Car Transport in Bay City MI

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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.

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Bay City, 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 Bay City, MI.

Are you searching for the absolute best Bay City auto transport? In this document we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it operates and how to make the very best decision. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience feasible and make sure your motor vehicle makes it from one location to another properly. For the most part, auto shippers will provide “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. Prior to jumping into the Bay City auto shipping companies, you should first know the difference between a broker and a carrier. The primary distinction is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Some companies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

How to Tell the Difference Between Bay City Auto Carriers and Brokers

Employing an auto transport company requires some due diligence and knowing how the industry works prior to making a decision. The process can be challenging if you don’t know where to start or where to get correct details. We’ll cover the basics of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in providing customers with transport services.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Options

When you’re shopping for car transport in Bay City chances are you’ll end up calling an auto shipping broker. 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 automobile. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most reliable shipping option for their customers. They’ll find an automobile carrier who travels the route and is within reasonable distance to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. Basically, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is shipped to its destination.

How to Find a Car Carrier in Bay City

Going with a Bay City auto carrier means the customer will be working directly with the person or business that owns the truck that will be moving 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 sluggish service to all customers and even higher rates. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying less when working directly with a Bay City auto carrier either. All services cost money, especially with auto shipping due to changing fuel prices, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the rate you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has an array of carriers that they can contact for the ideal prices and routes. In reality, carriers often times aren’t simple to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

No auto shipper is allowed to transfer any object that would be classified as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. So auto transport in Bay City cannot, transport a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal possessions or other goods. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have placed in your vehicle.

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

When utilizing a Bay City auto transport company you should keep an eye on your gas gauge before the time of shipping. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and keep only about a quarter of a tank in your automobile. The car will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. Alternatively, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gas either. A vehicle with a full tank of gas will weigh substantially more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

When using a Bay City car hauler you should always perform a swift inspection of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. An easy way to do this is by washing your car off and making sure there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s easier to discover dents and dings. This will ensure you are aware of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage took place during the shipping process. Record any damages by taking pictures with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition ahead of transporting it.

Recognize your Bill of Lading.

As soon as the auto carrier in Bay City shows up to obtain your car for transport you should be provided with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document will verify that the auto shipping is transporting your car and will also validate its condition prior to shipping. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in understanding on its condition. Any current damages will be documented in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and consumer. Once your vehicle 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 taken place during shipping.

Confirm your insurance coverage.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that can happen in the auto hauling process. However, any auto transport Bay City service should already have liability coverage already built into their prices, which typically covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The consumer won’t have to shell out extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s rates. Usually, this is enough to cover any issues that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company as well.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Bay City

You’ll have a wide variety of auto transporters to pick from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping needs. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Bay City service that you’re considering going with. First, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always make certain that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a reputable company. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their reputation. Lastly, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you comprehend the service you’re getting.

Bay City Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

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

When a car shipping business says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transport. This type of truck is normally between 75 and 80 feet in length and it hauls a two-level trailer with a row of cars on the top and a shorter row of cars on the bottom. 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 Options in Bay City

Always think about how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport alternatives are probably fine for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in secured conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping solution. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from Bay City auto transporters. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the most effective choice for every situation. By performing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal. When you finally make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final destination.