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Vehicle Transportation in Colchester IL

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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.

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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

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

Have questions, need a quote, or want to schedule a transport – just give us a call at (888) 654-1785

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What is included in transferring your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Colchester? In fact, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company relocating the vehicle from one place to another for a client. This process can be taken care of by utilizing an open carrier, which is the most common option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be subjected to the open air. Generally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are high-priced or collector’s automobiles. However, first you should know the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t in fact 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 examine the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other strategies that will help you make the ideal auto transport choice.

Colchester Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

Odds are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Colchester, then you might be unaware of the difference between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Even though both options will end with the same result of getting your car moved from one location to another, it’s always good to realize the process before choosing a service.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

An auto shipping broker is basically the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. A broker will monitor market conditions and will have a community of car carriers to contact for each customer they acquire. A car transporter in Colchester will be in contact with these brokers and rely on them to link up customers with their solutions. These broker companies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your vehicle to be picked-up practically anywhere, sometimes the very same day you contact them. One of the advantages of using an auto shipping broker is that they can offer you with a greater variety of choices when it comes to car haulers. These brokers also stay in touch with the customer throughout the shipping process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.

How to Find a Car Carrier in Colchester

When you deal directly with an auto transport provider that means you will be interacting with the actual individual or business that will be moving your vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship motor vehicles all over the country. Most auto transport carriers in Colchester have to be licensed and insured, but a customer should still do their homework to validate this. Most auto carriers serve a specific number of locations and routes that they can transport motor vehicles to. Many carriers actually rely on auto shipping brokers to connect them with the ideal customers who will fit the routes they take, which means more reliable service. Regardless of which option you choose, a broker or carrier, you’ll be having to pay roughly the same price for your auto transport. There ës a fair quantity of competition between various auto carriers, so occasionally you can obtain promotions or discounts they’re offering. As a result, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a great deal.

Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Car

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

All Colchester auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be deemed “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should get rid of anything that would be considered a “household good” from your automobile before it is picked up by an auto transport service. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

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

You should always make sure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when transporting. Your Colchester auto carrier will probably have to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be careful not to leave a full tank of gasoline in your car when transporting it. If your fuel tank is full, it will end up placing a substantial amount of weight to your vehicle, which could cause difficulties.

Take photos of any existing damages on your car.

When using a Colchester car hauler you should always perform a quick inspection of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. The best way to do this is by cleaning 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 guarantee you are aware of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage occurred during the shipping process. Record any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition ahead of transporting it.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

As soon as your Colchester auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an assessment to determine the condition of your vehicle. 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 possession 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 new bill will describe if any new damages have taken place during the transporting process. So this process basically protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.

Verify your insurance coverage.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Any Colchester 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 typically 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 always check your policy prior to shipping.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Colchester

In order to guarantee you’re receiving the best service from your Colchester car carrier you can always do a bit of research on their history first. First, only do business with an auto hauler who is licensed, bonded and insured. You can find out more about the firm by getting their MC number or USDOT number. You can use these numbers to look up reports on their services with the BBB. It’s also a wise course of action to quickly review the terms and conditions of the service contract so that you have a general idea of what in entails. This way you’ll be able to make the most knowledgeable decision possible.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Colchester

Most people think the open transport auto carrier option is the constantly the cheapest. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane compared to first class. It’s the way most people travel. This very same concept can apply to deciding on an open transport. Over 4,000 open auto carriers ship cars throughout the country. Even car dealerships contract a transport company to send a car the most affordable way possible. Open carriers will be more affordable than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.

Deciding on The Right Auto Transport Service in Colchester

Before making a decision on whether you employ 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 probably want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average car that you use every day for standard driving needs, then an open trailer would likely be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get many quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most equitable rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Colchester auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make certain you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the best service.