Car Shipping in Lake City IA

Answers To Your Questions
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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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Lake City, 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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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 Lake City, IA.

Are you on the quest for efficient auto transport services in Lake City? Then you’ve come to the right place and we’ll help you understand the transport procedure every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the finest auto shipping rates and the best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. Nearly all shippers will offer “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one location and deliver it to another location of your choosing. Before jumping into the Lake City auto shipping companies, you should first know the difference between a broker and a carrier. The primary distinction is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Sometimes a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more details in the following paragraphs.

Lake City Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

You’ll basically have two options when looking for an auto carrier in Lake City. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. 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 simply the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

When you’re shopping for car transport in Lake City chances are you’ll end up contacting an auto shipping broker. 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 position. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each clients, which means they can offer a better variety of rates and options. They’ll find an automobile carrier who travels the route and is within realistic mileage to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. The broker will be in contact with you, the client, throughout the entire shipping process until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Lake City

If you choose to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be dealing with the person or persons who own the trucks relocating your vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship motor vehicles all over the country. Every car carrier in Lake City has to be licensed and insured, but it’s a good plan to do some research just to make sure. Most auto carriers serve a certain number of locations and routes that they can transport cars to. Many carriers basically rely on auto shipping brokers to connect them with the proper customers who will match the routes they take, which means more efficient service. Regardless of which option you choose, a broker or carrier, you’ll be having to pay roughly the same price for your auto transport. There ës a fair quantity of competition between a variety of auto carriers, so at times you can obtain promotions or discounts they’re offering. For this reason, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a good price.

Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

All Lake City auto haulers are prohibited from transporting what would be deemed “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. You should do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. For example, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be removed from your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the truck.

Do not overfill your gas tank.

When employing a Lake City auto transport company you should keep an eye on your gas gauge before the time of shipping. It’s recommended to leave about a quarter of a tank in your car just to be on the safe side. Your car may be driven briefly just to load it onto and off of the vehicle trailer and you don’t want to keep your gas level way too low. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your gas tank too much either. A full tank will add substantial weight to your vehicle and could throw off the balance of the transport and result in problems.

Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.

In order to record the condition of your car ahead of turning it over to a Lake City auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present before to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to identify any dents or damage. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to offer proof of its condition if needed afterwards. That way you have documentation of its condition in the event any incidents arise during the vehicle transport process.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

The consumer will be provided with what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Lake City auto transport gets there to retrieve your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. It will also outline any current damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. The car owner and customer can do an inspection 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 location. When your current motor vehicle arrives at its new location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading verifying 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 before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Lake City car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The total insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler typically 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.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Lake City for Your Needs

You’ll have a wide range of auto transporters to pick from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping demands. Fortunately, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a final decision on which auto transport Lake City service to go with. First, you can get the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A reliable auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their reputation. Often times it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your service agreement with the auto transporter just so you realize the process a little better.

Lake City Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

Lake City auto transport companies make it possible to have your car shipped to practically any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services offered by the car shipping company. You’ll have the alternative to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are usually transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

Most people are familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most frequent type of car shipping. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are typically around 75 feet in length. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are open to the elements at all times.

Getting the Greatest Deals on Auto Transport in Lake City

Always consider how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably okay for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping option might be better for your vehicle. When first browsing auto transport companies in Lake City you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll understand 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 industry in general. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.