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Car Shipping in Lakota 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 Lakota, 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 Lakota, 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 involved in relocating your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Lakota? To put it simply, it’s the act of relocating a car from one state to another by means of some type of car transport method. Customers have the option to choose between an open carrier, which is the most common, or an enclosed carrier that better covers your vehicle. Generally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s vehicles. The ideal place to begin in your quest for locating an auto transporter is understanding the distinction between a broker and a carrier. Brokers don’t in fact ship the vehicle, but they behave as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. In this article, we’ll evaluate 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 Lakota?

Chances are if you’ve never used an auto transporter in Lakota, then you may be unaware of the difference between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Even though both options will end with the same result of getting your car relocated from one place to another, it’s always good to realize the process before choosing a service.

Auto Brokers and Their Purpose in the Auto Transport Industry

When you’re looking for car transport in Lakota odds are you’ll end up contacting an auto shipping broker. 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 situation. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most effective shipping option for their customers. They’ll find an auto carrier who journeys the route and is within reasonable distance to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. The broker will be in contact with you, the consumer, throughout the entire shipping process until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.

How to Locate a Car Carrier in Lakota

An auto carrier typically employs a large double deck truck to move multiple vehicles at once, which you’ve likely seen on the freeways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and hauling vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to travel. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Some bigger carrier companies are authorized brokers as well which gives them the chance to broker out your order to another carrier. This means that even when you think you are working with a carrier in some instances you go through a broker service. Typically you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not always the case when it comes to auto carriers in Lakota. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the top choice for their customers.

Car Shipping Advice

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

No auto shipper is authorized to transfer any item that would be categorized as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. So auto transport in Lakota is unable to carry a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal items or other goods. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

Prior to your vehicle gets loaded up with a Lakota auto hauler you should examine your fuel level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of gas. The transporting 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 automobile because of the added weight it adds.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

In order to better identify any scuff marks or dents on your vehicle it’s a good idea to wash it before inspecting the body. This will allow you to plainly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already existing on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t incorrectly believe the damage occurred during shipping. Just taking photos or a video of the condition of your automobile prior to shipping can help avoid any confusion at the time of its delivery.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

When the Lakota auto transport arrives to begin the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an evaluation of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which usually includes scratches, dents and dings. When you’re satisfied with the evaluation, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking temporary control of your vehicle. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any existing damage. When the car arrives at its intended destination, 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. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your vehicle should be insured against damages.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Lakota car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that covers 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.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Lakota

You’ll have a wide range of auto transporters to pick from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping demands. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Lakota service that you’re considering going with. Initially, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A trustworthy 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. In many cases 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.

Main difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Lakota

An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your motor vehicle would be if you were driving it down the highway yourself. If you’re looking for this type of car carrier transport, you should be aware that your vehicle will be exposed to all those elements. If you’re shipping a custom, classic or collector’s vehicle, then you may want to opt for an enclosed auto carrier. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, which means your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the outdoors. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can usually carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open alternative.

You Can Get Fantastic Auto Transport Deals in Lakota

Always think about 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 fine for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s vehicles that are specifically kept in safeguarded conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping method. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get several quotes from Lakota auto transporters. This way you’ll understand the general costs, but the lowest priced is not always the most effective choice. By doing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the perfect deal. That way, you’re making sure your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.