Vehicle Transportation in Columbia IL

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Are you trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one place to another utilizing an auto transporter in Columbia? In essence, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company relocating the vehicle from one location to another for a consumer. This practice can be taken care of by using 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 exposed to the outdoors. Typically, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s vehicles. However, first you should know the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto 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. In this article, we’ll evaluate the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience easier.

How to Tell the Difference Between Columbia Auto Carriers and Brokers

Odds are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Columbia, then you could possibly be unaware of the distinction between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Even though both choices will end with the same result of getting your car relocated from one location to another, it’s always good to realize the process before selecting a service.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Interact With Consumers

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and usually are not the companies that will carry vehicles. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by hooking up customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the particular services requested. The benefit of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, have the necessary equipment or the appropriate licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the job of contacting carriers in order to locate the one who offers the best prices and appropriate service, which means you might get a much better rate since it increases competition.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

A car hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten automobiles at a time. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are qualified and licensed to haul motor vehicles. Sometimes, the operater of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to travel. The truck driver is the person who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Sometimes a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they are not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the job. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Typically 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 Columbia. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the perfect choice for their clients.

Steps to Take Before Transporting Your Vehicle

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

Auto carriers are prohibited from relocating anything regarded as a household good, which is a rule mandated by the Department of Transportation. This means auto transport in Columbia will not be allowed to deliver vehicles with your personal goods inside of them. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car or truck are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Do not ship your automobile with a full gas tank.

Since your vehicle will have to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you should make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on gasoline. Also, your vehicle may be placed at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gasoline level is too low it might not be able to start. Make certain to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add substantial weight to your vehicle which could lead to shipping problems.

Look at your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

It’s a good plan to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dirt or mud stuck on it. You’ll want to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. It’s easy to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your motor vehicle in the case that damage does occur during the transporting process.

What is a Bill of Lading?

As soon as your Columbia auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation to determine the condition of your vehicle. During this time you can determine 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. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any existing damage. 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. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your vehicle should be insured against damages.

It’s a good idea to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Any Columbia 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 commonly 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.

How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Columbia

It’s usually a good idea to do a bit of research on any organization that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are plenty of auto transporters in Columbia to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The very first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. By getting these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more details about them. Lastly, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re receiving and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. This way you’ll have a basic knowledge about how auto transporting operates.

Open Vehicle Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Columbia

Going with a Columbia auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about anywhere in the country, and you’ll also be able to pick how your vehicle is shipped. You’ll have the alternative to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are generally transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

Most people are familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most frequent type of car shipping. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are usually around 75 feet in length. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are exposed to the elements at all times.

Choosing The Right Auto Transport Service in Columbia

Always consider 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 okay for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping option might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get various quotes from Columbia auto transporters. This way you’ll understand the general prices, but the lowest priced is not always the ideal choice. Do a little bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.