Car Shipping in Madison Heights MI

Answers To Your Questions
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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 Madison Heights, 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 Madison Heights, MI.

What is involved in relocating your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Madison Heights? In essence, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company relocating the vehicle from one location to another for a consumer. This procedure can be taken care of by utilizing an open carrier, which is the most well-known option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be subjected to the outdoors. An open carrier is the most popular, which also means it’s the most inexpensive for typical vehicle transport needs. However, first you should know the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t in fact ship the vehicle, but they act as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. In this article, we’ll evaluate the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience easier.

Madison Heights Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

Odds are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Madison Heights, 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 relocated from one location to another, it’s always good to understand the process before selecting a service.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

In the car shipping community, a broker is a company that resells your shipping job. For instance, when you call a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your automobile from point A to point B. It’s significant to note, the broker doesn’t actually own the trucks, but rather they have set up a network of carriers to hook up customers with. After getting in touch with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Madison Heights who have the capabilities to handle the customer’s shipping requirements. Even though the broker doesn’t own the trucks, they will keep in contact with the customer throughout the shipping process. The auto transport broker will act as a medium between the customer and carriers in order to find the best rates and most reliable service for them.

How to Identify an Auto Carrier

When you choose to seek out a Madison Heights auto carrier you’ll be interacting with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting vehicles. However, most carriers only serve a limited number of routes so that their services are cost efficient. Normally, they don’t stray too far from these routes because of additional fuel costs and the travel time it would take, which would slow down other deliveries. Dealing with a carrier company does not mean customers will pay less. All services cost money, especially with auto shipping due to changing fuel rates, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. Dealing with an auto carrier directly might not change the rate you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has a variety of carriers that they can contact for the best rates and routes. In fact, carriers often times aren’t simple to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Secure your personal items outside your car.

All Madison Heights auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be considered “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. You will need to do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. For example, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be taken out of your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the trailer.

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

Even though your vehicle will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be needed during the loading and unloading process. Also, your car may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning fuel could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gas level is too low it might not be able to start. Make sure to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add substantial weight to your vehicle which could result in shipping complications.

Examine your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

It’s a good plan to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dirt or mud stuck on it. You’ll want to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. It’s effortless to document them by taking pictures, which will also prove the condition of your motor vehicle in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Madison Heights auto transport arrives and starts the process of loading your automobile on their trailer. This document is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any existing damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. The driver and consumer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s current condition. 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 happening when it’s delivered. When your current vehicle arrives at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Verify your insurance coverage.

Each time you do business with a Madison Heights auto hauler you should check to make certain they have their own liability insurance. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their costs. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of issues that could occur. These auto carriers typically have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Madison Heights

You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be hard to choose which one is the most effective for your needs. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Madison Heights service that you’re thinking about going with. First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always ensure 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 can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their track record. In many cases 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.

Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Madison Heights

Most people think the open transport auto carrier solution is the generally the cheapest. This option can be compared to economy class on a flight. It’s the way most people travel. The very same can be said about open transport. Over 4,000 open auto carriers ship cars throughout the country. Even car dealerships contract a transport company to send a car the most cost effective way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most affordable way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of safety your car will require while being shipped across the country. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always more affordable, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would normally be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in safeguarded conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping method. When first browsing auto transport companies in Madison Heights you should get several quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest rate 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 dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the perfect deal. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.