Vehicle Transport in Calera AL
Answers To Your Questions
Friendly straight forward advice
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 Calera, 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.
Dependable Service
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 Calera, AL.
The automotive shipping industry can seem overwhelming at first, but by doing a little bit of research you can make the best selection possible for transporting your automobile. In order to transport a car, truck or motorcycle it’s actually just a matter of having the best information and getting in touch with the right Calera auto transport service to handle the job. Sometimes when you reach out to a transport supplier you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, as opposed to the auto carrier themselves. They both offer you the same solutions, which is to facilitate the transportation of your vehicle, but a broker simply arranges the transport while a carrier actually supplies the transportation. No matter where in the country you’re delivering your vehicle, the process is fundamentally the same. The main information you’ll need prior to shipping is your vehicle’s make, model and year. It’s also essential to have a general timeframe in mind if you’ll need your vehicle transported by a certain date. Initially, as a client you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping organization that is the owner of the trucks.
What is the Distinction Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Calera?
You’ll essentially have two options when looking for an auto carrier in Calera. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. The broker will find the best trucking service for you based on where you are and where your automobile needs to go. A carrier, on the other hand, actually owns their trucks and they send one of their trucks to pick-up your vehicle.
What Does an Auto Broker Do?
In the car shipping community, a broker is a firm that resells your shipping job. For instance, when you call a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your automobile from point A to point B. However, they will not actually perform the shipping themselves, as they don’t own the trucks that are used in the shipping process. After getting in touch with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Calera who have the capacities to handle the customer’s shipping demands. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the consumer until the vehicle is delivered. In essence, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can get in touch with many companies in order to find the best service for the shipper.
Locating a Car Carrier in Calera
An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the person or firm that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for shipping your car. One benefit of using a carrier is that you are working directly with the company who will be hauling your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. A client would be responsible for locating and dealing with the Calera auto transporter, or a number of of them if you are shopping around. A broker will not be necessary in this case, but you may find your choices constrained. It’s essential to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a vehicle since licensing and legal requirements vary from state to state. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with various drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.
Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Car
Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.
You might not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in Calera from moving vehicles with personal belongings in them. Common household objects that could possibly 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 inside of your vehicle before it gets loaded onto a trailer.
Don’t overfill your gas tank.
Even though your vehicle will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be needed during the loading and unloading process. Also, your car may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning fuel could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gas level is too low it may 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 result in shipping problems.
Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.
It’s a good idea to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dust or mud stuck on it. You’ll want to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. It’s simple to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your motor vehicle in the case that damage does occur during the transporting process.
Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.
The customer will be offered what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Calera 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. It will also outline any existing 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 agree 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 presented with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.
Your car should be insured against damages.
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. However, any auto transport Calera service should already have liability coverage already built into their prices, which usually covers anywhere between ,000 and 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 firm 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 quality or collector’s car.
Ensure You Select the Perfect Car Shipping Provider in Calera
It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any company that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are plenty of auto transporters in Calera 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 obtaining 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 receiving and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. By doing a little bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.
Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Calera
Typically, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. It is the most commonly used and there are more of these carriers around than any other type. The abundance of these carriers and their popularity helps contribute to the cheap price tag. In general, this will be the most inexpensive method of transporting your vehicle. An auto carrier that is going from your area and traveling through to your location will take that vehicle and add it to a group of up to 10 others heading in that same direction. This decreases the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.
You Can Get Great Auto Transport Deals in Calera
Always think about how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably fine for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping option might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get various quotes from Calera auto transporters. This way you’ll know the general costs, but the cheapest is not always the most effective choice. Do a little bit of analysis on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport business in general. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.