Vehicle Shipping in Ames IA

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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

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

Auto transport organizations exist for the sake of convenience. Instead of trying to transfer various vehicles on your own, you can simply seek the services of a company to handle the job quickly and safely. If you’re not familiar with the auto carriers in Ames, then the procedure might seem difficult at first. The good news is, in this guide we’ll help you comprehend how to pick a car hauler in Ames that will fit your needs and move your car properly. Many car haulers will transport anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and offer a variety of carrier alternatives. Often times you’ll have the option of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. There is also a difference between auto transport brokers and carriers, which we’ll discuss below.

What is an Auto Broker in Ames?

Chances are if you’ve never used an auto transporter in Ames, then you may be unaware of the difference between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Even though both choices will end with the same result of getting your car moved from one place to another, it’s always good to realize the process before picking a service.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

When you’re shopping for car transport in Ames odds are you’ll end up calling an auto shipping broker. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but rather will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s position. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each clients, which means they can provide a greater variety of rates and options. They will take into consideration 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 final location.

Auto Carriers and How They Work in Ames

An auto transport carrier is the company that owns the trucks and employs the movers that do the labor of hauling a vehicle. One advantage of using a carrier is that you are interacting directly with the company who will be hauling your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. The client will be accountable for selecting a company that handles auto transport in Ames, 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. It’s important to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a vehicle since licensing and legal requirements vary from state to state. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with many trucks.

Tips for Shipping Your Car

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

No car hauler in Ames is permitted to transport household goods, as per restrictions put forth by the Department of Transportation. This includes common objects you may have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s encouraged to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to reduce any delays.

Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your gas tank.

Prior to your vehicle gets loaded up with a Ames auto hauler you should check your fuel level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of gasoline. The shipping process will require a small amount of driving, usually 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 vehicle because of the extra weight it adds.

Pay attention to any existing damage on your car.

When using a Ames car hauler you should always perform a swift inspection of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. An easy way to do this is by washing your car off and making certain there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s easier to identify dents and dings. This will make sure you are aware of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage took place during the transporting process. Record any damages by taking pictures with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition ahead of transporting it.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

When the Ames auto transport arrives to begin the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an evaluation of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which normally includes scratches, dents and dings. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking temporary possession of your vehicle. It will also guarantee that both you and the auto transport carrier are in agreement on any existing damage on your car. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will outline if any new damages have taken place during the transporting process. This process guarantees that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your car should be insured against damages.

It’s a good idea to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Any Ames 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. Auto shippers will make use of a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to deliver your vehicle. Occasionally, your insurance company provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Ensure You Select the Best Car Shipping Company in Ames

There are a few ways you can make sure that you’re getting the best service from the auto carrier in Ames that you’ve chosen. Every qualified 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 wise decision to read any third-party critiques of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Knowing the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Ames

Usually, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. It is the most frequently used and there are more of these carriers around than any other type. These auto carriers are around in abundance, so it helps keep down the fees involved in shipping. In general, this will be the most inexpensive method of transporting your vehicle. Auto carriers travel constant routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain efficacy. This minimizes the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Know Your Auto Transport Options in Ames

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, think about how much security your car will require. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. A good game plan is to get numerous quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most fair rates. Merely put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Ames that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.