Car Transport in Astoria OR

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 Astoria, 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 Astoria, OR.

Auto transport companies exist for the sake of convenience. Rather than moving their vehicles long distances on their own, people seek the services of auto transporters to safely relocate their vehicles at an affordable price and in a safe environment. If you’re not acquainted with the auto carriers in Astoria, then the process might seem complicated at first. The good news is, in this report we’ll help you understand how to pick a car hauler in Astoria that will fit your needs and move your car securely. Many car haulers will carry anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and provide a variety of carrier choices. These possibilities may include enclosed or open transport, where you can decide to have your car relocated under the protection of an enclosure. But first, we’ll discuss the difference between an auto transport broker and an actual carrier who moves the vehicles.

Astoria Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

You’ll essentially have two choices when looking for an auto carrier in Astoria. The main difference is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to transport your vehicle from one point to another. The broker will find the best trucking service for you based on where you are and where your motor vehicle needs to go. An auto shipping carrier is merely the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Interact With Customers

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and usually are not the companies that will transport vehicles. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the best auto carrier based upon on routes, your location and the variety of service you require. Brokers actually have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will offer the customer more options and a better chance to find the ideal one for them. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you need, have the necessary equipment or the suitable licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of obtaining a carrier that meets these requirements and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Finding a Car Carrier in Astoria

When you choose to seek out a Astoria auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting automobiles. With a few conditions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited 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. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying less when working directly with a Astoria auto carrier either. All services cost money, specifically with auto shipping due to changing fuel prices, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room in many cases. An auto transport broker will already be set up to contact multiple transporters in order to find the perfect price and most efficient performance for the customer, so working directly with an auto carrier may not make a huge difference for the better in price or service. In fact, carriers often times aren’t effortless to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Transported

Take any personal items out of your car.

All Astoria auto haulers are prohibited from transporting what would be regarded as “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be regarded as a “household good” from your car before it is picked up by an auto transport service. 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 car.

Before your vehicle gets loaded up with a Astoria auto hauler you should examine your gas level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of gasoline. Some gas is required to start your car and drive it so that it can be loaded and unloaded from the auto shipping trailer properly. You don’t want to have a maximum tank of fuel either, however, as that can add extra weight to the trailer and complicate the process.

Examine your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

Always conduct an in-depth assessment of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Astoria car hauler. 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 guarantee you are conscious 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 prior to transporting it.

Fully understand your Bill of Lading.

The customer will be offered a Bill of Lading once your chosen auto carrier in Astoria comes to pick up your vehicle. This is merely a document that acknowledges the company is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also show any existing damages to your car prior to picking it up. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in understanding on its condition. Any current damages will be reported in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and customer. Once your vehicle is delivered, you’ll be presented with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have taken place during shipping.

Understand your insurance coverage.

It’s a great idea to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Any Astoria car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The total 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. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Astoria

It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any business that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are loads of auto transporters in Astoria to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. The auto carrier should always be licensed, bonded and insured. By getting these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more information about them. Finally, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re receiving and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. By doing a bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Astoria Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

Going with a Astoria auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about any place in the country, and you’ll also be able to choose how your vehicle is shipped. While most auto transport businesses will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the business you choose, you may have the option to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

Most people are acquainted with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most frequent type of car shipping. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are usually around 75 feet in length. Your vehicle will be open to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into consideration depending on the value of the automobile you’re shipping.

Getting the Best Deals on Auto Transport in Astoria

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much protection your car will require. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. As always, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being charged an adequate rate. Merely put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Astoria that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.