Vehicle Transport in Livonia MI

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Are you trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one place to another using an auto transporter in Livonia? Simply put, it’s the act of moving a car from one state to another by means of some type of car shipping method. This process can be taken care of by using an open carrier, which is the most common option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be exposed to the outdoors. An open carrier is the most popular, which also means it’s the most inexpensive for common vehicle transport needs. However, first you should understand the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers support the shipping process by connecting customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. In this article, we’ll evaluate the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience better.

Livonia Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

Chances are if you’ve never used an auto transporter in Livonia, then you could possibly be unaware of the distinction between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Even though both choices will end with the same result of getting your car moved from one place to another, it’s always good to realize the process before choosing a service.

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 advantage of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have much more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not currently have the required equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states necessary to relocate your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of communicating with carriers in order to find the one who offers the best rates and proper service, which means you might get a better rate since it will increase competition.

How to Locate a Car Carrier in Livonia

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the person or organization that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for transporting your car. Interacting directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be challenging to find the best carrier since many of them rely on brokers to connect them with customers. A customer would be responsible for finding and dealing with the Livonia auto transporter, or a number of of them if you are shopping around. In this case, the customer assumes the role of the broker and deals with the auto transport directly. Not every auto shipper will automatically be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to reach your destination based on the states they must go through. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Car Shipping Tips

Take any personal items out of your car.

Each and every Livonia auto carrier is prohibited from transporting anything that would be considered a “household item” due to polices from the Department of Transportation. You should do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

Be sure to keep around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to shipping it. Your Livonia 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. However, you’ll want to be cautious not to leave a full tank of fuel in your car when transporting it. A full tank would add lots of weight to your vehicle, which could result in difficulties during the shipping process.

Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.

To ensure you have proof of the condition of your vehicle prior to using a Livonia auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. Cleaning your car first will make it much easier to identify any dents or dings. Then, take photos using your phone or camera to document the condition of your vehicle, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. Using this method you have records of its condition in the event any incidents arise during the auto transport process.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

As soon as the auto carrier in Livonia shows up to obtain your vehicle for transport you should be supplied with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This is simply a document that acknowledges the company is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also display any existing damages to your motor vehicle prior to picking it up. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in agreement on its condition. Any current damages will be reported in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and consumer. Once your automobile is delivered, you’ll be provided with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have occurred during shipping.

Understand your insurance coverage.

Although the Livonia auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would include any damage that occurs as a result of moving your vehicle. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their prices. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of problems that could occur. This insurance coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Livonia for Your Needs

It’s usually a good idea to do a bit of research on any business that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are loads of auto transporters in Livonia 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. You can also look up their services on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying 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 bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Livonia Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trucks

Going with a Livonia auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about any place in the country, and you’ll also be able to pick how your vehicle is shipped. While most auto transport businesses will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the company you choose, you may have the choice to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

When a car shipping business says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transport. This type of truck is normally 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. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are exposed to the elements at all times.

Know Your Auto Transport Solutions in Livonia

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of protection your car will require while being transported across the country. 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 protected conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping method. When first exploring auto transport companies in Livonia you should get various quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the ideal choice for every scenario. 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.