Car Transportation in Columbia KY

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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.

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Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Columbia, 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 Columbia, KY.

What is involved in moving your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Columbia? In fact, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company moving the vehicle from one location to another for a client. Clients have the choice to choose between an open carrier, which is the most prevalent, or an enclosed carrier that better covers your vehicle. An open carrier is the most popular, which also means it’s the most cost-effective for ordinary vehicle transport needs. The ideal place to start off in your quest for locating an auto transporter is understanding the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, brokers support the shipping procedure by hooking up customers with carriers, while the carrier actually performs the job. Below, we’ll review the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other recommendations that will help you make the most effective auto transport choice.

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

Odds are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Columbia, then you could possibly be unaware of the distinction between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Even though both choices will end with the same result of getting your car relocated from one location to another, it’s always good to understand the process before choosing a service.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Customers

An auto shipping broker is essentially the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. A broker will monitor market conditions and will have a network of car carriers to get in touch with for each customer they receive. Auto shipping brokers in Columbia negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. An auto shipping broker will have relationships with carriers around the country and will find one who travels the route and has the best prices for the customer. One of the benefits of using an auto shipping broker is that they can offer you with a better variety of options when it comes to car haulers. These brokers also keep in touch with the client throughout the shipping process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.

Locating a Car Carrier in Columbia

An auto transport carrier is the business that owns the trucks and employs the movers that do the labor of hauling a motor vehicle. One benefit of using a carrier is that you are dealing directly with the company who will be hauling your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. The client will be accountable for locating a company that handles auto transport in Columbia, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the very best price. In this case, the customer assumes the role of the broker and deals with the auto transport directly. It’s important to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a motor vehicle since licensing and legal requirements differ from state to state. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with numerous trucks.

Tips for Shipping Your Car

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

You may not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in Columbia from hauling vehicles with personal possessions in them. Items that should be removed from your vehicle prior to shipment include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a good option to check your vehicle and get rid of any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

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

You should always make sure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when shipping. Your Columbia auto carrier will probably have to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good idea to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be mindful not to keep a full tank of gasoline in your car when transporting it. A full tank would add a great deal of weight to your car, which could result in difficulties during the transporting process.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

When using a Columbia car hauler you should always perform a swift assessment of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. A fairly easy 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 identify dents and dings. This will ensure you are aware of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage took place during the shipping process. It’s most effective to record the condition of your car by just taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any problems during transporting it.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

When the Columbia 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 commonly 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 record simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term 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 location, 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.

Knowing insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Columbia car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that covers damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler commonly uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Occasionally, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Columbia

There are a number of ways you can guarantee you’re getting the absolute greatest service from your selected Columbia car carrier. First, only do business with an auto hauler who is licensed, bonded and insured. The customer can also use the auto transporter’s MC number or USDOT number. You can use these numbers to look up reports on their solutions with the BBB. It’s also a great idea to quickly evaluate the terms and conditions of the service arrangement so that you have a general idea of what in entails. A little bit of research as to overall auto transport process goes a long way as well.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Columbia

Going with a Columbia auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about anywhere in the country, and you’ll also be able to choose how your vehicle is shipped. You’ll have the alternative to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are typically transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

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

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Columbia

Always take into account 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 cars that are specifically kept in safeguarded conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping option. When first browsing auto transport companies in Columbia you should get several quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll understand the general rates, 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 best deal. When you eventually make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final location.