Car Transportation in DeKalb IL
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in DeKalb, 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 DeKalb, IL.
Transporting a car or truck is not a very difficult process, although it may seem that way from the outside, especially if you’ve never done it before. Transporting a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of discovering the proper information and calling the appropriate people, which is this case is an auto transportation company in DeKalb. Sometimes when you reach out to a transportation company you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, rather than the transporter themselves. Both of these businesses essentially make sure your vehicle is transported safety and easily to a new location. No matter where in the country you’re delivering your motor vehicle, the process is essentially the same. The main details you’ll need prior to shipping is your vehicle’s make, model and year. You should also plan ahead if you have a strict timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a certain date it must arrive by. One of the most essential distinctions to understand is the difference and commonalities between an auto transport broker and a carrier.
DeKalb Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport
You’ll essentially have two alternatives when looking for an auto carrier in DeKalb. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. The broker will find the ideal trucking service for you based on where you are and where your vehicle needs to go. A carrier, on the other hand, actually owns their trucks and they send one of their trucks to pick up your vehicle.
What Is An Auto Transport Broker?
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 specific services requested. Brokers already have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will provide the customer more options and a far better chance to find the ideal one for them. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, possess the necessary equipment or the proper licensing to transport through the states needed to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Basically, a broker does the leg work of finding a carrier that meets these requirements and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.
Finding the Best Auto Hauler
An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move numerous vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the freeways at times. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are qualified and licensed to haul vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the owner of the rig, so they decide on their services and which routes to drive. The truck driver is the individual who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Some bigger carrier companies are registered brokers as well which gives them the opportunity to broker out your order to another carrier. 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 always the case when it comes to auto carriers in DeKalb. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the top choice for their customers.
Tips for Shipping Your Car
Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
All DeKalb auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be deemed “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. You will need to do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. 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 gas tank.
Prior to your vehicle gets loaded up with a DeKalb auto hauler you should verify your gasoline level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of fuel. The shipping process will demand a small amount of driving, generally 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 car because of the added weight it adds.
Examine your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.
When using a DeKalb 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 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 aware of any existing damages and can accurately determine if any new damage happened during the shipping process. Document any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition before transporting it.
Understand your Bill of Lading.
The customer will be offered what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your DeKalb auto transport gets there to retrieve your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that shows the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. It will also outline any existing damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. The driver and consumer can do an inspection together so that they agree on the car’s present condition. This way, both parties recognize existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your motor vehicle shows up at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.
Understand your insurance coverage.
Although the DeKalb auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good idea to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would cover any damage that occurs as a result of hauling your vehicle. Generally, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the cost of their services, so there won’t be any extra costs involved. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of problems that could arise. This insurance coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.
Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in DeKalb
There are several ways you can make sure that you’re getting the best service from the auto carrier in DeKalb that you’ve chosen. Every qualified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. Yet another way to examine their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the general auto transport process. It’s also a wise decision to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past clients are saying.
Main difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in DeKalb
The cars moved with open auto transport carriers are not protected from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If you’re looking for this type of car carrier transport, you need to be aware that your vehicle will be open 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 reverse of an open car carrier shipping service. 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 motor vehicles.
Know Your Auto Transport Options in DeKalb
Before making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your vehicle really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll perhaps want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your demands just fine. A good game plan is to get multiple quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most equitable rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the DeKalb auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can ensure you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the best service.