Auto Transportation in Stockton 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 Stockton, 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 Stockton, IL.
Auto transport enterprises exist for the sake of convenience. Rather than trying to transfer various vehicles on your own, you can simply hire a company to deal with the job quickly and securely. However, if you’re not familiar with the auto carrier practice, then the task of selecting the ideal hauler and options may seem challenging. In this article we’ll evaluate the options and information that will help prepare you find the ideal auto transport carrier in Stockton. The majority of auto haulers will provide transportation services anywhere in the country from America, from Alaska to Hawaii and will give you with various shipping options. These options may include enclosed or open transport, where you can choose to have your car relocated under the protection of an enclosure. There is also a distinction between auto transport brokers and carriers, which we’ll discuss below.
What is an Auto Broker in Stockton?
If you’ve never had your automobile shipped before, then chances are you’re not aware of the differences between an auto broker and auto carrier in Stockton. Basically, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your motor vehicle from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a fundamental understanding of the two before making a final choice on which provider to do business with.
How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Solutions
An automotive transport broker is simply the professional chosen by you, the shipper, who aids in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Stockton. 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. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each consumers, which means they can provide a greater variety of rates and options. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. The broker will be in contact with you, the customer, throughout the entire shipping process until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.
How to Identify an Auto Carrier
If you choose to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be dealing with the person or persons who own the trucks moving your vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship autos all over the country. Every car carrier in Stockton has to be licensed and insured, but it’s a great idea to do some research just to make sure. Most auto carriers serve a certain number of locations and routes that they can transport motor vehicles to. Many carriers actually rely on auto shipping brokers to connect them with the proper customers who will match the routes they take, which means more reliable service. You’ll end up paying about the same amount whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as costs are based mainly on fuel rates at the time. There ës a fair quantity of competition between various auto carriers, so at times you can obtain promotions or discounts they’re offering. As a result, you can take advantage of the situation in order to get a good price.
Things to Consider Before Transporting Your Motor Vehicle
Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
You might not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in Stockton from transporting vehicles with personal belongings in them. Items that should be removed from your vehicle prior to shipping include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. 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.
Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.
Prior to your vehicle gets loaded up with a Stockton auto hauler you should check your fuel level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of gas. 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.
Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.
To ensure you have evidence of the condition of your motor vehicle prior to using a Stockton auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. Washing your car first will make it easier to identify any dents or dings. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to deliver proof of its condition if needed afterwards. By doing this you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems occur during the auto transport process.
Knowing your Bill of Lading.
As soon as the auto carrier in Stockton arrives to retrieve your vehicle for transport you should be supplied with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This is simply a document that acknowledges the company is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also display any existing damages to your vehicle prior to picking it up. It’s a great idea to inspect the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both conscious 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 vehicle is delivered, you’ll be offered with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have occurred during shipping.
Your car should be insured against damages.
Even though the Stockton 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. Your chosen 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 enough for the vast majority of issues that could arise. These auto carriers normally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the rate you’re paying for shipping.
How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Stockton
It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any business that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are tons of auto transporters in Stockton to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The very first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. By obtaining these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more details about them. You can also learn about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. This way you’ll have a general knowledge about how auto transporting operates.
Stockton Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
Most people think the open transport auto carrier solution is the generally the cheapest. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane as opposed to first class. It’s the most frequent way for people to take a flight. This same exact concept can apply to choosing an open transport. Over 4,000 open auto carriers ship cars throughout the country. Even car dealerships contract a transport firm to send a car the most economical way possible. Open carriers will be more economical than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.
Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider
Before deciding on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your motor 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 ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs 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 fair rates. Merely put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Stockton that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.