888-654-1785
Call For A Quote

Auto Shipping in Lake Charles LA

transportation checkboxesAnswers 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.

transportation checkboxes

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Lake Charles, 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.

transportation checkboxes

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 Lake Charles, LA.

Have questions, need a quote, or want to schedule a transport – just give us a call at (888) 654-1785

picture of auto transporter in Lake Charles, LA

Are you on the hunt for reliable auto transport services in Lake Charles? In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it works and how to make the best choice. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience possible and make sure your motor vehicle makes it from one location to another securely. For the most part, auto shippers will offer you “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. Before jumping into the Lake Charles auto shipping companies, you should first know the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will seek out the ideal carrier for your specific auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person providing the truck. Sometimes a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more information in the following paragraphs.

What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Lake Charles?

Hiring an auto transport company involves some due diligence and knowing how the business works before making a decision. The process can be challenging if you don’t know where to start or where to get correct details. We’ll cover the fundamentals of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in supplying consumers with transport services.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

When you’re searching for car transport in Lake Charles odds are you’ll end up calling an auto shipping broker. This means the customer, or shipper, does not actually deal directly with the auto carrier who will be in charge of picking up and delivering your motor vehicle. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each consumers, which means they can provide a greater variety of rates and options. They’ll find an automobile carrier who travels the route and is within reasonable mileage to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. The broker will be in contact with you, the consumer, throughout the entire shipping process until your vehicle is delivered at its final location.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Lake Charles

A car hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten vehicles at a time. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are qualified and licensed to haul vehicles. Sometimes, the operater of the truck is also the owner of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to drive. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Sometimes a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they are not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the job. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be employing a different carrier service in the end. Usually you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not always the case when it comes to auto carriers in Lake Charles. A broker shops multiple auto transporters and is already established to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the ideal option for your auto transport needs.

Car Shipping Tips

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

Every Lake Charles auto carrier is forbidden from transporting something that would be considered a “household item” due to rules from the Department of Transportation. You really should do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

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

When utilizing a Lake Charles auto transport company you should keep an eye on your gas gauge prior to the time of shipping. 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 trailer. On the other hand, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gas either. A full tank will add substantial weight to your vehicle and could throw off the equilibrium of the transport and result in difficulties.

Before shipping your car, look at it for damages.

In order to better identify any scuff marks or blemishes on your vehicle it’s a good idea to rinse it before examining the body. This will allow you to clearly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already existing on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t mistakenly believe the damage took place during shipping. Merely taking pictures or a video of the condition of your automobile prior to shipping can help avoid any confusion at the time of its delivery.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

When the Lake Charles auto transport arrives to start the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an assessment of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which normally 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 document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking temporary control of your vehicle. It also verifies the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any current damage. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will describe if any new damages have taken place during the transporting process. So this process essentially safeguards both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.

Evaluate your insurance coverage options.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Lake Charles car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will employ a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to deliver 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.

How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Lake Charles

There are a few ways you can make sure that you’re getting the best service from the auto carrier in Lake Charles that you’ve chosen. Every experienced auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also obtain their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (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 clients are saying about the auto haulers services.

Main difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Lake Charles

An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your car would be if you were driving it down the highway yourself. If you’re looking for this type of car carrier transport, you need to be aware that your vehicle will be open to all those elements. An enclosed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use especially if you will transport a classic or custom car. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. In an enclosed car carrier, the vehicles are housed in a covered truck. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can normally carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open option.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider

Prior to deciding on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your car really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll most likely want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. A good game plan is to get multiple quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most fair rates. Simply put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Lake Charles that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.