Vehicle Transportation in Southwest Harbor ME

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Southwest Harbor, 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 Southwest Harbor, ME.

Transporting a automobile is not a very challenging practice, although it may seem that way from the outside, specifically if you’ve never done it before. Shipping a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of finding the right information and calling the perfect people, which is this case is an auto transport company in Southwest Harbor. Sometimes when you reach out to a transport firm you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, rather then the transporter themselves. Both of these businesses fundamentally make sure your vehicle is shipped safety and rapidly to a new location. No matter where in the country you’re delivering your automobile, the process is fundamentally the same. You’ll want to ensure you have your vehicle’s info handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. You should also plan ahead if you have a rigid timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a particular date it has to arrive by. First, as a customer you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping organization that is the owner of the trucks.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Southwest Harbor

Selecting an auto transport company involves some due diligence and knowing how the industry works prior to making a decision. The process can be daunting if you don’t know where to start or where to get correct details. This article will cover the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of hauling a vehicle.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

An auto shipping broker is basically the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. They provide a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to offer the most reasonable rates. Auto shipping brokers in Southwest Harbor negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. These broker agencies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your car to be picked-up virtually anywhere, sometimes the very same day you call them. This is one of the positive aspects of using a broker logistics management company. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor throughout the shipping process and keep the customer updated as to its progress.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Southwest Harbor

When you choose to seek out a Southwest Harbor auto carrier you’ll be working with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting vehicles. With a few conditions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. 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 Southwest Harbor auto carrier either. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with customers, it all costs money. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has a variety of carriers that they can get in touch with for the best prices and routes. In reality, carriers often times aren’t effortless to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Motor Vehicle

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

Auto carriers are banned from relocating anything regarded as a household good, which is a rule mandated by the Department of Transportation. So auto transport in Southwest Harbor cannot carry a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal items or other goods. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car or truck are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Do not overfill your gas tank.

Although your car or truck will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be necessary during the loading and unloading process. Also, your car may be placed at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning fuel could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gasoline level is too low it may not be able to start. Make sure to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add substantial weight to your vehicle which could lead to shipping problems.

Before shipping your car, look at it for damages.

In order to record the condition of your vehicle before turning it over to a Southwest Harbor auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage existing prior to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be simpler 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 documentation of its condition in the event any problems arise during the vehicle transport process.

Recognize your Bill of Lading.

The consumer will be offered what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Southwest Harbor auto transport gets there to pick up your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any existing damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and agree on any damage that is already present. In this case, both parties can come to an agreement on the condition of your vehicle prior to it being shipped, which will help avoid mistakes from happening when it’s delivered. When your current motor vehicle shows up 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.

Each time you do business with a Southwest Harbor auto hauler you should check to ensure they have their own liability insurance. Your chosen auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their prices. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of problems that could arise. This coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Southwest Harbor

To make sure you’re getting the best car shipping provider in Southwest Harbor there are a few details you should gather regarding your auto transport company. Every certified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also get 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. Lastly, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past customers are saying about the auto haulers services.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Southwest Harbor

The motor vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not shielded from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If using an open carrier then you could expect direct exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. 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 reverse of an open car carrier shipping service. In an enclosed car carrier, the cars are housed in a covered truck. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In many cases up to five vehicles.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service

Prior to deciding on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your vehicle really needs. 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. However, if you’re simply transporting an average car that you use every day for common driving needs, then an open trailer would probably be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get numerous quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most equitable rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Southwest Harbor auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can make certain you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the very best service.