Auto Shipping in Ellsworth ME
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The vehicle transport market can seem intimidating at first, but by doing a tiny bit of research you can make the very best choice possible for moving your automobile. Shipping a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of obtaining the right information and contacting the right people, which is this case is an auto transportation company in Ellsworth. Sometimes, you’ll end up getting in touch with what’s called a broker rather than an actual auto carrier. They both offer the same solutions, which is to facilitate the transportation of your vehicle, but a broker merely arranges the transport while a carrier essentially supplies the transportation. No matter where in the country you’re transporting your vehicle, the process is basically the same. You’ll want to ensure you have your vehicle’s information handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. It’s also essential to have a general time schedule in mind if you’ll need your vehicle transported by a certain date. Initially, as a client you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping company that is the owner of the trucks.
Ellsworth Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers
First, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker versus a carrier. Prior to choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Ellsworth it’s essential to have a decent understanding of the variations between the two, as well as how the market works. If you’ve never used an auto transport service before, the process might seem tricky, but in this article we’ll give you all the details you need to make an educated decision.
What Is An Auto Transport Broker?
An auto shipping broker is a provider that will hook up customers to the most reliable auto shipper for their requirements. For example, when you call a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your motor vehicle from point A to point B. It’s important to note, the broker does not actually own the trucks, but instead they have established a network of carriers to hook up customers with. After getting in touch with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Ellsworth who have the capacities to handle the customer’s shipping requirements. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the client until the vehicle is delivered. The auto transport broker will act as a channel between the customer and carriers in order to discover the best rates and most reliable service for them.
What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?
An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or company that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for transporting your 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. A client would be responsible for locating and dealing with the Ellsworth auto transporter, or a number of of them if you are shopping around. 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 vehicle since licensing and legal requirements vary from state to state. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with many trucks.
Steps to Take Before Transporting Your Car
Secure your personal items outside your car.
You may not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in Ellsworth from transporting vehicles with personal belongings in them. Typical household items that might be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. Make sure to do a swift inspection of the interior of your motor vehicle before it gets loaded onto a truck.
Do not overfill your gas tank.
When utilizing a Ellsworth auto transport company you should keep an eye on your gas gauge prior to the time of shipping. It’s recommended to leave about a quarter of a tank in your car just to be on the safe side. Your car may be driven briefly just to load it onto and off of the vehicle trailer and you don’t want to leave your fuel level too low. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your gas tank too much either. A car with a full tank of gas will weigh significantly more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could complicate the auto transport process.
Take note of any existing damage on your car.
In order to record the condition of your vehicle before turning it over to a Ellsworth auto carrier, it’s a good plan to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present prior to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to recognize any dents or damage. Next, take some pictures of videos of your car in order to deliver proof of its condition if needed afterwards. That way you have records of its condition in the event any problems occur during the auto transport process.
Understand your Bill of Lading.
As soon as the auto carrier in Ellsworth shows up to retrieve your vehicle for transport you should be supplied with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document will verify that the auto shipping is hauling your motor vehicle and will also verify its condition prior to shipping. 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 finished, current damages will be documented and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. Once your automobile is delivered, you’ll be provided with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have happened during shipping.
Your vehicle should be insured against damages.
Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Ellsworth 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. 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. Occasionally, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.
Ensure You Select the Proper Car Shipping Firm in Ellsworth
To make sure you’re acquiring the best car shipping service in Ellsworth there are a few details you should acquire regarding your auto transport company. Consumers should only do business with transporters who are 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. 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. Lastly, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past clients are stating about the auto haulers services.
Ellsworth Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
Ellsworth auto transport companies make it possible to have your automobile shipped to virtually any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services provided by the car shipping company. You’ll have the option 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 familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most frequent 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.
Deciding on The Right Auto Transport Service in Ellsworth
In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much security your vehicle will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll perhaps want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your demands just fine. A good game plan is to get various quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most fair rates. Merely put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Ellsworth that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.