Auto Transportation in Portola Valley CA

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Portola Valley, 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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Are you on the quest for reliable auto transport services in Portola Valley? In this article we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it operates and how to make the best decision. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience possible and make sure your automobile makes it from one place to another properly. 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. Prior to jumping into the Portola Valley auto shipping solutions, you should first know the distinction between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will search out the best carrier for your particular auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person providing the truck. Some agencies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

Portola Valley Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

Odds are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Portola Valley, then you may be unaware of the distinction between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Basically, 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 fundamental understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

An auto shipping broker is basically the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. A broker will monitor market conditions and will have a network of car carriers to contact for each customer they acquire. Auto shipping brokers in Portola Valley negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. These broker companies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your car to be picked-up practically anywhere, sometimes the very same day you call them. One of the advantages of using an auto shipping broker is that they can offer you with a better variety of options when it comes to car 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 Identify an Auto Transporter

When you choose to seek out a Portola Valley auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting motor vehicles. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost effective. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher prices. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean customers will pay less. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with customers, it all costs money. Dealing with an auto carrier directly might not change the rate you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has a wide range of carriers that they can get in touch with for the ideal rates and routes. In reality, carriers often times aren’t effortless to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Tips for Shipping Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your car.

No car hauler in Portola Valley is allowed to transport household goods, as per restrictions put forth by the Department of Transportation. This includes common items you might have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s a good idea to sweep your vehicle for any of these goods and remove them prior to pickup.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

Since your vehicle will need to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you should 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 gas level is too low it might not be able to start. Make sure to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add significant weight to your vehicle which could lead to shipping problems.

Take photos of any existing damages on your car.

Always conduct an in-depth evaluation of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Portola Valley car hauler. A fairly easy way to do this is by washing your car off and ensuring there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s much easier to identify dents and dings. This will ensure you are aware of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage occurred during the shipping process. It’s most effective to record the condition of your car by just taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any problems during transporting it.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

The client will be given what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Portola Valley auto transport arrives to pick up your car. This contract is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. It will also outline any present damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. The car owner and customer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s current condition. This way, both parties acknowledge existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your motor vehicle shows up at its new location, the client will be presented with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Your vehicle should be insured against damages.

You really should check with your auto insurance company to find out if they offer any coverage for your vehicle should it be damaged during the hauling process. Auto transport Portola Valley companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which typically covers anywhere from ,000 to 0,000 worth of damages. The consumer won’t have to pay extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s rates. Usually, this is enough to cover any issues that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company as well.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Portola Valley

There are a couple of ways you can make sure that you’re getting the best service from the auto carrier in Portola Valley that you’ve chosen. Every competent auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also get their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re familiar with how the service works. Finally, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past customers are saying about the auto haulers services.

Distinction Between Portola Valley Auto Transports and Enclosed Vehicle Carriers

The motor vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not shielded from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If using an open carrier then you could expect exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. An enclosed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use particularly if you will transport a classic or custom car. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, which means your vehicle will moved in an enclosed environment and safe from the open air. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In most cases up to five vehicles.

Choosing The Best Auto Transport Service in Portola Valley

Prior to making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your vehicle really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll likely want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your demands just fine. A good game plan is to get multiple quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most fair rates. Merely put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Portola Valley that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.