Vehicle Transport in Rock Rapids 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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Rock Rapids, 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 Rock Rapids, IA.

Hauling a car or truck is not a really challenging process, although it may seem that way from the outside, especially if you’ve never done it before. In order to move a car, truck or motorcycle it’s actually just a matter of having the appropriate information and contacting the right Rock Rapids auto transport service to handle the job. Sometimes, you’ll end up getting in contact with what’s called a broker rather than an actual auto carrier. They both offer you the same options, which is to facilitate the moving of your vehicle, but a broker merely arranges the transport while a carrier actually supplies the transportation. No matter where in the country you’re shipping your automobile, the process is fundamentally the same. The main details you’ll need prior to transport is your vehicle’s make, model and year. You should also plan ahead if you have a rigid timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a particular date it has to arrive by. One of the most significant distinctions to understand is the difference and similarities between an auto transport broker and a carrier.

Rock Rapids Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

When searching for car transport and car shipping companies in Rock Rapids, there are essentially two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. An auto shipping carrier is merely the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

Auto Brokers and Their Role in the Auto Transport Industry

In the car shipping industry, a broker is a firm that resells your shipping job. When you contact a broker, they will manage the process of finding a carrier for your motor vehicle and getting it from one area to another. However, they will not actually perform the shipping themselves, as they don’t own the trucks that are used in the shipping process. After getting in contact with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Rock Rapids who have the capacities to handle the customer’s shipping demands. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the client until the vehicle is delivered. The auto transport broker will act as a medium between the customer and carriers in order to locate the best rates and most efficient service for them.

How to Identify an Auto Transporter

A car hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten automobiles at a time. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are trained and licensed to haul automobiles. The driver may be the proprietor of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. The truck driver is the individual who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Some bigger carrier companies are registered brokers as well which gives them the opportunity to broker out your order to another carrier. This means that even when you think you are dealing 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 necessarily the case when it comes to auto carriers in Rock Rapids. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the most effective choice for their clients.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Transported

Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Auto carriers are prohibited from moving anything regarded as a household good, which is a rule mandated by the Department of Transportation. This means auto transport in Rock Rapids will not be allowed to deliver vehicles with your personal items inside of them. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have put in your vehicle.

Only leave about a quarter of tank of gas in your car.

Before your vehicle gets loaded up with a Rock Rapids auto hauler you should check your fuel level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of fuel. The shipping process will require 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.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

In order to better determine any scuff marks or dents on your vehicle it’s a good idea to rinse 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 erroneously believe the damage happened during shipping. It’s simple to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your car in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

You’ll receive what’s called a Bill of Lading once your Rock Rapids car carrier arrives to obtain your vehicle for transport. This Bill of Lading contains the details of your vehicle transport contract and will verify that it is being placed in the temporary care of the auto transport company. At this time, both the customer and driver of the auto carrier should do an examination of the vehicle in order to document any existing damages. So the customer and driver can come to an agreement as to the vehicle’s condition, and that way there won’t be any misunderstandings once the vehicle is delivered. The client will receive another Bill of Lading during the delivery process, which will again inspect the condition of your vehicle. Any new harm that may have occurred throughout the transportation process, although rare, can be identified easier this way.

Your car should be insured against damages.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which every carrier should already have. Any Rock Rapids 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. Auto shippers will make use of a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to ship your vehicle. 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 Rock Rapids

It’s usually 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 loads of auto transporters in Rock Rapids 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. By getting these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more details about them. Finally, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re getting and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. This way you’ll have a general knowledge about how auto transporting functions.

Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Rock Rapids

The vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not protected from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If you are looking for this type of car carrier transport, you should be mindful 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 opposite of an open car carrier shipping service. In an enclosed car carrier, the cars are housed in a covered truck. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In many cases up to five vehicles.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much protection your car will require. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your requirements just fine. As always, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being charged an satisfactory rate. By putting in a bit of time to research the Rock Rapids auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make certain you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the very best service.