Vehicle Transportation in Chatham IL

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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.

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Chatham, 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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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 Chatham, IL.

The auto transport business offers a practical way to move your autos across long distances for a comparatively cheap rate. Instead of trying to transport various vehicles on your own, you can simply hire a company to deal with the job quickly and safely. However, if you’re not familiar with the auto carrier process, then the task of selecting the ideal hauler and options may seem challenging. The good news is, in this guide we’ll help you comprehend how to choose a car hauler in Chatham that will fit your needs and move your car properly. Most car haulers will carry anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and provide a variety of carrier choices. In many cases you’ll have the option of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. There is also a distinction between auto transport brokers and carriers, which we’ll discuss below.

What is the Distinction Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Chatham?

Employing an auto transport company involves some due diligence and knowing how the industry works before making a decision. The process can be challenging if you don’t know where to begin or where to get specific details. This article will cover the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of moving a vehicle.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Customers

Brokers are basically the logistics managing partner to an auto carrier and consumer. A broker will track market conditions and will have a network of car carriers to contact for each customer they acquire. Auto shipping brokers in Chatham 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 offer you with a greater variety of choices 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.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move various vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the highways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and moving vehicles. Sometimes, the operater 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. Some bigger carrier companies are registered brokers as well which gives them the opportunity to broker out your order to an additional carrier. This means that even when you think you are working with a carrier in some instances you go through a broker service. Usually you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to auto carriers in Chatham. A broker shops numerous auto transporters and is already organized to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the best option for your auto transport needs.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your car.

No auto shipper is allowed to transfer any object that would be categorized as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. This means auto transport in Chatham will not be allowed to send vehicles with your personal objects inside of them. This consists of things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have put in your vehicle.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to shipping with a Chatham car carrier. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and leave only about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle. The car will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your gas tank too much either. A vehicle with a full tank of gas will weigh substantially more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.

Take photos of any existing damages on your car.

Always conduct an in-depth assessment of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Chatham car hauler. A simple way to do this is by washing your car off and making certain there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s much easier to discover dents and dings. This will make certain you are conscious of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage took place during the transporting process. Record any damages by taking pictures with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition ahead of transporting it.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

When the Chatham auto transport arrives to begin the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an assessment of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can identify any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking temporary control of your vehicle. It will also guarantee 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 essentially safeguards both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no misunderstandings upon delivery.

Your vehicle should be insured against damages.

It’s a wise course of action to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Any Chatham car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The overall 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. Occasionally, your insurance company provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.

Make Certain You Select the Right Car Shipping Company in Chatham

To make certain you’re acquiring the best car shipping service in Chatham there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Customers should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. You can also obtain their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (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 general auto transport process. Finally, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past consumers are expressing about the auto haulers services.

Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Chatham

Shipping your vehicle by utilizing an open carrier option is often the most affordable and common. It is the most frequently used and there are more of these carriers around than any other type. These auto carriers are around in abundance, so it helps keep down the expenses involved in shipping. So, in general, this is the cheapest way to ship a car. Auto carriers travel consistent routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain efficiency. This reduces the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Selecting The Ideal Auto Transport Service in Chatham

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, take into account how much protection your car will require. 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. However, if you’re simply transporting an average motor vehicle that you use every day for common driving needs, then an open trailer would probably be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get various quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most fair rates. Simply put a little time towards investigating the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Chatham that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.