehicles.

Getting the Greatest Deals on Auto Transport in Prairie City

It’s a good practice to think about what type of safety your vehicle will require while being transported across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably okay for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping option might be better for your vehicle. When first exploring auto transport companies in Prairie City you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the best choice for every situation. Do a bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.