Auto Transportation in Lake Forest IL

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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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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest, IL.

Moving a automobile is not a very complicated process, although it may seem that way from the outside, especially if you’ve hardly ever done it before. In order to move a car, truck or motorcycle it’s really just a matter of having the appropriate information and calling the right Lake Forest auto transport service to take care of the job. Sometimes, you’ll end up getting in touch with what’s called a broker rather than an actual auto carrier. They both offer the same solutions, which is to facilitate the transportation of your vehicle, but a broker simply arranges the transport while a carrier actually supplies the transportation. No matter where in the country you’re shipping your motor vehicle, the process is essentially the same. You’ll want to make certain you have your vehicle’s information handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. You should also plan ahead if you have a rigid timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a particular date it must arrive by. One of the most important distinctions to realize is the difference and commonalities between an auto transport broker and a carrier.

What is the Distinction Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Lake Forest?

Hiring an auto transport company demands some due diligence and knowing how the business works prior to making a decision. The process can be challenging if you don’t know where to begin or where to get accurate information. This article will include the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of hauling a vehicle.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Interact With Customers

An auto shipping broker is basically the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. They offer a platform for communication and keep track of existing market conditions in order to quote the most realistic rates. Auto shipping brokers in Lake Forest negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. An auto shipping broker will have relationships with carriers around the country and will find one who travels the route and has the ideal rates for the consumer. 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. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor in the course of the shipping process and keep the customer current as to its progress.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Lake Forest

Going with a Lake Forest auto carrier means the customer will be dealing directly with the person or company that owns the truck which will be hauling your vehicle. However, most carriers only serve a limited number of routes so that their services are cost effective. Normally, they don’t stray too far from these routes because of additional fuel costs and the travel time frame it would take, which would slow down other deliveries. Dealing with a carrier company does not mean clients will pay less. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with clients, it all costs money. An auto transport broker will already be set up to contact multiple transporters in order to find the most effective price and most efficient performance for the customer, so dealing directly with an auto carrier may not make a huge difference for the better in price or service. In reality, carriers often times aren’t easy to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped

Secure your personal items outside your car.

You might not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Lake Forest from hauling vehicles with personal possessions in them. Common household products that might be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. So it’s a good option to check your vehicle and get rid of any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.

Don’t ship your car with a full gas tank.

When utilizing a Lake Forest auto transport company you should keep an eye on your fuel gauge before the time of shipping. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and keep only about a quarter of a tank in your automobile. Your car may be driven briefly just to load it onto and off of the vehicle trailer and you don’t want to keep your gasoline level too low. Alternatively, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of fuel either. A car with a full tank of gas will weigh significantly more than one with only a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.

Examine your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

Always carry out an in-depth assessment of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Lake Forest car hauler. The most effective 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 occurred during the transporting process. Record any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have evidence of your vehicle’s condition before transporting it.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

You’ll be given what’s called a Bill of Lading once your Lake Forest car carrier arrives to obtain your vehicle for transport. This Bill of Lading consists of the details of your vehicle transport contract and will validate that it is being placed in the temporary care of the auto transport company. At this time, both the client and driver of the auto carrier should do an examination of the vehicle in order to document any existing damages. So the consumer and driver can come to an agreement as to the vehicle’s condition, and that way there won’t be any confusion once the vehicle is delivered. Another Bill of Lading will be given to the customer once the vehicle arrives at its destination, which will confirm the condition of the vehicle matches what it was when it was picked up. If any new damages occur, they can be dealt with at this time.

Understanding insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Each time you do business with a Lake Forest auto hauler you should check to ensure they have their own liability insurance. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their rates. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of issues that could arise. This coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Lake Forest

To make sure you’re acquiring the best car shipping service in Lake Forest there are a few details you should gather regarding your auto transport company. Every competent auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also acquire 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 reviews of the company to see what past customers are saying.

Distinction Between Lake Forest Auto Transports and Enclosed Vehicle Carriers

A possible misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement alternative. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane as opposed to first class. It’s the most well-known way for people to take a flight. The same can be said about 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 inexpensive way possible. Open carriers will be more cost-effective than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.

You Can Get Great Auto Transport Deals in Lake Forest

Always think about 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 options are probably okay for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping solution might be better for your vehicle. When first exploring auto transport companies in Lake Forest you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll know the general costs, but the lowest priced is not always the most effective choice. Do a bit of analysis on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. When you finally make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final destination.