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Auto Transport in Germantown IL

transportation checkboxesAnswers 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.

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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Germantown, 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 Germantown, 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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The car shipping business can seem overwhelming at first, but by doing a tiny bit of homework you can make the best selection possible for transporting your car or truck. In order to transport a car, truck or motorcycle it’s really just a matter of having the appropriate information and calling the right Germantown auto transport service to deal with the job. Often times when you reach out to a transport company you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, in lieu of the transporter themselves. They both offer the same options, which is to facilitate the transportation of your vehicle, but a broker simply arranges the transport while a carrier essentially supplies the transportation. No matter where in the country you’re delivering your motor vehicle, the process is essentially the same. You’ll want to make sure you have your vehicle’s info handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. It’s also essential to have a general timeframe in mind if you’ll need your vehicle delivered by a certain date. One of the most essential distinctions to understand is the difference and similarities between an auto transport broker and a carrier.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Germantown

You’ll basically have two alternatives when looking for an auto carrier in Germantown. The main distinction is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to transport your vehicle from one point to another. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. An auto shipping carrier is simply the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the best auto carrier depending on routes, your location and the kind of service you require. Brokers actually have an established community of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will give the customer more choices and a better chance to find the best one for them. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not possess the necessary equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states required to move your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of contacting carriers in order to find the one who offers the best rates and proper service, which means you might get a much better rate since it will increase competition.

Choosing a Qualified Car Carrier

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or organization that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for shipping your automobile. Interacting directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be tough to find the best carrier since many of them rely on brokers to connect them with customers. A customer would be responsible for finding and dealing with the Germantown auto transporter, or several of them if you are shopping around. A broker will not be required in this case, but you may find your choices limited. It’s essential to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a vehicle since licensing and legal requirements differ from state to state. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Car Shipping Advice

Secure your personal items outside your car.

No car hauler in Germantown is authorized to transport household goods, as per rules put forth by the Department of Transportation. This consists of common things you might have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s recommended to remove these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to avoid any delays.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

Although your vehicle will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be necessary during the loading and unloading process. Also, your car may be positioned 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 gas level is too low it may not be able to start. Conversely, make sure you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a great deal of weight to your vehicle during shipping.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

It’s a wise course of action to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dirt or mud stuck on it. This will allow you to plainly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already present on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t mistakenly believe the damage took place during shipping. Merely taking photos or a video of the condition of your motor vehicle prior to shipping can help prevent any confusion at the time of its delivery.

Know your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Germantown auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your automobile on their truck. This document is an acknowledgment form that shows the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. It will also outline any current damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and agree on any damage that is already present. In this case, both parties can come to an agreement on the condition of your vehicle prior to it being shipped, which will help prevent mistakes from occurring when it’s delivered. When your motor vehicle arrives at its new location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Your vehicle should be insured against damages.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Germantown car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that covers 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. Sometimes, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Make Sure You Select the Proper Car Shipping Provider in Germantown

To make certain you’re getting the best car shipping provider in Germantown there are a few details you should acquire regarding your auto transport company. Every competent auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. Yet another way to verify their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re acquainted with how the service works. It’s also a good idea to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past customers are saying.

Open Vehicle Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Germantown

Going with a Germantown auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about any place in the country, and you’ll also be able to select how your vehicle is shipped. While most auto transport firms will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the business you choose, you may have the option to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

When a car shipping company says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transport. 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 open to the elements at all times.

You Can Get Excellent Auto Transport Deals in Germantown

Always consider how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need during the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport alternatives are probably fine for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping alternative might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get several quotes from Germantown auto transporters. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the ideal choice for every circumstance. Do a bit of analysis on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. When you eventually make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final destination.