Car Transportation in El Cerrito CA

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in El Cerrito, 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 El Cerrito, CA.

Are you searching for the absolute best El Cerrito auto transport? In this document we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it operates and how to make the very 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 location to another securely. For the most part, auto shippers will supply “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s important to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary difference is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. At times a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more information in the following paragraphs.

How to Tell the Difference Between El Cerrito Auto Carriers and Brokers

First, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker as opposed to a carrier. Before getting into the process of choosing an auto transport service in El Cerrito you should first know the difference between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. The procedure is much easier than you may think, and we’ll provide all the information you need to make an educated decision.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Consumers

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. Brokers assist in auto transportation by hooking up 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 possibilities and a better chance to find the best one for them. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, have the necessary equipment or the suitable licensing to transport through the states needed to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of getting in contact with 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 will increase competition.

Auto Carriers and How They Work in El Cerrito

When you choose to seek out a El Cerrito auto carrier you’ll be working with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting automobiles. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost efficient. Typically, 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 does not mean clients will pay less. All services cost money, specifically with auto shipping due to changing fuel rates, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the rate you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has a variety of carriers that they can contact for the ideal prices and routes. Auto carriers aren’t generally easy to locate and contact, since a lot of times they depend on brokers to connect them with customers.

Things to Consider Before Transporting Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your car.

You may not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in El Cerrito from moving vehicles with personal belongings in them. Popular household items that could be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. So it’s a good plan to check your vehicle and get rid of any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.

Don’t ship your automobile with a full tank of gas.

When using a El Cerrito auto transport company you should keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to the time of shipping. It’s recommended to leave about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle just to be on the safe side. Your car may be driven briefly just to load it onto and off of the vehicle trailer and you don’t want to keep your gasoline level way too low. However, you don’t want to fill your gas tank too much either. A full tank will add significant weight to your vehicle and could throw off the equilibrium of the transport and result in complications.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

To ensure you have proof of the condition of your car prior to using a El Cerrito auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. Washing your car first will make it easier to identify any dents or dings. Then, take photos using your phone or camera to record the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. Using this method you have records of its condition in the event any problems occur during the vehicle transport process.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

Once your El Cerrito auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an assessment to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any current damages on your vehicle, which typically includes scratches, dents and dings. When you’re satisfied with the evaluation, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any current damage. When the car arrives at its intended location, 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.

Review your insurance coverage opportunities.

It’s a good idea to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Your chosen El Cerrito 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. Auto shippers will employ 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. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in El Cerrito for Your Needs

There are a few ways you can make sure that you’re receiving the best service from the auto carrier in El Cerrito that you’ve chosen. Consumers should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. Another way to verify their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Ensure to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the general auto transport process. Lastly, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past customers are expressing about the auto haulers services.

Knowing the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in El Cerrito

Generally, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. There are more carriers of this type than an enclosed version, and you’ve probably seen them many times on the highway. The abundance of these carriers and their reputation helps contribute to the affordable price tag. So, in general, this is the least expensive way to ship a car. An auto carrier that is going from your area and traveling through to your location will take that vehicle and add it to a group of up to 10 others heading in that same direction. This reduces the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Searching for Auto Transport Companies in El Cerrito

Before deciding on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your vehicle really needs. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your demands just fine. As usually, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being charged an adequate rate. Merely put a little time towards investigating the auto shipping process and the car carrier in El Cerrito that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.