Car Transport in Harbor Springs MI

Answers To Your Questions
Friendly straight forward advice

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 Harbor Springs, 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.

Dependable Service
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 Harbor Springs, MI.

Are you on the quest for reliable auto transport services in Harbor Springs? Then you’ve come to the perfect place and we’ll help you understand the transport procedure every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the finest auto shipping rates and the best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. 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. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s necessary to first know the distinction between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary difference is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Some businesses act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

Harbor Springs Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

If you’ve never had your motor vehicle shipped before, then chances are you’re unaware of the differences between an auto broker and auto carrier in Harbor Springs. Basically, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your automobile from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a fundamental understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

When you’re looking for car transport in Harbor Springs chances are you’ll end up contacting 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 vehicle. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most effective shipping solution for their customers. They’ll find an automobile carrier who journeys the route and is within realistic mileage to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. Essentially, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is delivered to its destination.

How to Identify an Auto Transporter

Going with a Harbor Springs auto carrier means the customer will be dealing directly with the person or firm 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. They do not divert too far from their designated routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher rates. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be spending less when working directly with a Harbor Springs auto carrier either. All services cost money, particularly with auto shipping due to changing fuel fees, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. An auto transport broker will already be set up to get in touch with multiple transporters in order to find the perfect price and most efficient performance for the customer, so interacting directly with an auto carrier may not make a huge difference for the better in price or service. In reality, carriers often times aren’t simple to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Transported

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

No car hauler in Harbor Springs is permitted to transport household goods, as per rules put forth by the Department of Transportation. This includes common items you may have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s a good plan to sweep your vehicle for any of these items and remove them prior to pickup.

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

Since your automobile will need to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you ought to make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on gas. Also, your car may be placed at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning fuel could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gasoline level is too low it may not be able to start. Conversely, ensure you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a lot of weight to your vehicle during shipment.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

Always conduct an in-depth assessment of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Harbor Springs car hauler. The best way to do this is by washing your car first, making sure there’s no dirt left on it, and then walking around it and make notes of any dents or dings. This will guarantee you are conscious of any existing damages and can accurately determine if any new damage happened during the transporting process. It’s best to document the condition of your car by merely taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any difficulties during transporting it.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

The consumer will be given what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Harbor Springs auto transport arrives to pick up your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that testifies the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already present on your vehicle. The driver and client can do an inspection together so that they agree on the car’s existing condition. This way, both parties recognize existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your vehicle shows up at its new location, the client will be provided with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

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. Even so, any auto transport Harbor Springs service should already have liability coverage already built into their prices, which usually covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The cost of this insurance is built into the overall price of your vehicle transportation and is supplied by an outside business that the car hauler does business with. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the standard vehicle, unless you’re transporting a top quality or collector’s car.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Harbor Springs for Your Needs

To make certain you’re acquiring the best car shipping provider in Harbor Springs there are a few details you should gather regarding your auto transport company. Every experienced auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also obtain 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. It’s also a good idea to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Harbor Springs

Going with a Harbor Springs 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 option to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are typically transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

When a car shipping company says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transport. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are generally 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 Options in Harbor Springs

Prior to making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your car really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll probably want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. A good game plan is to get various quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most fair rates. Simply put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Harbor Springs that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.