Auto Transport in East Grand Rapids 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 East Grand Rapids, 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 East Grand Rapids, MI.

Are you trying to figure out the practice of moving a vehicle from one location to another using an auto transporter in East Grand Rapids? In fact, auto shipping involves a car carrier company relocating the vehicle from one location to another for a customer. Consumers have the possibility to choose between an open carrier, which is the most common, or an enclosed carrier that better covers your vehicle. Normally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s vehicles. However, first you should recognize the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t actually ship the vehicle, but they behave as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. Below, we’ll review the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other strategies that will help you make the ideal auto transport choice.

What is an Auto Broker in East Grand Rapids?

First, every customer should know what it means to be an auto transport broker as opposed to a carrier. Prior to choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in East Grand Rapids it’s important to have a good understanding of the distinctions between the two, as well as how the industry works. If you’ve never used an auto transport service before, the process might seem complex, but in this article we’ll give you all the details you need to make an educated decision.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the particular services requested. The benefit of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have much more options because of their active network of auto carriers. If you deal directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have the required equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states required to move your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the job of getting in contact with carriers in order to locate the one who offers the best rates and appropriate service, which means you might get a much better rate since it will increase competition.

How to Locate a Car Carrier in East Grand Rapids

An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move multiple vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the highways at times. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are trained and licensed to haul automobiles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the owner of the rig, so they decide on their services and which routes to travel. The truck driver is the individual who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Some larger carrier companies are registered brokers as well which gives them the opportunity to broker out your order to another carrier. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Most of the time when customers deals directly with a company, rather than an intermediary, they believe they’ll be gaining a better price, but that’s not necessarily true with East Grand Rapids auto transport. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the perfect choice for their customers.

Car Shipping Advice

Secure your personal items outside your car.

Auto shippers in East Grand Rapids are prohibited by the Department of Transportation to move anything that would be considered a “household good”. This includes things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any typical household item that you’ve stored in your vehicle. It’s recommended to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to reduce any delays.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

You should always make sure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when shipping. Your East Grand Rapids 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 steep angle it’s a good plan 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 gasoline during transporting. A full tank would add a great deal of weight to your vehicle, which could result in complications during the shipping process.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

When using a East Grand Rapids car hauler you should always perform a quick 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 certain there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s much easier to recognize dents and dings. This will make certain you are aware of any existing problems and can correctly determine if any new damage occurred during the shipping process. It’s best to record the condition of your car by just taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any issues during transporting it.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

When the East Grand Rapids auto transport arrives to start the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an examination of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can identify any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. When you’re satisfied with the evaluation, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. The document will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It also verifies the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any current 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. So this process essentially safeguards both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.

Verify your insurance coverage.

It’s a wise course of action to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Any East Grand Rapids car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler typically uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Sometimes, your insurance company provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in East Grand Rapids

It’s usually a good idea to do a bit of research on any company that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are tons of auto transporters in East Grand Rapids 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. By getting these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more information about them. You can also find out about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. By doing a little bit of investigation you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Difference Between East Grand Rapids Auto Transports and Enclosed Car Carriers

East Grand Rapids auto transport businesses make it possible to have your vehicle shipped to practically any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services provided by the car shipping company. You’ll have the choice to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are normally transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

Most people are familiar 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 normally 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.

Deciding on The Right Auto Transport Service in East Grand Rapids

Always consider 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 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 option. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from East Grand Rapids auto transporters. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the best choice for every situation. 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 ultimately make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final location.