Vehicle Shipping in Clayton AL

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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 Clayton, AL.

What is involved in moving your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Clayton? To put it simply, it’s the act of relocating a car from one state to another through some type of car shipping process. This procedure can be taken care of by making use of an open carrier, which is the most frequent option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be subjected to the open air. Generally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s vehicles. The ideal place to start in your quest for finding an auto transporter is understanding the difference 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 evaluate the distinctions between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience better.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Clayton

Chances are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Clayton, then you could possibly be unaware of the distinction between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Even though both choices will end with the same result of getting your car relocated from one location to another, it’s always good to realize the process before choosing a service.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Solutions

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the best auto carrier based upon on routes, your location and the kind of service you require. 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 work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not possess 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 locating a carrier that meets these requirements and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Auto Carriers and How They Work in Clayton

When you choose to seek out a Clayton auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting automobiles. With a few exceptions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher prices. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying less when working directly with a Clayton auto carrier either. All services cost money, especially with auto shipping due to changing fuel fees, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. An auto transport broker will already be set up to contact multiple transporters in order to find the most effective price and most efficient performance for the customer, so dealing directly with an auto carrier may not make a huge difference for the better in price or service. Auto carriers aren’t always easy to locate and contact, since a lot of times they rely on brokers to connect them with consumers.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

No car hauler in Clayton is allowed to transport household goods, as per rules put forth by the Department of Transportation. This includes things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any common household item that you’ve stashed in your vehicle. It’s encouraged to remove these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to reduce any delays.

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

Although your vehicle will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be required during the loading and unloading process. Also, your vehicle 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. Make certain to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add substantial weight to your vehicle which could lead to shipping problems.

Before shipping your car, always check it for damages.

When using a Clayton car hauler you should always perform a swift assessment of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. 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 aware of any existing problems 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.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

The client will be provided with what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Clayton auto transport arrives to pick up your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that proves 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 customer can do an inspection together so that they agree on the car’s existing condition. This way, both parties identify existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final location. When your current vehicle arrives at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Understand your insurance coverage.

Even though the Clayton auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would include any damage that occurs as a result of transporting your vehicle. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their costs. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be enough for the vast majority of issues that could arise. These auto carriers normally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Clayton for Your Needs

There are a few ways you can make sure that you’re receiving the best service from the auto carrier in Clayton that you’ve chosen. Customers should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. You can also acquire their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Be sure to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the overall auto transport process. It’s also a wise course of action to read any third-party critiques of the company to see what past customers are saying.

Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Clayton

Most people think the open transport auto carrier option is the always the cheapest. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane versus first class. It’s the most well-known way for people to take a flight. This exact same concept can apply to selecting an open transport. Approximately 4,000 open auto carriers are traveling throughout the country and are available for service. Even car dealerships contract a transport firm to send a car the most economical way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most cost effective way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.

Getting the Greatest Deals on Auto Transport in Clayton

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much security your car will require. 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 average 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 billed an satisfactory rate. Simply put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Clayton that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.