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Auto Transport in Keosauqua IA

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Friendly straight forward advice

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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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Keosauqua, 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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Dependable Service
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 Keosauqua, IA.

Have questions, need a quote, or want to schedule a transport – just give us a call at (888) 654-1785

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What is included in transferring your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Keosauqua? To put it simply, 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 frequent option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be exposed to the outdoors. Usually, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s automobiles. The best place to begin in your quest for finding an auto transporter is knowing the distinction between a broker and a 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 review the distinctions between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience better.

What is an Auto Broker in Keosauqua?

When looking for car transport and car shipping companies in Keosauqua, there are basically two different options 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 transport your vehicle from one point to another. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. A carrier, on the other hand, actually owns their trucks and they send one of their trucks to pick-up your vehicle.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

Brokers are essentially the logistics managing partner to an auto carrier and customer. They provide a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to offer the most reasonable rates. A car transporter in Keosauqua will be in contact with these brokers and rely on them to link up customers with their solutions. These broker companies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your automobile to be picked-up virtually anywhere, sometimes the very same day you contact them. One of the advantages of using an auto shipping broker is that they can offer you with a greater variety of options when it comes to car haulers. These brokers also keep in touch with the client throughout the delivery process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.

How to Find a Car Carrier in Keosauqua

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or business that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for shipping your automobile. Dealing directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be tough to find the best carrier since many of them rely on brokers to connect them with customers. A client would be responsible for finding and dealing with the Keosauqua auto transporter, or several of them if you are shopping around. A broker will not be required in this case, but you may find your choices constrained. Not every auto shipper will necessarily be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to achieve your destination based on the states they must go through. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Car Shipping Advice

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

Auto shippers in Keosauqua are not allowed by the Department of Transportation to carry anything that would be considered a “household good”. This includes common things you may have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s a wise course of action to sweep your vehicle for any of these products and get rid of them prior to pickup.

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

Even though your car will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be necessary during the loading and unloading process. Also, your car may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning fuel could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gas level is too low it might not be able to start. Make sure to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add significant weight to your vehicle which could lead to shipping troubles.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

In order to record the condition of your car ahead of turning it over to a Keosauqua auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take pictures of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage existing prior to shipping. Cleaning your car first will make it a lot easier to identify any dents or dings. Then, take photos using your phone or camera to document the condition of your vehicle, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. Using this method you have documentation of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the vehicle transport process.

What is a Bill of Lading?

Once your Keosauqua 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 current damages on your vehicle, which commonly includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the customer will be given a Bill of Lading. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any present damage. When the car arrives at its intended location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will describe if any new damages have taken place during the shipping process. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Confirm your insurance coverage.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Any Keosauqua 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. Each auto hauler generally 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 Keosauqua

It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any organization that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are plenty of auto transporters in Keosauqua to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. The auto carrier should always be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also look up their solutions on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying about them. Lastly, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re receiving and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. By doing a bit of investigation you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Difference Between Keosauqua Auto Transports and Enclosed Auto Carriers

Most people think the open transport auto carrier alternative is the generally the cheapest. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane compared to first class. It’s the way most people travel. The same can be said about open transport. Over 4,000 open auto carriers ship cars throughout the country. Even car dealerships contract a transport company to send a car the most affordable way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most cost efficient way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.

Deciding on The Perfect Auto Transport Service in Keosauqua

Prior to making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your vehicle really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll probably want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average car 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 many quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most equitable rates. Merely put a little time towards investigating the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Keosauqua that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.