Vehicle Shipping in Belfast ME

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Belfast, 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 Belfast, ME.

Are you trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one location to another utilizing an auto transporter in Belfast? In fact, auto shipping involves a car carrier company moving the vehicle from one location to another for a client. This process can be taken care of by utilizing an open carrier, which is the most well-known option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be subjected to the open air. Generally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s automobiles. However, first you should understand the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t actually ship the vehicle, but they behave as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. In this article, we’ll evaluate the distinctions between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience smoother.

Belfast Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

Selecting an auto transport company requires some due diligence and understanding how the industry works before making a decision. The process can be challenging if you don’t know where to begin or where to get specific information. We’ll cover the basics of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in supplying customers with transport services.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Interact With Customers

When you’re looking for car transport in Belfast chances are you’ll end up contacting an auto shipping broker. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but rather will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s position. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each customers, which means they can offer a greater variety of rates and options. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. The broker will be in contact with you, the consumer, throughout the entire shipping process until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Belfast

An auto carrier typically employs a large double deck truck to move various vehicles at once, which you’ve likely seen on the highways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and moving vehicles. The driver may be the operator of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Some bigger carrier companies are authorized brokers as well which gives them the opportunity to broker out your order to an additional carrier. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Most of the time when customers deals directly with a company, rather than an intermediary, they think they’ll be gaining a better rate, but that’s not automatically true with Belfast auto transport. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the perfect choice for their clients.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

No car hauler in Belfast is authorized to transport household goods, as per rules put forth by the Department of Transportation. This consists of things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any typical household item that you’ve stored in your vehicle. It’s encouraged to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to reduce any delays.

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

Before your vehicle gets loaded up with a Belfast auto hauler you should verify your fuel level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of fuel. The shipping process will require a small amount of driving, typically only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. You don’t want to have a full tank of fuel either, however, as that can add extra weight to the trailer and complicate the process.

Take photos of any existing damages on your car.

Always perform an in-depth assessment of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Belfast car hauler. The most effective way to do this is by washing your car first, making sure there’s no dirt left on it, and then walking around it and make notes of any dents or dings. This will make certain you are conscious of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage occurred during the shipping process. Document any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have evidence of your vehicle’s condition before transporting it.

Understanding your Bill of Lading.

The customer will be offered a Bill of Lading once your selected auto carrier in Belfast comes to pick up your vehicle. This is basically a document that acknowledges the firm 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 great idea to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both aware of any existing damages. After the inspection is complete, current damages will be documented and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. Once your vehicle 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 shipping.

Evaluate your insurance coverage opportunities.

It’s a good idea to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Any Belfast car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will utilize a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to ship your vehicle. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can occur during the shipping process.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Belfast

You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be hard to choose which one is the most effective for your needs. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Belfast service that you’re considering going with. First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A dependable auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous customers are saying. 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.

Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Belfast

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

When a car shipping company says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transportation. 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.

Know Your Auto Transport Choices in Belfast

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, take into account how much security your car will require. 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 needs just fine. A good game plan is to get many quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most equitable rates. Merely put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Belfast that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.