Auto Shipping in Decatur IL

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 Decatur, 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 Decatur, IL.

Are you trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one place to another using an auto transporter in Decatur? Simply put, it’s the act of relocating a car from one state to another through some type of car shipping process. Consumers have the option to choose between an open carrier, which is the most common, or an enclosed carrier that better covers your vehicle. Normally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s vehicles. However, first you should understand the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers assist in the shipping procedure by connecting customers with carriers, while the carrier actually performs the job. Below, we’ll review the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other tips that will help you make the ideal auto transport choice.

Decatur Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

Odds are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Decatur, then you may be unaware of the distinction between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Essentially, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your automobile from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

An auto transport broker is simply the professional chosen by you, the shipper, who assists in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Decatur. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but instead will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s circumstance. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most effective shipping solution for their customers. They’ll find an auto carrier who journeys the route and is within realistic distance to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. The broker will be in contact with you, the customer, throughout the entire shipping progression until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

A vehicle hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten automobiles at a time. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and transporting vehicles. Sometimes, the operater of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their services and which routes to travel. The truck driver is the person who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Occasionally a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they are not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the job. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be employing a different carrier service in the end. Normally you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not always the case when it comes to auto carriers in Decatur. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the most effective choice for their clients.

Tips for Shipping Your Car

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

You may not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Decatur from transporting vehicles with personal possessions in them. Typical household objects that may 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 swift inspection of the interior of your automobile before it gets loaded onto a trailer.

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

Be sure to maintain around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to transporting it. Your Decatur auto carrier will likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer during the shipping process, and since it will be at a steep angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. But, you don’t want to overfill your tank or leave your car with a full tank of gasoline during shipping. If your gas tank is full, it will end up placing a considerable amount of weight to your vehicle, which could cause problems.

Take photos of any existing damages on your car.

Always conduct an in-depth evaluation of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Decatur car hauler. An easy way to do this is by washing your car off and ensuring there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s much easier to recognize dents and dings. This will ensure you are aware of any existing damages and can correctly 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 before transporting it.

Know your Bill of Lading.

When the Decatur auto transport arrives to start the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an evaluation of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can identify any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. Once that process is complete, the customer will be given a Bill of Lading. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It will also make sure 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 shipping process. So this process essentially protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.

Confirm your insurance coverage.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Your chosen Decatur car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. 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. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.

Make Sure You Choose the Correct Car Shipping Business in Decatur

There are several ways you can make sure that you’re receiving the best service from the auto carrier in Decatur that you’ve chosen. Consumers should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. You can also get 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 great idea to read any third-party testimonials of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Open Vehicle Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Decatur

An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your car would be if you were driving it down the road yourself. If you are looking for this type of car carrier transport, you should be aware that your vehicle will be exposed to all those elements. If you’re shipping a custom, classic or collector’s vehicle, then you may want to opt for an enclosed auto carrier. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping option. In an enclosed car carrier, the cars are housed in a covered truck. Enclosed carriers generally can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In many cases up to five automobiles.

Choosing The Best Auto Transport Service in Decatur

Before deciding on whether you employ 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 needs 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. Simply put a little time towards studying the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Decatur that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.