Auto Shipping in Ankeny IA

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

What is included in moving your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Ankeny? Simply put, it’s the act of moving a car from one state to another by means of some type of car shipping process. This practice can be taken care of by making use of an open carrier, which is the most well-known option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be exposed to the open air. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most affordable for ordinary vehicle transport needs. The best place to begin in your quest for locating an auto transporter is understanding the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, brokers facilitate the shipping process by hooking up customers with carriers, while the carrier actually performs the job. Below, we’ll review the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other ideas that will help you make the best auto transport choice.

Ankeny Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

You’ll basically have two alternatives when looking for an auto carrier in Ankeny. The main distinction is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to carry your vehicle from one point to another. The broker will find the ideal trucking service for you based on where you are and where your motor vehicle needs to go. An auto shipping carrier is merely the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

Auto Brokers and Their Purpose in the Auto Transport Market

An auto shipping broker is a service that will hook up customers to the most useful auto shipper for their requirements. 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. It’s significant to note, the broker doesn’t actually own the trucks, but instead they have established a network of carriers to connect customers with. After communicating with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Ankeny who have the capabilities to handle the customer’s shipping requirements. Even though the broker doesn’t own the trucks, they will keep in contact with the customer throughout the shipping procedure. Essentially, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can make contact with many providers in order to find the best service for the shipper.

How to Find a Car Carrier in Ankeny

Going with a Ankeny auto carrier means the customer will be working directly with the person or company that owns the truck that will be moving your vehicle. With a few conditions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. They do not divert too far from their designated routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher prices. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be spending less when working directly with a Ankeny auto carrier either. 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 perfect price and most efficient performance for the customer, so interacting directly with an auto carrier may not make a huge difference for the better in price or service. Auto carriers aren’t generally easy to locate and contact, since many times they count on brokers to connect them with clients.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

You may not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Ankeny from transporting vehicles with personal possessions in them. Typical household products that might be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. Make sure to do a swift inspection of the inside of your motor vehicle before it gets loaded onto a truck.

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

Before your vehicle gets loaded up with a Ankeny auto hauler you should look at your fuel level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of fuel. The shipping process will demand a small amount of driving, usually only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. You don’t want to have a full tank of fuel either, however, as that can add extra weight to the trailer and complicate the process.

Pay attention to any existing damage 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.

Know your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your chosen Ankeny auto transport arrives and starts the process of loading your car on their truck. This document is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already existing on your vehicle. The driver and customer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s present condition. This way, both parties identify existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your current motor vehicle arrives 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.

Understanding insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Any Ankeny car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The overall 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 take place during the shipping process.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Ankeny

You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be tough to choose which one is the best for your needs. Thankfully, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a final decision on which auto transport Ankeny service to go with. Initially, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always make certain that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a highly regarded company. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their track record. Finally, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you understand the service you’re getting.

Difference Between Ankeny Auto Transports and Enclosed Vehicle Carriers

Most people think the open transport auto carrier solution is the constantly the cheapest. This option can be compared to economy class on a flight. It’s the way most people travel. The same can be said about open transport. Approximately 4,000 open auto carriers are traveling throughout the country and are available for service. Even car dealerships contract a transport company to send a car the most cost effective way possible. Open carriers will be more affordable than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.

Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Ankeny

Prior to deciding on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your car really needs. The most common cars 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 typical driving needs, then an open trailer would likely be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get multiple quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most equitable rates. Simply put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Ankeny that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.