Auto Transport in Semmes AL

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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.

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Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Semmes, 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 Semmes, AL.

The auto transport business offers a convenient way to move your automobiles across long distances for a fairly cheap rate. Rather than transferring their vehicles long distances on their own, people seek the services of auto transporters to safely relocate their vehicles at an cost-effective price and in a secure environment. However, if you’re not familiar with the auto carrier practice, then the task of selecting the right hauler and options may seem challenging. In this article we’ll evaluate the alternatives and information that will help prepare you find the perfect auto transport carrier in Semmes. Many car haulers will carry anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and offer you a variety of carrier alternatives. These possibilities may include enclosed or open transport, where you can decide to have your car relocated under the protection of an enclosure. There is also a distinction between auto transport brokers and carriers, which we’ll explain below.

How to Tell the Difference Between Semmes Auto Carriers and Brokers

First of all, every customer should know what it means to be an auto transport broker as opposed to a carrier. Before choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Semmes it’s essential to have a decent understanding of the variations between the two, as well as how the market works. The process is much easier than you might think, and we’ll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

An auto shipping broker is essentially the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. They offer a platform for communication and keep track of existing market conditions in order to offer the most realistic rates. A car transporter in Semmes will be in contact with these brokers and rely on them to connect consumers with their services. These broker agencies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your vehicle to be picked-up virtually anywhere, sometimes the very same day you call them. This is one of the benefits of using a broker logistics management company. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor in the course of the shipping process and keep the customer current as to its progress.

How to Identify an Auto Hauler

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or firm that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for shipping your car. One advantage of using a carrier is that you are working directly with the company who will be transporting your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. A client would be responsible for locating and dealing with the Semmes auto transporter, or several of them if you are shopping around. In this case, the customer assumes the role of the broker and deals with the auto transport directly. It’s significant to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a motor 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 multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

No car hauler in Semmes is authorized to transport household goods, as per rules put forth by the Department of Transportation. This includes common objects you may have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s a good plan to sweep your vehicle for any of these things and get rid of them prior to pickup.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

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 gasoline. Also, your vehicle may be placed at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gasoline 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 result in shipping issues.

Look at your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

In order to record the condition of your vehicle prior to turning it over to a Semmes auto carrier, it’s a wise course of action 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. Then, take photos using your phone or camera to document the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. Using this method you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems arise during the vehicle transport process.

What is a Bill of Lading?

When the Semmes auto transport arrives to begin the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an evaluation of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. Once that process is complete, the customer will be given a Bill of Lading. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It will also make sure that both you and the auto transport carrier are in agreement on any existing damage on your car. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Understand your insurance coverage.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Your chosen Semmes car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler generally 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 take place during the shipping process.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Semmes

In order to ensure you’re getting the best service from your Semmes car carrier you can always do a bit of research on their history first. You should only use an auto transport service that is licensed, bonded and insured. You can find out more about the company by getting their MC number or USDOT number. These numbers can then be used to look up the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau. It’s also a wise course of action to quickly review the terms and conditions of the service agreement so that you have a general idea of what in entails. A small bit of investigation as to overall auto transport process goes a long way as well.

Semmes Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

Most people think the open transport auto carrier solution is the always the cheapest. This option can be compared to economy class on a flight. It’s the way most people travel. This same concept can apply to choosing 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 moving one car or truck at a time.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Semmes

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of protection your car will require while being transported across the country. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always cheaper, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would usually be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping solution might be better for your vehicle. When first exploring auto transport companies in Semmes you should get various quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the most effective choice for every scenario. By doing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the very best deal. When you ultimately make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final destination.