Auto Transport in Bridgman 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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Bridgman, 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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On time delivery and pickup

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 Bridgman, MI.

The automotive transport business can seem daunting at first, but by doing a little bit of investigation you can make the very best decision possible for shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of discovering the right information and calling the right people, which is this case is an auto transport company in Bridgman. Sometimes, you’ll end up getting in contact with what’s called a broker rather than an actual auto carrier. They both offer you the same options, which is to facilitate the transportation of your vehicle, but a broker merely arranges the transport while a carrier actually supplies the transportation. No matter where in the country you’re transporting your vehicle, the process is basically the same. The main data you’ll need prior to transport is your vehicle’s make, model and year. You should also plan ahead if you have a strict timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a certain date it has to arrive by. First, as a client you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping firm that is the owner of the trucks.

What is the Distinction Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Bridgman?

You’ll essentially have two options when looking for an auto carrier in Bridgman. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. A carrier, on the other hand, actually owns their trucks and they send one of their trucks to pick-up your vehicle.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Customers

In the car shipping market, a broker is a company that resells your shipping job. When you contact a broker, they will handle the process of finding a carrier for your car and getting it from one place to another. It’s important to note, the broker does not actually own the trucks, but rather they have established a network of carriers to connect customers with. After getting in contact with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Bridgman who have the capabilities to handle the customer’s shipping demands. Even though the broker doesn’t own the trucks, they will keep in contact with the client throughout the shipping process. The auto transport broker will act as a medium between the customer and carriers in order to locate the best rates and most reliable service for them.

Auto Carriers and How They Work in Bridgman

An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move numerous vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the highways at times. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are qualified and licensed to haul vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to travel. The truck driver is the person who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Occasionally a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the work. So even if you think you’re dealing directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Usually 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 Bridgman. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the top choice for their clients.

Things to Consider Before Transporting Your Vehicle

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

Auto shippers in Bridgman are prohibited by the Department of Transportation to move anything that would be considered a “household good”. This consists of common items you might have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s recommended to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to prevent any delays.

Only leave around a quarter of tank of gas in your car.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to transporting with a Bridgman car carrier. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and keep only about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle. The motor vehicle will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your gas tank an excessive amount either. A full tank will add substantial weight to your vehicle and could throw off the stability of the transport and result in complications.

Before shipping your car, look at it for damages.

In order to better discover any scratches or dings on your vehicle it’s a good idea to rinse it before inspecting the body. You’ll want to do a detailed inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. It’s effortless to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your vehicle in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

Know your Bill of Lading.

When the Bridgman auto transport arrives to begin the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an inspection of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term possession of your vehicle. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any present damage. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will outline if any new damages have taken place during the shipping process. This process guarantees that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Verify your insurance coverage.

Although the Bridgman 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 hauling your vehicle. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their prices. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of issues 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 Bridgman

You can find out quite a bit about the auto transporter you’re thinking of using by doing some online research. There are tons of auto transporters in Bridgman to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. You can also look up their solutions on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying about them. Lastly, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re receiving and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. By doing a little bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Bridgman

Going with a Bridgman auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about anywhere in the country, and you’ll also be able to pick how your vehicle is shipped. While most auto transport firms will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the company you choose, you may have the option to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

Most people are acquainted with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most frequent type of car shipping. This type of truck is generally 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.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Bridgman

Before deciding on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your motor vehicle really needs. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. However, if you’re simply transporting an average motor vehicle that you use every day for common driving needs, then an open trailer would likely be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get multiple quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most equitable rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Bridgman auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can guarantee you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the perfect service.