Car Transportation in Chico CA
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Are you trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one location to another utilizing an auto transporter in Chico? To put it simply, it’s the act of transporting a car from one state to another through some type of car transport method. This process can be taken care of by using an open carrier, which is the most well-known option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be exposed to the outdoors. Normally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s automobiles. The best place to begin in your quest for locating an auto transporter is understanding the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, brokers assist in the shipping procedure by hooking up 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 suggestions to help make your auto transport experience easier.
Chico Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers
Hiring an auto transport company involves some due diligence and understanding how the industry works before making a decision. It may seem like a complex procedure, but we’ll help make it easier for everyone. We’ll cover the basics of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in supplying clients with transport services.
How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Transportation Options
Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and typically are not the companies that will move vehicles. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that provide the particular services requested. Brokers actually have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will give the customer more choices and a far better chance to find the best one for them. If you deal directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have the required equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states required to relocate your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of getting in contact with carriers in order to find the one who offers the best prices and appropriate service, which means you might get a much better rate since it will increase competition.
What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?
An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or firm that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for transporting your automobile. Interacting directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be challenging to find the best carrier since many of them rely on brokers to connect them with customers. The client will be accountable for selecting a company that handles auto transport in Chico, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the best price. In this case, the customer assumes the role of the broker and deals with the auto transport directly. Not every auto shipper will automatically be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to achieve your destination based on the states they must go through. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with many trucks.
Things to Consider Before Transporting Your Motor Vehicle
Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
No auto shipper is permitted to transport any item that would be classified as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. This means auto transport in Chico will not be allowed to ship vehicles with your personal goods inside of them. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have put in your vehicle.
Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your gas tank.
Be certain to maintain around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to transporting it. Your Chico auto carrier will most likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good idea to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. But, you don’t want to overfill your tank or leave your vehicle with a full tank of fuel during transporting. A full tank would add lots of weight to your car, which could result in problems during the shipping process.
Take note of any existing damage on your car.
In order to record the condition of your car ahead of turning it over to a Chico auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage existing before to shipping. Washing your vehicle first will make it much easier to identify any dents or dings. Next, take some pictures of videos of your car in order to provide proof of its condition if needed later on. That way you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems occur during the auto transport process.
Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.
Once your Chico auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an inspection to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which generally includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the client will be given a Bill of Lading. This record simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term control of your vehicle. It will also guarantee 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 new bill will outline if any new damages have taken place during the shipping process. This process guarantees 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 prior to shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Any Chico car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The overall 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 occur during the shipping process.
Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Chico
There are a few ways you can make sure that you’re getting the best service from the auto carrier in Chico that you’ve chosen. Every qualified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. Another way to check 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 overall auto transport process. It’s also a great idea to read any third-party testimonials of the company to see what past clients are saying.
Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Chico
Going with a Chico auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about anywhere 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 usually transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.
Most people are acquainted with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most common type of car shipping. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are typically around 75 feet in length. 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 motor vehicle you’re shipping.
Getting the Greatest Deals on Auto Transport in Chico
It’s a good practice to think about what type of safety your vehicle will require while being transported across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably okay for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in secured conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping solution. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get various quotes from Chico auto transporters. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the most effective choice for every scenario. Do a bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport business in general. When you finally make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final destination.