Auto Transport in Kennebunkport ME

Answers To Your Questions
Friendly straight forward advice

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 Kennebunkport, 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 Kennebunkport, ME.

What is involved in transferring your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Kennebunkport? In fact, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company moving the vehicle from one location to another for a customer. This practice 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 subjected to the outdoors. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most economical for standard vehicle transport needs. However, first you should know the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers support the shipping process by connecting customers with carriers, while the carrier actually performs the job. In this article, we’ll evaluate the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some tips to help make your auto transport experience better.

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

If you’ve never had your car shipped before, then chances are you’re unaware of the differences between an auto broker and auto carrier in Kennebunkport. Even though both options will end with the same result of getting your car relocated from one location to another, it’s always good to understand the process before choosing a service.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the specific services requested. The benefit of using a broker as opposed to a carrier is that you have more options because of their active network of auto carriers. If you deal directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have the required equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states necessary to relocate your vehicle where it needs to go. Basically, a broker does the leg work of acquiring a carrier that meets these set of guidelines and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Choosing a Qualified Car Carrier

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or business that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for transporting your automobile. Interacting directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be tough to find the best carrier since many of them rely on brokers to connect them with customers. The customer will be accountable for choosing a company that handles auto transport in Kennebunkport, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the very best price. A broker will not be required in this case, but you may find your choices constrained. Not every auto shipper will necessarily be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to achieve your destination depending on the states they must go through. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with numerous trucks.

Tips for Shipping Your Car

Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

All Kennebunkport auto haulers are prohibited from transporting what would be regarded as “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. You really should 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 a quarter of a tank of fuel in your gas tank.

Although your car or truck 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 fuel 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 lot of weight to your vehicle during shipping.

Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.

In order to better identify any scratches or dings on your vehicle it’s a good idea to rinse it before examining 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 mistakenly believe the damage happened during shipping. It’s easy to document them by taking pictures, which will also prove the condition of your automobile in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

What is a Bill of Lading?

As soon as your Kennebunkport auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which normally includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the client will be given a Bill of Lading. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It will also make sure that both you and the auto transport carrier are in agreement on any existing damage on your car. When the car arrives at its intended location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. So this process essentially protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.

Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.

Although the Kennebunkport auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would cover any damage that occurs as a result of hauling your vehicle. Your chosen auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their costs. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of issues that could come up. These auto carriers typically have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.

Make Sure You Choose the Correct Car Shipping Provider in Kennebunkport

There are several ways you can guarantee you’re getting the absolute best service from your chosen Kennebunkport car carrier. First, only do business with an auto hauler who 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 receiving. This way you’ll be able to make the most educated decision possible.

Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in Kennebunkport

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 you’re opting for this type of car carrier transport, you need to be aware that your vehicle will be open 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 vehicle. 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 normally carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open solution.

Getting the Best Deals on Auto Transport in Kennebunkport

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 alternatives are probably fine for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in protected conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping option. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get several quotes from Kennebunkport auto transporters. This way you’ll understand the general costs, but the cheapest is not always the best choice. By performing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal. When you eventually make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported safely and securely to its final location.