Auto Transportation in Altoona IA

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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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Altoona, 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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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 Altoona, IA.

The auto transport industry delivers a convenient way to move your automobiles across long distances for a fairly low rate. Rather than trying to transport multiple vehicles on your own, you can simply seek the services of a company to handle the job quickly and securely. If you’re not familiar with the auto carriers in Altoona, then the procedure might seem complicated at first. The good news is, in this report we’ll help you understand how to choose a car hauler in Altoona that will fit your needs and move your car safely. Many car haulers will transport anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and offer you a variety of carrier options. These options may include enclosed or open transport, where you can choose to have your car relocated under the protection of an enclosure. But first, we’ll discuss the difference between an auto transport broker and an actual carrier who moves the vehicles.

Altoona Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

When searching for car transport and car shipping companies in Altoona, there are basically two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. 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 Does an Auto Broker Do?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t 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 variety of service you require. The advantage of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have much more options because of their active network of auto carriers. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you need, have the necessary equipment or the suitable licensing to transport through the states needed to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of finding a carrier that meets these conditions and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

How to Identify an Auto Hauler

A car hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten automobiles at a time. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and moving vehicles. The driver may be the proprietor of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most efficient service. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. At times a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they are unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the work. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Normally you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not always the case when it comes to auto carriers in Altoona. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the most effective choice for their customers.

Tips for Shipping Your Car

Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

No car hauler in Altoona is permitted to transport household goods, as per rules put forth by the Department of Transportation. This includes things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any common household item that you’ve stashed in your vehicle. It’s a great idea to sweep your vehicle for any of these things and remove them prior to pickup.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

Ahead of shipping your vehicle with a Altoona car hauler you should make certain to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. The transporting process will require a small amount of driving, typically 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 extra weight it adds.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

Always perform an in-depth assessment of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Altoona car hauler. The most effective way to do this is by cleaning 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 guarantee you are aware of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage happened during the shipping process. It’s best to record the condition of your car by just taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any problems during transporting it.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

The customer will be offered what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Altoona auto transport arrives to pick up your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that shows the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already present on your vehicle. The driver and consumer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s existing condition. This way, both parties recognize existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final location. When your current 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 car should be insured against damages.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Any Altoona 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 generally 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.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Altoona

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 Altoona to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. The auto carrier should always be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also look up their services on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying about them. You can also learn about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. By doing a little bit of investigation you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Altoona Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trucks

An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your vehicle would be if you were driving it down the road yourself. If using an open carrier then you could expect direct exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. If you’re shipping a custom, classic or collector’s vehicle, then you may want to opt for an enclosed auto carrier. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the open air. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In the majority of cases up to five cars.

You Can Get Fantastic Auto Transport Deals in Altoona

Prior to making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your motor vehicle really needs. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. However, if you’re simply transporting an average vehicle that you use every day for common driving needs, then an open trailer would probably be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get numerous quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most equitable rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Altoona auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make certain you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the best service.