Vehicle Transportation in Chico TX
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Chico, 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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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 Chico, TX.
What is involved in moving your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Chico? In essence, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company relocating the vehicle from one location to another for a customer. This procedure can be taken care of by utilizing an open carrier, which is the most well-known 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 common, which also means it’s the most reasonably priced for standard vehicle transport needs. The best place to start off in your quest for locating an auto transporter is understanding the distinction between a broker and a 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 distinctions between brokers and carriers, as well as some tips to help make your auto transport experience easier.
How to Tell the Difference Between Chico Auto Carriers and Brokers
One of the most important distinctions to understand is the difference between an auto transport broker and a carrier. Before getting into the process of choosing an auto transport service in Chico 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 details you need to make an informed decision.
How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?
Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and usually are not the companies that will move vehicles. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by hooking up customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that provide the specific services requested. Brokers already have an established community of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will provide the customer more options and a better chance to find the best one for them. If you work 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. Basically, a broker does the leg work of obtaining a carrier that meets these criteria and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.
Finding a Car Carrier in Chico
When you choose to seek out a Chico auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting motor vehicles. With a few exceptions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. They do not divert too far from their designated routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher prices. Dealing with a carrier company does not mean customers will pay less. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with customers, it all costs money. Dealing with an auto carrier directly might 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 prices and routes. In fact, carriers often times aren’t easy to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.
Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped
Take any personal items out of your car.
Most individuals are unaware of a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits auto transport services in Chico from shipping personal goods included in vehicles. Typical household products 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. Make sure to do a quick inspection of the interior of your automobile before it gets loaded onto a truck.
Don’t ship your automobile with a full tank of gas.
Be sure to maintain around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to transporting it. Your Chico auto carrier will probably have to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be cautious not to leave a full tank of fuel in your car when transporting it. If your gas tank is full, it will end up placing a significant amount of weight to your vehicle, which could cause difficulties.
Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.
When using a Chico car hauler you should always perform a swift inspection of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. The most effective way to do this is by cleaning 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 accurately determine if any new damage happened 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.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The customer will be offered what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Chico auto transport gets there to pick up your car. This contract is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already existing on your vehicle. The car owner and consumer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s present condition. This way, both parties recognize existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your current motor 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.
Review your insurance coverage options.
It’s a wise course of action to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Your chosen Chico car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that covers damages. The total insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler normally uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can occur during the shipping process.
Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Chico
To guarantee you’re acquiring the best car shipping provider in Chico there are a few details you should acquire regarding your auto transport company. Clients should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. You can also get their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re acquainted with how the service works. It’s also a wise course of action to read any third-party critiques of the company to see what past customers are saying.
Knowing the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Chico
The vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not protected from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If using an open carrier then you could expect exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. 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 service. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, which means your vehicle will moved in an enclosed environment and safe from the outdoors. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In many cases up to five motor vehicles.
Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Chico
Prior to making a decision on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your car really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll probably want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your requirements 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 satisfactory rate. Simply put a little time towards investigating the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Chico that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.