Auto Shipping in Houlton ME

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

Are you looking for the absolute best Houlton auto transport? In this article we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, 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 automobile makes it from one location to another safely. Nearly all shippers will offer you “door-to-door” service, which means they pick your car up from one location and deliver it to another place of your choosing. Prior to jumping into the Houlton auto shipping solutions, you should first know the distinction between a broker and a carrier. The primary difference is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Some agencies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

Houlton Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

If you’ve never had your motor vehicle shipped before, then chances are you’re not aware of the distinctions between an auto broker and auto carrier in Houlton. Even though both options will end with the same result of getting your car relocated from one location to another, it’s always good to understand the process before choosing a service.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Interact With Customers

An automotive transport broker is simply the professional employed by you, the shipper, who assists in the process of procuring an auto transport company in Houlton. 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 customers, which means they can provide a better variety of rates and options. They’ll find an auto carrier who journeys 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 Locate a Car Carrier in Houlton

A vehicle hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten vehicles at a time. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and hauling vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the owner of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to travel. The truck driver is the individual who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. At times a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the job. This means that even when you think you are working with a carrier in some circumstances you go through a broker provider. Normally 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 Houlton. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the most effective choice for their customers.

Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Take any personal items out of your car.

Auto shippers in Houlton are not allowed by the Department of Transportation to carry anything that would be considered a “household good”. This includes things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any common household item that you’ve stashed in your vehicle. It’s encouraged to remove these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to prevent any delays.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

Be certain to maintain around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to transporting it. Your Houlton auto carrier will most likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good idea to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be mindful not to leave a full tank of fuel in your car when shipping it. A full tank would add a great deal of weight to your car, which could result in problems during the shipping process.

Before shipping your car, always check it for damages.

To ensure you have proof of the condition of your car prior to using a Houlton 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 simpler to identify any dents or damage. Then, take pictures using your phone or camera to document the condition of your vehicle, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. This way you have records of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the vehicle transport process.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Houlton auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your car on their trailer. This contract is an acknowledgment form that shows 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 come to an agreement on any damage that is already present. This way, both parties acknowledge existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your vehicle arrives at its new location, the client will be presented with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Knowing insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Although the Houlton auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good idea to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would cover any damage that occurs as a result of transporting your vehicle. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their rates. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of issues that could come up. This insurance coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Houlton for Your Needs

It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any company that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are plenty of auto transporters in Houlton to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. The auto carrier should always be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also look up their services on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying about them. You can also learn about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. By doing a bit of investigation you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Houlton

Typically, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. There are more carriers of this type than an enclosed version, and you’ve probably seen them numerous times on the highway. The abundance of these carriers and their reputation helps contribute to the affordable price tag. So, in general, this is the least expensive way to ship a car. Auto carriers travel constant routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain efficiency. This lowers the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Know Your Auto Transport Options in Houlton

Always consider how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need during the transport process. Using an open transport is ideal, and almost always more affordable, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would commonly be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. Antique, classic cars and collector’s motor vehicles that are specifically kept in protected conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping option. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get several quotes from Houlton auto transporters. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the ideal choice for every circumstance. By doing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the very best deal. When you eventually make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported safely and securely to its final destination.