Auto Transportation in San Rafael 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 San Rafael, 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 San Rafael, CA.

The auto transport industry delivers a practical way to move your autos across long distances for a relatively cheap rate. Rather than trying to transport multiple vehicles on your own, you can simply employ a company to deal with the job quickly and securely. If you’re not familiar with the auto carriers in San Rafael, then the process might seem complicated at first. In this article we’ll evaluate the choices and information that will help prepare you find the perfect auto transport carrier in San Rafael. Most car haulers will carry anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and offer you a variety of carrier options. In many cases you’ll have the choice of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. But first, we’ll discuss the difference between an auto transport broker and an actual carrier who moves the vehicles.

How an Auto Broker is Different From an Auto Carrier in San Rafael

First of all, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker versus a carrier. Before choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in San Rafael it’s essential to have a good understanding of the differences between the two, as well as how the market works. The process is much less complicated than you might think, and we’ll provide all the details you need to make an educated decision.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

An auto shipping broker is basically the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. A broker will track market conditions and will have a network of car carriers to get in touch with for each customer they receive. A car transporter in San Rafael will be in contact with these brokers and rely on them to connect customers with their services. An auto shipping broker will have connections with carriers around the country and will find one who travels the route and has the ideal rates for the consumer. This is one of the positive aspects of using a broker logistics management firm. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor throughout the shipping process and keep the customer current as to its progress.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

When you choose to seek out a San Rafael auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting vehicles. With a few exceptions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher prices. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean clients will pay less. All services cost money, particularly with auto shipping due to changing fuel rates, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room in many cases. An auto transport broker will already be set up to contact multiple transporters in order to find the best price and most efficient performance for the customer, so interacting directly with an auto carrier may not make a tremendous difference for the better in price or service. In reality, carriers often times aren’t simple to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Car Shipping Advice

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

You may not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in San Rafael from moving vehicles with personal belongings in them. Items that should be taken away from your vehicle prior to shipping include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. Make sure to do a quick inspection of the inside of your vehicle before it gets loaded onto a trailer.

Do not overfill your gas tank.

When employing a San Rafael auto transport company you should keep an eye on your gas gauge before the time of shipping. It’s advisable to leave about a quarter of a tank in your car 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 leave your gas level way too low. However, you don’t want to fill your gas tank too much either. A full tank will add substantial weight to your vehicle and could throw off the equilibrium of the transport and result in complications.

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

To make certain you have evidence of the condition of your vehicle prior to using a San Rafael auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be simpler to identify any dents or damage. Then, take pictures 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 documentation of its condition in the event any problems occur during the vehicle transport process.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected San Rafael auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your automobile on their trailer. This contract is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any present damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. The car owner and consumer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s existing condition. This way, both parties recognize 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 customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Confirm your insurance coverage.

Even though the San Rafael auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would cover any damage that occurs as a result of moving your vehicle. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their costs. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of issues that could occur. These auto carriers usually have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the rate you’re paying for shipping.

Make Certain You Choose the Proper Car Shipping Company in San Rafael

To guarantee you’re getting the best car shipping service in San Rafael there are a few details you should gather regarding your auto transport company. Customers should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. You can also acquire 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. It’s also a wise decision to read any third-party testimonials of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in San Rafael

Most people think the open transport auto carrier alternative is the constantly the cheapest. This option can be compared to economy class on a flight. It’s the most frequent way for people to take a flight. The very same can be said about open transport. Approximately 4,000 open auto carriers are traveling throughout the country and are available for service. Even car dealerships contract a transport company to send a car the most affordable way possible. Transporting your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most practical way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only moving one car or truck at a time.

Deciding on The Best Auto Transport Service in San Rafael

Before making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your vehicle really needs. 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 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 billed an satisfactory rate. By putting in a bit of time to research the San Rafael auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can guarantee you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the best service.