Car Transport in Port Austin MI

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 Port Austin, 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 Port Austin, MI.

What is involved in relocating your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Port Austin? To put it simply, it’s the act of transporting a car from one state to another by means of some type of car shipping process. This practice can be taken care of by using an open carrier, which is the most common 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 popular, which also means it’s the most economical for typical vehicle transport needs. The ideal place to start off in your quest for locating an auto transporter is understanding the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, brokers assist in the shipping process by connecting customers with carriers, while the carrier actually performs the job. In this article, we’ll review the distinctions between brokers and carriers, as well as some tips to help make your auto transport experience easier.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Port Austin

First of all, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker versus a carrier. Before getting into the process of choosing an auto transport service in Port Austin you should first know the difference between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. The procedure is much easier than you may think, and we’ll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and generally are not the companies that will move vehicles. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the particular services requested. Brokers actually have an established community 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 best one for them. If you deal directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have the necessary equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states necessary to move your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of finding a carrier that meets these set of guidelines and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

Going with a Port Austin auto carrier implies the customer will be working directly with the person or business that owns the truck which will be hauling your vehicle. With a few conditions, most auto transport carriers only serve a minimal number of routes. Usually, they don’t stray too far from these routes because of extra fuel costs and the travel time it would take, which would slow down other deliveries. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean customers will pay less. All services cost money, especially with auto shipping due to changing fuel rates, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room in many cases. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the rate you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has an array of carriers that they can get in touch with for the best rates and routes. In reality, carriers often times aren’t effortless to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

Most people are unaware of a Department of Transportation Code that forbids auto transport services in Port Austin from shipping personal goods included in vehicles. Items that should be taken away from your vehicle prior to shipment include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a good option to check your vehicle and take away any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

Only leave about a quarter of tank of gas in your car.

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 gas. Also, your car 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 gas 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 automobile during shipping.

Before shipping your car, always check it for damages.

In order to document the condition of your car before turning it over to a Port Austin auto carrier, it’s a good plan to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage existing prior to shipping. Washing your car first will make it much easier to identify any dents or dings. Then, take pictures using your phone or camera to document the condition of your vehicle, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. That way you have records of its condition in the event any problems arise during the auto transport process.

Understand your Bill of Lading.

As soon as your Port Austin auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation to determine the condition of your vehicle. During this time you can identify any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. Once that process is complete, the customer will be given a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking temporary control of your vehicle. 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 destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will describe if any new damages have taken place during the shipping process. So this process basically safeguards both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no misunderstandings upon delivery.

Review your insurance coverage opportunities.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that can occur in the auto hauling process. Even so, any auto transport Port Austin service should already have liability coverage currently built into their prices, which typically covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The consumer won’t have to pay extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s rates. 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 Sure You Choose the Best Car Shipping Business in Port Austin

To guarantee you’re acquiring the best car shipping service in Port Austin there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Every experienced auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also obtain their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Make certain to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the general auto transport process. It’s also a good idea to read any third-party testimonials of the company to see what past customers are saying.

Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Port Austin

The vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not shielded from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If you are looking for this type of car carrier transport, you need to be aware that your vehicle will be open to all those elements. If you’re shipping a custom, classic or collector’s vehicle, then you may want to opt for an enclosed auto carrier. It is the reverse 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 vehicles.

Know Your Auto Transport Solutions in Port Austin

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, think about how much protection your car will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll likely want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your demands just fine. As usually, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being billed an satisfactory rate. Simply put a little time towards studying the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Port Austin that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.