Auto Transport in Columbia LA

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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, LA.

Auto transport organizations exist for the sake of convenience. Instead of trying to transport various vehicles on your own, you can simply seek the services of a company to handle the job quickly and securely. If you’re not familiar with the auto carriers in Columbia, then the procedure might seem complicated at first. In this article we’ll evaluate the options and information that will help prepare you find the perfect auto transport carrier in Columbia. The majority of auto haulers will offer transportation solutions anywhere in the country from America, from Alaska to Hawaii and will give you with different shipping options. These options may include enclosed or open transport, where you can decide to have your car relocated under the protection of an enclosure. But first, we’ll describe the difference between an auto transport broker and an actual carrier who moves the vehicles.

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

First, every customer should know what it means to be an auto transport broker as opposed to a carrier. Before getting into the process of choosing an auto transport service in Columbia you should first know the distinction between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. The procedure is much easier than you might think, and we’ll provide all the information you need to make an educated decision.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier depending on routes, your location and the type of service you require. Brokers already have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will give the customer more options and a better chance to find the best one for them. If you deal directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not possess the required equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states needed to relocate your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the job of communicating with carriers in order to find the one who offers the best prices and proper service, which means you might get a much better rate since it increases competition.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Columbia

Going with a Columbia auto carrier means the customer will be working directly with the person or business that owns the truck which will be moving your vehicle. With a few exceptions, most auto transport carriers only serve a minimal number of routes. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher prices. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean clients will pay less. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with customers, it all costs money. An auto transport broker will already be set up to get in touch with multiple transporters in order to find the most effective rate and most efficient performance for the customer, so dealing 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 a lot of times they rely on brokers to connect them with consumers.

Steps to Take Before Transporting Your Vehicle

Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Auto carriers are forbidden from moving anything considered a household good, which is a rule mandated by the Department of Transportation. So auto transport in Columbia cannot transport a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal property or other goods. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car or truck are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

Be certain to keep around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to shipping it. Your Columbia auto carrier will likely 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 plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be cautious not to leave a full tank of gas in your car when shipping it. If your gasoline tank is full, it will end up placing a substantial amount of weight to your vehicle, which could cause problems.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

To make sure you have evidence of the condition of your vehicle prior to using a Columbia auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to identify any dents or damage. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to deliver proof of its condition if needed later on. By doing this you have records of its condition in the event any problems arise during the auto transport process.

Know your Bill of Lading.

Once the auto carrier in Columbia shows up to retrieve your car for transport you should be provided with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This is simply a document that acknowledges the company is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also show any existing damages to your motor vehicle prior to picking it up. It’s a good idea to inspect the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both aware of any existing damages. Any current damages will be noted in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and consumer. Once your automobile is delivered, you’ll be offered with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have happened during the shipping process.

Understanding insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that may take place in the auto hauling process. Auto transport Columbia companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which normally covers anywhere from ,000 to 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 company that the car hauler does business with. Usually, this is enough to cover any issues that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to verify with your insurance company as well.

How to Locate the Best Auto Hauler in Columbia

To guarantee you’re acquiring the best car shipping provider in Columbia there are a few details you should gather regarding your auto transport company. Clients should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. You can also obtain their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Be sure to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the general auto transport process. It’s also a good idea to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Difference Between Columbia Auto Transports and Enclosed Car Carriers

Columbia auto transport companies make it possible to have your vehicle shipped to virtually any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services offered by the car shipping company. You’ll have the alternative to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are usually transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

When a car shipping business says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transport. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are typically around 75 feet in length. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are open to the elements at all times.

Know Your Auto Transport Choices in Columbia

Always consider how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably fine for you. 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 plan to get multiple quotes from Columbia 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 greatest deal. When you ultimately make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final destination.