Auto Shipping in Saraland AL
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Saraland, 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 Saraland, AL.
Are you trying to figure out the practice of moving a vehicle from one location to another utilizing an auto transporter in Saraland? In essence, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company moving the vehicle from one place to another for a consumer. Clients have the possibility to choose between an open carrier, which is the most popular, or an enclosed carrier that better guards your vehicle. An open carrier is the most popular, which also means it’s the most cost-effective for typical vehicle transport needs. However, first you should recognize the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers support the shipping process by connecting customers with carriers, while the carrier actually performs the job. In this article, we’ll review the distinctions between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience better.
What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Saraland?
When looking for car transport and car shipping companies in Saraland, there are essentially two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main distinction 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 ideal trucking service for you based on where you are and where your motor vehicle needs to go. An auto shipping carrier is basically the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.
Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Customers
An automotive transport broker is simply the professional hired by you, the shipper, who assists in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Saraland. This means the customer, or shipper, does not actually deal directly with the auto carrier who will be in charge of picking up and delivering your automobile. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each customers, which means they can offer a greater variety of rates and options. They’ll find an automobile carrier who journeys the route and is within realistic distance to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. The broker will be in contact with you, the consumer, throughout the entire shipping process until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.
How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Saraland
Going with a Saraland 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. Usually, 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 doesn’t mean customers will pay less. All services cost money, particularly with auto shipping due to changing fuel rates, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. An auto transport broker will already be set up to get in touch with multiple transporters in order to find the most effective rate and most efficient performance for the customer, so dealing directly with an auto carrier may not make a tremendous difference for the better in price or service. Auto carriers aren’t always easy to locate and contact, since many times they rely on brokers to connect them with consumers.
Car Shipping Tips
Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.
All Saraland auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be considered “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should get rid of anything that would be viewed as a “household good” from your automobile 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 shipping your vehicle with a Saraland car hauler you should make certain to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. The shipping process will demand a small amount of driving, typically only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. 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.
Look at your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.
In order to document the condition of your vehicle ahead of turning it over to a Saraland auto carrier, it’s a good plan to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage existing before to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to recognize any dents or damage. Next, take some pictures of videos of your car in order to deliver proof of its condition if needed afterwards. By doing this you have records of its condition in the event any problems occur during the vehicle transport process.
Learning about your Bill of Lading.
You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Saraland auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your vehicle on their trailer. This document is an acknowledgment form that shows the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any existing damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. The car owner and client can do an inspection together so that they agree on the car’s current condition. In this case, both parties can come to an agreement on the condition of your vehicle prior to it being shipped, which will help prevent mistakes from occurring when it’s delivered. When your 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.
Understanding insurance liabilities when transporting your car.
Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Any Saraland 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 deliver 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 Locate the Best Auto Hauler in Saraland
To make certain you’re acquiring the best car shipping provider in Saraland there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Customers should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. Yet another way to examine their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the general auto transport process. Finally, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past consumers are expressing about the auto haulers services.
Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Saraland
Most people think the open transport auto carrier option is the generally the cheapest. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane as opposed to first class. It’s the way most people travel. The same can be said about 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 affordable way possible. Transporting your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most economical way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.
Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider
It’s a good practice to think about what type of protection your vehicle will require while being shipped across the country. Using an open transport is ideal, and almost always more affordable, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would commonly be exposed to the outdoors on a regular basis anyways. Antique, classic cars and collector’s motor vehicles that are specifically kept in safeguarded conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping solution. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get multiple quotes from Saraland auto transporters. This way you’ll know the general prices, but the lowest priced is not always the best choice. By performing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the greatest deal. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.