Car Shipping in Port Allen LA

Answers 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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Port Allen, 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.

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 Port Allen, LA.

What is involved in relocating your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Port Allen? In essence, auto shipping involves a car carrier company moving the vehicle from one location to another for a consumer. This practice can be taken care of by utilizing an open carrier, which is the most frequent option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be exposed to the outdoors. Generally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s vehicles. However, first you should recognize the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t actually ship the vehicle, but they act as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. Below, we’ll review the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other suggestions that will help you make the best auto transport choice.

What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Port Allen?

When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Port Allen, there are essentially two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main distinction is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to transport your vehicle from one point to another. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. An auto shipping carrier is basically the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Options

An automotive transport broker is simply the professional hired by you, the shipper, who aids in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Port Allen. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but instead will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s position. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most efficient shipping option for their customers. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. Fundamentally, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is shipped to its destination.

How to Identify an Auto Transporter

Going with a Port Allen auto carrier means the customer will be working 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 effective. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher rates. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying less when working directly with a Port Allen auto carrier either. All services cost money, particularly with auto shipping due to changing fuel rates, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room in many cases. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has an assortment of carriers that they can contact for the best prices and routes. In reality, carriers often times aren’t simple to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Car Shipping Tips

Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Most people are unaware of a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits auto transport services in Port Allen from shipping personal goods included in vehicles. 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 plan to check your vehicle and get rid of any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.

Do not ship your vehicle with a full gas tank.

Prior to shipping your vehicle with a Port Allen car hauler you should make sure to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. Some gasoline is required to start your automobile and drive it so that it can be loaded and unloaded from the auto shipping trailer properly. You don’t want to have a maximum tank of fuel either, however, as that can add extra weight to the trailer and complicate the process.

Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.

It’s a good idea to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dust or mud stuck on it. 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 photos or a video of the condition of your car prior to shipping can help avoid any misunderstandings at the time of its delivery.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

The consumer will be provided with what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Port Allen auto transport gets there to retrieve your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that testifies the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already present on your vehicle. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and concur on any damage that is already present. This way, both parties recognize existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your motor vehicle shows up at its new location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Review your insurance coverage opportunities.

Each time you do business with a Port Allen auto hauler you should check to make sure they have their own liability insurance. Typically, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the cost of their services, so there won’t be any further costs involved. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of issues that could arise. This insurance coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Make Certain You Select the Correct Car Shipping Business in Port Allen

To make sure you’re acquiring the best car shipping service in Port Allen there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Every qualified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. Another way to examine their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Make 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. Finally, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past consumers are stating about the auto haulers services.

Open Vehicle Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Port Allen

An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your vehicle would be if you were driving it down the road yourself. If you are opting for this type of car carrier transport, you should be aware that your vehicle will be open 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 option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the open air. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In the majority of cases up to five automobiles.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Port Allen

Prior to deciding on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your car really needs. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your demands 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 adequate rate. By putting in a bit of time to research the Port Allen auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can guarantee you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the very best service.