Vehicle Shipping in Antioch CA
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Are you on the quest for efficient auto transport services in Antioch? In this article we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it operates and how to make the best choice. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience feasible and make sure your vehicle makes it from one place to another securely. The majority of shippers will provide “door-to-door” service, which means they pick your car up from one place and deliver it to another place of your choosing. Before jumping into the Antioch auto shipping services, you should first know the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will seek out the ideal carrier for your specific auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person providing the truck. Some businesses act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.
How an Auto Broker is Different From an Auto Carrier in Antioch
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 Antioch you should first know the difference between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. If you’ve never used an auto transport service before, the process might seem challenging, but in this article we’ll give you all the details you need to make an educated decision.
Auto Brokers and Their Purpose in the Auto Transport Industry
A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not 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 already have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will offer the customer more choices and a far better chance to find the ideal one for them. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, possess the necessary equipment or the appropriate licensing to transport through the states needed to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of contacting carriers in order to locate the one who offers the best rates and appropriate service, which means you might get a much better rate since it increases competition.
Finding a Car Carrier in Antioch
An auto carrier usually employs a large double deck truck to move numerous vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the highways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and transporting vehicles. The driver may be the operator of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. The truck driver is the individual who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. At times a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the work. So even if you think you’re working directly with an auto carrier, you might be employing a different carrier service in the end. Normally you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not always the case when it comes to auto carriers in Antioch. A broker shops various auto transporters and is already established to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the ideal option for your auto transport requirements.
Things to Consider Before Transporting Your Car
Secure your personal items outside your car.
Every Antioch auto carrier is prohibited from transporting something that would be regarded as a “household item” due to polices from the Department of Transportation. This means you should get rid of anything that would be viewed as a “household good” from your car before it is picked up by an auto transport service. For instance, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be taken out of your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the truck.
Only leave around a quarter of tank of gas in your car.
Even though your car will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be necessary during the loading and unloading process. Also, your vehicle 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 might 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.
Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.
To ensure you have evidence of the condition of your motor vehicle prior to using a Antioch auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. 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 pictures using your phone or camera to record the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. This way you have records of its condition in the event any problems arise during the vehicle transport process.
Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.
When the Antioch car carrier comes to pick up your car you will be given a Bill of Lading. This Bill of Lading contains the details of your vehicle transport agreement and will verify that it is being placed in the temporary care of the auto transport company. Both parties can do an inspection of the vehicle at this time to document any damages that are on the body. By doing this both the customer and driver are in agreement on the vehicle’s condition at the time of pickup. The client will receive yet another Bill of Lading during the delivery process, which will again inspect the condition of your vehicle. If any new damages occur, they can be dealt with at this time.
Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.
Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Antioch 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 commonly 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.
Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Antioch
There are a number of ways you can ensure you’re getting the absolute greatest service from your selected Antioch car carrier. First, only do business with an auto hauler who 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 great idea to quickly review the terms and conditions of the service contract so that you have a general idea of what in entails. This way you’ll be able to make the most educated decision possible.
Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Antioch
Going with a Antioch auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about any place in the country, and you’ll also be able to choose how your vehicle is shipped. You’ll have the option to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are generally transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.
Most people are familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most common type of car shipping. This type of truck is typically between 75 and 80 feet in length and it hauls a two-level trailer with a row of cars on the top and a shorter row of cars on the bottom. Your vehicle will be open to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into account based upon on the value of the car you’re shipping.
Know Your Auto Transport Choices in Antioch
It’s a good practice to think about what type of protection your vehicle will require while being shipped across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably okay for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping solution might be better for your vehicle. When first browsing auto transport companies in Antioch you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll know the general rates, but the lowest priced is not always the most effective choice. Do a little bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.