Vehicle Transport in Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo, 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 Kalamazoo, MI.
The auto shipping business can seem overwhelming at first, but by doing a tiny bit of homework you can make the best choice possible for hauling your automobile. Shipping a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of obtaining the proper information and contacting the appropriate people, which is this case is an auto transport company in Kalamazoo. Quite often when you reach out to a transportation supplier you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, instead of the auto carrier themselves. Both of these businesses fundamentally make sure your vehicle is transported safety and easily to a new location. The process is mostly the same regardless of where in America your trying to ship your car to. You’ll want to make certain you have your vehicle’s info handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. It’s also essential to have a general time schedule in mind if you’ll need your vehicle shipped by a certain date. One of the most important distinctions to understand is the difference and similarities between an auto transport broker and a carrier.
How to Tell the Difference Between Kalamazoo Auto Carriers and Brokers
One of the most crucial distinctions to understand is the distinction between an auto transport broker and a carrier. Before choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Kalamazoo it’s important to have a good understanding of the distinctions between the two, as well as how the market works. The process is much simpler than you may think, and we’ll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Auto Transport Brokers and How They Interact With Customers
Brokers are basically the logistics management partner to an auto carrier and consumer. They provide a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to offer the most realistic rates. A car transporter in Kalamazoo will be in contact with these brokers and depend on them to connect consumers with their solutions. These broker companies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your vehicle to be picked-up virtually anywhere, sometimes the very same day you contact them. This is one of the benefits of using a broker logistics management firm. These brokers also keep in touch with the client throughout the shipping process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.
What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?
When you deal specifically with an auto transport supplier that means you will be interacting with the actual person or company that will be moving your motor vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship vehicles all over the country. Every car carrier in Kalamazoo has to be licensed and insured, but it’s a good plan to do some research just to make sure. Most auto carriers serve a specific number of locations and routes that they can transport motor vehicles to. Obtaining a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your vehicle transported may be tricky, as many carriers use brokers who will connect them with the correct customers. You’ll end up paying about the same price whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as charges are based mainly on fuel rates at the time. There is competition among auto carriers today and most auto carriers offer you a number of promotions and discounts to their clients. For that reason, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a great bargain.
Car Shipping Advice
Secure your personal items outside your car.
All Kalamazoo auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be deemed “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be regarded as a “household good” from your automobile before it is picked up by an auto transport service. For instance, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be taken out of your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the trailer.
Only leave about a quarter of tank of gas in your car.
Prior to your vehicle gets loaded up with a Kalamazoo auto hauler you should look at your fuel level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of gasoline. The transporting process will require a small amount of driving, typically only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. You don’t want to have a full tank of fuel either, however, as that can add extra weight to the trailer and complicate the process.
Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.
It’s a good idea to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dust or mud stuck on it. This will allow you to clearly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already existing on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t erroneously believe the damage happened during shipping. It’s easy 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.
Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.
You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Kalamazoo auto transport arrives and starts the process of loading your automobile on their truck. 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 existing on your vehicle. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and concur on any damage that is already present. 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 occurring when it’s delivered. When your motor 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.
Review your insurance coverage opportunities.
Each time you do business with a Kalamazoo auto hauler you should check to ensure they have their own liability insurance. Generally, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the price tag of their services, so there won’t be any additional costs involved. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of issues that could arise. These auto carriers normally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.
How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Kalamazoo
To make sure you’re acquiring the best car shipping service in Kalamazoo there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Clients should only do business with transporters who are 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. Finally, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past customers are saying about the auto haulers services.
Knowing the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo auto transport companies make it possible to have your car shipped to practically any major city in the United States, but how the vehicles are actually transported depends on the services provided by the car shipping company. You’ll have the alternative 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 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. 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. Your vehicle will be exposed to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into account based upon on the value of the automobile you’re shipping.
Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Kalamazoo
Always consider how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need during the transport process. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always more affordable, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would usually be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping solution might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get several quotes from Kalamazoo auto transporters. This way you’ll understand the general prices, but the lowest priced is not always the ideal choice. Do a bit of analysis 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 properly and securely to its final destination.