Vehicle Transport in Fort Madison 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.

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Fort Madison, 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 Fort Madison, IA.

Are you searching for the absolute best Fort Madison auto transport? In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it works and how to make the very best choice. In order to be sure you get the best auto shipping rates and the best services, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. For the most part, auto shippers will offer you “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s important to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. In short, a broker will search out the best carrier for your specific auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. Some companies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

How an Auto Broker is Different From an Auto Carrier in Fort Madison

First of all, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker as opposed to a carrier. Prior to choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Fort Madison it’s essential to have a decent understanding of the differences between the two, as well as how the market works. If you’ve never used an auto shipping service before, the procedure might seem tricky, but in this article we’ll give you all the details you need to make an educated decision.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Interact With Customers

An automotive transport broker is simply the professional chosen by you, the shipper, who aids in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Fort Madison. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but instead 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 consideration price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. Fundamentally, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is delivered to its destination.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Fort Madison

When you choose to seek out a Fort Madison auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting automobiles. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost effective. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher rates. Dealing with a carrier company does not mean clients will pay less. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with clients, it all costs money. An auto transport broker will already be set up to contact multiple transporters in order to find the best rate 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. In reality, carriers often times aren’t effortless to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Car Shipping Tips

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

All Fort Madison auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be considered “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. You should do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

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

Before your vehicle gets loaded up with a Fort Madison auto hauler you should look at your fuel level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of fuel. The shipping 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 vehicle because of the extra weight it adds.

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

Always carry out an in-depth evaluation of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Fort Madison car hauler. The best way to do this is by washing 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 ensure you are aware of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage took place during the transporting 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.

Fully understand your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your chosen Fort Madison auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your car on their truck. This contract is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. It will also outline any existing 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 acknowledge 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 arrives at its new location, the client will be provided with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Understand your insurance coverage.

You really should check with your auto insurance company to find out if they offer any coverage for your vehicle in case it is damaged during the hauling process. Auto transport Fort Madison companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which normally covers anywhere from ,000 to 0,000 worth of damages. The client won’t have to spend extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s charges. Generally, this is enough to cover any problems that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company as well.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Fort Madison

You can find out quite a bit about the auto transporter you’re thinking of using by doing some online research. There are tons of auto transporters in Fort Madison to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. By obtaining these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more information 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 research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Fort Madison Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trucks

An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your car would be if you were driving it down the highway yourself. If you are looking for this type of car carrier transport, you need to be mindful that your vehicle will be open to all those elements. An enclosed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use particularly if you will transport a classic or custom vehicle. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will moved in an enclosed environment and safe from the outside. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can normally carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open alternative.

Know Your Auto Transport Choices in Fort Madison

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of safety your vehicle will require while being shipped across the country. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always more affordable, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would typically be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in secured conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping solution. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get multiple quotes from Fort Madison auto transporters. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the ideal choice for every situation. Do a little bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport business in general. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.