Auto Transport in Columbus IN

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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 Columbus, 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 Columbus, IN.

What is included in moving your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Columbus? To put it simply, it’s the act of moving a car from one state to another through some type of car transport method. Clients have the possibility to choose between an open carrier, which is the most popular, or an enclosed carrier that better covers your vehicle. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most economical for common vehicle transport needs. However, first you should understand the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers support the shipping process by connecting customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. Below, we’ll review the difference between a broker and carrier, as well as other suggestions that will help you make the best auto transport choice.

Columbus Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

Employing an auto transport company requires some due diligence and understanding how the industry works prior to making a decision. It may seem like a challenging process, but we’ll help make it less complicated for everyone. We’ll cover the basics of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in supplying clients with transport services.

Auto Brokers and Their Purpose in the Auto Transport Industry

Brokers are essentially the logistics managing partner to an auto carrier and customer. They offer a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to offer the most realistic rates. Auto shipping brokers in Columbus negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. These broker companies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your automobile to be picked-up practically anywhere, sometimes the very same day you call them. This is one of the advantages of using a broker logistics management business. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor in the course of the shipping process and keep the customer updated as to its progress.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Columbus

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the person or business that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for transporting your automobile. One benefit of using a carrier is that you are working directly with the company who will be hauling your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. The client will be responsible for locating a company that handles auto transport in Columbus, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the best price. A broker will not be essential in this case, but you may find your choices limited. Not every auto shipper will necessarily be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to achieve your destination depending on the states they must go through. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your car.

No auto shipper is authorized to transfer any object that would be categorized as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. This means auto transport in Columbus will not be allowed to send vehicles with your personal objects inside of them. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Only leave around a quarter of tank of gas in your car.

You should always make sure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when transporting. Your Columbus auto carrier will probably have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a steep angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be mindful not to keep a full tank of gas in your car when transporting it. A full tank would add a great deal of weight to your car, which could result in problems during the transporting process.

Take photos of any existing damages on your car.

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. You’ll want to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. It’s effortless to document them by taking pictures, which will also prove the condition of your automobile in the case that damage does occur during the transporting process.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your chosen Columbus auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your car 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. The car owner and customer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s existing condition. This way, both parties identify existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your current 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.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Any Columbus car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The total insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler commonly uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can occur during the shipping process.

How to Locate the Best Auto Hauler in Columbus

There are several ways you can guarantee you’re getting the absolute greatest service from your chosen Columbus car carrier. You should only use an auto transport service that is licensed, bonded and insured. You can find out more about the company by getting their MC number or USDOT number. These numbers can then be used to look up the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau. It’s also a great idea to quickly review the terms and conditions of the service contract so that you have a general idea of what in entails. A little bit of investigation as to overall auto transport process goes a long way as well.

Distinction Between Columbus Auto Transports and Enclosed Vehicle Carriers

A potential misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement alternative. This option can be compared to economy class on a flight. It’s the most common way for people to take a flight. This same exact concept can apply to selecting an 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 economical way possible. Open carriers will be more affordable than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.

Deciding on The Ideal Auto Transport Service in Columbus

Always think about how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always less costly, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would commonly be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. Antique, classic cars and collector’s motor vehicles that are specifically kept in secured conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping option. When first exploring auto transport companies in Columbus you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll understand the general costs, but the cheapest is not always the most effective choice. Do a little bit of analysis on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport business in general. When you eventually make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final destination.