Car Shipping in Portage 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 Portage, 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 Portage, MI.

Are you on the hunt for reliable auto transport services in Portage? 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 services, 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 deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s essential to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary distinction is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Some agencies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

Portage Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

When searching for car transport and car shipping companies in Portage, there are essentially two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. The broker will find the ideal trucking service for you based on where you are and where your vehicle needs to go. An auto shipping carrier is basically the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

An auto transport broker is simply the professional chosen by you, the shipper, who aids in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Portage. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but instead will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s circumstance. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each customers, which means they can provide a better variety of rates and options. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. The broker will be in contact with you, the customer, throughout the entire shipping process until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.

Finding the Best Auto Hauler

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or company that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for transporting your car. One advantage of using a carrier is that you are dealing directly with the company who will be hauling your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. The client will be accountable for locating a company that handles auto transport in Portage, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the very best price. A broker will not be required in this case, but you may find your choices constrained. It’s important to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a vehicle since licensing and legal requirements vary from state to state. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with many trucks.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

Most people are unaware of a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits auto transport services in Portage from transporting personal products included in vehicles. Items that should be removed from your vehicle prior to shipping include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a great idea to check your vehicle and take away any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your gas tank.

When employing a Portage auto transport company you should keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to 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 automobile. 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 gas level way too low. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your gas tank an excessive amount either. A car with a full tank of gas will weigh significantly more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.

Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.

It’s a good plan to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dust 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. Simply taking pictures or a video of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping can help prevent any misunderstandings at the time of its delivery.

What is a Bill of Lading?

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Portage auto transport arrives and starts the process of loading your vehicle on their trailer. This document is an acknowledgment form that proves 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. Both the car’s owner and the operater of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and agree on any damage that is already present. This way, both parties acknowledge existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your current vehicle arrives at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Understand your insurance coverage.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Any Portage 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 normally 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 generally check your policy prior to shipping.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Portage

There are 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. Fortunately, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a sound decision on which auto transport Portage service to go with. First, you can get the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A reliable auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their reputation. 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 comprehend the process a little better.

Knowing the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Portage

A possible misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement option. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane as opposed to first class. It’s the way most people travel. The 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. Open carriers will be more inexpensive than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.

Know Your Auto Transport Options in Portage

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of protection your vehicle will require while being shipped across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport alternatives are probably okay 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 Portage you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll understand the general prices, but the cheapest is not always the best choice. By performing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the greatest deal. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.