Auto Transport in Homer 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 Homer, 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 Homer, MI.

The auto shipping industry can seem overwhelming at first, but by doing a little bit of research you can make the best decision possible for moving your car or truck. In order to move a car, truck or motorcycle it’s actually just a matter of having the best information and calling the right Homer auto transport service to take care of the job. More often than not when you reach out to a transportation provider you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, as opposed to the transporter themselves. Both of these businesses essentially make sure your vehicle is shipped safety and swiftly to a new location. The method is mostly the same regardless of where in America your trying to ship your car to. The main data you’ll need prior to shipping is your vehicle’s make, model and year. It’s also essential to have a general time schedule in mind if you’ll need your vehicle transported by a certain date. Initially, as a consumer you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping company that owns the trucks.

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

Employing an auto transport company requires some due diligence and understanding how the business works before making a decision. It may seem like a tricky procedure, but we’ll help make it easier for everyone. This article will include the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of moving a vehicle.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Options

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier based upon on routes, your location and the type of service you require. 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. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, have the necessary equipment or the appropriate licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of locating a carrier that meets these criteria and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Choosing a Qualified Car Carrier

When you work specifically with an auto transport supplier that usually means you will be working with the actual person or company that will be moving your vehicle. The auto shipping carriers are the proprietors of the trailers that are used in transporting the cars and are the owners of the enterprise. Every car carrier in Homer needs to be licensed and insured, but it’s a great idea to do some research just to make sure. These car carriers will serve a particular number of routes and locations in order to offer effective service and remain profitable. Obtaining a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your motor vehicle transported may be challenging, as many carriers make use of brokers who will connect them with the right customers. You’ll end up paying about the same amount whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as expenses are based largely on fuel rates at the time. There ës a fair amount of competition between a variety of auto carriers, so occasionally you can obtain promotions or discounts they’re offering. Therefore, you can take advantage of the situation in order to get a great deal.

Things to Consider Before Transporting Your Vehicle

Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

You may not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in Homer from hauling vehicles with personal belongings in them. Common household goods that might be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. So it’s a good plan to check your vehicle and get rid of any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

Do not overfill your gas tank.

When using a Homer auto transport company you should keep an eye on your fuel gauge before the time of shipping. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and leave only about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle. Your car may be driven briefly just to load it onto and off of the vehicle trailer and you don’t want to keep your gasoline level too low. However, 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 balance of the transport and result in complications.

Look at your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

In order to better identify any scuff marks or blemishes 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. Just taking photos or a video of the condition of your automobile prior to shipping can help avoid any confusion at the time of its delivery.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

When the Homer auto transport arrives to start the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an evaluation of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection will document any current damages on your vehicle, which commonly includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the client will be given a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term control of your vehicle. It also verifies the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any existing damage. When the car arrives at its intended location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. This process guarantees that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your car should be insured against damages.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Any Homer 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 offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Homer

You’ll have a wide variety of auto transporters to choose from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping demands. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Homer service that you’re considering going with. First, you can obtain 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’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous clients are saying. Often times it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your service agreement with the auto transporter just so you realize the process a little better.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Homer

Going with a Homer 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 companies will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the company you choose, you may have the alternative to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

Most people are familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most common 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 exposed to the elements at all times.

Getting the Greatest Deals on Auto Transport in Homer

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, think about how much security your car will require. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your demands just fine. As usually, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being billed an satisfactory rate. Merely put a little time towards studying the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Homer that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.