Vehicle Shipping in Birmingham MI

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Are you trying to figure out the practice of moving a vehicle from one location to another using an auto transporter in Birmingham? In essence, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company relocating the vehicle from one location to another for a customer. This practice can be taken care of by making use of 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. Generally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s vehicles. However, first you should learn the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t in fact ship the vehicle, but they act as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. In this article, we’ll review the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience smoother.

How an Auto Broker is Different From an Auto Carrier in Birmingham

One of the most important distinctions to understand is the difference between an auto transport broker and a carrier. Before choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Birmingham it’s essential to have a good understanding of the differences between the two, as well as how the business works. If you’ve never used an auto shipping service before, the procedure might seem complex, but in this article we’ll give you all the information you need to make an educated decision.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Transportation Solutions

In the car shipping market, a broker is a company that resells your shipping job. When you contact a broker, they will manage the process of finding a carrier for your car and getting it from one area to another. However, they will not actually carry out the shipping themselves, as they don’t own the trucks that are used in the shipping process. After getting in contact with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Birmingham who have the capabilities to handle the customer’s shipping demands. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the purchaser until the vehicle is delivered. The auto transport broker will act as a medium between the customer and carriers in order to find the best rates and most efficient service for them.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

An auto transport carrier is the firm that owns the trucks and utilizes the movers that do the labor of hauling a motor vehicle. Interacting directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be difficult to find the best carrier since many of them rely on brokers to connect them with customers. A client would be responsible for locating and dealing with the Birmingham auto transporter, or a number of of them if you are shopping around. In this case, the customer assumes the role of the broker and deals with the auto transport directly. It’s important to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a motor vehicle since licensing and legal requirements vary from state to state. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with many trucks.

Car Shipping Advice

Take any personal items out of your car.

Each and every Birmingham auto carrier is forbidden from transporting something that would be regarded as a “household item” due to rules from 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 a quarter of a tank of fuel in your gas tank.

Even though your vehicle will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be required 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 fuel level is too low it may 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 shipping.

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

When using a Birmingham car hauler you should always perform a swift examination of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. The best way to do this is by washing your car first, making sure there’s no dirt left on it, and then walking around it and make notes of any dents or dings. This will make certain you are aware of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage occurred during the shipping process. Record any damages by taking pictures with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition before transporting it.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your chosen Birmingham auto transport arrives and starts the process of loading your vehicle on their truck. This document is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. It will also outline any current damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. Both the car’s owner and the operater of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and concur on any damage that is already present. This way, both parties acknowledge existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final location. When your motor vehicle shows up at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Verify your insurance coverage.

You really should check with your auto insurance company to find out if they provide any coverage for your vehicle in case it is damaged during the hauling process. Auto transport Birmingham 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 provided by an outside company that the car hauler does business with. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the common vehicle, unless you’re transporting a top end or collector’s car.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Birmingham

You’ll have a wide range of auto transporters to pick from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping requirements. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Birmingham service that you’re considering going with. Initially, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always ensure 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 standing. Often times it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your service agreement with the auto transporter just so you realize the process a little better.

Knowing the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in Birmingham

Most people think the open transport auto carrier option is the generally the cheapest. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane compared to first class. It’s the most common way for people to take a flight. The same can be said about 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 inexpensive way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most inexpensive way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.

Know Your Auto Transport Solutions in Birmingham

Prior to making a decision on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your motor vehicle really needs. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. A good game plan is to get numerous quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most equitable rates. Merely put a little time towards investigating the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Birmingham that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.