Auto Transport in Washington IA

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Washington, 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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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 Washington, IA.

What is included in moving your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Washington? In fact, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company moving the vehicle from one place to another for a consumer. Customers have the possibility to choose between an open carrier, which is the most prevalent, or an enclosed carrier that better safeguards your vehicle. Normally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are high-priced or collector’s vehicles. However, first you should recognize the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers assist in the shipping process by hooking up customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. In this article, we’ll review the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience smoother.

How an Auto Broker is Distinct From an Auto Carrier in Washington

If you’ve never had your motor vehicle shipped before, then chances are you’re unaware of the differences between an auto broker and auto carrier in Washington. Essentially, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your vehicle from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

Brokers are essentially the logistics management partner to an auto carrier and client. They offer a platform for communication and keep track of existing market conditions in order to offer the most realistic rates. A car transporter in Washington will be in contact with these brokers and depend on them to link up consumers with their services. These broker companies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your vehicle to be picked-up practically anywhere, sometimes the very same day you contact them. One of the advantages of using an auto shipping broker is that they can provide you with a greater variety of options when it comes to car haulers. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor in the course of the shipping process and keep the customer updated as to its progress.

Getting the Best Auto Hauler

Going with a Washington auto carrier means the customer will be dealing directly with the person or company that owns the truck which will be hauling your vehicle. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost efficient. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher rates. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean clients will pay less. All services cost money, especially with auto shipping due to changing fuel prices, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. An auto transport broker will already be set up to get in touch with multiple transporters in order to find the perfect rate and most efficient performance for the customer, so interacting directly with an auto carrier may not make a huge difference for the better in price or service. Auto carriers aren’t always easy to locate and contact, since many times they count on brokers to connect them with consumers.

Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

Most individuals are not aware of a Department of Transportation Code that forbids auto transport services in Washington from shipping personal products included in vehicles. Typical household objects that could possibly be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. Make sure to do a swift inspection of the inside of your vehicle before it gets loaded onto a truck.

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

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to shipping with a Washington car carrier. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and keep only about a quarter of a tank in your automobile. The motor vehicle will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. However, 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 equilibrium of the transport and result in difficulties.

Take note of any existing damage on your car.

Always carry out an in-depth assessment of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Washington car hauler. A simple way to do this is by washing your car off and ensuring there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s much easier to recognize dents and dings. This will ensure you are aware of any existing damages and can accurately determine if any new damage took place during the shipping process. Document any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition ahead of transporting it.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

When the Washington auto transport arrives to start the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an examination of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection will document any current damages on your vehicle, which normally includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the customer will be given a Bill of Lading. This record simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking temporary control of your vehicle. It will also ensure that both you and the auto transport carrier are in agreement on any existing damage on your car. 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. So this process basically protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.

Confirm your insurance coverage.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that may happen in the auto hauling process. However, any auto transport Washington service should already have liability coverage currently built into their prices, which generally covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The cost of this insurance is built into the overall price of your vehicle transportation and is supplied by an outside firm that the car hauler does business with. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the typical vehicle, unless you’re transporting a top end or collector’s car.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Washington for Your Needs

You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be tough to choose which one is the most effective for your needs. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Washington service that you’re thinking about going with. Initially, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always ensure that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a trustworthy company. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their track record. 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.

Washington Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trucks

Shipping your vehicle by utilizing an open carrier option is often the most affordable and common. There are more carriers of this type than an enclosed version, and you’ve most likely seen them numerous times on the highway. These auto carriers are around in abundance, so it helps keep down the fees involved in shipping. So, generally, this is the least expensive way to ship a car. An auto carrier that is going from your area and traveling through to your destination will take that vehicle and add it to a group of up to 10 others heading in that same direction. This decreases the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Know Your Auto Transport Options in Washington

It’s a good practice to think about what type of safety your vehicle will require while being transported across the country. Using an open transport is ideal, and almost always less costly, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would generally be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping alternative might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get several quotes from Washington auto transporters. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the best choice for every circumstance. By doing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the perfect deal. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.