Auto Shipping in Chelsea IA

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Are you trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one location to another using an auto transporter in Chelsea? Simply put, it’s the act of moving a car from one state to another by means of some type of car shipping method. This process can be taken care of by utilizing 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 subjected to the open air. An open carrier is the most popular, which also means it’s the most affordable for common vehicle transport needs. However, first you should know the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t actually ship the vehicle, but they act as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. In this article, we’ll evaluate the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience easier.

What is the Distinction Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Chelsea?

When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Chelsea, there are essentially 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 basically the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

An auto transport broker is simply the professional employed by you, the shipper, who aids in the process of procuring an auto transport company in Chelsea. 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 circumstance. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most efficient shipping solution for their customers. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. Essentially, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is shipped to its destination.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Chelsea

A car hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten vehicles at a time. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and transporting vehicles. Sometimes, the operater of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to drive. The truck driver is the individual who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Sometimes a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they are unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the job. So even if you think you’re working directly with an auto carrier, you might be employing a different carrier service in the end. Most of the time when customers deals specifically with a company, rather than an intermediary, they think they’ll be getting a better price, but that’s not necessarily true with Chelsea auto transport. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the perfect choice for their customers.

Steps to Take Before Transporting Your Vehicle

Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

No car hauler in Chelsea is authorized to transport household goods, as per rules put forth by the Department of Transportation. This includes common things you might have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s advised to remove these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to reduce any delays.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to shipping with a Chelsea car carrier. It’s advised to leave about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle just to be on the safe side. The vehicle will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your gas tank an excessive amount either. A vehicle with a full tank of gas will weigh substantially more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.

Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.

In order to better identify any scuff marks or dings on your vehicle it’s a good idea to wash it before inspecting the body. 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 car in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

As soon as your Chelsea auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which typically includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the client will be given a Bill of Lading. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It will also ensure 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 location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. So this process basically safeguards both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no misunderstandings upon delivery.

Understand your insurance coverage.

It’s a good idea to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Your chosen Chelsea car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will utilize 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.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Chelsea

You’ll have a wide variety of auto transporters to pick from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping needs. Fortunately, you can do a little bit of research on your end before making a final decision on which auto transport Chelsea service to go with. First, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A reputable auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous customers are saying. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you comprehend the service you’re getting.

Chelsea Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trucks

Going with a Chelsea auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about anywhere in the country, and you’ll also be able to pick how your vehicle is shipped. While most auto transport firms will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the company you choose, you may have the alternative to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

When a car shipping business says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transport. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are usually around 75 feet in length. Your vehicle will be exposed to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into account based upon on the value of the automobile you’re shipping.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much protection your vehicle will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll likely want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average vehicle that you use every day for standard driving needs, then an open trailer would likely 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 getting the most fair rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Chelsea auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make sure you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the perfect service.