Auto Shipping in Stratford IA

Answers To Your Questions
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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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Stratford, 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.

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 Stratford, IA.

Are you looking for the absolute best Stratford auto transport? Then you’ve come to the perfect place and we’ll help you comprehend the transport process every step of the way. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience feasible and make sure your motor vehicle makes it from one location to another safely. Nearly all shippers will provide “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one place and deliver it to another location of your choosing. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s necessary to first know the distinction between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary distinction is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Sometimes a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more details in the following paragraphs.

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

When searching for car transport and car shipping companies in Stratford, there are essentially two different options 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. An auto shipping carrier is merely the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and typically are not the companies that will move vehicles. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier based upon on routes, your location and the kind of service you require. Brokers already have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will give the customer more possibilities and a better chance to find the ideal one for them. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you need, have 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 locating a carrier that meets these criteria and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Finding a Car Carrier in Stratford

An auto carrier usually employs a large double deck truck to move numerous vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the freeways at times. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are trained and licensed to haul vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to drive. The truck driver is the individual who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Some bigger carrier companies are authorized brokers as well which gives them the opportunity to broker out your order to an additional carrier. This means that even when you think you are working with a carrier in some instances you go through a broker service. Usually you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not always the case when it comes to auto carriers in Stratford. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the ideal choice for their customers.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Transported

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

Auto carriers are forbidden from relocating anything regarded as a household good, which is a law mandated by the Department of Transportation. This means auto transport in Stratford will not be allowed to ship vehicles with your personal goods inside of them. Some good examples of household goods that might be in your car are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Do not overfill your gas tank.

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 vehicle may be placed at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gas level is too low it might not be able to start. Alternatively, ensure you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a lot of weight to your vehicle during shipment.

Look at your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

It’s a wise course of action to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dirt or mud stuck on it. This will allow you to plainly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already present on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t incorrectly believe the damage happened during shipping. It’s very easy to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your automobile in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

The consumer will be given a Bill of Lading once your selected auto carrier in Stratford comes to pick up your vehicle. This is simply 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. It’s a wise course of action to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both aware of any existing damages. Any current damages will be noted in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and client. 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 happened during the shipping process.

Your vehicle should be insured against damages.

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 Stratford car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will make use of a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to ship 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.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Stratford

In order to make certain you’re receiving the best service from your Stratford 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 consumer can also use the auto transporter’s MC number or USDOT number. These numbers can then be used to look up the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau. You can also look over the company’s terms and conditions to get a far better idea of the type of service you’re getting. This way you’ll be able to make the most informed decision possible.

Open Vehicle Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Stratford

A potential misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement alternative. This option can be compared to economy class on a flight. It’s the most common way for people to take a flight. This same concept can apply to choosing an open transport. Over 4,000 open auto carriers ship cars throughout the country. Even car dealerships contract a transport firm to send a car the most affordable way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most economical way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.

Know Your Auto Transport Choices in Stratford

Always take into account how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need during the transport process. 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 alternative might be better for your vehicle. When first exploring auto transport companies in Stratford you should get various quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the best 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 greatest deal. When you ultimately make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported safely and securely to its final destination.