Auto Transportation in Searsport ME

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 Searsport, 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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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 Searsport, ME.

Are you looking for the absolute best Searsport auto transport? Then you’ve come to the perfect place and we’ll help you understand the transport process every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the best auto shipping rates and the very best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. For the most part, auto shippers will offer “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s essential to first know the distinction between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary difference is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Some companies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

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

When looking for car transport and car shipping companies in Searsport, there are basically two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main difference is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to carry your vehicle from one point to another. 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.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Solutions

Brokers are essentially the logistics managing partner to an auto carrier and customer. A broker will track market conditions and will have a community of car carriers to contact for each customer they receive. Auto shipping brokers in Searsport negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. These broker companies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your automobile to be picked-up virtually anywhere, sometimes the very same day you contact them. One of the advantages of using an auto shipping broker is that they can provide you with a better variety of options 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.

Deciding on a Qualified Car Carrier

When you choose to seek out a Searsport auto carrier you’ll be interacting with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting automobiles. With a few exceptions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. Generally, they don’t stray too far from these routes because of additional fuel costs and the travel time it would take, which would slow down other deliveries. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be spending less when dealing directly with a Searsport auto carrier either. All services cost money, especially with auto shipping due to changing fuel fees, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. Dealing with an auto carrier directly might not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has an assortment of carriers that they can get in touch with for the best prices and routes. Auto carriers aren’t generally easy to locate and contact, since many times they depend on brokers to connect them with customers.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

You might not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Searsport from moving vehicles with personal belongings in them. Popular household items that could be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. So it’s a good idea to check your vehicle and remove any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.

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

Since your vehicle will have to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you should make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on fuel. Also, your vehicle may be placed 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 gas 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 lot of weight to your vehicle during transporting.

Take note of any existing damage on your car.

To ensure you have proof of the condition of your motor vehicle prior to using a Searsport auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. Cleaning your car first will make it easier to identify any dents or dings. Then, take pictures using your phone or camera to record the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any problems. Using this method you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems arise during the auto transport process.

What is a Bill of Lading?

When the Searsport auto transport arrives to begin the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an inspection of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. When you’re satisfied with the evaluation, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any existing damage. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will outline if any new damages have taken place during the transporting process. This process guarantees that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Evaluate your insurance coverage options.

Although the Searsport auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good idea 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 rates. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of problems that could occur. This coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Searsport

There are a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be difficult to choose which one is the most effective for your needs. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Searsport service that you’re thinking about going with. First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always make certain that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a reliable company. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their track record. Finally, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you comprehend the service you’re getting.

Main difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Searsport

A potential misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement solution. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane versus first class. It’s the way most people travel. The same can be said about open transport. Approximately 4,000 open auto carriers are traveling throughout the country and are available for service. Even car dealerships contract a transport firm to send a car the most cost effective way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most practical way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.

Deciding on The Perfect Auto Transport Service in Searsport

It’s a good practice to consider what type of protection your vehicle will require while being shipped across the country. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always less expensive, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would usually be exposed to the outdoors on a regular basis anyways. 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 various quotes from Searsport auto transporters. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the ideal choice for every scenario. By performing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal. When you finally make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported safely and securely to its final location.