Car Transport in Coloma MI
Answers To Your Questions
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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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Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Coloma, 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 Coloma, MI.
Shipping a vehicle is not a very complex practice, although it may seem that way from the outside, particularly if you’ve hardly ever done it before. Shipping a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of obtaining the right information and contacting the appropriate people, which is this case is an auto transportation company in Coloma. Often times when you reach out to a transportation supplier you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, rather than the auto carrier themselves. Both of these businesses essentially make sure your vehicle is shipped safety and swiftly to a new location. The process is mostly the same regardless of where in America your trying to ship your car to. The main information you’ll need prior to shipping is your vehicle’s make, model and year. It’s also essential to have a general timeframe in mind if you’ll need your vehicle shipped by a certain date. Initially, as a consumer you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping organization that is the owner of the trucks.
What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Coloma?
You’ll essentially have two options when looking for an auto carrier in Coloma. 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.
How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?
An auto shipping broker is basically the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. They offer a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to offer the most realistic rates. A car transporter in Coloma will be in contact with these brokers and rely on them to link up customers with their services. An auto shipping broker will have connections with carriers around the country and will find one who travels the route and has the ideal rates for the customer. This is one of the benefits of using a broker logistics management firm. These brokers also stay in touch with the customer throughout the delivery process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.
Choosing a Qualified Car Carrier
Going with a Coloma auto carrier implies the customer will be working directly with the person or company that owns the truck that will be hauling your vehicle. With a few conditions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. Generally, they don’t stray too far from these routes because of added fuel costs and the travel time it would take, which would slow down other deliveries. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying less when dealing directly with a Coloma auto carrier either. All services cost money, specifically with auto shipping due to changing fuel fees, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room in many cases. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has an array of carriers that they can get in touch with for the ideal prices and routes. Auto carriers aren’t always easy to locate and contact, since a lot of times they count on brokers to connect them with clients.
Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Car
Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
No auto shipper is allowed to transfer any item that would be categorized as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. So auto transport in Coloma is unable to carry a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal items or other goods. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have placed in your vehicle.
Do not overfill your gas tank.
You should always make sure that there is about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when transporting. Your Coloma auto carrier will likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer 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. But, you don’t want to overfill your tank or leave your vehicle with a full tank of fuel during transporting. A full tank would add a great deal of weight to your vehicle, which could result in problems during the shipping process.
Document any body damage on your vehicle
When using a Coloma car hauler you should always perform a swift examination of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. A fairly 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 recognize dents and dings. This will guarantee you are aware of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage took place during the transporting process. Document 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.
Understand your Bill of Lading.
You will be given a Bill of Lading when your chosen Coloma auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your automobile on their truck. This contract is an acknowledgment form that proves 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. The driver and consumer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s existing condition. 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 vehicle shows up at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.
Evaluate your insurance coverage options.
Even though the Coloma 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 problems that could arise. These auto carriers generally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.
Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Coloma
You’ll have a wide range of auto transporters to choose from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping requirements. Fortunately, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a sound decision on which auto transport Coloma service to go with. Initially, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always ensure that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a respected company. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous clients are saying. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you understand the service you’re getting.
Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Coloma
Going with a Coloma 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. You’ll have the alternative to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are generally transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both methods 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. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are usually around 75 feet in length. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are open to the elements at all times.
Know Your Auto Transport Choices in Coloma
Always take into account how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need during the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport alternatives are probably okay for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in protected conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping solution. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get several quotes from Coloma auto transporters. This way you’ll understand the general prices, but the lowest priced is not always the best choice. Do a little bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. When you finally make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final destination.