Vehicle Transport in Grinnell 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 Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, IA.

What is involved in transferring your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Grinnell? Simply put, it’s the act of relocating a car from one state to another through some type of car shipping method. This process can be taken care of by using 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 outdoors. An open carrier is the most popular, which also means it’s the most cost-effective for standard vehicle transport needs. The best place to start off in your quest for finding an auto transporter is knowing the distinction between a broker and a carrier. In short, brokers facilitate the shipping procedure by hooking up customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. Below, we’ll examine the difference between a broker and carrier, as well as other suggestions that will help you make the most effective auto transport choice.

Grinnell Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Grinnell, there are basically two different choices you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main difference is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to carry your vehicle from one point to another. 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?

An auto shipping broker is basically the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. A broker will track market conditions and will have a community of car carriers to contact for each customer they receive. Auto shipping brokers in Grinnell negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. An auto shipping broker will have relationships with carriers around the country and will find one who travels the route and has the best rates for the consumer. One of the benefits of using an auto shipping broker is that they can offer you with a greater variety of options when it comes to auto haulers. These brokers also stay in touch with the client throughout the delivery process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.

Locating a Car Carrier in Grinnell

Going with a Grinnell auto carrier implies the customer will be dealing directly with the person or firm that owns the truck that will be transporting your vehicle. However, most carriers only serve a limited number of routes so that their services are cost effective. They do not divert too far from their designated routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher rates. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying less when dealing directly with a Grinnell auto carrier either. All services cost money, particularly with auto shipping due to changing fuel fees, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has an assortment of carriers that they can contact for the ideal rates and routes. Auto carriers aren’t generally easy to locate and contact, since a lot of times they rely on brokers to connect them with customers.

Car Shipping Advice

Ensure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Most individuals are unaware of a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits auto transport services in Grinnell from transporting personal products included in vehicles. Common household items that could 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 quick inspection of the interior of your car before it gets loaded onto a trailer.

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

Prior to shipping your vehicle with a Grinnell car hauler you should make certain to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. 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.

Before shipping your car, examine it for damages.

It’s a good plan to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dust or mud stuck on it. This will allow you to clearly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already present on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t incorrectly believe the damage happened during shipping. Just taking pictures or a video of the condition of your car prior to shipping can help avoid any misunderstandings at the time of its delivery.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your chosen Grinnell auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your vehicle on their trailer. This document is an acknowledgment form that shows the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already present on your vehicle. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and concur on any damage that is already present. This way, both parties acknowledge existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your motor vehicle shows up 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.

Knowing insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Although the Grinnell auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would cover any damage that occurs as a result of hauling your vehicle. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their prices. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of problems that could arise. These auto carriers generally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Grinnell

To ensure you’re getting the best car shipping service in Grinnell there are a few details you should gather regarding your auto transport company. Consumers should only do business with transporters who are 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. Finally, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past customers are saying about the auto haulers services.

Distinction Between Grinnell Auto Transports and Enclosed Auto Carriers

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 street yourself. If using an open carrier then you could expect exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. An enclosed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use especially if you will transport a classic or custom vehicle. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, which means your vehicle will moved in an enclosed environment and safe from the outdoors. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In most cases up to five motor vehicles.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider

Always consider how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need during the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably okay for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s vehicles that are specifically kept in secured conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping option. When first exploring auto transport companies in Grinnell you should get several quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll know the general costs, but the cheapest is not always the best choice. Do a bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport business in general. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.