Auto Shipping in Columbia SC

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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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, SC.

The auto transport market provides a practical way to move your automobiles across long distances for a comparatively cheap rate. Instead of trying to transfer various vehicles on your own, you can simply seek the services of a company to handle the job swiftly and securely. However, if you’re not acquainted with the auto carrier process, then the task of selecting the best hauler and options may appear difficult. The good news is, in this report we’ll help you comprehend how to select a car hauler in Columbia that will fit your needs and move your car safely. The majority of auto haulers will provide transportation services anywhere in the country from America, from Alaska to Hawaii and will give you with several shipping options. These options may include enclosed or open transport, where you can choose to have your car relocated under the protection of an enclosure. There is also a difference between auto transport brokers and carriers, which we’ll discuss below.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Columbia

Before choosing an car hauling service you should have a basic understanding of the business and how it works. The process can be daunting if you don’t know where to begin or where to get correct information. We’ll cover the fundamentals of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in providing clients with transport services.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

An automotive transport broker is simply the professional hired by you, the shipper, who aids in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Columbia. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but instead will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s position. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each clients, which means they can offer a better variety of rates and options. They’ll find an automobile carrier who journeys the route and is within reasonable distance to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. Essentially, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is shipped to its destination.

How to Identify an Auto Transporter

Going with a Columbia auto carrier implies the customer will be working directly with the person or company that owns the truck that will be moving your vehicle. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost effective. Typically, 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. Dealing with a carrier company does not mean clients will pay less. All services cost money, specifically with auto shipping due to changing fuel prices, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has a variety of carriers that they can contact for the ideal prices and routes. Auto carriers aren’t generally easy to locate and contact, since a lot of times they count on brokers to connect them with consumers.

Car Shipping Advice

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

Most individuals are not aware of a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits auto transport services in Columbia from transporting personal goods included in vehicles. Items that should be removed from your vehicle prior to shipment include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a great idea to check your vehicle and take away any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your car.

Since your vehicle will need 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 positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gasoline could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gas level is too low it might not be able to start. Make sure to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add substantial weight to your vehicle which could lead to shipping issues.

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

Always perform an in-depth assessment of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Columbia car hauler. The most effective 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 sure you are conscious of any existing problems and can accurately 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.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

The client will be given what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Columbia auto transport gets there to pick up your car. This contract is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any present damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and concur on any damage that is already present. In this case, both parties can come to an agreement on the condition of your vehicle prior to it being shipped, which will help avoid mistakes from occurring when it’s delivered. When your current vehicle arrives at its new location, the client will be presented with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Understand your insurance coverage.

It’s a good idea to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Your chosen Columbia car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. 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. Occasionally, your insurance company provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.

How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Columbia

You can find out quite a bit about the auto transporter you’re thinking of using by undertaking some online research. There are plenty of auto transporters in Columbia to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The very first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. 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 details about them. Lastly, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re getting and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. This way you’ll have a general knowledge about how auto transporting functions.

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

Most people think the open transport auto carrier option is the constantly the cheapest. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane as opposed to first class. It’s the most well-known way for people to take a flight. This same concept can apply to choosing an 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 economical way possible. Open carriers will be more inexpensive than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider

Prior to making a decision on whether you utilize 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. Simply put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Columbia that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.