Vehicle Shipping in Oakland CA

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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 Oakland, CA.

What is included in moving your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Oakland? Simply put, it’s the act of relocating a car from one state to another through some type of car transport process. Clients have the option to choose between an open carrier, which is the most well-known, or an enclosed carrier that better safeguards your vehicle. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most cost-effective for ordinary vehicle transport needs. The ideal place to begin in your quest for locating an auto transporter is understanding the difference between a broker and a carrier. Brokers don’t actually ship the vehicle, but they act as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. Below, we’ll review the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other tips that will help you make the best auto transport choice.

Oakland Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Oakland, there are essentially two different choices you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main difference is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to transport your vehicle from one point to another. The broker will find the best trucking service for you based on where you are and where your vehicle needs to go. An auto shipping carrier is basically the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Solutions

Brokers are essentially the logistics management partner to an auto carrier and customer. They provide a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to quote the most reasonable rates. Auto shipping brokers in Oakland negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. An auto shipping broker will have relationships with carriers around the country and will find one who travels the route and has the best prices for the consumer. One of the benefits of using an auto shipping broker is that they can provide you with a better variety of options when it comes to auto haulers. These brokers also keep in touch with the client throughout the delivery process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Oakland

If you choose to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be dealing with the person or persons who own the trucks moving your vehicle. The auto shipping carriers are the owners of the trailers that are used in shipping the cars and are the owners of the enterprise. Every car carrier in Oakland needs to be licensed and insured, but it’s a good idea to do some research just to make sure. Most auto carriers serve a certain number of locations and routes that they can transport cars to. Many carriers basically rely on auto shipping brokers to connect them with the right customers who will fit the routes they take, which means more effective service. You’ll end up paying about the same rate whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as charges are based mostly on fuel rates at the time. There ës a fair quantity of competition between different auto carriers, so sometimes you can find promotions or discounts they’re offering. For this reason, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a good deal.

Car Shipping Tips

Ensure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

No auto shipper is authorized to transport any object that would be categorized as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. This means auto transport in Oakland will not be allowed to deliver vehicles with your personal objects inside of them. Some good examples of household goods that might be in your vehicle are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Only leave about a quarter of tank of gas in your car.

Since your vehicle will have to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you ought to make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on fuel. Also, your car may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gasoline could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gasoline level is too low it might not be able to start. Conversely, make sure you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a lot of weight to your vehicle during transporting.

Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.

It’s a wise course of action to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dirt or mud stuck on it. You’ll want to do a detailed inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. Simply taking pictures or a video of the condition of your motor vehicle prior to shipping can help avoid any misunderstandings at the time of its delivery.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

When the Oakland auto transport arrives to begin the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an inspection of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection will document any current damages on your vehicle, which normally includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the client will be given a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term possession of your vehicle. 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 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. So this process basically protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.

Understand your insurance coverage.

It’s a good idea to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Your chosen Oakland car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The total 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. Sometimes, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Oakland

There are a number of ways you can ensure you’re getting the absolute best service from your chosen Oakland car carrier. First, only do business with an auto hauler who is licensed, bonded and insured. You can find out more about the business by getting their MC number or USDOT number. You can use these numbers to look up reviews on their solutions with the BBB. You can also look over the company’s terms and conditions to get a better idea of the type of service you’re receiving. This way you’ll be able to make the most knowledgeable decision possible.

Oakland Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

Going with a Oakland 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 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 differences.

Most people are familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most frequent 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. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are exposed to the elements at all times.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service

It’s a good practice to think about what type of safety your vehicle will require while being shipped across the country. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always less expensive, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would commonly be exposed to the outdoors on a regular basis anyways. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping alternative might be better for your vehicle. When first exploring auto transport companies in Oakland you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll understand the general costs, but the cheapest is not always the best choice. By performing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the greatest deal. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.