Vehicle Shipping in Athens IL

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Are you trying to figure out the practice of moving a vehicle from one location to another utilizing an auto transporter in Athens? To put it simply, it’s the act of relocating a car from one state to another through some type of car shipping method. Clients have the choice to choose between an open carrier, which is the most prevalent, or an enclosed carrier that better guards your vehicle. Generally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are high-priced or collector’s vehicles. 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 behave as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. Below, we’ll examine the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other suggestions that will help you make the most effective auto transport choice.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Athens

Before selecting an car hauling service you should have a fundamental understanding of the business and how it works. The process can be daunting if you don’t know where to start or where to get correct details. This article will cover the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of moving a vehicle.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

In the car shipping community, a broker is a company that resells your shipping job. When you contact a broker, they will manage the process of finding a carrier for your car and getting it from one location to another. However, they will not actually carry out the shipping themselves, as they don’t own the trucks that are used in the shipping process. They will get in touch with a variety of Athens auto shippers and use one of those auto transport providers to ship your car or other vehicle. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the customer until the vehicle is delivered. Basically, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can contact many businesses in order to find the best service for the shipper.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Athens

When you deal directly with an auto transport professional that means you will be dealing with the actual individual or firm that will be moving your automobile. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship motor vehicles all over the country. Most auto transport carriers in Athens have to be licensed and insured, but a customer should still do their homework to validate this. These car carriers will serve a particular number of routes and locations in order to offer effective service and remain successful. 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 reliable service. You’ll end up having to pay about the same amount whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as costs are based mainly on fuel rates at the time. There ës a fair amount of competition between different auto carriers, so occasionally you can find promotions or discounts they’re offering. For that reason, you can take advantage of the situation in order to get a good bargain.

Steps to Take Before Transporting Your Vehicle

Take any personal items out of your car.

You might not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in Athens from transporting vehicles with personal belongings in them. Common household products that might be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. Make sure to do a quick inspection of the interior of your vehicle before it gets loaded onto a trailer.

Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your gas tank.

Ahead of shipping your vehicle with a Athens car hauler you should make sure to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. The shipping process will demand a small amount of driving, usually only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. However, you won’t want to leave more than a quarter of a tank or a full tank of gas in your automobile because of the extra weight it adds.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

When using a Athens car hauler you should always perform a quick examination of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. The most effective way to do this is by washing your car first, making sure there’s no dirt left on it, and then walking around it and make notes of any dents or dings. This will ensure you are conscious of any existing problems 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.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

As soon as your Athens auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which normally includes scratches, dents and dings. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This record simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term possession of your vehicle. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any present damage. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will describe if any new damages have taken place during the shipping process. This process guarantees that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.

Each time you do business with a Athens auto hauler you should check to make certain they have their own liability insurance. 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 enough for the vast majority of problems that could come up. These auto carriers generally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the rate you’re paying for shipping.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Athens

To guarantee you’re getting the best car shipping provider in Athens there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Every experienced auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also obtain 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 acquainted 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.

Main difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Athens

Going with a Athens 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. While most auto transport organizations will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the business you choose, you may have the option to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. 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 transport. This type of truck is usually 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 open to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into consideration based upon on the value of the motor vehicle you’re shipping.

Know Your Auto Transport Options in Athens

Always think about how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably fine for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s vehicles that are specifically kept in safeguarded conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping method. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get multiple quotes from Athens auto transporters. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the best choice for every situation. Do a little bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport business in general. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.