Auto Transport in Marshalltown IA

Answers To Your Questions
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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Marshalltown, 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.

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 Marshalltown, IA.

The auto transport industry delivers a convenient way to move your autos across long distances for a fairly low rate. Rather than trying to transport multiple vehicles on your own, you can simply hire a company to handle the job swiftly and securely. However, if you’re not familiar with the auto carrier process, then the task of selecting the right hauler and options may seem challenging. The good news is, in this report we’ll help you comprehend how to select a car hauler in Marshalltown that will fit your needs and move your car properly. Most car haulers will carry anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and offer a variety of carrier choices. These options may include enclosed or open transport, where you can choose to have your car moved under the protection of an enclosure. There is also a difference between auto transport brokers and carriers, which we’ll clarify below.

How to Tell the Difference Between Marshalltown Auto Carriers and Brokers

You’ll essentially have two options when looking for an auto carrier in Marshalltown. 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. A carrier, on the other hand, actually owns their trucks and they send one of their trucks to pick up your vehicle.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

An auto shipping broker is basically the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. They provide a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to quote the most reasonable rates. A car transporter in Marshalltown will be in contact with these brokers and depend on them to connect consumers with their solutions. These broker agencies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your car to be picked-up practically anywhere, sometimes the very same day you call them. This is one of the advantages of using a broker logistics management business. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor throughout the shipping process and keep the customer current as to its progress.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

When you choose to seek out a Marshalltown auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting motor vehicles. With a few conditions, most auto transport carriers only serve a minimal number of routes. Usually, they don’t stray too far from these routes because of additional fuel costs and the travel time frame it would take, which would slow down other deliveries. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean clients will pay less. All services cost money, specifically with auto shipping due to changing fuel rates, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room in many cases. Dealing with an auto carrier directly might not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has an array of carriers that they can get in touch with for the ideal rates and routes. In fact, carriers often times aren’t effortless to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Take any personal items out of your car.

Each and every Marshalltown auto carrier is forbidden from transporting anything that would be considered a “household item” due to rules from 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 taken out of your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the trailer.

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

Although your car will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be necessary during the loading and unloading process. Also, your vehicle 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 gasoline level is too low it might not be able to start. Alternatively, ensure you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a lot of weight to your vehicle during shipment.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

To ensure you have proof of the condition of your car prior to using a Marshalltown auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. Washing your car first will make it less difficult to identify any dents or dings. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to provide proof of its condition if needed afterwards. Using this method you have records of its condition in the event any incidents arise during the vehicle transport process.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Marshalltown auto transport arrives and starts the process of loading your automobile on their truck. This document is an acknowledgment form that shows the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any present damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. 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 location. When your current vehicle shows up at its new location, the client will be presented with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Review your insurance coverage options.

You really should check with your auto insurance company to find out if they provide any coverage for your vehicle should it be damaged during the hauling process. Auto transport Marshalltown companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which typically covers anywhere from ,000 to 0,000 worth of damages. The client won’t have to pay extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s prices. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the typical vehicle, unless you’re transporting a high-end or collector’s car.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Marshalltown for Your Needs

To make certain you’re getting the best car shipping service in Marshalltown there are a few details you should acquire regarding your auto transport company. Clients should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. Another way to check their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the 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.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Marshalltown

Most people think the open transport auto carrier solution is the always 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. This same exact concept can apply to deciding on an 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 economical way possible. Open carriers will be more cost effective than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.

You Can Get Great Auto Transport Deals in Marshalltown

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 alternatives are probably fine for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in protected conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping option. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from Marshalltown auto transporters. This way you’ll understand the general prices, but the lowest priced is not always the ideal choice. Do a little bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.