Auto Transport in Oak Forest IL
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Oak 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 Oak Forest, IL.
What is included in relocating your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Oak Forest? Simply put, it’s the act of transporting a car from one state to another by means of some type of car transport process. This procedure can be taken care of by making use of an open carrier, which is the most frequent option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be subjected to the open air. An open carrier is the most popular, which also means it’s the most affordable for standard vehicle transport needs. The best place to start off in your quest for locating an auto transporter is understanding the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, brokers assist in the shipping process by hooking up customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. In this article, we’ll evaluate the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience smoother.
Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Oak Forest
First, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker versus a carrier. Before choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Oak Forest it’s important to have a decent understanding of the differences between the two, as well as how the business works. The process is much easier than you may think, and we’ll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Auto Brokers and Their Purpose in the Auto Transport Industry
In the car shipping business, a broker is a firm that resells your shipping job. For instance, when you call a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your automobile from point A to point B. However, they will not actually perform the shipping themselves, as they don’t own the trucks that are used in the shipping process. They will make contact with a variety of Oak Forest auto shippers and use one of those auto transport services to ship your car or other vehicle. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the customer until the vehicle is delivered. Essentially, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can make contact with many businesses in order to find the best service for the shipper.
How to Locate a Car Carrier in Oak Forest
Going with a Oak Forest auto carrier implies the customer will be working directly with the person or firm that owns the truck which will be transporting your vehicle. With a few exceptions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher rates. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean customers will pay less. All services cost money, especially with auto shipping due to changing fuel prices, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. An auto transport broker will already be set up to get in touch with multiple transporters in order to find the best rate and most efficient performance for the customer, so dealing directly with an auto carrier may not make a tremendous difference for the better in price or service. In reality, carriers often times aren’t effortless to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.
Guidelines for Shipping Your Car
Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
Auto shippers in Oak Forest are prohibited by the Department of Transportation to transport anything that would be considered a “household good”. This includes common items you might have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s recommended to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to prevent any delays.
Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.
When utilizing a Oak Forest auto transport company you should keep an eye on your gas gauge before the time of shipping. It’s highly recommended to leave about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle just to be on the safe side. The motor vehicle will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your gas tank an excessive amount either. A car with a full tank of gas will weigh substantially more than one with only a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.
Record any body damage on your vehicle
When using a Oak Forest car hauler you should always perform a quick inspection of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. A fairly easy way to do this is by washing your car off and making sure there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s easier to discover dents and dings. This will make certain you are aware of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage happened during the transporting 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.
Keep track of your Bill of Lading.
The customer will be offered a Bill of Lading once your selected auto carrier in Oak Forest comes to pick up your vehicle. This document will affirm that the auto shipping is hauling your motor vehicle and will also confirm its condition prior to shipping. It’s a good idea to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both aware of any existing damages. After the inspection is complete, current damages will be recorded and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. Once your car is delivered, you’ll be presented with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have happened during the shipping process.
Knowing insurance liabilities when transporting your car.
Although the Oak Forest 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 moving your vehicle. Generally, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the price of their services, so there won’t be any excess costs involved. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be enough for the vast majority of problems that could arise. These auto carriers usually have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.
Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Oak Forest for Your Needs
You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be tough to choose which one is the most effective for your needs. Thankfully, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a sound decision on which auto transport Oak Forest service to go with. Initially, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always make sure that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a reputable company. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous customers are saying. Lastly, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you comprehend the service you’re getting.
Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Oak Forest
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 compared to first class. It’s the most frequent way for people to take a flight. This same concept can apply to choosing an open transport. Approximately 4,000 open auto carriers are traveling throughout the country and are available for service. Even car dealerships contract a transport firm to send a car the most cost effective way possible. Transporting your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most practical way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only moving one car or truck at a time.
Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider
In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, take into account how much protection your vehicle will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll likely want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average vehicle that you use every day for standard driving needs, then an open trailer would probably be a good fit for you. 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. By putting in a bit of time to research the Oak Forest auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can guarantee you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the very best service.