Car Transportation in Half Moon Bay CA

Answers To Your Questions
Friendly straight forward advice

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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Half Moon Bay, 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.

Dependable Service
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 Half Moon Bay, CA.

Are you searching for the absolute best Half Moon Bay auto transport? Then you’ve come to the right place and we’ll help you comprehend the transport process every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the best auto shipping rates and the best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. The majority of shippers will provide “door-to-door” service, which means they pick your car up from one location and deliver it to another place of your choosing. When deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s necessary to first know the distinction between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary distinction 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 details in the following paragraphs.

What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Half Moon Bay?

If you’ve never had your motor vehicle shipped before, then chances are you’re not aware of the differences between an auto broker and auto carrier in Half Moon Bay. Essentially, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your motor vehicle from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Solutions

When you’re searching for car transport in Half Moon Bay odds are you’ll end up contacting an auto shipping broker. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but instead will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s circumstance. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most effective shipping option for their customers. They will take into consideration price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. Basically, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is shipped to its destination.

Choosing a Qualified Car Carrier

A car hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten vehicles at a time. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and moving vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to drive. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. At times a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the work. So even if you think you’re working directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Most of the time when customers deals directly with a company, rather than an intermediary, they believe they’ll be getting a better price, but that’s not automatically true with Half Moon Bay auto transport. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the top choice for their customers.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped

Take any personal items out of your car.

You might not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Half Moon Bay from moving vehicles with personal possessions in them. Popular household products that may 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 great idea to check your vehicle and get rid of any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

Do not overfill your gas tank.

Before your vehicle gets loaded up with a Half Moon Bay auto hauler you should examine your gasoline level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of gas. Some gasoline is needed to start your vehicle and drive it so that it can be loaded and unloaded from the auto shipping trailer properly. However, you won’t want to leave more than a quarter of a tank or a full tank of gas in your car because of the added weight it adds.

Take photos of any existing damages on your car.

In order to document the condition of your vehicle prior to turning it over to a Half Moon Bay auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present before to shipping. Cleaning your vehicle first will make it a lot easier to identify any dents or dings. Then, take photos using your phone or camera to document the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any problems. That way you have records of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the auto transport process.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

The consumer will be given a Bill of Lading once your selected auto carrier in Half Moon Bay comes to pick up your vehicle. This is basically a document that acknowledges the business is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also show any existing damages to your vehicle prior to picking it up. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in agreement on its condition. After the inspection is complete, current damages will be documented and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. Once your automobile is delivered, you’ll be presented with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have occurred during the shipping process.

Evaluate 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. Any Half Moon Bay 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. 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 Half Moon Bay

To make sure you’re acquiring the best car shipping provider in Half Moon Bay there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Every competent auto hauler should be 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. Make certain 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 good idea to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Half Moon Bay

Going with a Half Moon Bay 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 choice 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 distinctions.

When a car shipping business says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transportation. This type of truck is generally 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 exposed to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into account depending on the value of the car you’re shipping.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Half Moon Bay

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much protection your car will require. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. A good game plan is to get numerous quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most equitable rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Half Moon Bay auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make sure you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the best service.